Toshishiro Obata
Born: 1948-10-20 in Gunma Prefecture - Japan
Known For: Acting
Biography
Toshishiro Obata is the founder of Shinkendo. He is well known in Japan as a tameshigiri champion for several years in a row and is an authorized shitoka. He studied aikido under Gozo Shioda in the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo, and studied the sword arts of Nakamura-ryu, Ioriken Battojutsu, Toyama-ryu, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, Kashima Shin-ryu, Ryukyu Kobudo, and others. He moved to America in 1980 to start teaching and to develop his own sword art, based on his extensive experience. In 1990, the International Shinkendo Federation was officially established. The federation has grown to 80 branches internationally, and continues to expand. Obata, as the founder of the school, is referred to as Obata Kaiso by his students, and continues to travel across the globe to hold seminars for his students around the world. Since 1986, Obata has appeared in several Hollywood films.
Filmography
2003
- The Samurai as self / swordsman
1995
- The Hunted as Ryuma
1994
- The Shadow as Mongol
- Blue Tiger as Kunimatsu
- Red Sun Rising as Oyabun
1993
- Walker, Texas Ranger as Japanese Karate Instructor
- Demolition Man as CryoCon
- Rising Sun as Guard at Imperial Arms
- Ulterior Motives as Bull Neck Yakuza
1992
- Rage and Honor as Chan Lu
1991
1990
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as Tatsu
- China O'Brien II as Man with Claws
- The Sword of Bushido as Yamaguchi
- China O'Brien as Sommers's Henchmen Fighter (uncredited)
1989
- Black Rain as Mediator
1984
- Ghost Warrior as Japanese Officer