International Karate
International Karate
The Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of Australia maintains strong links to the origins of Karate through our Chief Instructor Shunsuke Takahashi Shihan. As the Karate Instructor for Aoyama Gakuin University, Takahashi Shihan established the special relationship between the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of Australia and Aoyama University, providing the opportunity to train regularly with the best Shotokan Karate students in Japan either through their visits to Australia or through invitation to the Aoyama University Gasshuku. This special relationship has continued following his nomination of Takechiyo Nemoto Sensei and Ryozo Hirata Sensei as his assistants.
Hirata Sensei is a prominent Dojo Head of the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of Japan with Dojos in many areas of Japan.
Takahashi Shihan continues as Chief Instructor of the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of New Zealand. TSKF Australia and TSKF New Zealand host regular competitions with the Australasian titles held every 4 years and members attending joint training seminars.
In 2011, the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of Australia joined the International Shotokan Karate Federation.
International Shotokan Karate Federation
The International Shotokan Karate Federation is a global community dedicated to the art of Traditional Shotokan Karate. Established by Master Teruyuki Okazaki, a direct disciple of Master Gichin Funakoshi, revered founder of Shotokan. The International Shotokan Karate Federation preserves and promotes the timeless values and teachings of authentic karate.
TSKF Australia became a member of ISKF in 2011, following a similar journey to our association when breaking away from JKA and joining some 65 other countries who are members of International Shotokan Karate Federation. Takahashi Shihan Chief Instructor of TSKF was invited to the annual Masters camp in Philadelphia to be a special guest instructor which he has continued for several years.
Recently, TSKF Australia assistants to the Chief Instructor Nemota Sensei and Hirata Sensei have attended and provide expert instruction at the ISKF Masters Camp.
The International Shotokan Karate Federation hosts the Shoto World Championships on a regular basis. Australia prepares a team to attend this prestigious event having attended in 2012, 2016 and 2024 and achieving great success.
Teryuki Okazaki 10th Dan
Master Teruyuki Okazaki was born June 22, 1931, in Fukuoka, Japan. After studying aikido, judo, and kendo, he began karate training in 1947. Master Okazaki joined the Japan Karate Association (JKA), where he studied under both Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Masatoshi Nakayama.
Master Okazaki was sent to the United States by JKA Chief Instructor Masatoshi Nakayama in 1961 to help share Shotokan karate with people throughout the world. He established a dojo in Philadelphia (now Headquarters for the International Shotokan Karate Federation) in 1963. In 1977, he founded the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF), which is now one of the largest karate organizations in the world.
Master Okazaki received the rank of 10th Dan in October of 2007. In June of 2007, the ISKF became independent of the JKA/WF, allowing the ISKF to spread to more countries outside of the Pan-America region. He was the author of two books, The Textbook of Modern Karate, and the Perfection of Character: Guiding Principles For The Martial Arts & Everyday Life.
Since his passing in 2020, Hiroyoshi Okazaki has continued his legacy as Chief Instructor of ISKF.