9th Dan, Kobayashi Shorin Ryu Karate-do

Tadashi Yamashita was born in Japan in 1942, but he considers himself an Okinawan. His father died when he was three, and his mother moved to Okinawa when Tadashi was eight years old. He lived in Okinawa until, at the age of 24, he came to the U.S.A. where he became a citizen.

Sensei Yamashita's experience of more than 4 decades in the martial arts began at age 11.

He was the roughest kid in school, and picked fights with other students, as well as the teachers. This was brought to the attention of the P.T.A. which realized they could not handle him. The P.T.A. president, who was also a karate instructor, stopped by to pick up Tadashi after school. Always the warrior, Tadashi tried to fight him. The instructor grabbed the rebellious youngster and dragged him off to the dojo where he was taught the elements of kicking, punching, and, most important of all, discipline.

Tadashi found his probation period very interesting. His destructive energy was channeled into a hidden talent. The young man had found an art form, a religion, and a way of life. Sensei was awarded his black belt at the age of 16. In 1960, he captured the All-Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Free Sparring Grand Championship Title.

In 1968, he visited Japan and tested before his Sensei, Sugura Nakazato, 9th Degree Black Belt Also on the panel was the famous Grand Master Chosin Chibana, 10th Degree Black Belt Sensei Yamashita became the youngest 7th Degree in the history of Japan.

Sensei Yamashita moved to California in 1972 where his talent and skill were noticed by many top artists, such as Mike Stone and Ed Parker. The Pro-Am Tournament in Los Angeles in 1973 was the first of many in which he would demonstrate that talent. He brought 7,000 spectators to their feet for a standing ovation, and from that moment on the magic of his karate weapons genius spread throughout the martial arts world. Sensei Yamashita is also known for teaching the late Bruce Lee the use of the nunchucku. Sensei is the foremost Karate and Kobudo expert in the United States today and the Head Instuctor of Shorin Ryu in the United States.

Sensei Yamashita has made many movies over the past 20 years. His first was "The Karate" in 1973. He then went on to do The Octagon, The Shinobi, American Ninja, The Sword of Heaven, and has appeared in and choreographed many others.

Sensei is planning to publish a series of books on all facets of Martial Arts training, philosophy, and health studies. A unique individual, who practices a classic art form, he continues to generate excitement in students all over the world.

It is a distinct honor to say that Master Yamashita is the direct instructor of Sensei Ken Morgan and Sensei Lee Peregoff and that we maintain ongoing direct communications with Master Yamashita as well as attend his Black Belt training sessions during his semi-annual visits.