Shihan Akio Minakami
Shihan Akio Minakami
Shihan means "master instructor" and only those with the highest levels of skill in both the art of Karate and the vocation of teaching, are awarded this honor. Shihan Minakami is a dedicated and enthusiastic practitioner and teacher of Karatedo he is also:
- President of Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai USA
- The first person to receive unanimous approval from the governing body of Karatedo in Japan, for certification as Shihan.
- 8th Dan, Karate, from Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai
- 7th Dan, Karate, from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization
- 5th Dan, Chinen Yamanni Ryu Bojutsu, under Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD)
- 3rd Dan, Kendo
- 1st Dan, Judo
In 1983 Shihan Minakami received his Shihan Certificate from both Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai and from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization - FAJKO. The Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization is the governing body for Karate in Japan. Shihan Minakami was the first individual ever to receive a unanimous passing grade, meaning all 11 Masters (representing the 4 major styles) on the examining board, gave him their approval. This is an amazing honor for which he will always be known.
Shihan Minakami founded the Minakami Karate Dojo, in Seattle, Washington, in 1985. Shihan has been teaching Karate in Seattle ever since.
It is Shihan's goal to teach traditional Japanese Karate and to pass his knowledge on to dedicated students who will learn and enjoy the techniques and attitudes of the true martial artist. He pursues this goal teaching at his Seattle Karate dojo, and also by traveling the world to teach martial arts seminars and perform demonstrations.