Training With Sensei Akihito Yagi

A poster of Sensei Akihito Yagi's film 

One of the biggest honours I have had while training in Karate is that I have had the chance to train with Sensei Akihito Yagi. Akihito Yagi is the grandson of Sensei Meitoku Yagi, the inventor of Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate. He is the current president and he took the position from his father Meitatsu Yagi.

One of Sensei Akihito’s responsibilities is to go to different countries to promote the Meibukan organization. He leaves Japan for almost 8 months a year to conduct seminars and make sure that Karate is being practiced properly in the satellite dojos.

I have had the opportunity to train with Sensei Akihito many times. The reason training with him is so special is because he has been given the responsibility of carrying on the Meibukan tradition and he has to make sure that it survives.

Sensei Akihito Yagi is also a Martial Arts actor appearing in 4 films and he is also a part of a rock band called RyuKyu free style. Sensei Akihito started training with his grandfather when he was 3. 

He is currently 38 years old and is and 8^th degree black belt. He has dedicated his life to making sure that his grandfather’s teachings live on.

Even with all his accomplishments, Sensei Akihito is one of the most down to earth people one can ever meet. He has no ego and he is a very good teacher. Taking a seminar with him is one of the best learning experiences for any Martial Artist. 

Me in the Home Dojo in Okinawa

Sensei Akihito in Canada