RIP Hanshi Howard Lipman – July 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hanshi Howard Lipman.

Hanshi Howard’s contribution to the Australian martial arts community was dedicated and extensive, lasting 55 years. He meticulously instructed thousands of men, women and children Kyokushin Karate and Kobudo over the decades.

Hanshi Howard began his karate training in 1969, under Shihan Bob Boulton. Sosai Mas Oyama appointed Hanshi Howard as a Branch Chief in 1989 and graded him to 5th Dan in 1992. In the years following Sosai’s death, Hanshi Howard formed the martial arts organisation, KIMAA. Hanshi’s guiding principle was to continue studying Kyokushin, following the teachings and philosophies of Sosai Oyama as had been taught to him. Hanshi also brought Kobudo (weapons) to KIMAA, becoming the International Hokama Kobudo Australian Branch Chief in 2008. He was promoted to 9th Dan in Kyokushin by the KIMAA grading committee in 2017 and to 10th Dan in Kobudo by Sensei Tetsuhiro Hokama in 2023.

Hanshi Howard was a mentor and inspiration to all of us. He will be deeply missed. We will treasure our memories with him and honour the lessons he taught us all. His legacy will last for many years to come. 

The instructors, students and families of Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia pass on their sympathies to his wife Masumi and all of his family.

RIP Hanshi Howard Lipman. Osu.