Shihan Katsushi Iwabuchi with friends four days prior to his death.
Back row: (left to right) Takano Sensei, Edwards Sensei, Takakuwa Sensei, Tanabe Sensei and Otani Sensei Front Row: (left to right) Iwabuchi Shihan, Demura Shihan, Imai Sensei, and Fakuda Sensei
The passing of Shihan Katasushi Iwabuchi on July 27, 2006 marks a great loss for Hakua Kai Karate-Do. The founder of Hakau Kai, Iwabuchi Shihan was widely known and respected throughout the martial arts community, not only in Japan but throughout the world. He led an extremely active life and one of his greatest pleasures was visiting and teaching in California. A senior student and head of the US Hakua Kai Karate-Do Association, Sensei Bernard Edwards often invited his teacher over so that his own students could learn from Iwabuchi Shihan.
Through frequent trips back to Japan, Edwards Sensei maintained his close relationship with Iwabuchi Shihan and on many occasions, brought students with him to train and compete in Japan. It was during such a trip this summer that permitted Edwards Sensei to be with Iwabuchi Shihan on the day of he suffered a fatal stroke.
Iwabuchi Shihan’s death serves as a reminder to his students all over the world the importance of passing on the spirit and the knowledge of Hakua Kai he instilled in them. It is with honor and pride they continue to practice and pass down his teachings.
Iwabuchi Shihan and Edwards Sensei on a visit to California three years ago.
