Introduction
In 1972, Master Kiichi Sasayama arrived in Israel and for the first time, Shitoryu style was introduced in Israel.
Many of today's known karate Senseis in Israel were Master Sasayama's students in the past in the beginning of their careers.
Shitokai is the largest world organization in the world with more than 120 countries members.
The president of the World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation, Master Genzo Iwata (8th Dan), visited Israel for the first time in 2005 and since then maintains a close relationship with the organization in Israel and often visits together with Master Kiichi Sasayama.
In Israel, the Shitokai Israel Association is the representative of the world organization in Israel.
Israel's Shitokai is headed by Shihan Gidon Schwabe (7th Dan), a senior student of Master Sasayama.
Gidon Schwabe, owner of the Shogun Martial Arts clubs and with over 30 years of experience in training, is the general manager of the Israel Karate Federation and a WKF Karate referee.
Under Gidon, thousands of trainees, instructors and coaches were raised and educated.
For 25 years, Master Sasayama developed generations of karate students in Israel until in 1996 he returned back to Japan.
After a period of reorganizing, the organization was appointed in 2003 by Shihan Gidon Schwabe to lead the organization in Israel.
At the same time, Master Sasayame continue to visit Israel for many years and to keep his karate heritage he left in Israel.
Shitokai honbo doju in Tokyo features pictures of Master Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shitoryu Karate) and Master Manzo Iwata (Shitokai first president).
Master Genzo Iwata (son of Manzo) who grew up with all the great masters of the style in his father's dojo, today leads the world federation.
The Leaders of Shitokai
Shihan Gidon Schwabe
7th Dan, Chairman of Shitokai Israel
born 1972
Kanchou Genzo Iwata
8th Dan
President - World Shitoryu Karatedo Federation
born 1958
Shihan Kiichi Sasayama
6th Dan, Founder and President of Shitokai Israel
born 1948