Biography of Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain
Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts
Born in 1977 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain began his martial arts journey at the age of 13. He initially trained in Bando, a Burmese martial art known as Hunan Kungfu, under Master Ilias Cobra for three years. His passion for martial arts was sparked by his cousin, who practiced nunchaku and emulated Bruce Lee’s movie moves, although Shihan Abdullah’s admiration was more for the martial art itself than Bruce Lee.
At the age of 16, he joined the International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushinkaikan in Dhaka, marking the start of a lifelong dedication to full-contact Kyokushin Karate.
Competitive Achievements
Shihan Abdullah’s competitive career began with his participation in the International Tournament in Iran (1995), marking his first appearance on the international stage. His competitive achievements include being a two-time undefeated All-Bangladesh Kyokushin Champion, winning the 1st All Bangladesh Open Full Contact Karate Tournament in 2003 and the 2nd All Bangladesh Open Full Contact Karate Tournament in 2008.
He represented Bangladesh in several major international tournaments:
- 8th All-Asian Tournament in the Philippines (2000)
- Liberation Tournament in Kuwait (2004)
- 11th All-Asian Tournament in Singapore (2008)
Black Belt Achievements
In 1996, Shihan Abdullah was awarded his Black Belt 1st Dan in Dhaka under the mentorship of the legendary Shihan Peter Chong, becoming one of the first in Bangladesh to achieve this rank. His continued dedication to Kyokushin Karate led to further black belt advancements:
- Black Belt 2nd Dan (2004) from Singapore under IKO
- Black Belt 3rd Dan (2014) from Singapore under IKO
- Black Belt 4th Dan (2019) under the World Karate Organization (WKO) Shinkyokushinkai, Japan
Over the years, Shihan Abdullah has trained under world-renowned masters, including Shihan Jackie Chong, Shihan Patrick Teo, and the late Shihan Inamullah Khan. He had the honor of conducting a seminar at Shihan Inamullah Khan's dojo in Karachi, Pakistan, making him the first-ever Bangladeshi to conduct an international seminar. He also attended significant training events, such as the Manila Seminar (2011).
Chief Instructor at Kyokushinkaikan Malaysia
From August 31, 2012, to September 30, 2014, Shihan Abdullah served as the Chief Instructor at Kyokushinkaikan Malaysia, where he played a vital role in building a strong Kyokushin karate community.
Transition to WKO and Leadership in Bangladesh
In February 2017, after nearly two decades of involvement with IKO, Shihan Abdullah joined the World Karate Organization (WKO) Shinkyokushinkai. In March 2017, he was appointed as the Branch Chief of WKO Shinkyokushinkai in Bangladesh under the leadership of Daihyo Midori Kenji Shihan. This shift marked a new chapter in his karate career, focusing on spreading the teachings of Shinkyokushin in Bangladesh.
Establishment of KO Fight Studio
In 2012, Shihan Abdullah founded KO Fight Studio in Dhaka, which has since become the primary center for Shinkyokushin Karate in Bangladesh. The studio thrives under his guidance, emphasizing the core values of discipline, respect, and a strong sense of community. KO Fight Studio is the only authorized WKO branch in Dhaka.
Warrior Women Program
In 2017, recognizing the importance of self-defense training for women, Shihan Abdullah initiated the Warrior Women Program, a specialized two-month course comprising sixteen classes designed to teach practical self-defense skills. The program has been met with widespread enthusiasm and success, breaking down societal barriers and encouraging women to take part in martial arts.
Black Belt Testing and Grading
Shihan Abdullah has played a pivotal role in developing Shinkyokushin Karate in Bangladesh by overseeing several Black Belt tests. The first Black Belt test for WKO Shinkyokushinkai in Bangladesh took place in December 2020, with five participants earning their Black Belt 1st Dan and one advancing to 2nd Dan. He continued this legacy with further Dan Grading tests in 2022 and 2023, cementing his role in fostering karate's growth in the region.
International Representation
Shihan Abdullah has actively represented Bangladesh in various international competitions and seminars. In 2018, he led a team of fighters at the 17th All-Asia Shinkyokushin Karate Championship in Singapore, where one of his students achieved 3rd place, marking a significant accomplishment for Bangladesh on the international stage. He was also one of the referees at the 8th Asia Shinkyokushin Karate Championship, further solidifying his role in the global Shinkyokushin community.
He has also participated in numerous events, including the WKO Asia Referee Seminar (July 2018) and the 5th Singapore Full Contact Karate Championship (June 2017). In November 2022, he led a dedicated team from Bangladesh to the 18th Asia Shinkyokushin Karate Championship.
Philosophy and Legacy
Throughout his career, Shihan Abdullah has embodied the Kyokushin philosophy of respect, humility, and perseverance. He is committed to nurturing the next generation of martial artists, ensuring the legacy of Sosai Mas Oyama's teachings lives on through his students.
With his unyielding dedication to the art of Shinkyokushin, Shihan Abdullah continues to inspire and guide his students, making a lasting impact on the global karate community.