Shuseki-Shihan William Oliver
7th dan and highest ranking co –founder of the Kenshikaikan Karate-do Association, Shuseki Shihan William Oliver, began his training in karate at the age of 15 years old at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1968, under the tutelage of Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura.
In 1975 Shuseki Shihan went to Tokyo, Japan for the World Karate Championships as a member of the Kyokushinkai Karate Organization, founded by 10th dan, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.
Shortly afterwards, Shuseki Shihan again returned to Japan to demonstrate Seido Karate, with his teacher, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura (9th dan Founder of the World Seido Karate Organization).
In 1985 Shuseki Shihan William Oliver decided to open his own dojo on 99th Street and Broadway after the many years of teaching and training at the Honbu Dojo on 23rd Street. Shuseki Shihan who already earned the reputation as a world class karateka and competitor after winning numerous tournament events both nationally and internationally and even became a two times world champion in karate , now began forging his name as a world class teacher who was held in the highest esteem by his students.
Shuseki Shihan would continue the running of his dojo on the Upper West Side for 19 years, until his passing on the 20th November 2004. After his passing the Upper West Side Dojo has continued through the efforts of his two higher ranked students Sensei’s Matthew and Jennifer Fremon.
In South Africa to honour the legend that is Shuseki Shihan William Oliver we will continue to host our annual event in his name in remembrance of him as a world renowned teacher and karateka. The event will continue to be known as the Shuseki Shihan William Oliver Memorial Challenge Tournament Event.
