KYOKUSHINKAIKAN Philosophy
Kancho Shokei Matsui

Kancho Shokei Matsui

Kancho Shokei Matsui

President, International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN

Shokei Matsui

Kancho Shokei Matsui was born on January 15th, 1963 in Tokyo, Japan. 

Inspired by the founder of the IKO KYOKUSHINKAIKAN, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, he joined IKO during his junior high school years. Due to his exceptional talent and relentless effort, he debuted in the All Japan Open Karate Championship when he was just 17. He finished in fourth place and showcased his extraordinary abilities to the world.

In 1985 and 1986, he won the 17th and 18th All Japan Karate Championship. The following year 1987, he won the 4th World Open Karate Championship, thus achieving three consecutive championship victories. In 1986, he also completed the most extreme challenge in KYOKUSHIN Karate, the 100-Man Kumite.

During his active career, he was known as the “Prince of Karate” for his agile and graceful kumite skills, and he captivated many karate fans.

After his competitive days, he continued his studies under Sosai Oyama while teaching the younger generation. Upon Sosai Oyama’s passing in 1994, Kancho Matsui followed Sosai’s will to become the president of the International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN.

Currently, he dedicates his time to manage the organization to develop the IKO KYOKUSHINKAIKAN worldwide.

Shokei Matsui - Biographical Timeline
  • 1963 年
    Born on January 15th in Tokyo
  • 1976 年
    Joined IKO KYOKUSHINKAIKAN on June 12th and achieved Shoden (1st degree black belt) in a year
  • 1980 年
    Debuted the 12th All Japan Open Karate Championship at age 17 and placed 4th
  • 1981 年
    3rd place at the 13th All Japan Open Karate Championship
  • 1982 年
    3rd place at the 14th All Japan Open Karate Championship
  • 1983 年
    8th place at the 15th All Japan Open Karate Championship
  • 1984 年
    3rd place at the 3rd World Open Karate Championship
  • 1985 年
    Champion of the 17th All Japan Open Karate Championship
  • 1986 年

    Apr.Graduated from Chuo University with a bachelor degree in Business Administration.

    MayCompleted the “100 Man Kumite” the most intense challenge in KYOKUSHIN Karate.

    Nov.Champion of the 18th All Japan Open Karate Championship

  • 1987 年

    Champion of the 4th World Open Karate Championship

  • 1992 年

    MayBecame a Branch Chief and established Asakusa Branch in Tokyo

  • 1994 年

    MayFollowing the late Sosa Masutatsu Oyama’s will, became the president of IKO KYOKUSHINKAIKAN

  • Present days

    Along with managing the IKO KYOKUSHINKAIKAN, Matsui travels around the world to provide technical guidance and to help to develop the next generation of IKO.

    Matsi’s championship record stands at 50 wins and 6 losses. His three consecutive championship victories from 17th All Japan Open to the 4th World Open, remain a historical achievement in KYOKUSHIN Karate.