Youth and Early Training under Master Shigeru Egami

Master Atsuo Hiruma was born on June 3, 1941, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. He began practicing Karate at the age of fifteen at the central Shotokai gymnasium in Tokyo under the direct personal tutelage of Master Shigeru Egami, the direct disciple and appointed successor of Master Gichin Funakoshi.

Alongside his intensive budo training, Hiruma pursued his academic education in Tokyo, earning his degree in Economics from Hosei University. Throughout his university years and post-graduate training, he remained deeply immersed in Master Egami's rigorous technical investigations into natural movement, abdominal breathing, and non-collapsing relaxation.

The 1966 Arrival: The First Japanese Karate Master in Spain

In 1966, Master Hiruma relocated to Spain and settled permanently in Madrid. He holds the historical distinction of being the first Japanese Karate master to arrive in Spain.

Rather than presenting karate as an aggressive combat sport, Master Hiruma introduced the traditional Okinawan and Shotokai ethos of non-competition, mutual respect, and the cultivation of human character. From his base in Madrid, he systematically developed teaching seminars not only across Spain, but also throughout Portugal and Italy, establishing deep pedagogical roots across Southern Europe.

The Madrid Honbu Dojo (1983) and Global Expansion

In 1983, the Honbu Dojo in Madrid was officially inaugurated as the central headquarters of Shotokai Europe and the home of the Asociación Shotokai España (A.S.E.).

Serving as the official Delegate for Europe of Nihon Karate-do Shotokai (N.K.S.), Master Hiruma has guided generations of black belts and instructors. Today, his direct teachings and technical methodology are actively followed by thousands of practitioners across:

• Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy
• The Americas: Mexico, Cuba, Chile
• Africa: Morocco

The Hospital Vigil in 1980–1981 and the Living Essence of Shotokai

Master Hiruma maintained an intense filial bond with Master Shigeru Egami and his wife, Chiyoko Egami. As recorded in Kimikagesō (君影草), when Master Egami entered Keio Hospital in Tokyo in late 1980 for his final four months of life, Master Hiruma was present at his bedside alongside Sensei Tomoji Miyamoto and Chiyoko, providing constant care, practical assistance, and maintaining the unbroken vigil until Egami's peaceful passing on January 8, 1981.

Master Hiruma's teaching continues to emphasize:

1. DEAI (True Encounter): Harmonizing with the partner's intent at the exact threshold of action.
2. OMOI (Benevolent Selflessness): Teaching and practicing with heartfelt generosity and sincere care.
3. The Living Body: Integrating the Bo staff and Tai Chi Chuan to cultivate the supple, dynamic body envisioned by Master Egami.