GENZO IWATA - Vice-Chairman Japan Karate Federation Shito-Kai

SENSEI GENZO IWATA was born on October 9, 1958 in Saitama-ken, Japan. He began his Shito-ryu Karate-do studies at the age of 12 at home, under the expert guidance of his famous father, Master Manzo Iwata.

Genzo Sensei became very proficient in Shito-ryu Karate over the next few years and, in 1978, began accompanying and assisting his father to demonstrate the true essence Shito-ryu Karate-do around the world.

In 1980, Genzo Sensei demonstrated Shito-ryu Kata Seienchin and Bassai-dai in a video produced by the Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organizations (F.A.J.K.O.) and, in 1978, after meeting the daughter of Sensei Shoko Sato (who introduced Shito-ryu Karate-do in Caracas, Venezuela in 1968), they were married in 1981.

A short time later in 1982, Genzo Sensei received his 5th Dan in Shito-ryu Karate-do and, in October 1984, announced the birth of his son, Yuzo.

Genzo Iwata (left)

Genzo Iwata next to portrait of
his father Manzo Iwata

During 1986, the book " Shito-ryu Karate" by Master Manzo Iwata and Genzo Sensei was published and, in 1988, Genzo Sensei received the "Shihan" licence from the All Japan Karate-do Shito-kai Federation.

He was appointed as a Standing Director of the World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation (WSKF) in 1993, and his father, Master Manzo Iwata, became the first WSKF President. Tragically, in June 1993, Master Manzo Iwata passed away.

In April 1997, Genzo Iwata Sensei was appointed Chief Instructor at the Honbu Dojo, by the World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation. Also, in 1997, Genzo sensei was invited to come to Canada to further develop the Canadian Shito-kai group headed by sensei Sam Moledzki.

During August 1998, Genzo Iwata sensei's busy schedule included a visit to Canada for the first time to conduct seminars for sensei Moledzki and later, another visit to Monterrey, Mexico for the 14th Pan American Shito-ryu Karate-do Championships.

Text courtesy of Sam Moledzki Shito-Kai www.shitoryu.org
Images courtesy of Sensei A Tanzadeh Shito-Kai www.shitokai.com