Saito Soke – Traditional Karate-do Federation International

Biography

The founder of Traditional Karate-do Federation International and Saito-ha Shito-ryu, Del Saito, was born in 1948, in the town of Wailuku, Maui. As a young boy he began training in the art of Judo, under the instructons of Sensei Palimo. A year later he began Karate training with Sensei Al Kahalekulu, a student of Sensei Tommy Morita, who studied under Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose Soke of Kumamoto, Japan. In the early ’70s he studied with Sensei Chuzo Kotaka, a student of Sensei Genryu Kimura and Shogo Kuniba Soke. After several years serving as Sensei Kotaka’s National Director, Saito began to learn Seito Shito-ryu from Master Kenzo Mabuni, the son of Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito-ryu.

Del Saito is one of the most highly respected Karate instructors today, and his expertise in Shito-ryu Karate-do has made a great impact on many Karate practitioners throughout the world. Saito Soke continues his martial arts journey as a committed leader who doesn’t allow politics to influence his teaching philosophy of Karate-do to all those that seek his guidance.

Saito was presented the Hanshi degree from Kenzo Soke, the highest teaching title of his style. He was also given permission by Kenzo Mabuni to continue his understanding of Shito-ryu while providing him with a direct line to him.

For many years Saito served as National Director for the International Karate Federation of Hawaii, and National Executive Director for Karate for the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States.

Inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame in 1994, he has also won numerous awards for his leadership and dedication in martial arts as well as for other sports.

In addition, Del Saito has credentials in film choreographing and organizes several Karate Championships each year.

Forty-five years of teaching Karate has led to a strong traditionalist approach with an openness to new ideas and concepts for growth. Teaching Karate for more than technique, he attempts to help people find themselves, to discover their creativity and their capacity for overall growth through Karate. He believes that there is much growth in each person and sees his purpose as that of nourishing the seed so that his student’s potential may be reached. His understanding of Karatedo is to preserve the true essence of the art by maintaining a committed spirit to preserve human decency with Godliness, honesty, trustworthiness, humility, understanding, compassion bravery, fairness, discipline and commitment.

Saito Soke lives in the beautiful city of Grants Pass, where he maintains the honbu dojo for his International organization. He attributes his success to his faith in God, the leadership of his Shihan Kai, the Grants Pass business community and close friends and family throughout the world.

“Karate-do is a special vehicle that can help restore the positive values of our world and Karate practitioners can have a great impact for the betterment of mankind.”

Training Experience

Saito-Ha Shito-ryu, 2009 to present
Seito Shito-ryu, 2000 – 2009
Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu, 1996 to present
Kotaka-Ha Shito-Ryu, 1974 – 1999
Chito-Ryu Karate-Do, Hawaii, 1962 – 1974
Kodokan Judo, Hawaii, 1961 – 1962

Rank Achievements

Honored to 10th degree rank by International Shihan Kai, 2009
Master Teacher degree in Budo Science
Recognized by the University of Israel, 2009
Promoted to 9th degree rank in, 2008 by International Shihan Kai, 2008
Promoted to 3rd degree rank in Iaijutsu, 2005
Promoted to 2nd degree rank in Iaijutsu, 2000
Promoted to 8th degree rank by Mabuni Kenzo Soke, 1998
Awarded Hanshi title by Mabuni Kenzo Soke, 1998
Promoted to 1st degree rank in Iaido, 1997
Promoted to 7th degree rank, September 15, 1996
Promoted to 6th degree rank, September 1, 1994
Awarded Shihan (master teacher), 1990, Mabuni Soke
Awarded Shihan (master teacher), 1989, Kotaka Shihan
Promoted to 5th degree rank, May 15, 1981
Promoted to 4th degree rank, May 15, 1978
Promoted to 3rd degree rank, September 27, 1976
Promoted to 2nd degree rank, November 10, 1975

Karate Diplomas

Organization Affiliations

October 23, 2014 to present, President of the WTFSKF Okinawan Karate Department
April 30, 2014 to present, Member of the WTFSKF Board of Directors, Examination Committee, and Tournament Committee
2010 to present, Member Dai Nippon Butoku Kai
2009 to present, President & Founder, Traditional Karate-do FederationInternational
2008 – 2010, Board Member for the Amateur Athletic Union
2000 to present, Director, Del Saito’s Martial Arts Training Center, LLC
2000 to present, Member of Nippon Kobudo Jikishin Kai-USA
2000 – 2010, National AAU Karate Executive Director
2000 – 2009, Member of the Nihon Karate-Do Kai
1999 – 2008, Co-director of the Traditional Karate-do Organization
1998 – 2000, AAU National Secretary/Treasurer
1993 – 2010, Oregon AAU Governor
1996 – 1997, Secretary General, United Karate Federation of America
1994 – 1996, Secretary General, US Karate Inc
1992 – 2010, Oregon AAU Martial Arts Commissioner
1992 – 1993, Oregon AAU Vice President
1989 – 2010, Oregon AAU Karate Chairman
1989 – 2000, AAU National Treasurer
1987 – 2010, AAU Pacific Northwest Regional Director
1981 – 1999, National Director for the International Karate Federation

Community Affiliations

2009 to present – Member, Grants Pass Elk’s Lodge
2001 to present – President, Grants Pass Asian Cultural Society
Past Board Member of the Grants Pass Family YMCA
Director of WAG (Wipe Away Graffiti)
Past Vice-President, Crime Stoppers of Josephine County
Publisher/Editor of the Grants Pass/Josephine
County Chamber of Commerce Profile & Directory, 1990 – 1991

Other Involvements

1994 – Present: Owner of Graphics and Imaging Unlimited
1984 – Present: Director of the Annual Oregon Karate Championships
1990 – 1997: President of Board, Pine Valley School
1990 – 1991: Executive Vice President of foundry and machine shop (Mountain Alloys)
1991: Authored “Karate-do, The Way Of Shito-Ryu” (Library of Congress number 91-67331, ISBN 0-9631274-0-3)
1989 – 1990: Publisher/Editor of the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce Profile & Directory
1989 – 1990: Co-owned Osprey Publications
1990: Stunt Coordinator for motion picture, Martial Marshall. (Produced and Directed by Robert Clouse)
1978 – 1979: General Building Contractor
1970 – 1973: Dental & Maxillo-Facial Lab
1966 – 1970: Served four years in the U.S. Air Force and honorable discharged

Awards

8 September Award for Service in Education by the City Council of Miras- sol, Brazil, 2012
Kansha Sai Award in Mirassol, Brazil, by Ubiratan Shihan, 2012
25 Year AAU Service Award, 2010
Oregon AAU Appreciation Award, 2010
President’s Leadership Award, 2004
AAU Karate Hall of Fame, Man of the Year, 1997
AAU President’s Leadership Award, 1997
AAU Communication Award, 1995
International Karate Hall of Fame, 1994
AAU Rookie Newsletter Editor of the Year, 1994
Oregon AAU Leadership Award, 1990
National AAU Outstanding Service Award, 1990
National IKF Outstanding Instructor Award, 1986
North Shore’s Man of the Year Award (Hawaii), 1969

Books

	Saito-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do For the Modern Warrior (2020) ISBN-10: 0990004155 ISBN-13: 978-0990004158
	Karate-do, The Way of Shito-ryu(1991) ISBN: 0-9631274-0-3

Autographed copies are available at Del Saito’s Martial Arts Training Center upon request!