Shihan Akio Minakami
Shihan Akio Minakami visits the dojo the last week of April 2009. He will be instructing as well as overseeing the April 29th belt tests.
Shihan Akio Minakami was born in Tokyo, Japan and made a name for himself as an outstanding karate man. He won 5 Gold Medals at the Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai International Championships and 5 Gold Medals at the All Japan Karate Championships. He was also the first man ever to win 5 Gold Medals (every division possible) at the AAU National Championships.
He was the first individual ever to receive a unanimous passing grade, meaning all 11 Masters (representing the 4 major styles) on the Japan Karate Federation examining board, gave him their approval. This is an amazing honor for which he will always be known.
Today, Shihan Minakami holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai, a 7th Degree Black Belt from the Japan Karatedo Federation, a Black Belt in Judo and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kendo.