HONOLULU, Hawaii. (July 7, 2026) - It is with heavy hearts that the AAU announces the passing of a one of greats in the karate world and one of its true masters. 

Sensei Chuzo Kotaka was born on November 11, 1941 in Hyogoken, Japan and began his karate training at the age of seven. In 1962, Sensei Kotaka won the All Japan Karate Championship, the most prestigious karate tournament in Japan, even to this today. 

In 1965, Sensei Kotaka, at the age of 23, came to Hawaii on a goodwill tour to teach karate around world. 

Sensei Kotaka fell in love with the island of Oahu and decided to stay there permanently.  After one year on Oahu he decided to make Hawaii his new home.  In 1966, International Karate Federation (IKF) was established, and the style Kotaka-Ha Shito-ryu was born. 

Since the opening of IKF's first dojo, Kotaka-Ha Shito-Ryu has grown statewide, to the continental United States, Japan, and India. (from A History of IKF Hawaii).

AAU President and longtime AAU Karate National Chair Jo Mirza noted, "Sensei Chuzo Kotaka was far more than a champion, instructor, or founder; he was a man of unwavering integrity who dedicated his life to preserving karate’s traditions while inspiring future generations."

He continued, "For over sixty years, he taught that karate is not about competition or rank, but about developing character, humility, discipline, and respect."

Sensei Kotaka was instrumental in the formation of the AAU Karate program, acting as a mentor and friend during it's formative years. 

Jo Mirza concluded, "On behalf of the Amateur Athletic Union and the global karate community, we extend our deepest condolences to the Kotaka family, the International Karate Federation, and his many students and friends. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate an extraordinary life. His teachings live on in every instructor he mentored and every student who bows before stepping onto the mat."

Sensei Kotaka's passing will be felt by all who knew him and the Karate world at large for the years to come.