Richard Takahashi
Richard was born and raised in Hawaii and is proud of both his Japanese & Hawaiian heritage. Around age 13, Richard’s grandmother enrolled him in Martial Arts at her Buddhist temple to help teach him discipline (although he refused to go at first!) Later in life Richard traveled to Japan to stay with relatives and continue training with his female master instructor, Yoriko Yasuzato, and afterwards with Katsuya Miyahira (1918-2010). He was then referred to his present master, a senior Buddhist monk of the Chen yen Shingon Buddhist school and temple in Nashville, Tennessee. Richard was also ordained as a Buddhist in 2008 by Matsugi Arakawa and has been training under him to present day.
As a Martial Artist Richard has competed professionally in Hawaii, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines, Hong Kong & California in “Bare fist full contact” fighting tournaments. He is now retired from competition due to injuries and is focusing on sharing his passion for health, wellness & self-defense with others.
