The Loss of an ISKF Legend

Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki is one of the most well-known names in Shotokan karate. Training under Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Masatoshi Nakayama, he received his tenth degree black belt along with the admiration of just about every shotokan student. Coming to the United States from Japan in 1961, he settled down in Philadelphia, PA and founded the ISKF (international Shotokan Karate Federation). Formerly training with the JKA (Japan Karate Federation), Okazaki thought that the JKA might not have been conducting itself appropriately to the teachings of Funakoshi. In 2007, as chief instructor of the ISKF, Okazaki proposed the termination of the ISKF’s relationship with the JKA and became an independent federation.

Since then, the ISKF has grown to span across 28 Pan American countries and over 32 countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The vision that Master Okazaki had for the ISKF was to promote the teachings of the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun. These were written by Master Funakoshi not only as guides to practicing karate, but as a guide to everyday life as well. He viewed karate as a way to spread both peace and harmony, rather than violence and hate.

Everybody who is in the ISKF both idolizes and respects Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki. Those who have been lucky enough to meet him and tell him about how he inspired them will never forget the day they got to do so. Unfortunately, this legend has just recently passed away due to complications from COVID-19. On April 21st, 2020, the ISKF lost its biggest role model and the world lost a truly incredible man. Grand Master Teruyuki Okazaki will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him and idolized him. He had gotten to teach many students and touch the souls of every one of them with his knowledge and his practices will be passed on for years to come.

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