Ryozo Tsukada was born on November 29, 1948 in Osaka, Japan. Since 2001, he has been appointed federal expert to the French Karate Federation. He is currently 8th dan FFKDA Karate Shito-Ryu. He is also 2nd dan in Judo (2007) and 1st dan in Kendo (2007).

He began practicing martial arts with his father, a 5th dan judo teacher. He also trained in aikido and kendo with his two brothers who teach these martial arts. 

When Tsukada sensei was around 12-13 years old, he discovered Shotokan karate with Sensei Yamada 5th dan of Shotokan, a friend of his father.

He joined the University of Osaka which has a renowned karate school. The training was under the direction of Hanshi Chojiro Tani, 1st disciple of Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, founder of the Shitō-ryū. 

The training was hard and grueling. The university used its karate team for its promotion during the many martial arts competitions. The place is conducive to encounters that will influence its future. 

Yoshinao Nanbu, one of the first Japanese experts invited to France, came from this university.

After graduating from university, he accepted Sensei Nanbu's invitation. Nanbu was teaching karate in France, but he lacked an assistant. Sensei Tsukada arrived in France in 1972. As an assistant at the Sankukai school, he rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in karate at the time. 

His collaboration with Sensei Nanbu lasted ten years. The need to deepen his knowledge pushed him to seek another karate master. He called on Sensei Kenji Kusano, a technician recognized by his contemporaries for his authentic knowledge. 

Ryozo Tsukada Shihan 8th dan

He becomes the European representative of the WKKA (World Kenshikan Kenpo Karatedo Association) and travels around Europe promoting his new association. 

The karate he teaches encompasses all aspects of this martial discipline: traditional through the study of kata and bunkai, modern through the competitive side. His pedagogical qualities and his understanding of body mechanics allow everyone to progress according to their abilities.

Ryozo Tsukada teaches in several dojo in France, in Europe and Africa.

With thanks to Ryozo Tsukada

[previous page]     [next page]     [mainpage]     [sitemap]