KEN SAKIO - Japan Karate Federation Shito-Kai President Emeritus

Master Ken Sakio was born in Tokyo, Japan on January 2, 1922. His introduction to the martial arts began at the age of eleven. As a young boy, he began practicing the art of Judo and Kendo as part of the middle school curriculum in 1933.

After successfully graduating from middle school Sakio Ken enrolled at the prestigious Toyo University in 1939. He immediately joined the newly formed Toyo University Karate Club and began receiving instruction Karate from famed Okinawan Tode Master, Motobu Choki, who was the chief instructor at the University during that time.

It was after Master Motobu Choki's decision to return to Okinawa, during 1939, that Master Motobu highly recommended his good friend and fellow Okinawan Tode Master, Mabuni Kenwa to act as his replacement at the Toyo University Karate Club.

Ken Sakio

(Left to right) Sakio Sensei, Master Mabuni, Master Funakoshi, Osaka city.

During this period from July 1939, Ken Sakio studied with Master Mabuni. Later during 1940-41, he travelled to Okinawa where he received Karate instruction from a few other Okinawan masters such as Miyagi Chojun (founder of Goju Ryu Karate-do) Master Chibana Choshin (founder of Kobayashi Ryu Karate-do) and Master Gusukuma (Shimpan) Shiroma (direct student of Grand Master Itosu Anko of Shuri).

In 1942, Sakio sensei was honoured with a 'Renshi' teaching license issued by the most highly respected Japanese Martial Arts Organization responsible for certifying all the martial arts, the Dai Nippon Buto-Kai.

By 1949, Sakio sensei had opened his own Shito-ryu dojo, the Seifukan under the supervision and with permission of master Mabuni Kenwa. He also became the karate instructor at the Shimizudani High Scool Karate Club as well as the Outemon High School Karate Club.

By 1969, Sakio sensei was appointed a representative of the Zen Nippon Karate-do Renmei (Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organizations-FAJKO) and a senior 'A' class Referee.

Sakio Sensei performing kata

Sakio Ken sensei was honoured for his continuous outstanding contribution to the martial arts by receiving the 'Distinguished Service Award' from the Nihon Budo Kyougi Kai (Japan Budo Council) during 1992.

In 1993, Master Sakio was appointed the 'President of the Japan Karate-do Shito-Kai as well as President of the World Shito-Ryu Karate-do Federation after the very unexpected death of Master Iwata Manzo.

In 1994 Master Sakio was awarded 9th degree level of black belt from the Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF).

Courtesy Sensei A Tanzadeh.