TODD, Walter Shibucho (1927-1999) |
After returning to the USA, Todd Sensei trained in karate-do under Takahashi Yoko Sensei, a direct disciple of the legendary Toyama Kanken Sensei. Toyama Sensei, the founder of his own celebrated system of karate, eventually appointed Walter Todd as Shibucho (Branch Director) for the U.S., giving him complete authority to rank students in Toyama-style karate and direct the development of karate in America. After Toyama Sensei's death, his son approved Todd Sensei's rank of Hachidan.
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Walter E. Todd Sensei began training in budo, the traditional martial arts of Japan, in 1945, while stationed in Tokyo
with the American military. He married a Japanese woman
and lived in Japan off-and-on throughout the 1940s, 50s
and 60s. Todd Sensei studied under many illustrious teachers including Mifune Kyuzo Sensei, Judan (10th Dan) and
Abe Ichiro Sensei, Hachidan (8th Dan), at the Kodokan Judo
Institute. Mifune Sensei, a legendary figure, was the last living holder of the Judan awarded by Kano Jigoro Sensei, the
founder of Judo. He accepted Walter Todd as his personal
student. In 1948, Todd Sensei became the first foreign student of Ohtsuka Hironori Sensei, Judan, founder of Wado
Ryu karatedo. Later, in 1954, Todd Sensei trained under
Obata Isao Sensei and other Japanese experts in Shotokan
karatedo. Obata Sensei was a direct student of Funakoshi
Gichin Sensei, founder of Shotokan karate and the person
responsible for bringing karate to Japan from Okinawa. Funakoshi Sensei is commonly regarded as the "Father of
Japanese Karate," and Funakoshi Sensei approved Todd Sensei's Shodan (1st Dan) certificate, making him
the first foreigner in history to obtain a dan rank in Shotokan karatedo.
