A Lifetime Dedicated to Karate
Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō is delighted to share the wonderful news that Hanshi Shiro Asano and Masaru Miura Sensei were awarded the rank of Jū Dan (10th Dan) during the Opening Ceremony of the 16th SKIEF European Championships in Crete on 26th April 2025.
The award was presented on behalf of SKIF by Kanchō Nobuaki Kanazawa and Murakami Shuseki, recognising a lifetime devoted to the study, teaching, and promotion of Shotokan Karate.
Asano Hanshi was unable to attend the ceremony in person, and his son, Susumu Asano, proudly accepted the certificate on his behalf.
For the SKIF-GB family, this was a moment of immense pride. The award reflects decades of unwavering dedication, leadership, and service to karate, both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Few individuals have had such a profound impact on the development of traditional Shotokan Karate across generations of students and instructors.
Susumu Asano with Asano Hanshi's JuDan
A Shared Honour
The ceremony also recognised another outstanding contributor to international Shotokan Karate, as Masaru Miura Sensei was likewise awarded the rank of Jū Dan (10th Dan).
Miura Sensei has dedicated his life to the development and teaching of Karate-Dō and is highly respected throughout the international SKIF community. His promotion, alongside that of Asano Hanshi, provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate two individuals whose decades of commitment have helped shape and preserve the traditions and standards of Shotokan Karate across the world.
For those present at the Opening Ceremony, it was a memorable occasion that recognised not only technical excellence, but also a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and service to the art of Karate-Dō.
A Kyōtō Perspective
For many members of Kyōtō, Asano Hanshi’s influence extends far beyond certificates and titles.
Every grade that Chief Instructor Steve Ashby achieved—from 9th Kyu through to Nidan—was examined by Asano Hanshi. Like countless karateka throughout the UK, many of our technical standards, traditions, and dojo values can be traced directly back to his teaching.
Students who train in SKIF-GB today continue to benefit from the foundations he helped establish. His emphasis on strong basics, correct etiquette, humility, and lifelong learning remains evident throughout the organisation.
While karate often focuses on the next grading, the next competition, or the next training session, occasions such as this remind us of the individuals who dedicate their entire lives to ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to train and develop.
More Than a Rank
The rank of Jū Dan is not simply a measure of technical ability. It represents a lifetime of commitment to karate-do, leadership, character, and service to others.
For those who have trained under Asano Hanshi over the years, this recognition feels both fitting and richly deserved.
On behalf of everyone at Kyōtō Shotokan Karate Dōjō, we offer our sincere congratulations to Asano Hanshi on this remarkable achievement and thank him for the guidance, inspiration, and example he has provided to so many karateka throughout his distinguished career.
Congratulations, Hanshi.
Oss.
Shiro Asano Hanshi with 9th Dan Certificate
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