Takayuki Kubota (窪田 孝行, Kubota Takayuki; September 20, 1934 – August 14, 2024), also known as Tak Kubota, was a Japanese and American karateka, known for founding the Gosoku-ryu style of karate. He held the title of sōke (grandmaster) for his development of the Gosoku-ryū, and was the founder and president of the International Karate Association. He was also the inventor and holder of the trademark of the Kubotan self-defense key chain. Kubota was a self-defense instructor for the Tokyo Police department in the 1950s, where he was noted for his expertise in practical karate. He moved to the United States in the 1960's, where he developed the Gosoku-ryū style. He would develop and teach the application of techniques self-defense techniques to military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel. He also worked as a stuntman and actor in the film industry. At the time of his death, Kubota had held black belt degrees in karate (10th dan), judo (5th dan), aikido (5th dan), kendo (2nd dan), and iaido.
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