Kuniaki Nobukawa - Soke
Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai (International)
Kuniaki Nobukawa is the Founder and Soke of Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai (International), a recognized member organization of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF). He holds the distinguished ranks of JKF Official Hachi Dan
(8th Dan) and Ku Dan (9th Dan) in Shito-Ryu Karate-Do.Early Karate Journey – In 1960, at the age of 13, Kuniaki Nobukawa began learning the fundamentals of Karate-Do from a young neighbour who was already practicing the art.
His passion and dedication quickly developed, and in 1963, at the age of 16, he officially became a disciple of Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Seiku Kai, a lineage descending from Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Syukou Kai, founded under Chojiro Tani, one of the most respected disciples of Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate. By 1974, at the age of 27, Nobukawa Sensei was appointed head of the Inami Branch of Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Seiku Kai. Establishment of Renshikan – In 1988, at the age of 41, he withdrew from Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Seiku Kai for organizational reasons. Upon withdrawal, the Inami Branch received direct recognition from Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Syukou Kai. Nobukawa Sensei then renamed his association: Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai Syukou Kai – Renshikan – The name Renshikan signifies “to develop one’s skill with ambition.” Under his leadership, Renshikan rapidly expanded, producing many outstanding karateka. Several students became representatives in the National Sports Festival, All Japan Championships, and World Championships.
Advanced Study under Hayashi Teruo – Beginning in 1993, Kuniaki Nobukawa trained for five years under Master Teruo Hayashi, the world-renowned Soke of Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai, further deepening his technical and philosophical understanding of Karate-Do.Formation of Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai – After the passing of Chojiro Tani Soke in January 1998, Syukou Kai divided into two organizations. Renshikan aligned with the newly formed Shito-Ryu Syukou Kai Union, where Nobukawa Sensei served as Vice Executive President from its inception.In November 2000, he was awarded 8th Dan Hanshi in recognition of his exceptional skill, leadership, and contributions. Soon after, the organization became fully independent and was restructured as:Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai – Since then, it has continued to flourish both in Japan and internationally.International Growth – Today, the organization has established branches in countries such as:India, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Nepal, Malaysia, England, Scotland, Trinadad & Tobago, Philippines etc.. Additional Honors and Positions – Kuniaki Nobukawa Sensei has also held many prestigious appointments, including:Council Member, Hyogo Prefecture Karate-Do Association, Chairperson, Akashi City Karate-Do Association, Executive Board Member, Akashi City Amateur Sports AssociationShihan, Karate Club – Akashi National College of Technology, Shihan, Karate Club – Kobe Daiichi High SchoolHe is also officially qualified as: JKF National Kata Referee, JKF National Kumite Referee, Asian Karate Federation – Official Referee
Yoshiaki Nobukawa, Shihan
Present Leadership
Kaicho (President) - Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-ha Shitoryu Kai International
Yoshiaki Nobukawa is the current Kaicho (President) of the Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai International. He holds JKF Official 7th Dan (Nana Dan), 8th Dan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do, and the prestigious Kyoshi title from the Japan Karate Federation. He is internationally certified by the World Karate Federation and Japan Karate Federation as an A Grade Kata Judge, Kumite Judge, and Kumite Referee. He has officiated at World, Asian, and All Japan Karate Championships, contributing greatly to international Karate-Do development.
Takahiro Nobukawa, Shihan
Takahiro Nobukawa serves as the Acting Chairman of the organization. He holds JKF Official 7th Dan, 7th Dan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do, and the Kyoshi title from the Japan Karate Federation.Certified by both the World Karate Federation and Japan Karate Federation as a Kata Judge, Kumite Judge, and Kumite Referee, he is widely respected for his expertise in Kumite coaching, athlete development, and referee training. His students have achieved success in National and International Karate Championships.
Philosophy & Mission
Japan Karate-Do Nobukawa-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai is dedicated to preserving authentic Shito-Ryu traditions, developing strong character and discipline, producing skilled instructors and athletes, and promoting the true values of traditional Karate-Do worldwide.“Through Karate-Do, develop strength of body, discipline of mind, and character for life.”
