K. Kawanabe (1931-2022)

[Gibukai]

Hello,

In March 2022 K. Kawanabe passed away. He was a member of the Waseda University karate club, a student of G. Funakoshi and T. Okuyama, and had some students in the USA. His teachings did not follow today's usual sports karate, but focused on studying and developing the arts he received from his teachers.

Regards,

Henning Wittwer

[Cady Goldfield]

Sad to hear this. There probably are not many living original or early students of Funakoshi remaining.

[Gibukai]

Hello,

Yes, now that already 65 years went by after the passing of G. Funakoshi and all the losses of the past few years, including the loss of my teacher (who was better known in Europe, I guess) last year, there are not too many persons who got actual instructions from him.

Regards,

Henning Wittwer