Jamal Measara was born on July 29, 1949, in Seremban, in the Malaysian federal state of Negri Sembilan—a multicultural region where Indian, Chinese, and Malay traditions meet. At the age of ten, he was introduced to the art of Indian Selambam, a dynamic stick-fighting martial art. At the same time, he learned Vagare Musthi, an unarmed martial art known for its toughness and precision.
When his teacher suddenly passed away, his world collapsed. He turned to boxing—and found his first answers there. But it was not enough. He sought depth, posture, a system. Thus began his lifelong study of traditional Far Eastern martial arts—among them Shotokan Karate, Shito-Ryu, and in particular Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Karate under the guidance of Shimabukuro Zenpo. Soon, additional styles followed: Kobudo, the art of the weapons Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Tonfa, and Kama. And finally Aiki-Jitsu, today’s Aikido—flowing, clear, uncompromising.
The World as a Dojo
In the 1970s, Measara traveled extensively. As a guest instructor, he was invited to the Philippines, Indonesia, England, France, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany. He learned not only techniques, but also met people and cultures. During this time, he had the privilege of learning from Prof. John F. Draeger—one of the most influential Western Budo masters of the 20th century, who was not only internationally recognized as an expert in Japanese martial arts, but also contributed to the choreography of the fight scenes in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, alongside Sean Connery, the Bond actor at the time. Under Draeger’s guidance, it became even clearer to him that martial arts are not just about technique—but about attitude, respect, and lived responsibility.
As head coach of the Malaysian national team (1978–1980), Measara was able to shape many athletes. He was a co-founder of the Malaysian Karate Federation as well as the Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Federation in India.
A New Beginning in Germany
In 1980, he moved to Germany. Two years later, he married Heidi—his partner on life’s path. Together they founded the Budo Academy in Kelheim, which they run successfully and with great dedication. Here and in Abensberg, Measara continues to teach children, teenagers, and adults of all ages the traditional martial arts of Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Karate, Kobudo, and Aikido. Preserving traditional martial arts is important to him. To nurture the roots and deepen his knowledge, he regularly travels to Okinawa, the cradle of traditional karate.
Today, Measara holds the 10th Dan in Karate, awarded by the German Karate Federation (DKV)—as the first and so far only person in Germany. In addition, he holds the 10th Dan in Kobudo and the 7th Dan in Aikido. He is head coach of the Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Federation for Germany, Europe, and Southeast Asia, a Millennium Trainer, a member of the DKV examination commission, and for decades served as an instructor for special units such as the SEK, the LKA Saxony, as well as police academies in Dubai and India, and as the Kobudo commissioner (DKV). And he is still an enthusiastic traveler. His current seminars take him to England, Vietnam, and Malaysia. There is even an inquiry from Canada.
In addition to training, Measara works as an author. To date, he has published seven books on traditional karate; Karate Cat—a book specifically for children—is currently in development. In all areas, his motivation remains the same: to accompany people on their path. To impart clarity, strength, and humility—both in the dojo and in life.
What Sets Him Apart?
Perhaps this: he never loses his enthusiasm for the simple, the honest, the effective. And he sees every encounter as an opportunity—for lifelong learning, for growth, for togetherness. In this spirit, the training group “Karate for my life” is close to Measara’s heart. It is specifically aimed at people over 50 who want to strengthen their mobility, balance, health, and mental strength—without performance pressure, but with inner clarity and joy in movement.