After several years away, Soke Yoshiaki Akira Sato, from Vancouver, Canada, is returning to Germany. This internationally renowned Shito-Ryu grandmaster is expected to be the guest of honour at the 3rd KVBW Shito-Ryu Day in Beilstein in 2026. He will also be participating in the DKV Shito-Ryu DAN exam as a member of the examination committee.
About Soke Yoshiaki Sato
Yoshiaki Akira Sato is a 9th dan master and a leading figure in the international Shito-Ryu community. He is widely respected in the martial arts world. Since arriving in Canada in 1970, he has dedicated himself to developing and promoting Shito-Ryu karate throughout the country. He later founded the Canadian branch of the Suzuki-Ha Shito-Ryu Nihon Karatedo Seiko-Kai organisation. This organisation was founded by the Japanese grandmaster Seiko Suzuki. Suzuki was a direct student of Ryusho Sakagami. Following Sakagami’s death, Suzuki created his own association: the Suzuki-Ha Shito-Ryu Nihon Karatedo Seiko-Kai.
Subsequently, Soke Yoshiaki Akira Sato established his own organisation, the Sato-Ha Shito-Ryu Kokusai Rengo, which currently comprises over 25 member countries. He has taught in over 41 countries and his seminars are renowned for their traditional Japanese Shito-Ryu approach, placing a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Further information on the life and work of Soke Yoshiaki Akira Sato, as well as on the Sato-Ha Shito-Ryu Kokusai Rengo (International Federation), can be found on the official websites shitoryu.net and satoha-international.org.
Participation in the DKV Shito-Ryu DAN examination
Not only will Soke Yoshiaki Akira Sato be the main guest at the 3rd KVBW Shito-Ryu Day, he will also be taking part in the DKV Shito-Ryu DAN examination. His expertise and technical understanding make him a leading authority on demanding traditional Shito-Ryu karate examinations.
The significance of Soke Yoshiaki Sato’s visit
The participation of Grandmaster Yoshiaki Sato at the 3rd KVBW Shito-Ryu Day in 2026 is a significant event for all Shito-Ryu practitioners in Germany. This visit is a notable occasion for the entire karate community. This visit provides a unique chance to learn first-hand from one of the most prominent living grandmasters of this style. This makes the event especially valuable for all participants. It also helps strengthen the connection between the international Shito‑Ryu community and the KVBW and DKV. This contributes to long‑term cooperation and exchange. His role on the DAN examination board lends additional authority to the DKV Shito-Ryu DAN examination. It offers examinees the rare opportunity to be assessed and instructed directly by an internationally renowned grandmaster.
Organisational information
Event:
3rd KVBW Shito-Ryu Day 2026
Langhans Sports Hall
Albert-Einstein-Str. 20
71717 Beilstein
Main guest/ seminar leader:
Soke Yoshiaki Akira Sato (Vancouver, Canada), 9th dan
Eexaminations:
DKV Shito-Ryu DAN examination
Further details:
Please refer to the German Karate Federation (DKV) for registration details and information about the DAN examination.
