HANSHI A.GOVINDHRAJAN

HANSHI A.GOVINDHRAJANwas born on August 28th 1955 in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 19, he started learning traditional Indian martial arts like silambam (Bow), kuthuvarisai etc., and later on he was attracted by the modern karate and because of his great interest and effort he become the first person to invite a ShorinRyuShorin-Kan Grand Master from overseas to India by inviting H. GaminiZoysa in 1980 and received his black belt.
Later in the year 1981 he started learning ShitoRyu karate under Sensei Mosses MuthiahThilagan and continued to learn under him for many years.
In the year 1996, through a common acquaintance, he came to know about SokeKenzoMabuni, 2nd Soke of Shito-Ryu International Karate Do who accepted him as a student. Then under the guidance of SokeKenzoMabuni, he started Shito-Ryu Nippon Karate Do Kai India. Being the representative of Shito-Ryu International Karate Do in India, he aimed at developing and spreading this true art throughout India. Shito-Ryu Nippon Karate Do Kai India which started just with one state in beginning was later spread to around 17 states within few years due to his dedicated training.

In the year 1996, Shihan A. Govindhrajan arranged for a National level tournament and seminar in the presence of SokeKenzoMabuni and the event was a great success and a memorable one in which he was awarded with 6th Dan grade and “Shihan” title by SokeKenzoMabuni.
In the year 2005 he received his 7th Dan grade along with “Kyoshi” title from SokeKenzoMabuni.
By the year 2009, he received the most Honorable 8thDan grade from 3rd Soke Tsukasa Mabuni which happens to be the highest rank in Asia in Shito-Ryu and also was awarded with the prestigious “Hanshi” title. He is the first person to receive this honorable title in South-East-Asia as well.
He passed away on October 29th 2009. He was a man of high character. He was generous, very sociable and very popular among people, without selfishness and greed. He also dedicated his life to preserving the true lineage of his master’s karate.