Fumiko Masuda
Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc) and W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2025
Continual Excellence and Service to the Australasian Martial Arts Community
Born in Japan in 1945, Fumiko spent her career in the advertising industry before retiring early and moving to Australia in 2000.
Her decision to move to Australia was prompted by the loss of her beloved husband in the winter of 1991. Wanting to escape the cold Japanese winters, she bought a house in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite and winter in Japan could be left behind for the warmth there. Initially, she split her time between Japan and Australia. Over time, she grew fond of the comfort and lifestyle in Australia and eventually settled in her current seaside home.
She learned sailing, took up swimming, and volunteered for people with disabilities. Then, on a whim and at a friend’s invitation, she began practicing karate. She quickly became captivated by the world of martial arts, which led also to her taking up Iaido, the art of Japanese swordsmanship.
Although she has no siblings or children and with her parents having passed away, her karate students have become her martial arts family. She considers herself fortunate to have many friends.
She had never practiced martial arts while in Japan – it was only after arriving in Australia, at the age of 58, that she developed a passion for it.
Fumiko joined Go Kan Ryu Karate in 2004, earned her 4th Dan Black Belt in 2020, is a tournament referee Level 4, and is currently a branch instructor at two dojos. She started her journey into Seishinkan Iaido (Muso Jikiden Eishinryu) in 2018, and was awarded a 2nd Dan by the Dai Nippon Iaido Federation in 2023.
As she turns 80 this August, she wants to prove that age is no barrier to enjoying martial arts. She hopes that by sharing her journey, she can inspire others to take up martial arts, no matter their age.