Forence Bigsby, Owner

I studied traditional Shitoryu karate at Busonjuku Karate-do in the Tokyo prefecture of Japan under Kazumasa Itaki-sensei, who as a grandmaster has over 50 years of experience. He is one of less than two dozen 7th degree black belts in the Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF). He is currently under consideration for his 8th degree black belt which would make him one of less than half a dozen in Japan.

I am a third degree black belt and am recognized as one of the few foreigners allowed to obtain a JKF rank. I had to personally request admittance into the exam from the vice-president of the national federation as foreigners are not usually allowed to take the exam. I did so well during my 1st degree black belt test that my whole family was allowed to test as well. My three children are all 2nd degree black belts.

I was the coach, with my children as the participants, as the all American team represented at the 2007 national Japan Karate-do Federation Team Kata Tournament. I’ve earned 8 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals in various tournaments in Japan. I became the 2009 and 2010 Musashimurayama tournament champion relinquishing the title due only to my move to America. During the 2011 TKFI International tournament I earned a gold and silver metal losing only to a fellow teammate who was a former all Japan national champion.

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