31st October 2021, Headquarters, Nihon Shotokan Karate Do SANKUKAI. Under the Leadership of Sensei Michael Amaral Morais SANKUKAI Brazil is heading towards the next level. 4 members of SANKUKAI Brazil had appeared for the Grading Examination conducted by the SANKUKAI Examination Board and have successfully passed. Sensei Michael Amaral Marais was appointed as the chief […]
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Nihon Shotokan Karate-Do SANKUKAI is an organization dedicated to supporting Karate teachers in promoting authentic traditional Shotokan Karate worldwide.
The word SANKUKAI is derived from three Japanese terms: “San,” “Ku,” and “Kai.”
San means to make or create, Ku means Karate, and Kai means an organization or association.
Together, SANKUKAI represents the philosophy:
“To create an organization of good Karate practitioners.”
This meaning reflects SANKUKAI’s commitment to technical excellence, discipline, character building, and the true spirit of Budo.
SANKUKAI was founded in 1985 by Soke Takeshi Kitagawa. In its early years, the organization was popularly known in Japan as the Shotokan Karate Club.
Soke Takeshi Kitagawa began his journey in traditional Shotokan Karate under the legendary Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama, one of the most influential figures in modern Shotokan Karate.
After the passing of Sensei Nakayama, Soke continued his advanced studies under Sensei Tetsuhiko Asai, further deepening his technical knowledge and understanding of Budo.
Following the demise of Sensei Asai on 15th August 2006, Soke Takeshi Kitagawa made a decisive step to preserve and transmit authentic Shotokan Karate by forming his own Ryuha (independent organization), officially named Nihon Shotokan Karate-Do SANKUKAI.
This marked the beginning of SANKUKAI as a distinct lineage committed to tradition, discipline, and the true spirit of Japanese Karate-Do.
Soke Takeshi Kitagawa
Soke Takeshi Kitagawa born in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan on 8th January 1957. He is the Shuseki Shihan of Nihon Shotokan Karate Do SANKUKAI having 9th Degree Black belt and has been teaching Karate for more than 2 decades. He was invited to conduct numerous Seminars and workshops across United states, India, Europe and South America.
Photo :
Soke Takeshi Kitagawa with his teacher Sensei Tetsuhiko Asai
Authentic Shotokan Karate • Global Recognition • Japanese Lineage
SANKUKAI World connects Karate practitioners globally, preserving traditional Shotokan values through disciplined training, international certification, and authentic Japanese guidance.
who WE're?
A Global Shotokan Karate Family
Our Lineage
Rooted in authentic Japanese Shotokan tradition, Nihon Shotokan Karate-Do SANKUKAI® follows a direct, disciplined lineage that preserves true Budo values, technical purity, and respectful transmission from teacher to student.
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What We Offer
We provide authentic Shotokan Karate training, international certifications, seminars, championships, and global affiliation opportunities under a respected Japanese lineage.
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4th DAN Grading SANKUKAI India
SANKUKAI Headquarters conducted DAN Grading for Indian family members on 18th September 2022 at Bootland Sports Academy, Kattangal, Kozhikode, Kerala-INDIA. Soke Takeshi Kitagawa observed each applicant online and Khyoshi Arun Dev observed them offline. Sensei Sunil Kumar NJ. 4th DAN Black Belt
Read More🥋 Kyoka-Rensyu – A Must for Black Belt Aspirants! 🥋
🥋 Kyoka-Rensyu – A Must for SANKUKAI Black Belt Aspirants! 🥋 In the journey of SANKUKAI Karate, progress isn’t measured only by how long you’ve trained — it’s about how deeply you understand the art. Kyoka-Rensyu, the exclusive monthly online training led by Soke Takeshi Kitagawa, offers a rare opportunity to absorb the essence of […]
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