Sadaaki Sakagami Soke is the 4th generation head of Itosu-ryu Karatedo. Born in Osaka in 1942 as the eldest son of Ryusho Sakagami, he has dedicated his life to the mastery and propagation of traditional Japanese martial arts.
Beginning his training at the age of 12 under his father, Ryusho Sakagami, Sadaaki studied both Karatedo and Kendo. His early dedication was evident when he performed Kata at the Head Dojo's establishment ceremony in 1956. In 1964, he expanded his martial horizons by studying Ryukyu Kobudo under the legendary Master Shinken Taira.
During the late 1960s, Sakagami emerged as a premier Kata champion, taking top honors at the Rengokai Western Japan Tournament (1966), the Itosu-kai National Championships (1967), and the Rengokai National Championships (1969).
In 1973, his father bestowed upon him the Itosu-ryu Shihan certification, and he began his career as a full-time instructor at the Hombu Dojo. By 1975, he began traveling internationally to share the teachings of Itosu-kai worldwide.
On April 30, 1994, he succeeded to the position of 4th Itosu-ryu Soke and became President of Japan Karatedo Itosu-kai. His technical expertise is recognized by the highest levels of Japanese martial arts governance:
Beyond Karatedo, Soke Sakagami holds distinguished ranks in several other disciplines, reflecting the depth of his Budo knowledge:
He continues to lead the Itosu-ryu Karatedo International Federation (IKIF), faithfully refining the katas passed down through the generations of Anko Itosu, Kenwa Mabuni, and Ryusho Sakagami.
Courtesy Japan Karate-Do Itosu-Kai
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