Born in Gifu, Japan in 1965, Sensei Shinji Akita began martial arts training in primary school, studying Sumo, Kendo, and Judo. At twelve, he started karate under Matsuda Sensei in Gifu and later joined the renowned Takushoku University Karate Club, training under Tsuyama Sensei and competing in JKA and JKF tournaments. After graduating, he moved to the UK to train under Kawasoe Sensei, eventually becoming his assistant. In 1994, he founded his dojo “Takushinjuku” in West London, later establishing the Shotokan Karate-Do Alliance International (SKAI) in 2005. Now based in Germany, Sensei Akita continues teaching globally, passing on his knowledge to all dedicated practitioners.