Yoshiji Soeno was born September 9th 1947, in TokorozawaShi, Saitama, Japan. From childhood, he was very interested in martial arts, and learned both Judo and Kendo. Originally he found that Karate was not strong compared to Judo, but when he was fifteen Karate had evolved and was becoming much stronger. He first studied Wadoryu and then joined Oyama Dojo (Kyokushinkai) under Masutatsu Oyama.

After entering Johsai University, he founded the Karatedo club and taught karate and kick-boxing. In his debut tournament, he was treated as a main contender and went on to win the finals of the first All Japan Karatedo Championships. People admired his braveness and called him the “Tiger of Johsai” or “Brave Tiger of the Kyokushin”. He also practiced Muay Thai in Bangkok, Karate in USA, and become the World Open Kyokushin (knock down) Champion.

After graduating he opened ‘Soeno Dojo’ and ‘Soeno Gym’, giving lessons in both karate and kick-boxing. In 1981 he founded The World Karatedo Association Shidokan and The Japan Fighting Association New Fighting Shidokan. Shidokan is considered to take the best from karate, kick-boxing, and Judo.

He respects the Japanese traditional Bushido spirits, encompassing the good parts of martial arts and combining them with spirit to progress the teaching and practice of karate. Shidokan spirit is Japanese Samurai spirit. Master Soeno still practices these techniques but the most important thing is the spirit.