It is with deep sorrow that the martial arts community mourns the loss of two legendary karate masters, Takayuki Kubota and Vladimir Jorga, who passed away last week.
Vladimir Jorga, a prominent figure in traditional karate and the President of the European Traditional Karate Federation, also passed away recently. Jorga was instrumental in spreading traditional karate across Europe and was a dedicated advocate for preserving the art’s true spirit, resisting the push towards a more sport-focused approach. His leadership and passion left an indelible mark on the karate community, particularly in his home country of Serbia and throughout Europe. Jorga’s dedication to karate as a way of life, rather than just a sport, inspired countless practitioners to pursue the deeper, holistic values of the martial art.
Takayuki Kubota, the esteemed founder of the Gosoku-ryu style of karate, passed away at the age of 89 on August 14, 2024. Kubota was a pioneering figure in the world of martial arts, known for his innovative techniques and the invention of the Kubotan, a small self-defense weapon widely used by law enforcement and civilians alike. His contributions to karate extended beyond teaching; he also appeared in over 280 films and TV shows, helping to popularize martial arts in the West. His legacy continues through the many students he trained and the impact of his martial arts innovations.
The passing of these two great masters marks a significant loss for the global karate community. Their contributions will be remembered and honored by all those who continue to practice and teach karate in the spirit they championed.
