Born on March 20, 1946, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, he is a renowned martial artist and actor recognized for his roles in Hong Kong action cinema. He began his martial arts training in judo before transitioning to karate, eventually earning black belts in multiple disciplines. His film career took off in the 1970s, where he became a staple in martial arts films, often portraying villains. Beyond acting, he has contributed to the martial arts community as an instructor and advocate.