About the Author

Yasushi Abe was born in 1959 in Tokyo, Japan. Having a father who was a Chinese martial artist as well as a judo wrestler, Yasushi Abe naturally grew interest in the world of martial arts. Prior to engaging in karate, he was interested in judo and boxing. Training began in his high school days. During high school, he figured boxing will be useful in fights and learned to fight on his own. During college, he entered Kaneko Gym, a professional gym taught by an east asian champion. He was on the judo team, but, was scouted by the weightlifting team because of his superior lower body strength. He participated in two high school competitions. He has won the championship in competitions including regular adult competitors as well. He competed in the lightest weight class, the fly-weight (under 52 kg), and was the tallest competitor in high school. There was an episode in which there were two brawls during his high school days. Seven opponents versus himself. In both cases, he defeated the opponents' leader within one minute. After graduating from Nihon University with a degree in Physical Education in 1982, he worked as a physical education teacher in Tokyo. In 1983, he started learning Shito Ryu style karate. He won a kumite tournament in Musashimurayama City and joined their kumite team. He won 8 consecutive times at the All Japan Teacher competition, surpassing the "King of Kata," Sakumoto sensei's record. He was awarded the Renshi license by the Japan Karatedo Federation. This certification is only given to select certified All Japan referees that have achieved over 5th level (godan). In addition, the Renshi license is only awarded to a chosen few individuals. Abe sensei has been active as the vice referee for the all Japan High School Karatedo for Tokyo City. Through interactions with all the high school karate instructors across Japan, he researched traditional kata and martial art styles. His profound knowledge of karate can be said to have stemmed from here. He taught karate to five of his children who all became Tokyo City champions. His family was able to enjoy the only male championship trophy and the only female championship trophy at the same time.