Summary
Dr. Kacem Zoughari is a well known Japanese History and Martial Arts researcher and practitioner. Born in Paris, France he began studying Martial Arts as a teenager and quickly began visiting Japan to further his studies. He has practiced Ninjutsu for over 20 years and is a personal student of Hatsumi Masaaki Soke and Ishizuka Tetsuji Sensei.
Martial Arts & Ninjutsu Background
Dr. Zoughari began his Ninjutsu training in 1986 in France. In 1989 he made his first trip to Japan where he trained with Ishizuka Sensei. From that point on he began spending a few months of every year living and training in Japan. Over the ensuing years Kacem became a personal translator for Hatsumi Soke, acted as a translator for the Quest Video Company, and became a member of the Nihon Budo Gakkai (Japanese Martial Arts research organization).
Between 2001 and 2003 his role as the Lavoisier grant recipient allowed him to study full time in Japan and his research brought him into contact with many of the most well known martial artists in Japan including:
Academic Background
Kacem Zoughari holds a Ph.D. in Japanese History and Culture from INALCO in Paris, France. INALCO is the National Institute of Oriental Language and Civilization. He has received his Masters in Japanese from INALCO where his thesis was titled: Ninjutsu: Its Form, History, and Essence. His principle areas of study include:
- Japanese History
- Martial Arts History
- Ninjutsu History
- Weapons and techniques of the Edo era police
- Evolution of Martial Art form and movement
Publications
Dr. Zoughari has published more than 25 articles on the topics of Japanese history and martial arts. These articles have been published in French, Japanese, Spanish, English, and many other languages.
A few of the publications in which these articles have been printed in include:
- Arts Martiaux Traditionnels d`Asie
- Hiden, Budo Bujutsu
- Karate-bushido
In November of 2003 his first book: Ninpo, Ninjutsu: L'Ombre de la lumière was published by Guy Trédaniel in French. It was subsequently translated into Portuguese under the title A Arte do Ninja - Entre Ilusão e Realidade .
New Book
His newest work is expected from Tuttle Publishing sometime in 2009. This book is written in English and promises to be the most thorough review of the history of Ninjutsu ever published outside of Japan. We will post additional information as soon as it is available.
Lectures & Seminars
Dr. Zoughari has given lectures and seminar tours in over 15 countries and is a highly sought after teacher. The list of universities and organizations he has spoken at include:
- University of Cambridge
- Georgetown University
- American University
- University of Montreal
- University of Vienna
- University of Wellington
- SFEJ (French society of Japanese research)
- Osaka University
- Tsukuba University
- Gaikoku-go University
- Kogô University
Latest Update
Kacem continues to travel the world giving lectures and seminars. He is putting the finishing touches on his new book and living with his family in Paris, France.
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