Kaicho: Beyond Karate
Los Angeles, California | Series
Documentary, History
Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki was one of the most accomplished martial arts masters of the last 60 years. By contributing to and supporting this film about his life, you will help bring recognition to Kaicho Yamazaki, his accomplishments, and his legacy.
Kaicho: Beyond Karate
Los Angeles, California | Series
Documentary, History
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $26,570 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
43 supporters | followers
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Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki was one of the most accomplished martial arts masters of the last 60 years. By contributing to and supporting this film about his life, you will help bring recognition to Kaicho Yamazaki, his accomplishments, and his legacy.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Official Teaser Trailer:
KIYOSHI YAMAZAKI
A skilled master of karate and other martial arts, a 9th degree black belt, and a world-renowned sensei. Kaicho (president) of a global martial arts organization. A man who helped bring karate to the world, alongside Fumio Demura, Chuck Norris, Dan Ivan, and others. A man who turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into Conan the Barbarian. A man who prepared Hollywood stars Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, Sting, Brigitte Nielsen and Rolf Möller for roles in productions like Dragonheart, Highlander, David Lynch's Dune, Red Sonja, and Conan the Adventurer.
Kaicho Yamazaki lived and breathed karate. He was an international leader, a father, a friend, and a man who fully embraced life. His legacy continues to have an impact on thousands of people around the world.
One of his pupils called Kaicho Yamazaki "the most complete human being" he'd ever met.
A story like his deserves to be told.
Kiyoshi Yamazaki, the son of a kendo teacher, was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on August 16, 1940. His martial arts training began during his childhood, under his father.
In 1956, Kiyoshi Yamazaki began karate training at the Ryobu-Kan, under Yasuhiro Konishi, the founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu and leader of the Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) organization. Sensei Konishi awarded him a teaching license for karate in 1962 - officially making him Sensei Yamazaki - and arranged for him to travel to Okinawa for extensive training with Shugoro Nakazato, a world-renowned instructor in kobudo (traditional Okinawan weapons).
Sensei Yamazaki attended Senshu University and joined the Shotokai organization there, under the instruction of Hironishi Motonobu, a student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Sensei Yamazaki made rapid progress, and soon established himself as a member of the Senshu University Karate Team, along with club senior Taki Kase, who would later become one of the top instructors in the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
Whenever possible, Sensei Yamazaki traveled to the Ryobu-Kan to train with Sensei Konishi, and eventually, he began assisting him in demonstrations and seminars worldwide.
Sensei Yamazaki moved to the United States in 1969, after receiving an invitation from American martial arts pioneer Dan Ivan.
He began instructing at Citrus College in Azusa, California and later opened a dojo in Anaheim, California. He frequently participated in karate demonstrations at the Japanese Village and Deer Park in Buena Park, California, alongside Fumio Demura and Chuck Norris, and also demonstrated his skill with weapons in samurai sword exhibitions.
In 1970, Sensei Yamazaki was chosen to serve on the committee to select the United States Karate Team that would participate in the first World Karate Tournament in Japan. Other members of the committee included Fumio Demura, Gogen Yamaguchi, and Hidetaka Nishiyama. This tournament marked the beginning the World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO), which eventually became the World Karate Federation (WKF).
In addition to teaching at his dojo in Anaheim, Sensei Yamazaki maintained a busy schedule promoting the philosophy of Shindo Jinen Ryu karate, and he was responsible for supervising and developing all Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai schools outside of Japan. His travels to conduct seminars took him around the globe to places like Venezuela, the Bahamas, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Germany, Sweden, France, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and many more. He was a sought-after instructor, not only because of the depth of his knowledge but also for his open, in-depth teaching style.
When Sensei Konishi passed away in 1983, his son Yasuhiro Konishi II assumed leadership of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, and Sensei Yamazaki continued to serve as Chief Overseas Instructor for JKR. In early 2017, Sensei Konishi appointed Sensei Yamazaki Kaicho - President - of the organization.
Sensei Yamazaki's expertise in the martial arts also attracted the attention of Hollywood, and he served as a technical advisor, instructor - and even a performer - in several movies. He specialized in teaching and displaying swordplay that entertained while maintaining technical integrity. Under Sensei Yamazaki's instruction, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a true student of the sword, as evident in the films Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, and Red Sonja.
Other films for which he provided technical consultations were Dune (1984) and Dragonheart, and among his celebrity students were Sting, Brad Dourif, Richard Hatch, Sandal Bergman, Wilt Chamberlain, Brigitte Nielsen, Grace Jones, Sean Connery and Dennis Quaid. In 1997-1998, he acted in, and was a technical consultant for, the TV series Conan the Adventurer, starring Ralf Möller.
After more than 60 years of diligently and tirelessly spreading his knowledge and love for karate around the world, Kaicho Yamazaki's health and age began to catch up with him in the early 2020s, and he passed away in August of 2023.
His trusted right hand, Sensei Howard High, is leading an effort to immortalize the life of this iconic martial artist, man, respected teacher, and role model, by producing a documentary about his life.
Assisted by Director Gabriela Kostadinova, herself one of his students, and Director of Photography Steven Shulgach, Sensei High has worked to gather materials, sift through archives, and interview people whose lives have been impacted by Kaicho Yamazaki.
Extensive conversations with Kaicho himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rolf Möller have also been conducted.
This documentary is being created not only for the martial arts world, but for the world at large. If you are seeking inspiration, motivation, and purpose, or simply want to learn the story of a remarkable man whose influence is still felt today, this film is being made for you.
There is no better time than now to be part of an effort that will help ensure that Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki is remembered as he should be. We hope you can contribute to making this film a reality.
$45,000 will further help us gather distribution material. $60,000 will allow us to distribute our documentary to festivals worldwide. $75,000 will cover additional production expenses including to film in original location's of Kaicho Yamazaki's history, including Japan.
Follow the documentary on Instagram: @kaichoofficial
Let's bring this film to life, together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Graphics & Animation
Costs $3,000
Employ graphic designers and animators to create engaging visual elements such as title sequences, lower thirds, and informational graphics
Cash Pledge
Costs $25
Every contribution counts, even the smallest gesture of support helps us reach our goal.
Website/Domain
Costs $300
Your pledge will secure our online presence, ensuring accessibility and visibility for our project.
Editing
Costs $8,000
With your support, we can enhance the quality and impact of our film through expert editing techniques.
Digital Color
Costs $3,500
Your pledge will enable us to add vibrancy and depth to our visuals, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Sound Design
Costs $5,000
Your contribution will ensure top-notch sound quality, enhancing the immersive experience of in the documentary.
Music Licensing
Costs $2,500
By pledging towards music licensing, you'll help us feature captivating and memorable soundtracks in our film.
Marketing & Promotion
Costs $4,500
Your support will aid in promoting our project to a wider audience, increasing its reach and impact.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $1,200
Your pledge will help cover the costs of submitting our film to prestigious film festivals, providing valuable exposure and networking oppor
Kaicho's Life Event Organizing
Costs $5,000
For the final chapter of our documentary, we are creating and filming a special event commemorating the life of Kaicho in August 2024.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
HOWARD HIGH - Senior Producer
Howard High is the Chairman of Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai's International Yudansha-Kai Executive Council, the global governing body for JKR. A distinguished military veteran who served both as a soldier and officer in the United States Army, he has been a respected instructor and leader to many. For decades, he stood as the right hand to Kaicho Yamazaki, exemplifying unwavering dedication and exceptional service. As the executive producer, he is now spearheading the highly anticipated documentary "KAICHO," showcasing his continued commitment to excellence and leadership in every endeavor.
GABRIELA KOSTADINOVA - Director
Gabriela is an actress, dancer, stuntwoman and director. Born and raised in Bulgaria, she grew up with strong ties
to art and tradition, deeply informing her work today. This has led her to connect and work with the likes of Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Gal Gadot, Corbin Bernsen, Eric Roberts, Dimiter Marinov, both in front of, and behind, the
camera.
A black belt in karate - trained by Sensei Howard High and Sensei Kiyoshi Yamazaki - and a dancer for more than
16 years, her athletic background has opened doors to the stunt world, where she works and trains with
performers from Marvel Studios, and the Mission Impossible and Avatar franchises regularly. Her work also
includes 2K Games, Epic Games, The Nun, and Guild Wars.
Martial arts have deeply shaped Gabriela's understanding and approach toward the world and art, and as a
member of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai and a trusted friend and student of Sensei Howard High, she is honored
to bring the story of KAICHO to a global audience.
STEVEN SHULGACH - Director of Photography / Post-Production Supervisor
Steven, an award-winning cinematographer from Maryland, boasts an impressive portfolio with over 10
feature films in the last 7 years, all streaming on major platforms like Paramount +, Peacock, Showtime,
Tubi, and Prime. His passion for storytelling and motion artistry shines through in the visually captivating
images he creates.
Beyond cinematography, Steven is a savvy entrepreneur, co-producing his first film in 2024, serving as
the Post-Production supervisor at Cinegach Studios, and co-founding a startup focused on industry-
leading pre-production and pre-visualization tools.
Embracing the stunt scene, he not only excels as a camera operator but also brings his gymnastics
background to life on screen, showcasing his diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to innovation
in both the cinematic and entrepreneurial realms.
PAUL BELLE ISLE - Marketing Advisor
Sensei Paul Belle Isle is the Head Instructor for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai New England, and holds nanadan (7th degree) ranking in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate. Sensei Belle Isle also serves as Vice Chairman of JKR's International Yudanshakai Executive Council, the global leadership and governing body for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai.
Sensei Belle Isle began studying martial arts in 1985, training in Haiashi-ha Shito-Ryu and Shotokan before joining JKR in 1999. He instructed in Kansas City and Saint Louis before returning to his native Massachusetts to establish JKR in New England.
Sensei Belle Isle holds BA and MBA degrees from Cornell University, and is a senior marketing executive who has worked in healthcare, financial services, and telecommunications. He serves as marketing advisor for the production of KAICHO.
JONATHON SMART - Producer
Sensei Jonathon Smart, head instructor for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai Mexico, was a direct student of Kaicho
Yamazaki, living, training and teaching at the Hombu dojo. He is a member of the International Yudanshakai
Executive Council, the global leadership and governing body for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, and holds a Godan
(5th degree black belt) in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate.
Sensei Smart worked as assistant to Kaicho Yamazaki for the training of various Hollywood stars, and as the
assistant sword & fight coordinator to for the filming of Conan The Adventurer.
Sensei Smart is an entrepreneur, and serves as a committee member and producer for the production of
KAICHO.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Official Teaser Trailer:
KIYOSHI YAMAZAKI
A skilled master of karate and other martial arts, a 9th degree black belt, and a world-renowned sensei. Kaicho (president) of a global martial arts organization. A man who helped bring karate to the world, alongside Fumio Demura, Chuck Norris, Dan Ivan, and others. A man who turned Arnold Schwarzenegger into Conan the Barbarian. A man who prepared Hollywood stars Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, Sting, Brigitte Nielsen and Rolf Möller for roles in productions like Dragonheart, Highlander, David Lynch's Dune, Red Sonja, and Conan the Adventurer.
Kaicho Yamazaki lived and breathed karate. He was an international leader, a father, a friend, and a man who fully embraced life. His legacy continues to have an impact on thousands of people around the world.
One of his pupils called Kaicho Yamazaki "the most complete human being" he'd ever met.
A story like his deserves to be told.
Kiyoshi Yamazaki, the son of a kendo teacher, was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on August 16, 1940. His martial arts training began during his childhood, under his father.
In 1956, Kiyoshi Yamazaki began karate training at the Ryobu-Kan, under Yasuhiro Konishi, the founder of Shindo Jinen Ryu and leader of the Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) organization. Sensei Konishi awarded him a teaching license for karate in 1962 - officially making him Sensei Yamazaki - and arranged for him to travel to Okinawa for extensive training with Shugoro Nakazato, a world-renowned instructor in kobudo (traditional Okinawan weapons).
Sensei Yamazaki attended Senshu University and joined the Shotokai organization there, under the instruction of Hironishi Motonobu, a student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Sensei Yamazaki made rapid progress, and soon established himself as a member of the Senshu University Karate Team, along with club senior Taki Kase, who would later become one of the top instructors in the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
Whenever possible, Sensei Yamazaki traveled to the Ryobu-Kan to train with Sensei Konishi, and eventually, he began assisting him in demonstrations and seminars worldwide.
Sensei Yamazaki moved to the United States in 1969, after receiving an invitation from American martial arts pioneer Dan Ivan.
He began instructing at Citrus College in Azusa, California and later opened a dojo in Anaheim, California. He frequently participated in karate demonstrations at the Japanese Village and Deer Park in Buena Park, California, alongside Fumio Demura and Chuck Norris, and also demonstrated his skill with weapons in samurai sword exhibitions.
In 1970, Sensei Yamazaki was chosen to serve on the committee to select the United States Karate Team that would participate in the first World Karate Tournament in Japan. Other members of the committee included Fumio Demura, Gogen Yamaguchi, and Hidetaka Nishiyama. This tournament marked the beginning the World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO), which eventually became the World Karate Federation (WKF).
In addition to teaching at his dojo in Anaheim, Sensei Yamazaki maintained a busy schedule promoting the philosophy of Shindo Jinen Ryu karate, and he was responsible for supervising and developing all Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai schools outside of Japan. His travels to conduct seminars took him around the globe to places like Venezuela, the Bahamas, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Cameroon, Germany, Sweden, France, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and many more. He was a sought-after instructor, not only because of the depth of his knowledge but also for his open, in-depth teaching style.
When Sensei Konishi passed away in 1983, his son Yasuhiro Konishi II assumed leadership of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, and Sensei Yamazaki continued to serve as Chief Overseas Instructor for JKR. In early 2017, Sensei Konishi appointed Sensei Yamazaki Kaicho - President - of the organization.
Sensei Yamazaki's expertise in the martial arts also attracted the attention of Hollywood, and he served as a technical advisor, instructor - and even a performer - in several movies. He specialized in teaching and displaying swordplay that entertained while maintaining technical integrity. Under Sensei Yamazaki's instruction, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a true student of the sword, as evident in the films Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, and Red Sonja.
Other films for which he provided technical consultations were Dune (1984) and Dragonheart, and among his celebrity students were Sting, Brad Dourif, Richard Hatch, Sandal Bergman, Wilt Chamberlain, Brigitte Nielsen, Grace Jones, Sean Connery and Dennis Quaid. In 1997-1998, he acted in, and was a technical consultant for, the TV series Conan the Adventurer, starring Ralf Möller.
After more than 60 years of diligently and tirelessly spreading his knowledge and love for karate around the world, Kaicho Yamazaki's health and age began to catch up with him in the early 2020s, and he passed away in August of 2023.
His trusted right hand, Sensei Howard High, is leading an effort to immortalize the life of this iconic martial artist, man, respected teacher, and role model, by producing a documentary about his life.
Assisted by Director Gabriela Kostadinova, herself one of his students, and Director of Photography Steven Shulgach, Sensei High has worked to gather materials, sift through archives, and interview people whose lives have been impacted by Kaicho Yamazaki.
Extensive conversations with Kaicho himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rolf Möller have also been conducted.
This documentary is being created not only for the martial arts world, but for the world at large. If you are seeking inspiration, motivation, and purpose, or simply want to learn the story of a remarkable man whose influence is still felt today, this film is being made for you.
There is no better time than now to be part of an effort that will help ensure that Kaicho Kiyoshi Yamazaki is remembered as he should be. We hope you can contribute to making this film a reality.
$45,000 will further help us gather distribution material. $60,000 will allow us to distribute our documentary to festivals worldwide. $75,000 will cover additional production expenses including to film in original location's of Kaicho Yamazaki's history, including Japan.
Follow the documentary on Instagram: @kaichoofficial
Let's bring this film to life, together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Graphics & Animation
Costs $3,000
Employ graphic designers and animators to create engaging visual elements such as title sequences, lower thirds, and informational graphics
Cash Pledge
Costs $25
Every contribution counts, even the smallest gesture of support helps us reach our goal.
Website/Domain
Costs $300
Your pledge will secure our online presence, ensuring accessibility and visibility for our project.
Editing
Costs $8,000
With your support, we can enhance the quality and impact of our film through expert editing techniques.
Digital Color
Costs $3,500
Your pledge will enable us to add vibrancy and depth to our visuals, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Sound Design
Costs $5,000
Your contribution will ensure top-notch sound quality, enhancing the immersive experience of in the documentary.
Music Licensing
Costs $2,500
By pledging towards music licensing, you'll help us feature captivating and memorable soundtracks in our film.
Marketing & Promotion
Costs $4,500
Your support will aid in promoting our project to a wider audience, increasing its reach and impact.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $1,200
Your pledge will help cover the costs of submitting our film to prestigious film festivals, providing valuable exposure and networking oppor
Kaicho's Life Event Organizing
Costs $5,000
For the final chapter of our documentary, we are creating and filming a special event commemorating the life of Kaicho in August 2024.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
HOWARD HIGH - Senior Producer
Howard High is the Chairman of Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai's International Yudansha-Kai Executive Council, the global governing body for JKR. A distinguished military veteran who served both as a soldier and officer in the United States Army, he has been a respected instructor and leader to many. For decades, he stood as the right hand to Kaicho Yamazaki, exemplifying unwavering dedication and exceptional service. As the executive producer, he is now spearheading the highly anticipated documentary "KAICHO," showcasing his continued commitment to excellence and leadership in every endeavor.
GABRIELA KOSTADINOVA - Director
Gabriela is an actress, dancer, stuntwoman and director. Born and raised in Bulgaria, she grew up with strong ties
to art and tradition, deeply informing her work today. This has led her to connect and work with the likes of Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Gal Gadot, Corbin Bernsen, Eric Roberts, Dimiter Marinov, both in front of, and behind, the
camera.
A black belt in karate - trained by Sensei Howard High and Sensei Kiyoshi Yamazaki - and a dancer for more than
16 years, her athletic background has opened doors to the stunt world, where she works and trains with
performers from Marvel Studios, and the Mission Impossible and Avatar franchises regularly. Her work also
includes 2K Games, Epic Games, The Nun, and Guild Wars.
Martial arts have deeply shaped Gabriela's understanding and approach toward the world and art, and as a
member of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai and a trusted friend and student of Sensei Howard High, she is honored
to bring the story of KAICHO to a global audience.
STEVEN SHULGACH - Director of Photography / Post-Production Supervisor
Steven, an award-winning cinematographer from Maryland, boasts an impressive portfolio with over 10
feature films in the last 7 years, all streaming on major platforms like Paramount +, Peacock, Showtime,
Tubi, and Prime. His passion for storytelling and motion artistry shines through in the visually captivating
images he creates.
Beyond cinematography, Steven is a savvy entrepreneur, co-producing his first film in 2024, serving as
the Post-Production supervisor at Cinegach Studios, and co-founding a startup focused on industry-
leading pre-production and pre-visualization tools.
Embracing the stunt scene, he not only excels as a camera operator but also brings his gymnastics
background to life on screen, showcasing his diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to innovation
in both the cinematic and entrepreneurial realms.
PAUL BELLE ISLE - Marketing Advisor
Sensei Paul Belle Isle is the Head Instructor for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai New England, and holds nanadan (7th degree) ranking in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate. Sensei Belle Isle also serves as Vice Chairman of JKR's International Yudanshakai Executive Council, the global leadership and governing body for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai.
Sensei Belle Isle began studying martial arts in 1985, training in Haiashi-ha Shito-Ryu and Shotokan before joining JKR in 1999. He instructed in Kansas City and Saint Louis before returning to his native Massachusetts to establish JKR in New England.
Sensei Belle Isle holds BA and MBA degrees from Cornell University, and is a senior marketing executive who has worked in healthcare, financial services, and telecommunications. He serves as marketing advisor for the production of KAICHO.
JONATHON SMART - Producer
Sensei Jonathon Smart, head instructor for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai Mexico, was a direct student of Kaicho
Yamazaki, living, training and teaching at the Hombu dojo. He is a member of the International Yudanshakai
Executive Council, the global leadership and governing body for Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai, and holds a Godan
(5th degree black belt) in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate.
Sensei Smart worked as assistant to Kaicho Yamazaki for the training of various Hollywood stars, and as the
assistant sword & fight coordinator to for the filming of Conan The Adventurer.
Sensei Smart is an entrepreneur, and serves as a committee member and producer for the production of
KAICHO.