Jobaaj Stories
Renowned karate expert, archery coach, and actor Shihan Hussaini passed away on March 25, 2025, in Chennai after a prolonged battle with leukemia, a type of blood cancer. His family confirmed the news on social media, inviting fans and students to pay their last respects at his residence in Besant Nagar before the final rites in Madurai.
A Legacy in Martial Arts and Cinema
Shihan Hussaini was widely respected for his contributions to karate and archery in India. He trained over 400 archers and played a key role in modernizing archery in Tamil Nadu. In 1979, he introduced the recurve bow, followed by the compound bow in 1980, which significantly advanced the sport.
In addition to his achievements in martial arts, Hussaini made a name for himself in the Tamil film industry. He debuted in K. Balachander's 1986 film ‘Punnagai Mannan’ and went on to star in Rajinikanth's ‘Velaikaran’ and Vijay’s ‘Badri’, where he played a karate coach. He also appeared in ‘Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal’ and ‘Chennai City Gangsters’. Beyond acting, he was a well-known judge and presenter on reality shows related to martial arts.
His Battle with Cancer and Final Wishes
Throughout his cancer battle, Hussaini remained active on social media, sharing updates on his condition. Moved by his struggles, the Tamil Nadu government granted him financial aid of ₹5 lakh for treatment.
In one of his final messages, Hussaini expressed his desire to donate his body for medical research and requested that his heart be given to his karate and archery students. He also made an emotional appeal to actor Pawan Kalyan, whom he had trained in karate, urging him to buy his martial arts center to preserve its legacy and continue promoting the sport.
Tributes and Final Farewell
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes poured in from the martial arts, sports, and film communities. His family has requested students and fellow archers to honor his memory by performing katas and shooting arrows as a tribute.
Shihan Hussaini is survived by his wife and daughter, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of martial arts, cinema, and sports training. His dedication and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
