About Us

Japan International Karate Center was founded by Kiyohisa Hirano in 1962. Soke Hirano (1938 - 2009) was a life-long martial artist who was a 9th degree black belt in Karate and a 2nd degree black belt in Judo. In 1960, he was the All-Japan National Karate Champion in kumite (sparring), and also was the captain of the Nihon University karate team.
The JIKC Windward and Ewa dojos are led by Shihan (Chief Instructor) Howard Takahashi who has been training and instructing karate since 1968.

Shihan Howard Takahashi has over 50 years of karate experience:

    • 7th Degree Black Belt
    • USA National Karate-do Federation 6th Dan
    • Ryuku Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai 3rd Dan (Yamanni-Ryu Kobudo)
    • USA-NKF National Kumite Referee
    • USA-NKF National Kobudo Medalist (2005, 2012)
    • USA-NKF National Kata Medalist (2001-2007)
    • All-Hawaii JIKC Kata Medalist (1974, 1982)
    • All-Hawaii JIKC Kumite Champion (1973, 1974)