How did it all start?

The Chinese monastery of Shaolin was said to be the real beginning of the martial arts. However, Karate as we know it today was started in Okinawa approximately 100 years ago. Master Funakoshi, the Founder of Shotokan Karate, began his studies as a young man with two famous Okinawan Masters. After many years of training and study he was invited to Japan where he spent the rest of his life developing the art.

Funokoshi taught many students over the years but one in particular made a great impact on modern Karate. Master Nakayama - famous for his book Dynamic Karate (still the master text for Karate study). Master Nakayama also taught many famous students but one in particular now has world renown: Master Hirokazu Kanazawa 10^th Dan - the only living Karateka to have achieved that honour.

Master Kanazawa founded SKIF, the Shotokan Karate International Federation. About SKKIF