The Global Legacy of SANKUKAI Karate: Lineage, Growth & Vision for the Future

Karate’s power lies not just in its techniques, but in its lineage, values, and the dedication of masters who preserve and evolve the art. SANKUKAI Karate stands today as one of the most disciplined and traditionally rooted systems of Shotokan-based martial arts—carrying forward the teachings of Funakoshi Sensei → Nakayama Sensei → Asai Sensei → Soke Takeshi Kitagawa.

The Life & Legacy of Soke Takeshi Kitagawa

Basic Biography & Background

 

  • Full name / Title: Soke. Takeshi Kitagawa — Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor) of Nihon Shotokan Karate Do SANKUKAI.

  • Date & Place of Birth: Born on 8 January 1957 in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. 

  • Education: Graduated from Kyushu Sangyo University (九州産業大学) with a degree in Electronics.

  • Early martial arts: Before dedicating himself fully to Karate, he also trained in Aikido and Kendo.

Karate Lineage & Training: Kitagawa began his traditional Shotokan Karate under Masatoshi Nakayama Sensei — a key figure in modern Shotokan. After Nakayama Sensei’s passing (1987), Kitagawa continued his training under Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei — known for his fluid, dynamic style and refinement of traditional Shotokan. When Asai Sensei passed away in 2006, Kitagawa decided to establish his own “ryūha” (martial arts school/organization), founding SANKUKAI to preserve and promote their shared vision of Shotokan Karate.

 

Rank & Role


  • He currently holds 9th Degree Black Belt (9ᵗʰ Dan) in SANKUKAI, which positions him at the highest technical authority within the organization. As Soke (founder/head), he is responsible for the technical direction, curriculum, grading standards, and global oversight of SANKUKAI.

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Teaching & International Activity

Soke Kitagawa is not limited to Japan — he has taught and held seminars around the world:  Over decades, he has led seminars and workshops across United States, Europe, India, UK, Brazil, South America, and more. He has been active in building SANKUKAI presence globally — organizing grading exams, promotions, seminars, and corporate/traditional training programs.In the U.S., for example, he has had involvement with community programs such as “Karate for Kids,” after-school workshops, and municipality-supported initiatives. His commitment to traditional Karate values — discipline, character, technical precision — remains central. Many consider him a “beacon of wisdom and dedication.”


Founder of SANKUKAI

  • Officially, SANKUKAI was founded in 1985. At that time, it was known simply as “Shotokan Karate Club” in Japan.

  • The name “SANKUKAI” is derived from three Japanese syllables: “San” (make), “Ku” (Karate), “Kai” (organization) — meaning roughly “an organization of people devoted to good Karate.”  Under his leadership, SANKUKAI evolved into a globally recognized traditional Shotokan organization, with structured curriculum, grading, certification, and dojos worldwide.


Recognition & Contribution

  • Over decades, Soke Kitagawa has built SANKUKAI into a respected institution preserving traditional Shotokan values, while adapting to global contexts. He has personally conducted numerous seminars, examinations, and instructor training — contributing to the spread of traditional Karate internationally. In sum: Soke Takeshi Kitagawa is more than a high-ranking karateka — he is a custodian of classical Shotokan under Asai’s lineage, founder of a global Karate organisation, and a mentor for practitioners worldwide.

The Development of SANKUKAI Across the World

Under Soke Kitagawa’s leadership, SANKUKAI has expanded into a globally recognized Karate institution.

Technical excellence

  • a. Authentic certification from Japan

  • b. Unified training curriculum

  • c. Regular international seminars

What Makes SANKUKAI Unique?

  1. Lineage-based techniques directly inherited from Asai Sensei.

  2. Whiplash style, soft-hard transitions, and natural body mechanics.

  3. Global structure, clear syllabus, and transparent ranking.

  4. A strong focus on Budo spirit, humility, and character formation.

Jimukyokucho Kyoshi Arun Dev – Strengthening SANKUKAI in Asia

Kyoshi Arun Dev, a 7th Dan Black Belt (SANKUKAI) and internationally respected Karate educator, serves as the Jimukyokucho  of SANKUKAI-Asia and the Secretary General of the World Headquarters.


Key Contributions


  • Leading SANKUKAI’s operations across India, Sri Lanka, UAE, and multiple Asian countries

  • Organizing international seminars, grading exams, and instructor training

  • Promoting traditional Karate values aligned with Soke’s vision

  • Building a strong network of dojos under disciplined and unified standards

  • Representing Asia in Japan during technical training & administrative meetings


Under his leadership, SANKUKAI Asia has grown into one of the most organized Karate bodies in the region.(

Japan Certification: Authentic Kyu & Dan Grading

One of SANKUKAI’s strongest pillars is its Japan-based certification system, ensuring that every rank—whether Kyu or Dan—comes directly from Japan

 

Why This Matters

  • 1. Ensures global recognition of ranks

  • 2. Maintains high technical standards

  • 3. Prevents dilution of Karate quality

  • 4. Connects every student to authentic lineage

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How It Works

  1. Students undergo examinations conducted by certified instructors.

  2. All evaluation sheets, videos (when required), and documents are sent to Japan.

  3. Certificates are issued by the World Headquarters, bearing Soke’s official seal.

  4. Dan ranks are additionally registered in the Japanese global black belt database.

This system protects the purity of the art and ensures fairness, transparency, and international value.

Annual Japan Training & Samurai Tour Program

Every year, SANKUKAI organizes a Japan Training & Tour Program, allowing students and instructors to train directly under Soke and senior Japanese instructors.

 

SANKUKAI Activities in India & Around the World

SANKUKAI runs a wide range of programs and events to nurture students and instructors:

In India

  • National seminars

  • DAN camps

  • KYU gradings

  • Inter-dojo championships

  • Technical workshops on kata, kumite, and bunkai

  • Self-defense programs for women and youth

  • Leadership & instructor development

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International Activities

  • Global instructor meet

  • Cross-country cultural exchange camps

  • Online technical platforms

  • International black belt testing

  • Annual world-level events hosted by Japan HQ

The organization is rapidly growing because of its discipline, professionalism, and global harmony.

Benefits of Affiliating Your Dojo / Organization / Individual Membership

Joining SANKUKAI World HQ brings immense value:

A. Technical Benefits

  • Direct connection to Japan HQ and Soke

  • Access to Asai-style advanced techniques

  • Standardized curriculum & syllabus

B. Certification Benefits

  • Japan-issued Kyu and Dan certificates

  • Instructor license & examiner license

  • Global ID registration

C. Training Benefits

  • Participation in Japan Training Program

  • Priority access to international seminars

  • Special instructor-only training under Kyoshi Arun Dev

D. Organizational Benefits

  • Use of SANKUKAI branding

  • Listing on the official website

  • Recognition as an official branch dojo

  • Training support, posters, materials, seminars

E. Growth & Networking

  • Build credibility in your region

  • Connect with dojos worldwide

  • Opportunities to host national/international events

F. For Individual Members

  • Train under a verified lineage

  • Earn globally valid ranks

  • Develop discipline, confidence, and character

Affiliation with SANKUKAI is not just joining an organization—it is becoming part of a historic lineage.

 

SANKUKAI today stands as one of the world’s most respected traditional Karate bodies—rooted in an unbroken lineage from Funakoshi → Nakayama → Asai → Soke Takeshi Kitagawa.
Its global presence continues to expand through the dedication of leaders like Kyoshi Arun Dev, the authenticity of Japan-backed certification, and the unity of its international family.

For dojos and practitioners seeking purity, discipline, leadership, and global recognition, SANKUKAI offers a complete pathway grounded in tradition and excellence.

IMPORTANT NOTE 

SANKUKAI strictly recognizes only the certificates and ranks issued directly from its World Headquarters . Any certificate produced, issued, or claimed from outside the official HQ will be considered invalid and unauthorized. SANKUKAI is a trademarked and legally protected organization; therefore, any misuse, fabrication, or unauthorized issuance of certificates will be treated as a serious violation and may result in legal consequences as per trademark protection laws.