Grand Master Shaswat Kumar honored with top Japanese martial arts awards
Grand Master Shaswat Kumar, founder of Senkoukai Karate, has been awarded the “God Blessed Warrior Award” and the title of “World Martial Arts Icon” by Japanese martial arts bodies, recognizing his pioneering contributions to practical combat and global martial arts development.
Published Date - 2 September 2025, 10:57 AM
HYDERABAD: In a historic recognition, Grand Master Shaswat Kumar of India, the founder of Senkoukai Karate, has been honored with two of the highest distinctions in the world of martial arts by Japan’s leading organizations.
“The International Bujutsu Karate Association (Headquarters, Japan), under the leadership of its Founder Grand Master Masaki Watanabe (Black Belt 10th Dan), conferred upon me the “God Blessed Warrior Award” along with the prestigious title of “World Martial Arts Icon” in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the global martial arts community,” Shaswat informed ‘Telangana Today’.
Additionally, the All Japan Martial Arts Organization (Headquarters, Japan), led by its President Soke Yoshimoto Tanaka, recognized Hanshi Shaswat Kumar’s lifelong dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to martial arts. In honor of his exceptional achievements, he was bestowed with the title “God of Real Combat Karate”, also referred to as the “Father of Real Combat Karate.”
Grand Master Shaswat Kumar founded Senkoukai Karate, a new and independent karate style that integrates the philosophies and techniques of Shotokan Karate, Kyokushin Karate, and advanced combat martial arts systems. The name “Senkoukai” was given by Japanese Martial Arts Master Hirofumi Kuroki.
Unlike traditional karate systems, Senkoukai Karate was designed to address real-life street combat situations. Witnessing increasing incidents of social injustice and violence, Grand Master Shaswat Kumar developed this system to equip practitioners with practical self-defense techniques and strategies for survival in street combat scenarios.
“Receiving these dual honors from Japan means recognition as one of the most respected martial arts masters of the modern era but also highlights my pioneering role in evolving a combat-effective karate style aimed at the protection and empowerment of society,” Shaswat concluded.