International karate organization, kyokushin Kai Kan Association Founder Chairman, Uttarakhand
Sensei Dev Nath is a renowned Kyokushin Karate instructor, martial artist, educator, and artist with over 46 years of experience in martial arts training and teaching. He is the Founder and Chairman of the International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushin Kai-Kan Karate Association, Uttarakhand, and serves as the Branch Chief of IKO Kyokushin Kai-Kan India.
A highly respected Karateka, Sensei Dev Nath has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the teachings of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the Founder of Kyokushin Karate, and the principles of the International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushin Kai-Kan. Throughout his long martial arts journey, he has trained thousands of students and played a significant role in the development and expansion of authentic Kyokushin Karate across Uttarakhand and India.
Early Martial Arts Journey
Sensei Dev Nath began his Karate training in 1981 at the age of 14 under the guidance of Senpai Amitava Dutta, one of India’s pioneering Kyokushin instructors who represented India at the 2nd World Open Karate Tournament held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1979.
His dedication, discipline, and fighting spirit quickly earned him recognition within the martial arts community. In 1987, he won the Bihar Championship Trophy, becoming one of the youngest competitors to achieve this distinction. In 1991, he participated in the prestigious National Oyama Cup Championship at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata, held in the presence of the legendary Founder of Kyokushin Karate, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.
Over the years, Sensei Dev Nath has participated in and won numerous championships, demonstrating exceptional skills in both Kata and Kumite.
Black Belt Achievements
– 1991 – Awarded Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) by Kyokushin Honbu, Tokyo, Japan.
– 1994 – Earned advanced qualifications from Karate Budokan International and other martial arts organizations.
– 2008 – Awarded Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt) by IKO Kyokushin Honbu, Tokyo, Japan.
– 2016 – Successfully completed the San Dan (3rd Dan Black Belt) Examination after intensive training at the Asian Headquarters Dojo in Singapore.
– 2026 – Successfully undertook the Yon Dan (4th Dan Black Belt) Examination during the International Training Program in Japan.
International Training and Leadership
Throughout his martial arts career, Sensei Dev Nath has proudly represented India at numerous international tournaments, seminars, training camps, and official events.
Singapore – 2010
Invited to Singapore for advanced training sessions and to witness a senior grading examination.
China – 2014
Invited as an Official Judge at the 15th All Asia Open Karate Championship in Shanghai, China. During his visit, he participated in:
– Asian Committee Members Meeting
– International Seminar
– Advanced Training Camp
China – 2016
Served as an Official Judge at the 16th Asia Cup in Hangzhou, China, where he attended:
– Asian Committee Members Meeting
– Referee and Judging Seminar
– Advanced Training Camp
Singapore – 2016
Trained at the Asian Headquarters, Orchard Tower Dojo, Singapore, and successfully completed his San Dan Examination.
Thailand – 2018
Invited to witness the prestigious MMA vs. Kyokushin World Championship and participate in related international martial arts activities.
Kuwait – October 2025
Attended an International Seminar in Kuwait and successfully completed the Referee and Judging Seminar under the guidance of Shihan Katsuhito Gorai. In recognition of his dedication, leadership, and service to the organization, he was officially appointed as the Branch Chief of IKO Kyokushin Kai-Kan India, a prestigious responsibility entrusted to him by the international leadership of the organization.
Japan – May 2026
On 1st May 2026, Sensei Dev Nath received the opportunity to visit Japan, the birthplace of Kyokushin Karate.
During this historic visit, he:
– Successfully attended the International Referee and Judging Seminar.
– Served as an Official Judge at the International Friendship Tournament (IFT) 2026.
– Participated in the famous Mitsumine Mountain Training Camp, one of Kyokushin’s most demanding traditional training programs.
– Attended the International Intensive Training Camp.
– Successfully completed the Yon Dan (4th Dan) Examination.
– Visited the Kyokushin Honbu and trained alongside senior instructors and practitioners from around the world.
Armenia – June 2026
On 11th June 2026, Sensei Dev Nath was invited to Armenia to participate in:
– International Referee and Judging Seminar
– Advanced Training Seminar
– International Training Camp
The seminars and training sessions were conducted under the leadership of Kancho Shokei Matsui and assisted by senior instructors, including Shihan Katsuhito Gorai and other international officials.
Branch Chief of IKO Kyokushin Kai-Kan India
In recognition of his decades of service, technical excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving the traditions of Kyokushin Karate, Sensei Dev Nath was officially appointed as the Branch Chief of IKO Kyokushin Kai-Kan India.
As Branch Chief, he is responsible for promoting authentic Kyokushin Karate throughout India, organizing seminars, tournaments, grading examinations, instructor development programs, and maintaining the high standards of the International Karate Organization.
Founder of Aikido in Uttarakhand
Sensei Dev Nath is also the Founder and Chairman of the Uttarakhand Aikido Association.
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. It emphasizes self-defense through throws, locks, holds, and redirection techniques while promoting harmony, discipline, and self-control.
The word Aikido consists of:
– Ai – Harmony
– Ki – Spirit or Energy
– Do – Way or Path
Together, the term means “The Way of Harmonious Spirit.”
Contribution to Martial Arts
For more than three decades, Sensei Dev Nath has been one of the leading figures in martial arts development in Uttarakhand and India. His contributions include:
– Training thousands of students.
– Producing Black Belts, national champions, and international participants.
– Organizing seminars, tournaments, belt examinations, and training camps.
– Conducting martial arts demonstrations in schools, colleges, universities, and public events.
– Promoting discipline, self-confidence, physical fitness, and character development among youth.
His dedication to martial arts education continues to inspire students, instructors, and martial artists throughout India.
Passion for Art
Apart from martial arts, Sensei Dev Nath is a talented artist and art educator. His paintings, particularly nature studies and landscape works, have been appreciated by art lovers in India and abroad.
Legacy and Vision
Even after more than 46 years of continuous training and teaching, Sensei Dev Nath remains actively involved in dojo instruction, instructor development, tournament organization, and international Kyokushin activities. His lifelong mission is to preserve the spirit and traditions of Kyokushin Karate, promote authentic martial arts values, and help individuals develop strength, discipline, confidence, leadership, and character through martial arts training.
OSU!
