TRIBUTE TO A MASTER

SENSEI HIROSHI SHIRAI July 31, 1937 – October 9, 2024

It was with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Sensei Hiroshi Shirai on October 9, 2024 at the age of 87. He was an outstanding teacher and Karate Master.

I had the great honour and privilege to train with him on many occasions at the ITKF International Summer Camp in San Diego, hosted by Sensei Nishiyama as well as a number of other countries where he travelled to attend ITKF World Championships, conduct training seminars and supervise the development of judges and officials.

He was inspirational in his teaching. I was continually fascinated by the speed and power he delivered with every technique and the intensity and precision with which each technique was executed. The education and training he gave us about Traditional Karate through his work and dedication to Goshindo (self-defence) and his emphasis on it in Kumite and Bunkai of Kata, was superb. Even though at times his requests seemed impossible, I learned a great deal about the realities of self-defence and its purpose in training from him. There are few who understand the principles of self-defence, not just in execution but also for self-development, as he did.

I have a lot of fond memories of Sensei Shirai, which I will always treasure. He was very supportive and helpful to me personally following the passing of Sensei Nishiyama, in 2008. His wisdom and guidance helped keep ITKF and its Traditional Karate true to its path and I will be forever grateful to him for his advice and support.

His passing is truly the end of an era. His passion and love of Karate was immense. Without question he will be missed by everyone who’s life he touched. I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and students who are grieving his loss. May we continue to keep his spirit and memory alive through our daily efforts to continually develop our knowledge and training as he taught us to do.

OSU.

Richard Jorgensen, Chairman
International Traditional Karate Federation