SENSEI GENZO IWATA was born on October 9, 1958 in Saitama-ken, Japan. He began his Shito-ryu Karate-do studies at the age of 12 at home, under the expert guidance of his famous father, Master Manzo Iwata.

Master Manzo Iwata

Genzo Sensei became very proficient in Shito-ryu Karate over the next few years and, in 1978, began accompanying and assisting his father to demonstrate the true essence Shito-ryu Karate-do around the world.

(L-R): Genzo Sensei, Sato Sensei, Manzo Iwata Sensei (Moscow, 1979/80).

In 1980, Genzo Sensei demonstrated Shito-ryu Kata Seienchin and Bassai-dai in a video produced by the Federation of All Japan Karate-do Organizations (F.A.J.K.O.) and, in 1978, after meeting the daughter of Sensei Shoko Sato (who introduced Shito-ryu Karate-do in Caracas, Venezuela in 1968), they were married in 1981.

A short time later in 1982, Genzo Sensei received his 5th Dan in Shito-ryu Karate-do and, in October 1984, announced the birth of his son, Yuzo.

 
(L-R) Genzo sensei, Ichikawa Sensei and 
Jose Luis Calderoni (Mexico) at Iwata Honbu dojo, 1985.

During 1986, the book " Shito-ryu Karate" by Master Manzo Iwata and Genzo Sensei was published and, in 1988, Genzo Sensei received the "Shihan" licence from the All Japan Karate-do Shito-kai Federation.

He was appointed as a Standing Director of the World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation (WSKF) in 1993, and his father, Master Manzo Iwata, became the first WSKF President. Tragically, in June 1993, Master Manzo Iwata passed away.

1996 Sensei Iwata conducting kata seminar on "Suparinpei" at 2nd World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation Championships, Puebla, Mexico.

In April 1997, Genzo Iwata Sensei was appointed Chief Instructor at the Honbu Dojo, by the World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation.

 
Honbu Dojo, Saitama-ken.

    
Genzo Iwata sensei receiving congratulations from Jose Luis Calderoni, Mexico.

1997 training session Honbu Dojo, Japan.
Front row (L-R): Murata Sensei (Vice-Chief Director-WSKF), 
Sakio Ken Sensei (President-WSKF), Iwata Sensei (Chief Instructor), 
Kashimura Sensei (Vice-Chief Director), Volodya Dubinin (Russian student).
Back row (L-R): Hashimoto Sensei (General Secretary), 
Alexei Repin (General Secretary-Russian Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation), 
Jose Luis Calderoni (Mexico), Sam Moledzki (President, Karate-do Shito-kai Canada), 
Sergeiy Shinkov (Vice-President Russian Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation) 
and Valeriy Dubinin (President, Russian Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation).

Also, in 1997, Genzo sensei was invited to come to Canada to further develop the Canadian Shito-kai group headed by sensei Sam Moledzki.

In July 1998, Genzo sensei was featured in 
Japan's foremost martial arts publication 
"Karatedo, vol. 305".

During August 1998, Genzo Iwata sensei's busy schedule included a visit to Canada for the first time to conduct seminars for sensei Moledzki and later, another visit to Monterrey, Mexico for the 14th Pan American Shito-ryu Karate-do Championships.

  
Genzo Iwata sensei teaching seminars in Toronto, Canada and Cap de la Madeleine, Quebec, that included Namban Satoryu Kempo and the finer points of kata, Shinpa.

14th Pan American Shito-ryu Karate-do Championships at Monterrey, Mexico.
Front row (L-R): Moledzki sensei (Shito-kai Canada-President), 
Hisatomi Tokio sensei (Chief Director-WSKF), Sakio Ken sensei (President-WSKF),
Pronovost sensei (Shito-kai Quebec-Chief Instructor), 
Iwata Genzo sensei (Chief Instructor-WSKF Honbu Dojo).
Back row (L-R): Hugo Baillargeon & Guy Mony (Quebec, Canada).

References/Bibliography

Iwata Manzo. Shito-ryu Karate-Karatedo.SEIBIDO SPORTS SERIES. 1989.
W.S.K.F.-World Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation Honbu Dojo Gift Set: Tokyo, Japan. 1997.
Elias Calderoni Jose Luis. Personal Data & Photograph Archives: Monterrey, Mexico.
Dubinin Valeriy. Russian Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation, Quarterly News Journal: 1996.
Moledzki Sam. Personal Data & Photograph Archives.
Uddin Nasir. Personal Photograph Archives.
Pronovost Andre. Personal Photograph Archives.
Karatedo Magazine vol.305-Tokyo,Japan, 1998.