The Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) with headquarters in Tokyo, was founded in July, 2000 by the late Tetsuhiko Asai. JKS is one of the most prestigious karate organizations in the world and is best known for its Instructor Intern Program which is unique in the world.
TETSUHIKO ASAI
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Asai Shihan graduated from Takushoku University and trained under the direction of Gichin Funakoshi and Masatoshi Nakayama becoming the Technical Director of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Asai Shihan traveled introducing karate in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and America. In 2000 he founded the JKS.
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He was best known for his outstanding skills, versatility, and magical technique. His karate was not only good, but also different focusing on the relaxation and channelization of internal energy.
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Asai Shihan passed away on August 15, 2006
MASAO KAGAWA
Considered as one of the best masters in the world and highly respected for his kata performances and kumite skills, Masao Kagawa is currently the Chief Instructor of JKS. Kagawa Sensei is a long-time Head Coach of Teikyo University Karate Team and also a former Head Coach of Japan National Karate Team.
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As a coach he has trained numerous world-level karate practitioners and instructors at JKS and also at Teikyo. He has also been contributing to Japan Karate Federation and is the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the World Karate Federation (WKF).
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