Shihan Jorge Bustos
A pioneer of Panamanian karate, a direct student of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and Kyokushin Branch Chief for Panama. Today a 6th Dan, he is the heart and the origin of this lineage.
Jorge Bustos was one of the first karate practitioners in the Republic of Panama. He began his martial path in the city of Colón, training Kempo Karate at the MAZO club, where he stood out from a very young age for his strength and skill.
When a Japanese master visited Panama, his talent caught the master's eye, and he was put in contact with the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo to be considered as a student of the founder himself. Sosai Oyama sent Japanese masters to train him in Panama.
He traveled to Japan to train directly with Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, at a time when the founder personally trained the masters who would spread Kyokushin around the world. That year he was promoted to 2nd Dan and appointed Kyokushin Branch Chief for Panama.
He was formally entrusted with the mission of spreading Kyokushinkai Karate not only in Panama but across much of Central America. His story was recorded in the documentary “The God Hand”, filmed for the 2nd Kyokushinkai World Tournament.
Decades later, with students trained all over the country and missions that took him across the region, from Central America to Trinidad and Tobago, Shihan Bustos represents the founder's direct line in Panama and is listed as official Branch Chief for Panama in I.K.O. MATSUSHIMA Kyokushinkaikan, the international organization this dojo belongs to. This dojo is the continuation of his school and honors a whole life devoted to karate.
