SEIKICHI IHA
Grand Master, Hanshi 10th Dan
Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan

Logo of Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do Association
President, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
IHA DOJO
Original Okinawa Karate
2018 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, Michigan 48912
USA
517.482.3217



Iha Sensei focuses on furthering Shidokan Shorinryu Karatedo as the ultimate art of self-defense.  A primary goal is to harmoniously work with all Okinawan karate styles to provide a solid understanding and appreciation of this important cultural art.  He frequently says, "Friendship and cooperation are most important in karate."



The Tookachi Celebration:

In August 2019, over 200 of Iha Sensei's students and friends from around the world traveled to Okinawa, Japan, to celebrate his Tookachi.  What exactly is the Tookachi?   It’s a person’s 88th birthday/birth year, and is called “Tookachi” in Okinawa, and “Beiju” in mainland Japan.  It is one of the two biggest birthday celebrations, the other being the 97th anniversary, also known as “Kajimayaa.”  The Tookachi celebration typically takes place on the 8th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.  Among the many other events that took place were dojo demonstrations, training seminars and visitations to several very special destinations in Okinawa, including the dojo of Iha Sensei's teacher, Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira.  One of the very exciting events that occurred was recreating the picture of Gusukuma Sensei teaching a group of 132 in front of the Shuri Castle... with Iha Sensei teaching us, of course!


Okinawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset
Living Treasure
On May 19, 2020, the Okinawa provincial government announced six additional certified holders for the Okinawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Asset Holders, sometimes referred to as “Living Treasures” in the “Okinawa karate and kobujutsu” category.  Included in this is our Sensei, Seikichi Iha, Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association President, Hanshi 10th dan.  The purpose of this award is to preserve and pass on the traditional culture of Okinawa that has been preserved and passed down by our predecessors.

The official presentation of this award will take place in mid-August, delivered and presented by the Governor of Okinawa, Denny Tamaki.
  The 2020 awards are the fourth set of awards for martial artists as Intangible Cultural Asset Holders.
 

• In 1997, this award was first given to 3 karate and kobudo masters.
• In 2000, an additional 6 masters were recognized, including Iha's teacher, Grand Master
Katsuya Miyahira.
• In 2013, an additional 5 karate and kobudo masters were recognized.
• In 2020, the latest 6 making a total of 20 to have been recognized with this prestigious award.

Iha Sensei shared that this is the first time this award has been issued to someone living outside of Okinawa
We all know the sacrifices Iha Sensei made over 50 years ago, leaving Okinawa to spread the way of Shidokan in the Philippines, then here in North America.  With $200 in his pocket and knowing very little about our culture, look at the impact he has made!


Iha Sensei:
  "I hope for my students to...

Iha Sensei focuses on furthering Shidokan Shorinryu Karatedo as the ultimate art of self-defense.  A primary goal is to harmoniously work with all Okinawan karate styles to provide a solid understanding and appreciation of this important cultural art.  He frequently says, "Friendship and cooperation are most important in karate."


Iha Sensei biography & interview.

Synopsis of Iha Sensei's background.

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