International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association

 

In 1954 the Ryukyukai started out with Saito sensei senior students. Saito Sensei wanted to broaden his organization, he travel to the United States which some in his country did not approve of. He began to give seminars, which he called informal meetings / training sessiontalking about Saito-Ha Shotokan karate. At one of those meetings is where he met Robert Handley who later became one of his top student and travel to Japan to live and train with him.

Teji Saito, Grandmaster, founded the International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association 1954 in Kyoto, Japan.   The organization is now establishing itself around the world in different countries. In order to do this properly the International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association leadership begin with a clean slate back in 1999 ranks awarded directly by Saito, Grandmaster where still valid and as long as you had the documents (certificate) bearing Saito, Grandmaster seal would be recognized, any previous memberships or affiliation agreements (written) not bearing seal (hanko)  are no longer  considered so.

 

Those memberships and/or affiliations specifically approved by current leadership are now considered valid.  Any one interested in joining the International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association must do so by first contacting their country or state representative who will inform them of the required process and procedures. The International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association is now headquartered in the United States, in Wilmington Delaware

 

Leadership & Goals

The current  Kaicho (President) of the International Ryu Kyu Kai Karate Association Handley sensei who is credited with the rapid growth of the organization in the United States and several other countries such as South African, Germany and a host of other places.  Handley sensei began his study of Saito-Ha Shotokan Karate directly under Teji Saito, Grandmaster in 1966 in Louisville KY and later at the family dojo in Kyoto Japan ,the Dojo was located on the grounds of the Saito family compound.

After Saito, Grandmaster passed away in 1999, leadership was passed to Robert M. Handley sensei his designated successor. During this transition period, the Hombu Dojo was moved to the United States .