Gideon Kedari is one of Israel martial arts pioneers.
At age 13 Gideon started Judo training and at the age of 21, as a brown belt, went to Japan to study judo at the Kodokan, simultaneously he started to train Kyokushinkai Karate under the direct instruction of Mas Oyama, as his first Israeli student.
After 5 years of vigorous training, Gideon passed the examinations both to black belt 4th Dan in Judo at the Kodokan Institude, and black belt 4th Dan in Kyokushinkai Karate, Establishing his position as the first Israeli MMA professional athlete.
Gideon was later recognized as one of the highest and best fighters in Europe.
He was the first Israeli martial artist who was given credit for his ability and fighting techniques in “Black Belt Magazine”, recognized as one of the best in “Ice breaking”.
In 1971, Gideon came back to Israel and opened Judo and Karate Dojos all around Israel.
He was one of the founders of the Israeli Karate Association and head of the Karate grading committee. He was honoured with the title “Sportsman of the year” and dominated Judo heavy weight championships from 1971 to 1974.