Introduction

 

Sensei Hitoshi Kasuya is a globally respected figure in the world of Shotokan Karate, known for his technical expertise, innovative training methods, and leadership in the martial arts community. As the founder and Chief Instructor of the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF), he has dedicated his life to advancing the art while preserving its traditional roots. His career spans decades, encompassing remarkable achievements as a competitor, instructor, and organizational leader.

 

Early Life and Karate Journey

 

Born in 1948, Hitoshi Kasuya began his formal karate training at Hosei University in Tokyo, where he quickly established himself as a top martial artist. His dedication and skill led him to become the captain of the university’s karate club, a role that refined his leadership abilities and deepened his understanding of Shotokan’s principles.

 

His talent caught the attention of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), and he was selected to join its prestigious Instructors’ Special Training Course—a rigorous program designed to produce elite karate instructors. In 1973, he successfully completed the course, solidifying his place among the top karatekas of his generation.

 

Competitive Achievements and SKIF Years

 

Kasuya Sensei became a key figure in international karate competitions throughout the 1970s and 1980s, representing Japan on the world stage. His competitive success includes:

 

1975 International Amateur Karate Federation (IAKF) World Championships (USA): Part of the gold medal-winning team in both kata and kumite.

 

1976 Asian Pacific Karate Championships (Hong Kong): Won the individual kumite title.

 

1977 IAKF World Championships (Japan): Once again contributed to Japan’s victories in team kata and team kumite.

 

1985 Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) World Championships (Germany): Became individual kumite champion.

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During this time, Sensei Kasuya became a key figure within the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF), an organization founded by Hirokazu Kanazawa after his departure from the JKA. SKIF emphasized a balanced approach to karate, integrating traditional training with a strong competitive element. Under Kanazawa Sensei’s leadership, Kasuya played a vital role in developing SKIF’s technical curriculum, competition strategies, and instructor development programs.

 

His deep understanding of kata, kumite, and kihon allowed him to refine his own methods, setting him apart as one of the most technically advanced karate instructors in the world. He also worked closely with Kanazawa Sensei to spread Shotokan Karate internationally, traveling extensively to teach seminars and establish new dojos.

 

Founding the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF)

 

By 1990, after years of dedicated work within SKIF, Kasuya Sensei decided to establish his own organization—the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF). His goal was to blend traditional Shotokan techniques with modern biomechanical principles, creating a more efficient and dynamic approach to karate.

 

One of his major contributions to karate is the introduction of rotational dynamics in movement, enhancing power generation and fluidity in techniques. This approach distinguished WSKF from other Shotokan organizations, as it emphasized speed, explosiveness, and natural body mechanics rather than rigid, linear movement.

 

Under his leadership, WSKF rapidly expanded, growing into an internationally recognized organization with over 100 member countries. He remains deeply involved in instructor training and technical development, ensuring that WSKF continues to evolve while maintaining the traditional values of Shotokan Karate.

 

Teaching Philosophy and Vision

 

Beyond his technical contributions, Sensei Kasuya has always emphasized the philosophical and moral aspects of karate. He believes that karate is more than just a sport or a method of self-defence—it is a way of life that cultivates discipline, respect, and humility.

 

His teachings focus on:

 

• Respect and harmony: Encouraging karate as a means of uniting people across different cultures.
   

• Technical precision: Refining movements to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
   

• Personal growth: Using karate as a tool for self-improvement, both physically and mentally.
   

He has been a vocal advocate for friendship, mutual understanding, and the rejection of prejudice and discrimination, aligning with the traditional Japanese philosophy of Budo.

 

Legacy and Influence

 

Now a 9th Dan black belt, Sensei Kasuya continues to travel globally, conducting seminars and training the next generation of karate instructors. His influence extends beyond just WSKF, as many karate practitioners around the world have integrated his methods into their own training.

 

His technical innovations, combined with his deep respect for Shotokan traditions, make him one of the most respected karate masters of the modern era. His contributions to SKIF, WSKF, and global Shotokan Karate ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire martial artists for generations to come.

 

Through his dedication, innovation, and leadership, Sensei Hitoshi Kasuya has cemented his place in karate history, shaping the future of Shotokan Karate while staying true to its fundamental principles.