The first thing I recall of master Mabuni is his gentle and modest personality. He was rare among the karate masters of those times in that he modestly asked for instruction from any person for things he didn't know, in order to obtain a broad knowledge.

He learnt many forms in the quest for the essence of karate. He was the first to introduce bunkai kumite. He defined the meaning of each form and established the correct way to use each form for transmitting it to the younger generation.

Master Mabuni was very rigorous in transmitting the arts and forms to us correctly. He tried to teach us until we had grasped the meaning of each art and form. He was thoroughgoing in teaching us the respective features and difference between the Itosu and Higaonna schools. He did not deform what he learnt and was very particular about the correct transmitting of original arts and forms.

Master Mabuni also urged me to absorb the knowledge and arts of karate widely and introduced me to master Seiko Fujita, to learn under him. All I obtained from master Fujita was a valuable asset of my life, and I am particularly grateful of master Mabuni's recommendation.

Manzo Iwata

Courtesy Sensei A. Tanzadeh

Manzo Iwata & Kenwa Mabuni

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