SKIF President
SKIF
President
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One of the
worlds most respected and knowledgeable karate instructors, his
unique talents mean he is in constant demand in all corners of the
world. |
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One of the worlds most renowned and respected traditional karate masters alive, Kanazawa Shihan is the only karateka ever to have won the notorious All Japan Karate Championships ‘an incredible three times in a row, on one occasion winning the finals whilst nursing a broken wrist from an earlier event. In recent years, his eldest son, Nobuaki, has preserved the family reputation by winning the current All Japan Championships. Taking up karate whilst at University (following several years of Judo training), the young Kanazawa became the protege’ of the late headmaster of the Shotokan style, Masatoshi Nakayama (9th DAN) and is one of the few remaining karateka privileged to have studied under Master Gichin Funakoshi (the small Okinawin schoolteacher who brought ‘kara-te’ to mainland Japan from Okinawa and founder of the Shotokan style). In addition to Kanazawa Shihan’s mastery of karate-do and expertise with various traditional weaponry, he also has a very extensive knowledge of Chinese art of Tai-Chi, having studied it to its conclusion under Proffesor Wong for more than thirty years. Currently, Kanazawa Shihan is both Chairman and World Chief Instructor of the worlds largest Shotokan Karate organisation, the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation , with in excess of three million members worldwide, in one hundred and six countries (at the last count). Although having such a formidable pedigree and being accorded legendary status, Kanazawa Shihan is also extremely charismatic but easily approachable Being a natural teacher and communicator, he chooses to spend individual time with as many of his students as is possible. Demand for his services, worldwide, are on the increase, his schedule is extremely intense and we are most fortunate and honoured to have this Shotokan Legend include us on his itinerary. The first All Japan Championships took place at the Metropolitan Gymnasyum of Tokyo in 1957. Five days before the Championship Kanazawa Sensei was training very hard and broke his arm. The doctor very strongly recommended not to participate in the Championship. But what finally made him decide to participate regardless his physical condition were the words of his mother:
was the answer and the audience was greatly surprised to see him reach the final and win it against Katsunori Tsuyama Sensei very famous for his powerful jodan mawashi geri.
This time Kanazawa sensei had to face, in the final match, his dojo friend Takayuki Mikami Sensei. Despite three extensions it was Impossible to draw a decision and the victory was awarded to both of them, what up to this date is a unique fact in the history of the Championship.
Copyright 2002, Sibiu |
