A glance about our late Hanshi Nardi T. Nirwanto S.A.

Shihan Nardi was the first person from Indonesia who was directly trained in Honbu Tokyo, Japan, under direct guidance of Grand Karate Master Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. Their relationship became very close, with intimate and regular correspondence, even during the hard time of IKO political struggle.

During ‘Special Black Belt Course for Instructors’ 1970, Shihan Nardi with all other participants all over the world had to undergo an extreme hard training (compare to normal person). Daily training three times a day for the whole week, 10.00 – 12.30 continued with next training 15.00 – 17.30 and 19.00 – 21.30. Of course Jiyu Kumite is the ‘main course’. Every week at least 6 to 8 times, one by one. Many of the participants left the Course silently, but Shihan Nardi remain stay till the end of the Course.

At the end of 1970 Shihan Nardi went back to Indonesia with Special Award from Master Oyama due to his dedication, loyalty, spirit and strength during the training. Later, he spent several times continuing his training in Tokyo Honbu (july 1971 and 1972) till he reached 3rd DAN degree. At the All Japan Karate Open Tournament 1972, Master Oyama requested Nardi to stand on the fighting stage and Master Oyama gave him Special Award on behalf of Kyokushinkai-Kan and personal, and announce in front of audience that Nardi is The Branch Chief and Chief Instructor for Indonesia and he has Oyama strong support.

At the World Open Karate Tournament II in 1979, Shihan Nardi received the 4th DAN in Tokyo. And finally at the Asia Pacific Tournament in Jakarta 1981, Shihan Nardi received his 5th DAN by Master Oyama.

Shihan Nardi passed away at the Hospital in Malang on Sept 22nd 2009. Then he was regarded as Hanshi.