Date of Birth: October 30, 1943 Place of Birth: Hyogo, Japan (near Osaka)
Master Yasunari Ishimi holds a degree in Philosophy and Letters from the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Kobe (Kobe Gaidai). He is a 7th Dan Master of Karate by the Japanese Federation and a 9th Dan by the Spanish Karate Federation and W.U.K.O. (World Karate Federation).
Training Timeline
1956: Starts practicing Karate, Kushin-Ryu style, with Master Matsukazi.
1959: Practices Goju-Ryu Karate during high school studies.
1960: Begins practicing Shito-Ryu with Master Tsuzikawa. Upon recommendation, begins training with Master Mabuni, son of the Shito-Ryu founder.
1961: Obtains 1st Dan by the Japanese Karate Federation.
1962: Captain of the Kobe University team; territorial team champion. Obtains 2nd Dan.
1965: Individual runner-up in the University National Championship of Japan.
1967: Obtains 3rd Dan. Arrives in Spain and begins teaching in Madrid.
1970: Opens the Ishimi Dojo and founds the Shito-Ryu Spain Association.
1980: Serves as World Kata Judge during the World Championships in Spain.
1985: Master Kenei Mabuni awards him the title of Kyoshi (Master of Shito-Ryu).
1988: Nominated European representative of Shito-Kai by Master Iwata.
2005: Awarded 9th Dan by the Spanish Karate Federation.
Presently living in Madrid, Master Ishimi remains dedicated to teaching Karate-Do at his dojo and directing the activities of the Shitokai Europe Association.
