08/12/2026
Yuzo Goda (March 17, 1940 – August 12, 2026), Executive Senior Advisor & International Committee Chairman, passed away at the age of 86.
Shihan Yuzo Goda passed away at 11:05 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from pneumonia following a sudden deterioration in his condition after a prolonged illness.
Shihan Yuzo Goda dedicated more than six decades of his life to Kyokushin Karate.
In April 1959, shortly after graduating from high school, he entered the Oyama Dojo in Ikebukuro — the birthplace of Kyokushin Karate and the predecessor of the IKO Kyokushinkaikan Honbu. There, he became one of the early disciples of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and studied directly under the founder.
He was later entrusted by Sosai Oyama with the position of Sohonbu-Shihandai (Headquarters Head Instructor). In 1976, he was appointed Branch Chief of the Tokyo Joto Branch.
In 1985, Sosai Oyama appointed Shihan Goda as the head of the Japanese Branch Chiefs Committee. Over the years, he also served as Branch Chief, Chief Judge of championship tournaments, and Chairman of the Referee Committee, making a significant contribution to the development of Kyokushinkaikan in Japan and internationally.
Following the passing of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, Shihan Goda continued to support the organization as Chief Advisor, contributing to its development and to the education and guidance of generations of Kyokushin practitioners.
His life was devoted to Kyokushin Karate, to the legacy of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, and to passing the spirit and values of Kyokushin on to future generations.
The Kyokushin community has lost one of the senior figures of the generation that learned directly from Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.
May he rest in peace.
Osu.
