Biography
Shihan Shiv K. Panchal, also known as Shihan Shiv Panchal, is an Indian Shotokan Karate master, international competitor, martial arts educator, technical instructor and sports administrator based in California, USA.
With more than 35 years of experience in martial arts, he has dedicated his life to the practice, teaching, administration and international development of traditional Shotokan Karate and other martial arts.
He began his martial arts journey in 1989 and has since participated in national and international competitions, instructor-development programs, technical seminars and organizational activities.
He is the President and Chief Instructor of the International Shotokanryu Karate Association (ISKA), which he established in 2024 in collaboration with Grand Master Masahiro Motomura, 10th Dan, of Japan.
Official Status
Early Life & Martial Arts Training
Shihan Shiv K. Panchal began his sporting journey through wrestling during his school years, participating in several wrestling tournaments.
In 1989, he started formal martial arts training through classes conducted at an RSS shakha at Gita Vidya Mandir School.
He subsequently began systematic Shotokan Karate training under Sensei Ram Singh, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor of the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation of India.
His training covered the fundamental elements of traditional karate, including Kihon, Kata, Kumite, physical conditioning, discipline and technical development.
In 2006, he became a student of the International Shotokan Karate Federation under Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan.
His association with senior Japanese and international instructors played an important role in his technical development and commitment to traditional Shotokan principles.
Dan Grade Achievement
Dan Grades in Other Organisations
Leadership in ISKF India
Shihan Shiv K. Panchal played an important role in the development of organized Shotokan Karate in India. According to his biographical record, he served as President of the International Shotokan Karate Federation India (ISKF India) from 2005 to 2024.
During this period, he was involved in karate instruction, instructor development, technical administration, organizational management, and the promotion of international training opportunities for Indian practitioners. He also served as Technical Chairman of ISKF India.
In 2008, he was involved in organizing and promoting a five-day karate seminar in India conducted by Shihan Larry F. Loreth in association with ISKF. In 2010, he joined the ISKF Instructor Kenshusei Training Program under Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki, further strengthening his instructor education.
After many years of association with ISKF, he resigned from the organization in 2024 following disagreements concerning membership documentation, Dan certificates, examination authority, and organizational administration. These matters formed part of his stated reasons for leaving the organization.
Competitive Career and Achievements
Alongside his teaching and administrative responsibilities, Shihan Panchal has maintained an active interest in karate competition. He has reported winning the Haryana State Karate Association championship 12 times and participating in national and international tournaments across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States.
His reported competitive achievements and international participation include:
- 2001: Obtained a Krav Maga instructor licence in Denmark. He has described himself as the first Indian to receive this licence.
- 2003: Reported winning a gold medal at the Austesia Asian Karate Championship in Sri Lanka.
- 2005: Participated in the International Kanazawa Cup in South Africa.
- 2009: Won a third-place medal at the International Okazaki Cup.
- 2010: Won a third-place medal at the International Okazaki Cup.
- 2011: Won a third-place medal at an international tournament and participated in the ISKF European Championship in Russia.
- 2012: Participated in a world karate championship held in the United States.
- 2021: Won a third-place medal in the veterans category at the US Open Karate competition.
- 2026: Reportedly won a gold medal in the veterans category at a world championship held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
These experiences have contributed to his understanding of competitive karate, athlete preparation, technical performance, and the development of martial arts practitioners.
Competition titles and results should be supported by official records wherever available.
Establishment of ISKA
In 2024, Shihan Shiv K. Panchal established the International Shotokanryu Karate Association (ISKA) in collaboration with Grand Master Masahiro Motomura, 10th Dan, of Japan.
Shihan Panchal serves as President and Chief Instructor, while Grand Master Masahiro Motomura serves as Technical Chairman.
ISKA is dedicated to preserving the traditions and technical principles of Shotokan Karate while encouraging high-quality instruction, instructor education, technical standards, Dan examinations, seminars and international cooperation.
Through ISKA, Shihan Panchal continues to promote traditional karate values, strengthen connections among instructors and students, and create opportunities for technical exchange and martial arts development across national borders.
Contributions to Grappling and Other Martial Arts
Beyond Shotokan Karate, Shihan Shiv K. Panchal has been involved in the development and promotion of other martial arts and sports in India, including grappling and Pangration Athlima.
He has reported serving as an international grappling referee under governing structures associated with United World Wrestling (UWW), contributing to officiating and the development of grappling as a competitive sport.
His broader sporting activities reflect an interest in expanding opportunities for athletes, supporting technical education and encouraging participation in martial arts disciplines beyond traditional karate.
Teaching & Instructor Development
With more than three decades of martial arts experience, Shihan Panchal has taught students at beginner, intermediate, advanced, and black-belt levels. His instructional work encompasses traditional Shotokan Karate, including Kihon, Kata, Kumite, physical conditioning, technical refinement, and instructor development.
He has participated in seminars, advanced training sessions, examinations, and international martial arts programs. His work emphasizes discipline, respect, perseverance, technical precision, and the importance of continuous learning.
Through his leadership and teaching, he aims to support the next generation of karate instructors and practitioners while maintaining the traditional values and technical standards of Shotokan Karate.
Vision & Mission
Shihan Shiv K. Panchal believes that traditional martial arts should combine technical excellence with discipline, character development, respect and international friendship.
Through the International Shotokanryu Karate Association, he seeks to preserve the heritage of Shotokan Karate, develop qualified instructors, encourage structured technical education and strengthen cooperation among martial arts organizations worldwide.
His long-term vision is to create opportunities for students and instructors to learn, grow and exchange knowledge while carrying forward the principles and traditions of Shotokan Karate for future generations.