[1][2][3] He was an internationally recognized instructor, author, and administrator, and helped to establish the Japan Karate Association.

[4][6] During Nishiyama's childhood, karate was mostly unknown in Japan, and children were required to train in either judo or kendo in middle school.

[2] Recalling the beginning of his martial arts training, Nishiyama said, "I began, as is the custom in Japan, on the 5th day of the fifth month at the age of five.

"[7] His kendo instructor, Moorio Mochida, had a strong and lasting influence on the youth's development in the martial arts.

[10] By the time Nishiyama reached 14 years of age, he had attained black belt status in judo.

[7] Nishiyama served in the Imperial Japanese Navy before the end of World War II, and was unable to continue his karate training during this brief period.

"[7] In 1952, Nishiyama began teaching karate to US military personnel from the Strategic Air Command (SAC).

[2] In 1960, Nishiyama published his first book, Karate: The Art of Empty-Hand Fighting (co-authored with Richard Brown).

[6] In July 1961, Nishiyama moved to the United States of America at the invitation of his students from the SAC, and founded the All American Karate Federation (AAKF).

[19] In 1968, he organized the first World Invitational Karate Tournament, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

[1][3] On November 3, 2000, the Emperor of Japan awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class (Gold Rays with Rosette), to him in a ceremony on the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

[1] On November 1, 2003, the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA) awarded Nishiyama the rank of 10th dan.

[1][2][14][27] His funeral was held on November 30 at the Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, with over 500 people in attendance.

[1][3][4] On October 10, 2009, the ITKF posthumously awarded the rank of 10th dan to Nishiyama; his daughter Nami accepted the honor on his behalf.