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Makoto Kabayama:
Makoto Kabayama is a premier martial artist based in Toronto, Ontario Canada and first introduced JKD to Canada in 1988, going on to be the founder of the JKD Family in Canada.

Born Lawrence Makoto Kabayama, he studied Dance, Eurythmics and Theatre Arts in residence at the National Ballet School of Canada from 1969 until 1974. Shortly thereafter he began his formal training in the martial art of Kendo under his father, Dr. Michiomi Kabayama.

Later, inspired by his Grandfather, Rev. Jun Kabayama, to investigate and embrace the history of the Kabayama Bukei and his place as a 24th generation Samurai, Makoto would begin his search for traditional martial arts and the philosophy of the Samurai: Bushido (the Way of the Peacemaker).

During the late 70’s, Makoto’s natural talent as a peacekeeper and unique persona soon found Makoto working security throughout the Toronto music scene in Ontario, Canada. As his reputation grew, Makoto’s responsibilities began to include personal protection, most notably escorting victims of violent crime to court ‘pro bono’, as well as onstage security with celebrities such as James Brown, Jello Biafra etc.

Makoto went on to study Jujitsu at the notable Hatashita Judo Club in Toronto but soon began exchanging and sparring with martial artists of other disciplines: Boxing, Kick-boxing, Wing Chun, Tae Kwon Do,Savate,Ninjitsu etc., still searching for a complete street-effective system.

In 1984, this “musha shugyo”-warrior pilgrimage- led him to world renowned Instructors Dan Inosanto, Paul Vunak and (Bruce) Lee Jun Fan’s dynamic art of Jeet Kune Do. Makoto was later introduced to another original Bruce Lee student, the late, great Larry Hartsell-founder of Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association

On March 1st, 1988, after years of intensive private lessons, Makoto became the first person certified by Sifu Paul Vunak to teach Jeet Kune Do Concepts in Canada.

Makoto went on to become one of only a handful of Progressive Fighting Systems Senior Full Instructors worldwide and Representative for Sifu Larry Hartsell and his Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association.

Makoto later assisted Sifu Vunak with the close quarter combat instruction of the elite counter-terrorist U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six in 1991, before becoming a Training Coordinator for the Guardian Angels volunteer safety patrol. Makoto spent 5 years training and patrolling with Guardian Angels chapters internationally, including Toronto, New York City and London, England.

Makoto achieved Guro in Filipino Martial Arts and is certified is a Law Enforcement Use of Force Continuum Defensive Tactics Instructor.

Makoto Kabayama’s unique blend of JKD Concepts emphasizes development of superior fighting attributes by blending techniques from a variety of martial arts and applying them as needed in a given situation. Adapting techniques suitable to changing ranges and applying them in a graceful and seamless flow without interruption demands the use of different techniques from different arts. Programs such as the Rapid Assault Tactics [R.A.T.] developed by Paul Vunak borrow from these broad JKD concepts. Ultimately, JKD Concepts strives to be “one way [for] all ways”.

In demand for his expertise in non-violent crisis intervention and no-nonsense approach to self-defense, Makoto has been a repeat guest instructor at a number of prestigious teaching institutions, has appeared in several newspapers and magazines including the Toronto Star, Black Belt Magazine and Inside Kung-Fu. In addition to guest appearances on ‘Kung Fu - The Legend Continues’ and ‘Nikita’, Makoto has been interviewed on numerous TV programs and conducts seminars internationally.

Sifu Kabayama continues to teach and study in Toronto and is now in the process of researching for a text on his thoughts towards this integrated fighting system.

Makoto continues to teach Jeet Kune Do Concepts in Toronto, Canada and some of his full instructors include Peter Chassikos, Shawn Zirger, Grant Sawyer, Desmond Watson, Steve Horsch, Steve Lee, Steve Roman and Rene Cocolo.

JKD Family Founder-Canada Most Important Lesson Training with Dan Inosanto JKD and PFS Film Credits One Inch Punch