Master Hidy Ochiai was honored at a banquet attended by several hundred of his students past and present and other dignitaries at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Saturday evening.  Master Ochiai, who established the Washin-Ryu style of karate in 1966,  was honored on the 50th anniversary of Washin-Ryu.

Former students traveled from all over the United States to honor one of the world's great martial arts experts.  Master Ochiai has instructed more than 500,000 students.  His primary studio is in Vestal.

He was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame on two occasions.  One induction was in 1979 as the instructor of the year for Japanese Arts and Man of the Year in 1980.  He was also the winner of the National Karate Championship five consecutive years.

One of Master Ochiai's close friends was in attendance and also honored.  Master Sadaharu Honda, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, came from Western Pa. for the banquet.  Master Honda began teaching Shotokan Karate in 1962 and still conducts classes in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
loading...

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM