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

Inspired by the founder of the IKO KYOKUSINKAIKAN, 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 4^th 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.