Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) was established in 1978 by Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, who had studied directly under Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi (widely acknowledged as the father of modern Karate) and Master Matsatoshi Nakayama (head of Japan Karate Association). SKIF, a government recognised Specific Non-profit Organisation in Japan, is now the world's largest Shotokan Karate association, with substantial membership in over 130 countries.

The philosophy of Shotokan Karate is based on the traditional Budo (martial arts) spirit of Karate, which seeks the perfection of character through hard training and discipline. SKIF also seeks the healthy mental and physical growth of youth, and the peaceful international exchange of friendship through training and competition.

Kanazawa Soke (Founder of SKIF)

Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa (1931-2019) began practising Karate as a student at Takushoku University and, after graduation, became an instructor for the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Kanazawa Soke earned many titles in competition, winning first place in kumite (sparring) at the first Japan Karate Championship in 1957, and taking top honours in both kumite and kata (forms) the following year.

Kanazawa Soke is recognised as one of the most renowned and respected Karate masters of all time. He was awarded Judan (10th Dan Black Belt - the highest possible Karate rank) by the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) in 2001. In 2012, the IMAF conferred upon Kanazawa Soke the title of Meijin (Grand Master) - only the 12th time that the title had been awarded.

Kanazawa Soke visited Australia many times, including for the 2012 SKIF World Championships in Sydney. In 2014, Kanazawa Soke formally transitioned leadership of the SKIF to Sensei Nobuaki Kanazawa (from that point on Kancho) and Sensei Manabu Murakami (from that point on Shuseki-Shihan).

Kanazawa Kancho (Head of SKIF)

Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa is the first son of Kanazawa Soke. He was born in 1972, and educated at Taisho University. Kanazawa Kancho has enjoyed much competition success, including SKIF World Champion in 2000 and SKIF All Japan Champion in 1996-2000. He holds the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan Black Belt) and is a frequent visitor to Australian shores.

Murakami Shihan (Chief Instructor of SKIF)

Shuseki-Shihan Manabu Murakami is the foremost student of Kanazawa Soke. He was born in 1966, and educated at Takushoku University. Murakami Shihan has enjoyed much competition success, including SKIF World Champion in 1988, 1991 and 1994. He holds the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan Black Belt) and is a frequent visitor to Australian shores.