Katsumi Okubo
Chairman, All Japan Seishinkai Karate Federation
Founder of ISKF・Head of Seishin-ryu Kenpo Karate-do
Profile
Began studying karate in 1972. Practiced with the Karate Club at Kotoni Technical High School and the Okinawa Kobudo Club at Tokai University, where he served as captain in 1979.
In 1977, he was appointed by Headmaster Kazuo Kikuchi as the youngest branch chief in the history of Seishin-ryu, establishing the Sapporo Branch.
In addition to karate, he studied aikido during university and jukendo (bayonet fighting), unarmed combat, and jujutsu while serving in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He received a third-degree rank from the headmaster.
During his service, he established the Engaru and Rumoi branches of Seishin-ryu.
Following the death of the headmaster, he reorganized the Sapporo Branch in 1986 and established the permanent training hall, Seishinkan Okubo Dojo.
Initially, he joined the Japan Seishin-ryu Karate-do Federation, headed by the former vice-director of the headquarters, but later withdrew and joined the Seishin-ryu Karate-do Association, an umbrella organization for Seishin-ryu groups, and continued activities centered in Sapporo.
In 2004, the organization evolved from a private neighborhood dojo into the specified nonprofit organization All Japan Seishinkai, which received certification from Hokkaido and was registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
As the number of branches expanded, he established the All Japan Seishinkai Karate Federation. In 2011, following the establishment of the first overseas branch in Sri Lanka, he founded the international organization Seishin-ryu International Karate Federation (ISKF).
In 2012, he was awarded 10th Dan and the title of Soshi (second-generation successor) by the association, becoming a fully independent organization.
He holds 8th Dan recognized by the National Bogu Karate Federation, 8th Dan recognized by the Toko Association, and 10th Dan recognized by WUKO (World Union of Karate-do Organizations). He has also received certification as Japan Chief Instructor from FIKM, an honorary membership from
Shito-ryu Sanshinkan International,
and an honorary 10th Dan from the World Kobayashi Shorin-ryu Karate Kobudo Association (USA).
Drawing on techniques and philosophies acquired through his own training in various martial arts, he subsequently named his style "Seishin-ryu Kenpo Karate-do."
He currently serves as the head and chairman of ISKF, which has more than 4,000 members across approximately 150 dojos in Japan and overseas.
Career
Served at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Engaru Camp and Rumoi Camp. After returning home, he joined Suzuki Jihan Hokkaido Co., Ltd. After working in sales, he served as manager of the Ebetsu Sales Office and the East Sales Office at headquarters, eventually becoming head of the Sales Planning Group at the head office, where he was responsible for the company's IT modernization, events, and advertising.
After leaving the company, he served as a director of the Toko Association Foundation. He currently runs a martial arts equipment shop (Toyo Budo-gu) alongside his karate activities.
Organizations & Affiliations
Advisor, World Uechi-ryu Karate Federation,
Chairman of IKMA, honorary member of Shito-ryu Sanshinkan, and others.
He has also served as advisor to the National Bogu Karate Federation and the Okinawa Kobayashi-ryu Karate Kobudo Federation, director of the Hokkaido Mainichi Culture Association, and
director of WRBBOF.
He has also served as WUKO-ad representative for East Asia and advisor to the Pan-American Karate Federation.
