As a representative association of the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) in Tokyo, SKKIF belongs to one of the world’s largest Shotokan karate bodies, with over 2½ million members in over 100 countries. As a non-profit making organisation, SKKIF ensures the money you pay for training and membership goes back into the association, to benefit all members.
SKIF is dedicated to following the guidance and philosophy of the late Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10th Dan, a direct student of Gichin Funakoshi, who was the founder of modern Shotokan karate. Soke Kanazawa is renowned and respected, and widely regarded around the world as one of the greatest masters to have ever lived. SKIF is privileged to remain under the instruction of his eldest son, Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa, 8th Dan.
What You Learn
Following the teachings of Soke Kanazawa, SKKIF offers a comprehensive training syllabus for this traditional style in both set and free-style fighting. Apart from getting a thorough grounding in self defence, training with SKKIF improves and maintains fitness, flexibility, speed, strength, self-awareness and discipline.
SKKIF is dedicated to learning and promoting Soke Kanazawa’s comprehensive and demanding syllabus, which offers a solid grounding in Shotokan karate, a well thought-out teaching structure that results in high technical standards and the ability to utilise techniques in practical situations. It aims to bring out the best in Karateka of all ages and abilities – indeed some members of SKKIF continue to train well into their 70s!
Assured Standards
All Gradings are judged by trained senior instructors, with regular opportunities to grade at club level as well as twice a year with Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa and other visiting instructors from Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Regular Yudansha-kai (specialised monthly training) is available for senior grades and club instructors whilst the SKKIF Technical Committee, presided over by Kyoshi Roger Carpenter, 8th Dan and SKKIF Chief instructor, ensure high, uniform standards are maintained nationwide.
All SKKIF dan grades (black belts) are officially registered in Japan and as such are recognised worldwide for the level of technical ability they have achieved. As a result, SKKIF dan grades are one of a select number of Shotokan associations in the UK eligible for registration with the Kokusai Budoin in Japan, the oldest, continuously operating Japanese organization promoting international Budō.
Testing Yourself
SKKIF hosts an annual national competition, with a variety of categories catering for both Kata and Kumite. In addition there are regular European and World SKIF Championship opportunities for those who wish to further their competition experience.
