Master Okazaki

Teruyuki Okazaki was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan in 1931. His study of martial arts began at elementary school age with Judo and Kendo. In 1947, when it was time to enter Takushoku University, he decided to train in Aikdo, with Master Ueshiba, and karate, with Master Funakoshi. In time, the decision was made to devote all of his time to karate. After graduating in 1953, and until his appointment to the United States in 1961, Sensei Okazaki continued the growth of his influence in Shotokan Karate. He taught Shotokan at the University, as well as Japan's self-defense academy, traveled with Masters Funakoshi and Nakayama giving demonstrations, teaching, and studying other martial arts, and was hired by the Japan Karate Association to coach the first instructor trainee program.

The short assignment to the U.S. has now lasted over 40 years. His organization, the International Shotokan Karate Federation, is the largest outside of Japan, providing more evidence of his profound expertise as a karate-ka (holding the 10th degree) and as a world renowned leader in Shotokan karate.