He wanted to be stronger

As a boy growing up, he wanted to be stronger than other people. What impressed Asai sensei to learn karate was at a time when the allied forces had just occupied Japan after the Second World War. He observed a fight between a boxer and a karate-ka. Asai sensei was impressed by the karate-ka’s kick which disabled the boxer. The incident was always in his mind. From there he knew karate was the path he wanted to follow. He wanted to be physically and mentally strong and decided to start training in karate. With great determination, Asai sensei studied hard until he gained entrance into Takushoku University. There were about one hundred and fifty students that started with Asai sensei training at the karate dojo, however, within a month there was only a handful. He overcame the hard training and eventually was allowed to live at the karate dormitory. For Asai sensei it was an honor to live there because all the renowned Shotokan masters attended and trained at Takushoku University. Those who knew Asai sensei said that, they were amazed by him and claimed that the only time he did not train was when he ate or slept.