Born in 1939, Koda-shihan has been practising martial arts for more than 50 years. Currently the highly regarded Gojukai Executive Director for the Japan Karate-Do Federation (JKF), and head of its gojukai public relations committee, Koda-shihan is as comfortable and influential in the board room of karate as he is on the dojo floor. Koda-shihan is a regular contributor to many Japanese martial arts publications and has taught numerous courses throughout Europe. He is currently a nanadan, seventh dan, gojukai, and holds the shogo (title) of shihan.