The Passing of Seishinkan Kancho, Mr. Hiroki Kurosawa
2017-03-31 Honbu/Tokyo
I am shocked to hear of the untimely passing of Seishinkan Kancho, Mr. Hiroki Kurosawa.
Mr. Kurosawa was a legendary martial artist with many successful career achievements, including winning the 16th All Japan Open Karate Championship in 1984. He and I were of the same era, as competitors and young disciples of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama; we fought together in the final match of the 17th All Japan Open in 1985, and Mr. Kurosawa, another of our contemporaries, Mr. Akira Masuda, and I, were together nicknamed by martial arts fans and the media, as "The Three Powers". It was a memorable time, which I recall with fondness.
After Sosai Oyama's passing, Mr. Kurosawa left the IKO Kyokushinkaikan to challenge the professional martial arts arena, and eventually form his own school. I know that he devoted his life to teaching his students daily, and I am truly saddened to hear of his tragic passing at such a young age.
I send my sincere condolences to his family, and to all Seishinkan members, and I hope his school will carry on his legacy, and continue to prosper in the future.
Kancho Shokei Matsui
Chairman, International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan