Funakoshi Gichin became known as the founder and a leader in the field of worldwide promotion of modern karatedo. It was he, who brought karatedo from Okinawa to Japan, making him largely responsible for the prominence and popularity of the art that is karatedo.
After Funakoshi Sensei, several other pioneers in the field of karatedo, namely Mabuni Kenwa, Motobu Choki, Miyagi Chojun, Uechi Kanbun and Toyama Kanken, also settled down in Japan, further influencing the prominence of karatedo. Today, there are countless book on their teachings and biographies, however, only fragments of information can be found on Toyama Sensei, his teachings and his students. Who is Toyama Kanken and why has he not had the worldwide recognition that so many other karate masters had in the early 20th Century? Did you realize that Toyama stayed with Itosu Sensei longer than anyone did? Did you realize that his Karate transcended typical Shuri-te and that he trained with more masters than Funakoshi Sensei? It is possible that Toyama Kanken has had more influence on whatever system you practice than you may realize. This book will be an eye-opener for those who have followed Toyama Sensei and those who don’t even know him. This book is the first ever to shine a light on Toyama Sensei’s life, his teachings at the Shudokan dojo and the incredible influence his students had, worldwide. Simply put…this book belongs in the library of any true karate-ka who studies the traditional path.
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