Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation Ireland

About SKIF Ireland

In 1971, the establishment of the Irish Karate Union took place. Among its founding members were Kyoshi Neil Sargent (8th Dan), the late Sensei Abe McCarthy (8th Dan), and Sensei Sean Sargent (7th Dan). During that time, the organisation was affiliated with the JKA/KUGB. However 1978, when Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa founded the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF), the organisation parted ways with the JKA/KUGB and joined SKIF.

In 1978, the formation of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation Ireland occurred. This organisation has played a significant role as the largest karate organisation in Ireland, boasting many clubs nationwide. The renowned World Supreme Instructor, The Late Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan), has visited Ireland biannually, conducting seminars and grading sessions in Cork, Dublin, Clonmel and several other venues. Numerous notable instructors have visited Ireland, including:

  • Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa (10th Dan)
  • Rikuta Kogo Hanshi (9th Dan)
  • Dr Philip Kwok Hanshi (9th Dan)
  • Nobuaki Kanazawa Kancho (8th Dan)
  • Manabu Murakami Shuseki Shihan (8th Dan)
  • Shinji Tanaka Sensei (7th Dan)
  • Ryusho Suzuki Sensei (7th Dan)
  • Fumitoshi Kanazawa Sensei (6th Dan)
  • Daizo Kanazawa Sensei (6th Dan)
  • Hiyori Kanazawa Sensei (4th Dan)
  • Toni Racca Kyoshi (8th Dan)
  • Eugen Landgraf Kyoshi (8th Dan)

In 1994, SKIF Ireland hosted the SKIF Japan National Team, featuring Manabu Murakami Shuseki Shihan, Ryusho Suzuki Sensei, Iwate Sensei, Nakamura Sensei, and Gomi Sensei.