Japanese Examiners for all gradings

Updated PDF list of Dan gradings (Dec 07)

Institute of Karate is proud to announce that it has so far raised and examined successfully at black belt 1st dan and higher (highest is 5th dan), a total of 111 student-examinations so far!

Sensei Franco Azzopardi always aspired to study the traditional Japanese martial art of karate-do (previously jitsu), and to be always examined by the top Japanese examiners whose lineage in karate cannot be questioned. His reasoning is that Karate-do is a Japanese martial art and it is fitting that examinations at black belt level be carried out and certified by reputable Japanese masters of the art. He himself graded with Sensei Shirai Hiroshi and Sensei Kawasoe Masao. Even though Sensei Franco is an Internationally recognised coach and ranking examiner, and he can therefore officially examine students up till the level of 2nd Dan, he has always striven to provide his students with the opportunity to be examined by his own Japanese instructors rather than examining them himself.

Opposite is a list of students examined by Sensei Shirai or Sensei Kawasoe, through examinations organised by ETIK for the purpose.

(Students of the system who have been examined under non-Japanese instructors are not included in the list)

Educational and Technical Institute of Karate (ETIK). © 2007-2008.
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