Henry Plée

Henry Plée was a French martial artist who is considered the "father of European and French karate". He was one of the rare 10th dan karate masters living outside Japan, and one of the few Westerners to hold this rank. At the time of his death, Plée was also the oldest and highest karate ranking Westerner alive, with more than 60 years in the fighting arts, including 50 in martial arts. He was a pioneer in introducing karate to France and Europe, and has taught many of Europe's highest ranking karate masters.