Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke: A Legendary Karate Master
Born in 1931 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke began practicing karate as a student at Takushoku University. After graduating, he became an instructor for the Japan Karate Association (JKA). As one of the most distinguished Karateka, he earned numerous titles in competition, notably winning first place in kumite at the first Japan Karate Championship in 1957. He continued his success by claiming top honors in both kumite and kata at the second Japan Karate Championship the following year. On one occasion, he won the finals despite nursing a broken wrist from an earlier event. He became the first Karateka to win the All Japan Karate Championship.
Although Kanazawa Soke initially trained in Judo during his early years, he took up karate while at university under Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama, the late headmaster of JKA Shotokan.
Kanazawa Soke was one of the privileged Karateka to have studied directly under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the renowned Okinawan schoolteacher who introduced karate to mainland Japan from Okinawa and founded the Shotokan style.
Kanazawa Soke’s career as a chief instructor began in 1960 when he was invited to teach in Hawaii. He later taught throughout the United States and Europe. In 1978, he established the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF), which has grown to become the world’s largest Shotokan Karate association under one Supreme Master, with over 4 million members in more than 130 countries.
SKIF was founded in 1978 by Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, who studied directly under Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate-Do. Prior to founding SKIF, Kanazawa Soke served as the Director of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Japan Karate Association. Recognized by the Japanese government as a Specified Non-Profit Organization, SKIF has expanded significantly since its inception and now includes affiliated groups in over 130 countries, with millions of members worldwide.
The philosophy of Shotokan Karate-Do is rooted in the traditional spirit of Budo, emphasizing character perfection through rigorous training and discipline. In addition to traditional philosophy, SKIF also promotes the mental and physical growth of youth and the peaceful international exchange of friendship through training and competition
Hanshi Sameer Najjar with SKIF Founder Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke
Sensei Saneesh, Sensei Afsal (Masters Founders) and Sensei Shabeer (Chief Instructor UAE) with Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa (Chief Instructor and President) of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF)
Foundation of SKIF in the United Arab Emirates Main Dojo and GHQ: Kodokan Martial Arts & Fitness
The Honbu Dojo of SKIF in the United Arab Emirates was established in the Emirate of Ajman in 1983 by Shihan M. Sameer Najjar under the name Kodokan Martial Arts & Fitness. Since its inception, it has grown to become one of the most unique and pioneering Karate and Martial Arts organizations in the UAE. The headquarters remain in Ajman, with branches across the country, including Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Kodokan Martial Arts & Fitness is recognized as one of the first and most prominent martial arts centers in the UAE. The Chief Instructor and proprietor, Shihan Sameer Najjar, is a pioneering figure in the world of Karate, both in the Middle East and the Arab countries. He is considered one of the earliest Karate instructors in the region, having started his karate journey in Damascus, Syria.
Kodokan Martial Arts in Ajman has been reformed and renovated under the management of Masters Martial Arts
Hanshi Sameer Najjar - A Pioneer in Middle Eastern Karate
Hanshi Sameer Najjar is a distinguished martial artist and one of the pioneering Karate instructors in the Middle East and Arab countries. His remarkable journey in Karate began in 1965 in Damascus, Syria, where he trained under the late Heidiki Okamoto Sensei. He also received intensive guidance from the legendary Masatoshi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of JKA, during his early training.
In the late 1970s, Hanshi Najjar started teaching Karate in Damascus and Beirut, inspiring countless students. After completing his university education in Damascus and Lebanon (1974/1975), he moved to the UAE in 1980, where he established his own martial arts center in Ajman (1983). His centers expanded throughout the UAE, including Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Since 1986, Hanshi Najjar has been affiliated with SKIF (Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation), following the teachings of Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa. He earned his 8th Dan (Hachi Dan) from SKIF in 2018 and was honored with the Hanshi title in 2019. Throughout his career, he attended multiple advanced training sessions globally, including in Zurich, Taipei, and Japan.
Hanshi Najjar is also a prolific author, known for his books on Karate, self-defense, and fitness. His most notable works include “The Healing Power in Karate-Do”, exploring Karate as a tool for health and healing, and “The Complete Guide: Practical & Scientific Karate”, which serves as a comprehensive manual for training and grading.
Today, Hanshi Sameer Najjar continues to be a respected figure in the world of Karate, dedicating his life to promoting the art and its values across the Middle East and beyond
Foundation of Masters Martial Arts
Masters Martial Arts was founded in the UAE and opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The institute was established by Sensei Afsal Ibrahim, Sensei Saneesh Ananthoth, and Sensei Shameer, and has since expanded across the United Arab Emirates, with branches now available in Dubai and Ajman. In 2023, Masters Martial Arts opened its first international branch in Qatar.
The founders, Sensei Afsal Ibrahim, Sensei Saneesh Ananthoth, and Sensei Shameer, each have over 25 years of experience in teaching various martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and Kalaripayattu. Their extensive experience and dedication to martial arts training have made Masters Martial Arts a respected name in the region.
Currently, Masters Martial Arts operates three branches in Abu Dhabi—located on Salam Street, Muroor Road, and Khalifa Street. There is also a branch in Ajman, situated in Rashidiya 2 near Ladies Park. In Qatar, a newly opened branch in Al Mansoura marks the second branch in the country, reflecting the growing presence and demand for high-quality martial arts training across the region.
Kung Fu at Masters Martial Arts: Affiliated with YSK Academy
Masters Martial Arts is proud to offer authentic Kung Fu training through our affiliation with YSK Academy of Martial Arts Private Limited. Established in 2014, YSK Academy is recognized for its dedication to preserving traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, while also incorporating modern martial arts techniques such as Wushu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Boxing, and Kickboxing. The academy’s headquarters are located in Pattambi, Kerala, and it operates under the Government of India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs
YSK Academy is renowned for its collaboration with the Shaolin Temple Culture Center in China, ensuring that students receive the most authentic and pure form of Chinese martial arts. Through this affiliation, Masters Martial Arts brings the same level of excellence and tradition to our students, helping them gain comprehensive skills in both traditional and contemporary Kung Fu styles.
Leadership and Legacy
The academy was founded and is led by Dr. Shifu Shabeer Babu, a distinguished martial artist who began his journey in 1997-98.
After extensive training under eminent Indian masters, Shifu Shabeer traveled to the Shaolin Temple in China in 2014 to advance his studies. As a direct disciple of the Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yong Xin, he earned the title Shi Yan Zhu (34th generation) and trained under masters Shi Yan Bi and Shi Yan Long. He also holds a 6th Duan Wei certificate from the Deng Feng Shaolin Wushu Association of China and a Doctor of Letters degree from the International Tamil University (2018).
Shifu Shabeer’s expertise spans Zen meditation, Shaolin history, Qi Gong, and various Kung Fu styles, including modern Wushu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and Hung Kuen. As a passionate martial artist and instructor, he has represented the Indian Kung Fu team in international Wushu Kung Fu championships, winning numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Training Opportunities and Global Reach
Under the guidance of YSK Academy, Masters Martial Arts provides students with opportunities to participate in state, national, and international seminars and competitions. The academy is known for organizing national and state-level championship seminars, promoting the widespread popularity of traditional Shaolin Kung Fu.
By partnering with YSK Academy, Masters Martial Arts upholds the highest standards of Kung Fu training, blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques, and offering students a pathway to martial excellence and personal growth
Kalaripayattu at Masters Martial Arts: A Legacy of PTM Kalari
At Masters Martial Arts, we are proud to carry forward the rich legacy of PTM Kalari Pavukandy, a center renowned for its commitment to preserving and promoting the ancient art of Kalaripayattu, Kalari Marma, and Ayurveda. Our approach to teaching Kalaripayattu is deeply rooted in the traditional practices passed down by Guru Sri P. Moidu Gurukkal, the esteemed founder of PTM Kalari.
Guru Sri P. Moidu Gurukkal dedicated his life to maintaining the authenticity and purity of Kalaripayattu, blending age-old wisdom with modern methodologies. His holistic teaching approach emphasized not only martial techniques but also the integration of Kalari Marma and Ayurveda, fostering both physical and mental well-being
Inspired by his teachings, Masters Martial Arts continues to uphold the core principles established at PTM Kalari: respect for tradition, dedication to practice, and service to society. Our instructors, trained under this legacy, bring the same passion and commitment to every class, ensuring that students experience the true essence of Kalaripayattu while building strength, discipline, and resilience.