Shotokan Karate-do International Federation
Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF)
The Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) is one of the world’s leading traditional Shotokan karate organisations.
Founded in 1978 by Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan), SKIF was established to preserve and develop authentic Shotokan Karate, rooted in traditional budō principles while continuing to evolve technically.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SKIF operates as a truly global organisation, with member countries across all continents. It maintains a unified approach to grading, instruction, and technical standards worldwide.
Today, SKIF continues under the leadership of Nobuaki Kanazawa (8th Dan), ensuring continuity of the teachings and philosophy passed down from its founder.
A Global Structure – From Japan to Kyōtō
SKIF is structured as an international network, linking dojos across the world through a clear and recognised hierarchy.
World Level – SKIF (Japan)
- Provides:
- Technical direction and syllabus
- International instructor leadership
- Dan grade recognition worldwide
- Global events and seminars
This is the source of all technical standards within the organisation.
Continental Level – SKIF Europe (SKIEF)
- Oversees SKIF activity across Europe
- Coordinates:
- European Championships
- Instructor development
- Cross-country training standards
Europe plays a major role in the continued development of SKIF internationally.
National Level – SKIF-GB (Great Britain)
SKIF-GB is the recognised governing body for SKIF karate in the United Kingdom.
It is responsible for:
- National gradings and Dan recognition
- Instructor development
- Competitions and squad selection
- Hosting international instructors and seminars
SKIF-GB was led for many years by Shiro Asano (10th Dan), whose influence established strong technical standards across the UK.
Dojo Level – Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo (Bristol)
At a local level, Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo (橋頭) represents SKIF within the Bristol (BS11) area.
As an affiliated dojo:
- Students train to internationally recognised SKIF standards
- Gradings follow the official SKIF pathway
- Members have access to:
- Regional squad training
- National courses and competitions
- European and World-level opportunities
Training at Kyoto is therefore part of a structured progression pathway—from beginner through to advanced levels, with opportunities extending beyond the dojo.
Instructor Lineage
A defining strength of SKIF is its direct lineage to some of the most respected figures in modern karate.
At Kyōtō, this lineage is not just historical—it is actively maintained through ongoing instruction and connection to SKIF headquarters.
Sōke Hirokazu Kanazawa (1931–2019)
Founder of SKIF
Sōke Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan) was one of the most influential figures in Shotokan Karate.
A senior student of Gichin Funakoshi and later Masatoshi Nakayama, he became known for his exceptional technical ability and deep understanding of karate as both a martial art and a way of life.
His legacy emphasises:
- Natural, efficient movement
- Balance between tradition and evolution
- Karate as a lifelong discipline
Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa
Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa (8th Dan) continues the leadership of SKIF at a global level.
He ensures:
- Consistency of technical standards worldwide
- Ongoing development of instructors
- Continuation of SKIF’s traditional foundations
Kancho Manabu Murakami
SKIF Chief Instructor (GHQ)
Manabu Murakami serves as one of the senior technical leaders of SKIF, based at Honbu (Headquarters) in Japan.
As SKIF Chief Instructor, he plays a key role in:
- Delivering high-level international instruction
- Maintaining consistency in kata and kumite
- Supporting instructor development across member countries
Hanshi Shiro Asano (1943–2023)
Hanshi Shiro Asano (10th Dan) was one of the most influential figures in British Shotokan Karate.
Over several decades, he:
- Established strong technical standards within SKIF-GB
- Developed generations of instructors and competitors
- Delivered consistent, traditional instruction across the UK
Kyōtō’s lineage is directly connected through training and grading under Hanshi Asano.
SKIF Headquarters (GHQ) Instructors
SKIF is supported by a team of senior instructors based at Honbu (Headquarters) in Japan.
These instructors regularly travel internationally—including to the UK—to deliver seminars under SKIF-GB.
This ensures that:
- UK instructors and students receive direct teaching from Japan
- Technical standards remain aligned with SKIF Honbu
- There is a continuous connection between local dojos and global leadership
Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo – Our Lineage
Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dojo is directly connected to this international structure.
Chief Instructor Steve Ashby:
- Began training in 1984
- Graded under Hanshi Shiro Asano (10th Dan)
- Long-standing member of SKIF-GB
- Founded Kyoto Shotokan Karate Dojo in 1996
Through this lineage, Kyōtō students:
- Train to internationally recognised standards
- Progress through an established grading system
- Remain connected to a continuous line of instruction from Japan to the UK
Why This Matters
Being part of SKIF ensures that Kyōtō is not operating in isolation.
Instead, it is part of a global, structured system, where:
- Techniques and standards are consistent worldwide
- Grades are internationally recognised
- Students can progress from dojo level to international opportunities
- Knowledge is passed down through a clear and respected lineage
The Kyōtō Philosophy (橋頭 – Bridgehead)
Kyōtō (橋頭) means “bridgehead”—a point of connection.
At Kyōtō, this reflects our role within SKIF:
- A bridge between tradition and modern training
- A connection between Japan and the UK
- A place where students begin and continue their journey in karate
At 橋頭, we stand at the point where that journey begins—and where it can continue as far as the student chooses to take it.