About Sensei Tsuguo Sakumoto
Sensei Tsuguo Sakumoto is a 7-time World Karate Champion, an esteemed master of Ryuei Ryu Karate and the 5th Doto of the style, a dedicated coach, and a significant figure in the global martial arts community. With decades of expertise, he has earned international recognition for his contributions to traditional Okinawan karate and his role in shaping the future of competitive karate on the world stage.
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As a direct disciple of the late Kenko Nakaima, Sensei Sakumoto holds a revered rank in Ryuei Ryu and remains deeply committed to preserving its time-honored techniques while adapting them for contemporary martial artists. His teachings go beyond physical skill, focusing on discipline, respect, mental fortitude, and the holistic development of his students.
A 7-time World Karate Champion, Sensei Sakumoto’s accomplishments in the competitive arena are unparalleled. His mastery of technique, strategic insight, and unwavering focus led him to dominate the sport at the highest levels, earning him a reputation as one of the most accomplished karatekas in the world.
In addition to his personal achievements, Sensei Sakumoto served as Japan’s Karate Olympics Coach, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Japanese Karate team to remarkable success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where karate was featured for the first time. His leadership, dedication, and coaching expertise contributed to Japan's dominance in the sport, solidifying his position as a key figure in the global karate community.
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Legacy
Sensei Sakumoto is also the coach of multiple Karate World Champions, having nurtured some of the sport's top athletes to victory at prestigious international tournaments - most notably Olympics Karate Male Kata gold medalist, Ryo Kiyuna.
His coaching style combines a deep understanding of technique, a focus on mental preparation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His students’ success is a testament to his ability to not only develop champions but to also inspire lifelong passion for karate.
With a reputation for being both a compassionate mentor and a formidable coach, Sensei Sakumoto continues to shape the future of karate, ensuring its growth and influence both as a traditional art and a competitive sport. His impact resonates globally, inspiring new generations of karatekas to strive for greatness, both in and out of the dojo.
Vision
Sensei Sakumoto's motto is clear:
"Life is one and only, so be passionate, strong and true to yourself."
World Champions
(from top, left to right)
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Winner of the 17th World Karate Championships - Yuka Shimizu, Sakumoto Sensei, Azusa Tomishiro, Yukie Kadena
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Winner of the 19th World Karate Championships - Sayuri Kinjo, Yuka Shimizu, Yukie Kadena
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Winner of the 23rd and 24th World Karate Championships - Ryo Kiyuna, Takuya Uemura, Arata Kinjo
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Olympic Glory
The Tokyo Olympics in 2020 was a monumental achievement for Karate.
Ryo Kiyuna (pictured on the right) took home the historic first Gold Medal for the Male Individual Kata event.
Kiyuna has also won numerous world championship titles during his career as an athlete.
