Master Hidetaka Nishiyama

ISKA recognized Master Hidetaka Nishiyama as Judan, tenth degree black belt, at a formal ceremony, November 1, 2003.

On November 1, 2003, Master Vincent Cruz and the Yudansha of the International San Ten Karate Association formally recognized Master Hidetaka Nishiyama as Judan, the tenth and highest rank in traditional karate.

Master Nishiyama at first tried to turn aside the honor, but was moved by the heartfelt affection of the ISKA leadership. The framed certificate celebrated his life-long devotion to traditional karate, his research, and his continued search for the truth.

On November 3, 2000, Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, Chairman of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) and President of the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF), was commended by the Japanese government for his worldwide promotion of Japanese culture as a Master Instructor of Traditional Karate.

His half century of meritorious contributions were then honored personally by the Emperor of Japan in a special ceremony conducted at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo where the "Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette" was awarded to him. It was the first time in the history of Japanese national awards that such recognition was granted to Traditional Karate, and reflects Master Nishiyama's lifelong contributions to the development of the superior physical, mental and spiritual aspects of Traditional Karate.