Hyderabad-based Martial Artist develops India’s first independent karate style; Senkoukai Karate gains global recognition

“Senkoukai Karate was recently officially recognised as an independent karate system by senior martial arts experts in Japan. I was able to develop this style through years of dedicated practice and valuable guidance from Japanese Grand Masters,” Shaswat told Telangana Today.

Hyderabad: For the 36-year-old Hanshi Shaswat Kumar, a Doctorate in Martial Arts from Indonesia and who essayed 112 backfist punches in 10 seconds flat, averaging 11.2 punches per second making him the fastest backfist puncher in the world, the conceptualisation of India’s first Independent Karate Style – Senkoukai Karate – is the culmination of a six-year long research and efforts.

“The Senkoukai Karate has recently received formal recognition as a distinct karate system by senior martial arts experts in Japan. This style was created by me thanks to the dedicated practice and guidance from Japanese Grand Masters,” Shaswat informed ‘Telangana Today’.

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“This blends elements of Shotokan, Kyokushin, and combat martial arts, with a special focus on practical self-defence, especially for women facing issues from rogue elements in the society. The system teaches pressure point strikes, joint locks, and real-world techniques including the use of everyday objects as improvised weapons,” Shaswat said.

The Odisha-native, who shifted to the City in 2007 because of his father’s transfer (he is a Central Government employee), emphasised that kata means a set sequence of movements practiced to perfect technique, coordination, and form.

“Senkoukai Karate features ten original kata, each with a specific meaning. And, all major decisions and global standardisation of Senkoukai Karate are managed by the Senkoukai World Committee, which consists of 10th Dan black belt Grand Masters from over 20 countries,” he said. “With no one helping me here, I visited Osaka in Japan to realise my dream,” he added.

“I am grateful to Grand Masters Masaki Watanabe(Founder of International Bujutsu Karate Association and chairman of Watanabe Shotokan Karate Federation), Ryogo Ito, Soke Yoshimoto Tanaka (President of All Japan Martial Arts Organization), who also awarded Shaswat 10th Dan Black Belt.shi Kumar his 10th Dan black belt and Yoshio Tanibata.

The martial arts expert has also been honoured with the International Hall of Fame Award for nine consecutive years, recognising his contributions to martial arts and establishing Senkoukai Karate as a respected global system.