Biography

kacem zoughari photo cv opt

Dr. Kacem Zoughari, Ph.D.

Researcher in Japanese Studies and Expert in Classical Martial Arts
Paris, France

Academic Background

  • Ph.D. in Japanese History and Civilization
    Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO), Paris, France (1997–2008)
    Thesis: The History of Movement in the Japanese Martial Arts: Structure, way of thought, and transmission under the direction of Mr. Francois Macé and Mr. Jean Noël Robert
  • Master’s Degree in Japanese Language and Civilization, INALCO, Paris, France
    Thesis: Ninjutsu: Its Form, History, and Essence
  • Languages: French (Native), English (Full Professional), Japanese (Native/Bilingual Proficiency)

Research Areas

  • Japanese history and civilization
  • Classical martial traditions of Japan (Koryū, Bujutsu, Ninpō, Ninjutsu)
  • Cultural transmission and pedagogical lineages in Edo-period martial schools
  • Techniques and body mechanics (movements, kata, and weapons)
  • Edo-period police tactics and weaponry
  • Martial culture, ethics, and philosophy in pre-modern Japan

Teaching & Academic Contributions

Dr. Zoughari has delivered lectures and research conferences across major academic institutions, including:

  • University of Cambridge (UK)
  • Georgetown University (USA)
  • American University (USA)
  • University of Vienna (Austria)
  • University of Montreal (Canada)
  • University of Tsukuba (Japan)
  • Osaka University (Japan)
  • Nihon Budokai & Kodokan Judo Institute (Japan)
  • Société Française des Études Japonaises (SFEJ)

He is a former Lavoisier Scholar (2001–2003) through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has spent several years conducting full-time research in Japan.

Professional Appointments

  • History and Strategy Officer, Berlin Samurai Museum – responsible for historical evaluation of samurai weapons, armor, and warrior traditions.
  • Founder & Director, KAGE Teaching & Consulting, Paris – consulting, translation, choreography, and martial education.
  • Founder, Onmitsu Kage – an online platform dedicated to classical Japanese martial arts studies.

Publications & Books

Dr. Zoughari has published numerous papers and monographs in Japanese, French, English, and Spanish, featured in Hiden Budo Bujutsu, Karate Bushido, and Arts Martiaux Traditionnels d’Asie.

Books:

  1. The Ninja: Ancient Shadow Warriors of Japan – The Secret History of Ninjutsu (Tuttle Publishing)
  2. Takamatsu Toshitsugu: Ninja Master of the 20th Century
  3. Budōsho – Tome 1 & 2
  4. Budo & Koryu: Articles and Interviews
  5. Gyokko Ryū Legacy and Techniques – Soke Ishizuka Tetsuji
  6. Ninpō: Ninjutsu, The Shadow of Light

Awards and Honors

  • Lavoisier Research Scholarship, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Toshiba Foundation Scholarship, Japan
  • Medal of Merit, U.S. Marines (2004)

Martial Arts Transmission

  • Personal student of Hatsumi Masaaki Soke and Ishizuka Tetsuji Sensei (since 1989)
  • Over 35 years of intensive practice and teaching in traditional Japanese martial systems
  • Member of the Nihon Budō Gakkai (Japan’s National Society for Budo Research)
  • Instructor for specialized units (Special Forces, security agencies, and law enforcement)

Notable Research Themes

  • The link between philosophy and movement (budo as embodied knowledge)
  • The psychology of transmission in master-disciple lineages
  • Evolution of taijutsu and biomechanics in bujutsu ryuha
  • Preservation of densho (transmission scrolls) and makimono manuscripts

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