Hyderabad’s Hanshi Shaswat Kumar, founder of Senkoukai Karate, became the first karate master to receive the World Supreme Grandmaster Crown of Martial Excellence Award. He was also recognised as SOKE, founder of his karate style, earning 20 international awards in a year.
In a historic milestone, Senkoukai Karate, founded by Indian martial arts legend Soke Hanshi Shaswat Kumar, has received official international recognition from Japan’s International Bujutsu Karate Association (IBKA), becoming the first Indian-developed Karate style formally acknowledged by Japan.
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.
The committee, which includes GM Shaswat Kumar from India—Director and Chief Instructor based in the city—is tasked with overseeing global administration, maintaining technical standards, and coordinating activities among affiliated dojos.
“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.
