On October 11, 2025 at the WKO SOSHINKAN III Grand Prix World Championships in Zwiesel Germany, Shihan Steve Jackowicz was promoted to 7th Dan in recognition of his leadership as president of the American Soshinkan Karate Association, and development as Head Coach of Team USA, the first team from the US to join international competition.
With the honor of this rank his title now changes to Dai Shihan. Further he has been appointed to Vice Chairman of the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN bringing his expertise and leadership skills to the service of our organization.
We congratulate Dai Shihan Steve on his accomplishments, promotion, and appointment.
Osu!
WKOS Board Members
Appointment of Dai Shihan Steve Jackowicz to the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions in the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN
👊Introduction
Recently, the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN announced the appointment of Dai Shihan Steve Jackowicz to the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions WKOS. This event is of great importance for the entire global Karate community, since Dai Shihan Steve Jackowicz is a recognized leader and expert in the field of Karate. His many years of experience and achievements in this martial art make him an ideal candidate to preserve and transmit the Classical Traditions of SoshinKan.
Dai Shihan Steve has devoted several decades to studying and teaching Karate, making significant contributions to the development of this martial art. He has successfully competed in numerous competitions, receiving high awards and recognition both nationally and internationally. His deep understanding of Karate’s philosophy and technique has allowed him to become a respected mentor to many students around the world.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Dai Shihan Steve is also known for his teaching skills and techniques. He has developed a number of training aids and programs that help beginners and experienced Karatekas improve their skills. Thanks to his efforts, Karate has become more accessible and popular among various age groups and cultures. He has even developed methods and approaches to bring the benefits of Karate to people with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mental and physical handicaps. His contribution to the educational field of Karate is invaluable, and his appointment to a new position only confirms this.
The role of the Custodian of Classical Traditions in the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN requires not only deep knowledge and experience, but also dedication. Dai Shihan Steve has proven his dedication and competence, and his appointment is an important step in preserving and developing the traditions of SoshinKan. This appointment symbolizes the recognition of his merits and the trust that the world Karate community places in him.
👊Colossal Experience of Dai Shihan Steve Jackowicz
Dai Shihan Steve has a unique and long-standing experience in the field of Karate, which makes him an invaluable member of the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN. His professional journey began almost five decades ago, when he first stepped onto the tatami and began to comprehend the intricacies of this martial art. Since then, he has steadily developed his skills, becoming an increasingly skilled and wise master.
Dai Shihan Steve is also an academic scholar. He attended Harvard University and studied East Asian Studies as an undergraduate. He then lived in Korea and attended Medical School studying Traditional East Asian Medicine. He continued to train Karate while a student. He was able to also visit Japan to train, as well as Thailand. After graduating and returning to the United States he pursued a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. He continued his study of the martial arts and again visited Korea and Japan for further training. Dai Shihan Steve then studied for a Ph.D. at Boston University, researching the history and development of Traditional East Asian Medicine.
His graduate studies took him to China for further examination of Traditional Medicine and the martial arts. Dai Shihan Steve has served as a professor at several universities including Tufts University, Boston University, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Baruch College of the City University of New York, and the University of Bridgeport. At the University of Bridgeport, he served as the Chairman of the Doctoral Program in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He also taught in the Martial Arts Studies Department of the University of Bridgeport where he lectured courses on Martial Arts History, Martial Arts Psychology and Sociology, Martial Arts and Anatomy, as well as teaching practical courses in Martial Arts. He is a published author in the fields of Traditional Medicine, History, and Martial Arts. Shihan Steve has spoken at conferences nationally and internationally. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role of Custodian of Classical Traditions.
Throughout his career, Dai Shihan Steve has achieved many significant achievements and received international recognition. His contribution to the development of Karate includes not only personal achievements, but also the training of numerous students who became champions and recognized masters. For his dedication and tireless work, he was awarded numerous medals and certificates of honor, further highlighting his outstanding abilities and contributions to the art of Karate.
Dai Shihan Steve’s daily work is a shining example for anyone who strives for excellence in the martial arts. His dedication to Karate is evident in every training session and every lesson he teaches his students. He not only passes on the technique, but also instills in his students respect for the traditions and philosophy of Karate. Thanks to his efforts, many students were able to achieve the highest level of skill and continue his work.
Dai Shihan Steve’s experience and knowledge make him not only a respected master, but also a wise mentor to whom people turn for advice and support. His ability to combine tradition with modern teaching methods allows him to remain relevant and sought after in the Karate community. This tremendous experience and dedication to his craft make him an ideal candidate for the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions at the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN.
👊The Meaning and New Purpose
The appointment of Dai Shihan Steve Jackowicz to the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions in the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN is a significant event both for the organization itself and for the SoshinKan Karate world as a whole. The move underscores the organization’s commitment to preserving and strengthening the traditional values and techniques that underlie Karate.
Dai Shihan Steve, with his in-depth knowledge and many years of experience, brings not only his expertise to the organization, but also a unique approach to the teaching and practice of Karate. His new appointment means that emphasis will be placed on preserving the authentic techniques and philosophy of Karate, which in turn will help improve the quality of training for new generations of Karatekas.
For the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN, this appointment is an important step towards strengthening its position on the world stage. It is expected that under the leadership of Dai Shihan Steve, new programs and training courses will be introduced aimed at in-depth study of the classical traditions of Karate. This will allow the organization not only to attract new students, but also to retain the interest of existing members, providing them with the opportunity to constantly develop and deepen their knowledge and skills.
For Dai Shihan Steve himself, this appointment opens up new horizons and opportunities for professional growth. He will have the opportunity to work with the best masters and instructors, exchange experiences and continue to improve his skills. Moreover, his new role will allow him to actively participate in shaping the strategic direction of Karate at the international level.
Thus, the appointment of Dai Shihan Steve to the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions in the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN is an important and promising step that contributes to both the preservation of traditional values and the development of the organization and Karate as a whole.
👊Future prospects and hopes
With the appointment of Dai Shihan Steve to the position of Custodian of Classical Traditions in the World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN, new horizons are opening up for the development and strengthening of SoshinKan Karate. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the martial arts provide a unique opportunity to train and mentor new generations of Karateka.
Under his leadership, the organization hopes to preserve and enhance the cultural and technical heritage of Karate, which is the basis for further growth and prosperity.
One of Dai Shihan Steve’s key tasks will be to introduce innovative teaching methods that will combine traditional techniques and modern approaches. This will not only increase the level of skill among students, but also attract new enthusiasts to Karate. An important aspect of his work will also be the popularization of Karate in the international arena, which will help strengthen ties between various schools and areas of martial arts.
The organization has high hopes that, under the leadership of Dai Shihan Steve, it will be possible to create a favorable environment for the exchange of knowledge and experience between Karate masters of different levels. This, in turn, will contribute to the formation of a strong community in which each participant can receive support and inspiration for further improvement.
We express our sincere gratitude to Dai Shihan Steve for his contribution to the development of SoshinKan Karate and look forward to continuing fruitful cooperation in the future. His efforts and dedication will undoubtedly be a major factor in reaching new heights and strengthening the Classical Traditions of SoshinKan Karate at the global level.
Osu!
Andrew Rekunoff, 8th Dan
President of WKO SOSHINKAN
www.Soshinkan.org