Akira Masuda
Kyokushin Karate Master / Martial Arts Philosopher / Budo Educator
Akira Masuda is a distinguished martial artist who has left a lasting mark on the history of Kyokushin Karate. Trained in the Kyokushinkaikan founded by Masutatsu Oyama, he has pursued martial arts not merely as a system of combat techniques, but as a lifelong path for cultivating the human being.
As a competitor, instructor, and systematizer of martial philosophy, Masuda continues to contribute to the development, evolution, and internationalization of karate and budo.
Competitive Career and Achievements
Akira Masuda made his debut at the All Japan Karate Championships at the age of 18, where he was immediately matched against Keiji Sampei, the reigning champion who had won the title three consecutive times. Their bout extended into three overtime rounds, and Masuda’s performance instantly brought him national recognition.
In later years, at the 14th, 17th, and 18th All Japan Karate Championships, Masuda engaged in a series of memorable matches with Akiyoshi Matsui, who would later become President of the Kyokushinkaikan. Together with the late Hiroki Kurosawa, these rivalries came to define what is often referred to as the “Three Pillars Era of the Kyokushinkaikan.”
On the world stage, Masuda advanced to the Top 16 at the 3rd World Karate Championships, facing elite fighters such as European champion Michel Wedder and All Japan champion Yasuhito Onishi.
At the 4th World Championships, he secured third place after competing against world-class athletes including the late Andy Hug and Michael Thompson.
At the 5th World Championships, he fought intense matches against renowned competitors such as Yutaka Ishii, Jean Rivière, and Kenji Midori.
From the “Uncrowned Emperor” to All Japan Champion
Throughout his career, Masuda competed eight times in the All Japan Championships and four times in the World Championships, consistently placing among the top contenders. Despite these results, he narrowly missed the championship title for many years and came to be known as the “Uncrowned Emperor.”
Approximately ten years after his dramatic debut, Masuda finally fulfilled his long-held ambition by winning the 22nd All Japan Karate Championships, reaching the pinnacle of Kyokushin competition.
The Legendary 100-Man Kumite
The year following his All Japan Championship victory, Masuda undertook the Kyokushinkaikan’s traditional extreme challenge known as the 100-Man Kumite. He fought consecutively against 100 opponents over a period of 3 hours and 22 minutes, successfully completing the ordeal.
Immediately afterward, he suffered acute renal failure and was forced to undergo more than one month of hospitalization and treatment. Still not fully recovered, Masuda entered the 5th World Karate Championships, where, after three consecutive drawn judgments in the final match, he narrowly finished as runner-up by weight decision.
The Path of Budo Education — Founding of IBMA
In 2000, Masuda founded IBMA (International Budo Human Development Association) with the aim of advancing martial arts and fostering human development through budo. Guided by the principles of exchange, understanding, and respect, IBMA organized the All Japan Weight-Class Karate Championships on ten occasions, creating new opportunities for competitive and cultural exchange.
Since 2012, Masuda has served as Chief Instructor of IBMA Kyokushinkaikan, dedicating himself to the global dissemination of karate. In parallel, he has promoted the Freestyle Karate Project, responding to the needs of modern society while contributing to the evolution and international reach of karate.
Martial Philosophy and Teaching Principles
At the core of Akira Masuda’s budo philosophy lies the belief that martial arts exist to develop people.
Rather than focusing solely on victory or defeat in competition, his instruction emphasizes:
- The effective use of the mind
- The effective use of technique
- The effective use of the body
- Etiquette, respect, and harmony
This philosophy has been systematized as Takushin Budo, an original martial arts framework applied in dojo instruction, publications, and digital educational resources.
Chronological Profile
1962
Born in May in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
1980
2nd Hokushinetsu Karate Championships — 2nd Place.
All Japan Full-Contact Karate Championships (Middleweight) — 3rd Place.
1981
13th All Japan Karate Championships — Competitor.
1982
14th All Japan Karate Championships — 8th Place.
1983
15th All Japan Karate Championships — 5th Place.
1984
3rd World Karate Championships — Top 16.
1985
17th All Japan Karate Championships — 3rd Place.
1986
18th All Japan Karate Championships — Runner-up.
1987
4th World Karate Championships — 3rd Place.
1988
20th All Japan Karate Championships — Competitor.
1989
21st All Japan Karate Championships — 4th Place.
1990
22nd All Japan Karate Championships — Champion.
1991
5th World Karate Championships — Runner-up.
Successfully completed the Kyokushinkaikan’s 100-Man Kumite.
2000
Founded IBMA (International Budo Human Development Association).
2007
Published Freestyle Karate.
2009
Published I Live as a Warrior.
2010
Published Winning Footwork.
2012
Appointed Chief Instructor of IBMA Kyokushinkaikan.
2022
Released the latest edition of Treatise on Takushin Budo (e-book).
2023
Appointed President of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU-SENSHI).
Profile and Current Positions
- Date of Birth: May 1962
- Place of Birth: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
- Height / Weight: 177 cm / 92 kg
Rank
- 9th Dan, Kyokushin Karate (KWU-SENSHI Certified)
- 8th Dan, IBMA Kyokushinkaikan
Current Positions
- Chairman, IBMA (International Budo Human Development Association)
- Chief Instructor & Head, IBMA Kyokushinkaikan Masuda Dojo
- President, Kyokushin World Union (KWU-SENSHI)
