A separate chapter should be devoted, in every site of martial arts in Italy, to Master Roberto Fassi.
Even those who practice martial arts or self-defense arts not directly related to the activity of Master Fassi should always keep in mind that he was one of the main architects of the arrival in Italy of Karate (Shotokan and Shorei-Kan), Kung Fu , Tai Chi Chuan, Kobudo and, therefore, many of the martial arts present today in our country.
Born in Rome in 1935, he graduated in industrial chemistry and began the practice of Judo in the 50s
In the mid 60s, with the help of Master Henry Plée, sent a letter to the JKA (Japan Karate Association) asking for sending instructors to teach Shotokan Karate.
That letter is the beginning of an epic of teachers, schools, associations and federations that continues to this day.
Taiji Kase, Hiroshi Shirai, Masatoshi Nakayama are just some of the big names that Master Fassi was able to bring in Italy, permanently or to hold workshops.
In 1973, during a business trip to New York, he knew Master Toshio Tamano; began to study the Kobudo and introduced it in Europe. Almost simultaneously he knew Master Chang Dsu Yao and helped him to create his own Kung Fu school in Italy.
Thanks to his interest, in 1983 Master Tamano moved to Italy, and from that moment our story begins.
Master Roberto Fassi has passed away on March 12, 2014.
Thank you, Master Fassi.