1970
Master Meiji Suzuki, 5th Dan Wadoryu, has studied his art since the age of seventeen with the world-masters, including Hironori Ohtsuka Grand Master and founder of Waduryu Karate. Meiji Suzuki is a dedicated perfectionist and the katas here illustrated are presented with complete confidence in their authenticity.
Master Meiji Suzuki was Master Rafael’s instructor when he first began training in martial arts.
1970
Meiji Suzuki, a controversial figure in many ways, is probably one of the most forward thinking, and certainly one of the most inventive, free-fighters in the British Isles. The 34-year old Meiji came to Britain for the first time in March 1970, having been invited over by his former instructor from Japan, Tatsuo Suzuki. Meiji quickly became established in the London area, and opened his own club in Judd Street, WC1.1972
National College of Karate, Sensei Abi San demonstrating Wado Ryu karate techniques at Judd Street.1973
Sensei Rafael Nieto and Master Meiji Suzuki with Wado Ryu karate students.
1973
Master Meiji Suzuki demonstrating Wado Ryu Karate with Instructor Joe Williams at the National College of Karate.
1974
Sensei Rafael Nieto competing at the National Championships.
1974
Members of the Laugar, Ishin-Ryu and B.K.R teams at the National Championships.
1975
Sensei Rafael and Master Meiji Suzuki at the Irish Open demonstrating knife defence.
1975
Master Meiji Suzuki featured in the film, Barret Mckensey Strikes Again with Clive James.
1977
Meiji Suzuki profile featured in Combat Magazine: ‘An Eastern Outlook with a Difference’.
Master Meiji Suzuki thinks that mixing styles – contrary to most Japanese beliefs – can work well, especially in free-fighting and competition. Suzuki believes strongly in taking techniques and adapting them, regardless of what style they may be from. He once said, “I believe people should enjoy sparring and all karate, but they can only enjoy it by having the freedom to use the techniques that suit them”1978
Sensei Rafael competing and taking gold in his first karate tournament in Kingsway College London. Master Meiji Suzuki presenting him with the well-deserved trophy.
1978
Sensei Rafael competing and taking gold in his first karate tournament in Kingsway College London. Master Meiji Suzuki presenting him with the well-deserved trophy.
1978
Sensei Rafael competing and taking gold in his first karate tournament in Kingsway College London. Master Meiji Suzuki presenting him with the well-deserved trophy.
1979
Sensei Rafael’s first World Championship full-contact fight at Crystal Palace in London.
1979
Sensei Rafael Nieto demonstrating the power of spinning kick.
1980
Team Mugendo at the Irish Open Championships. Pictured: Clive Brown, Desmond Burke, Dwyer Evenlyn, George McKenzie, Chris McNeish and Sensei Rafael1982
Master Meiji Suzuki’s article, Karate’s Wild Man Calmed Down, featured in the Fighters Magazine.
1983
Mugendo Team sweep all categories at the Peterborough North East Regional Championships.
1984
Mugendo versus Ishin-Ryu at the National Championships.
1985
Senseis George Michael and Rafael Nieto demonstrating the original knife defence at The Tombridge Club, home of Mugendo.1986
Mugendo versus Ishin-Ryu at the National Championships. This was the first time Mugendo had fought in a traditional karate tournament.1986
Sensei Rafael Nieto brings home gold for Mugendo versus Taekwondo.
1987
Mugendo Team showcasing their success at The Amateur Karate Association (AKA)
National Championships.
1987
Master Meiji Suzuki’s thoughts in Fighters Magazine, which is as relevant today as it was in 1987 –
‘When is a Martial Arts system not a system – a style not a style?’
One man’s answer to this riddle is, ‘when it becomes a method’. So states Master Meiji Suzuki.
‘I wanted to break out from any one style. If you have a goal, then you must have a ‘Way’ to reach it. That is the ‘Do’ part…(Suzuki then sketched a mountain, showing that the goal is to reach the top). Which Way shall we take?. We can take any Way. So I called it ‘Unlimited or infinite’. This is Mugen in Japanese. The Infinite or Unlimited Way. It’s up to you to choose your path.
The universe is movement. We’re a part of the Universe. Our own selves already know how to move in the universe. When you make a good movement, you feel immediately that it’s right. That movement is the closest to nature’s way – therefore stronger. The natural movement of the human is the strongest. So, in Mugendo our movements are as close as they can be to nature human movements.