Takayuki Kubota

, also known as Tak Kubota, was a Japanese and American

Kubota was a self-defense instructor for the Tokyo Police department in the 1950s, where he was noted for his expertise in practical karate. He moved to the United States in the 1960's, where he developed the Gosoku-ryū style. He would develop and teach the application of techniques self-defense techniques to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel. He also worked as a stuntman and actor in the film industry.

At the time of his death, Kubota had held black belt degrees in karate (10th dan), judo (5th dan), aikido (5th dan), kendo (2nd dan), and iaido.

Early life

Kubota was born on September 20, 1934, in Kumamoto, Japan, into the family of Denjiro (father) and Semo (mother) Kubota. He had four brothers, of which one became a kendo master, one a jujitsu master, and one the Japanese Olympic volleyball coach. In 1939, at the age of four, Kubota began studying martial arts under the direction of his father, who was a master of jujitsu and jukendo. The training included bamboo yadi, judo, keibo-jutsu (baton), and makiwara practice.

During World War II, Kubota learned karate under the guidance of two Okinawans—Terada and Tokunaga—stationed in his village. They were teaching local people with basics in the martial art of te; there was no name "karate" at that time in Okinawa.

At the age of 13, Kubota went to Tokyo to seek his fortune—against his father's will. Upon arrival, he discovered that there was no work and no place to stay. While in a queue for food, however, Kubota helped the police to capture some criminals using his skill in taiho jutsu (arresting technique). One of the officers, Detective Karino, gave Kubota a place to stay and helped him finish his education. Karino brought him to the dojo (training hall) of Chinese master Cai He complemented his martial arts training with studies in meditation, history, and other non-combative aspects of the arts.

Kubota opened his first karate dojo at the age of 17. From 1950–1959, he was an instructor for the US Army, Air Force, and Marines in kendo, karate, judo, and giyokute-jitsu.

On August 2, 1964, Kubota was invited by Ed Parker to give a demonstration at Parker's First Annual International Karate Tournament in Long Beach, California. In late 1964, he permanently relocated to America. Kubota taught self-defense at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy for several years.

In 1990, Kubota was inducted into the Black Belt magazine's Hall of Fame as 'Weapons Instructor of the Year.'

Inventions

The five and a half inch plastic Kubotan key chain is Kubota's most important invention. It was designed as a tool for female Los Angeles Police Department officers, and registered as trademark in 1978. The Kubotai is used to employ wrist locks and immobilize the opponent.

Death

Kubota died in Glendale, California. on August 14, 2024, at the age of 89. He was survived by his wife of 59 years, Thea, and daughters, Amy and Sara. His son, Tyler, died of cancer on August 6, 2024.

Books

Kubota wrote several books on the martial arts:

Media appearances

Kubota was featured in more than 280 movies and TV shows, and over 180 commercials.

Year Title Role Notes 1972 The Mechanic Yamoto aka Killer of Killers 1975 The Killer Elite Negato Toku 1977 Operation Petticoat Japanese Officer 1983 Focus on Fishko James Fikuta 1993 Rising Sun Yakuza Henchman 1995 Oshima 2001 Pearl Harbor Japanese Aide #3 2001 Power Rangers Time Force: Photo Finish Elder Monk 2006 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift Yakuza Man 2020 Glitch Techs Karate Master

Celebrity students

Over the years Kubota taught martial arts to many actors Chuck Barris, Dick Martin, Ron Ely, Bo Hopkins, Randolph Mantooth, Tim McIntire, the Bay City Rollers, Sam Peckinpah, Gary Owens, Stirling Silliphant, David Jensen, Sy Weintraub, Peter Frampton, Robert Conrad, George Kennedy, Tammy Lauren, Nancy McKeon, Hilary Swank.

James Caan may have been his most loyal celebrity student, having trained with him from 1975 until at least 2004.