Masters of Shotokan Karate
Honoring the pioneers who shaped and preserved traditional Shotokan Karate across generations.
Master Gichin Funakoshi
1868 – 1957
Founder of Shotokan Karate. Introduced karate to mainland Japan and emphasized character development as the true purpose of martial arts.
Master Masatoshi Nakayama
1913 – 1987
Chief instructor of the JKA who systemized Shotokan training and helped spread karate globally.
Master Teruyuki Okazaki
1931 – 2020
Founder of the ISKF. Brought Shotokan Karate to North America and built one of the largest traditional karate organizations in the world.
Master Yutaka Yaguchi
1932 – 2023
Senior ISKF instructor who trained generations of competitors and helped expand karate in North America.
Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki
Founder of the International Shotokan Karate Federation and a lifelong ambassador of traditional karate.
Master Okazaki began his karate training in 1947 and later became a key figure in the Japan Karate Association, helping to develop its instructor training program.
In 1961, he was sent to the United States to spread Shotokan Karate. He established a dojo in Philadelphia, which became ISKF Headquarters, and founded the ISKF in 1977.
Under his leadership, the ISKF grew into one of the largest traditional karate organizations in the world, with thousands of members across many countries.
Master Okazaki was awarded the rank of 10th Dan and dedicated his life to promoting peace, discipline, and understanding through karate.
Legacy
Master Okazaki dedicated his life to spreading Shotokan karate-do and promoting the philosophy of Master Funakoshi through the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun.
His teachings emphasized humility, lifelong learning, and maintaining a beginner’s mindset — principles that continue to guide ISKF practitioners around the world today.