Kiyoshi Yamazaki who trained Arnold for Conan dies at 83

Kiyoshi Yamazaki, a monumental figure in the world of martial arts, has passed away at 83. The news was confirmed by Hollywood actor and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was trained by Yamazaki for his role in the 1982 movie "Conan the Barbarian."

Schwarzenegger took to Instagram to share his condolences and praise his former sensei:

"I just heard the news that my sensei Kiyoshi Yamazaki passed away. He was a wonderful man and a fantastic teacher who made me believable as Conan the Barbarian with his sword training. When I say no one is self-made, this is what I mean. Who knows if Conan would have been a success if Sensei Yamazaki didn't make my swordplay realistic? He played an important role in my life, he was a dear friend, and my thoughts are with his family."

Kiyoshi Yamazaki Kaicho was the Overseas Chief Instructor and President of Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai, an organization dedicated to the practice and teaching of traditional Japanese karate. Born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on August 16, 1940, he was the son of a kendo teacher, from whom he received his initial training in martial arts.

Yamazaki began his formal karate training in 1956, at the age of 16, under Konishi Sensei’s tutelage at Ryobu-Kan. By 1962, he received his first teaching license for karate. During the same year, he also underwent extensive Okinawan kobudo training under Shugoro Nakazato Sensei, who was then the head of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu in Okinawa.

Between 1960 and 1964, Yamazaki attended Senshu University, where he trained with the Shotokai under the esteemed Hironishi Motonobu Sensei, a direct student of the legendary Funakoshi Sensei.

Throughout his lifetime, Yamazaki was instrumental in promoting traditional martial arts, not just in Japan but also globally. His influence extended to Hollywood, where he worked on several films to ensure the accurate portrayal of martial arts and swordplay, including his work with Schwarzenegger for "Conan the Barbarian."

Other popular movies Kiyoshi Yamazaki was well known for includes:

• Dune (1984) where he was the fight coordinator
• Red Sonja (1985) where he acted as Kyobo
• DragonHeart (1996) where he was the sword trainer

The martial arts community, and those he touched through his teaching and mentorship, are mourning the loss of this revered instructor and friend. His family and friends remain in the thoughts and prayers of a grateful community that will forever appreciate his contributions to martial arts and Japanese culture.