He was obviously played by the same guy who played Gotetsu (Gouken and Gouki's master), was he meant to be the same guy?
"The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest."
Yes both characters are played by Togo Igawa, the theory that a lot of people seem to have come to is that crazy old man is Goutetsu's brother that he spoke of going mad from the SnH.
shareSpoiler: It's Goma, Gotetsu's brother who went crazy from practicing the Dark Hadou. He's also briefly mentioned at one point in the series. At least, that's the popular theory among fans.
shareAgreed and it is also a give away with his name plate hanging around his next, the same name plate that is missing from the Dojo. Some a great film, they really went the extra mile to explain everything and set it up for season 2. I shed a little tear at the end of episode 12, it was a very powerful moment.
shareIt's his brother explained by the creator himself ^_^
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9xdAe2sjOI