After battling cancer, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto passed away today, September 18 2018,  at age 41.

I photographed him in December 2016 when he visited Okinawa, and then was invited to take portraits for the opening of his Krazy Bee gym in Okinawa. It was a real pleasure to meet him and his family.

For several years I’ve been photographing the karate masters of Okinawa. It has been sad when I’ve heard one of the elderly sensei has passed away, but the death of Yamamoto at such a young age is painful.

I wish his family so much love and peace at this time.

Norifumi Kid Yamamoto at Krazy Bee Gym, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan

Norifumi Kid Yamamoto at Krazy Bee Gym, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan

Norifumi Kid Yamamoto at Krazy Bee Gym, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan