Traditional Shotokan
1868-2026
Master
Gichin Funakoshi
(1868–1957)
Biography
Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) was born on November 10, 1868, in Shuri, Okinawa. Coming from a family with a strong martial tradition, he dedicated his life to perfecting the art of the “empty hand,” transforming it into a system of physical and ethical development.
Training
He trained primarily under Anko Itosu and Anko Asato, from whom he learned the traditional styles Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Under their guidance, he absorbed not only combat techniques but also the pedagogical methods needed to teach karate in a structured and disciplined way.
Achievements & Legacy
Founding of Shotokan (1936): Established the first dojo in Tokyo, named “house of pine waves.”
Method Structure: Defined the three pillars—kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring)—and codified the Twenty Principles of Karate.
Key Publications: Karate-Do Kyohan (1935) and Karate-Do: My Way of Life (1956).
Global Impact: Transformed karate into a worldwide discipline rooted in courtesy, respect, and personal improvement, influencing millions of practitioners to this day
Soke
Hirokazu Kanazawa
(1931–2019)
Biography
Hirokazu Kanazawa (1931–2019) was born in Iwate, Japan. A direct student of Gichin Funakoshi, he dedicated more than six decades to perfecting and spreading Shotokan around the world, becoming one of the most influential figures in modern karate.
Training
He began his training under Gichin Funakoshi himself and, after Funakoshi’s passing, continued his development under Masatoshi Nakayama at the Japan Karate Association. There, he became one of the organization’s pillars, both competing and teaching at the highest level.
Achievements & Legacy
Founding of SKIF (1978): Established the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation, now one of the world’s largest and most respected karate organizations.
Competitive Success: Multiple-time All-Japan Champion and winner of major international tournaments across Europe and the Americas.
Global Instruction: Traveled to and taught in more than 100 countries, developing elite instructors and spreading Funakoshi’s principles worldwide.
Holistic Approach: Promoted technical excellence (kihon and kata), moral development rooted in courtesy and respect, and the unity of the Shotokan family across borders
Hanshi
Hiroshi Ishikawa
(9º Dan)
Biography
Hanshi Hiroshi Ishikawa, 9th Dan, was a pioneer of traditional karate in Latin America beginning in the late 1960s. A devoted member of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF), he dedicated his career to bringing the authentic Japanese spirit to new territories, becoming the key figure in the expansion of the style throughout the region.
Training
Trained directly under Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei at SKIF, Ishikawa Sensei absorbed Kanazawa’s rigorous training methodology and, by extension, the original principles of Gichin Funakoshi. Thanks to this lineage, he always maintained a structured and didactic approach: kihon, kata, and kumite, all reinforced by a strong ethical foundation.
Achievements & Legacy
1975 SKIF World Championships: Mastered both kumite and kata, establishing himself as a leading competitive figure.
Founder of SKIF Latin America: Created the first major formal Shotokan organization in the region outside Japan.
Development of National Federations: Supported and advised the establishment of associations in Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama.
Loyalty to Funakoshi’s Values: Emphasized daily meditation, proper etiquette, and humility as core pillars of practice.
Community Legacy: Laid the groundwork for a vibrant karate community in Latin America, promoting cultural exchange and maintaining high standards of technical and ethical excellence.
Kyoshi
Alejandro Castro
(7º Dan)
Biography
Kyoshi Alejandro Castro (7th Dan) was born in Venezuela and trained as one of the most distinguished disciples of Hanshi Hiroshi Ishikawa in Latin America. Passionate about traditional Shotokan, he has devoted more than three decades to teaching, elevating the technical and ethical standards of his students across the country.
Training
Under the direct tutelage of Hanshi Ishikawa in SKIF Latin America, Castro Sensei immersed himself in the classical methodology of kihon, kata, and kumite, internalizing the values of meditation, etiquette, and humility that define Funakoshi’s lineage. He complemented this foundation with annual seminars led by Japanese masters, strengthening his commitment to tradition.
Achievements & Legacy
Founder of SKIF Kodokai Venezuela (1990): Unified multiple clubs under a single philosophy of authentic Shotokan.
Competitive Success: Led the Venezuelan national team to victories at Pan American and Caribbean Championships throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Cultural Ambassador: Organized and coordinated seminars with renowned masters (including Kanazawa Sensei), fostering direct ties with Japan.
International Recognition: WKF-certified coach and Olympic trainer at Tokyo 2020.
Holistic Approach: Combines strict technical standards (with emphasis on precise embusen lines in kata) with warm mentorship, promoting both academic and moral excellence among his students. Thanks to his leadership, Venezuela became a powerhouse in SKIF tournaments across Latin America.
