SKIF Belgium

Our karate federation is the result of almost 40 years of dedication to the practice of traditional karate, in close collaboration with the SKIF Federation of Japan, founded by the late Soke Kanazawa (10th Dan). This long history guarantees continuity in exchanges and technical development, while preserving the original spirit of the founders.

Our federation currently has 33 dojos, bringing together more than 1,900 passionate members. Our national team is made up of around 50 top-level competitors, accompanied by 35 qualified referees, enabling us to take an active part in all the national, European and world championships organised by the Federation.

We invite you to explore this site, which is packed with information about our Federation. You'll find details of our courses, the addresses of our dojos, our activities and our competitions. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further information.

We're here to allow you to discover and experience our passion of karate !

Oss

Stephane Castrique

Chef instructeur SKIF Belgium

Passion for Karate

I started karate in 1980 at the age of 10. I was certainly not a natural talent and the start was rather difficult.

Nevertheless, I felt karate was for me. At the age of 16 (1986), I obtained the black belt 1st dan.

The dojo where I started practised the Shotokan style and one of my teachers (Willy Detobel sensei) was already working with Kanazawa Hirokazu sensei's technical books. Through this route, I came into contact with the SKIF federation in Belgium which was then still in its infancy. In 1991 when I was already 2nd dan of the Belgian Karate Association I decided to retake my dan degrees and successfully passed the exam for 1st dan SKIF with Kanazawa Hirokazu sensei. (Founder of Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation).

After that, I never looked back. Meanwhile, I am 7th dan.

Competition

Although competition is not an obligation to become a good karateka it can be a huge

engine of motivation to train more and harder. This was also the case with me.

From the age of 13 to 34, I was an active athlete in both kata (form) and kumite (combat) disciplines.

I was part of the national team and had several successes both at national and international level.

Engagement in karate

I currently run my own dojo in Mortsel (Antwerp), the Honbu Dojo.

But I also hold the position of chief-instructor for SKIF Belgium. This means that I mainly concentrate on the following activities :

- Raising and supporting the karate level within SKIF Belgium according to the technical regulations of SKIF Japan.

- Taking degrees recognised by SKIF Japan, through examinations.

- Forming instructors in Belgium through instructor trainings and internships.

- Giving trainings in the various dojos of SKIF Belgium.

- Organising trainings with experts coming from Japan.

- Promoting and growing SKIF Belgium.

I also serve on the board of SKIF Europe and am a member of the European referees' committee.

Professional and social commitments

Although karate is an almost full-time occupation for me, I am not a professional. Money does not drive my passion for karate.

I provide my family with all necessary needs through my profession. I am a professional firefighter/ambulance driver in the Brussels Capital Region. A tough but also very beautiful job that I am very proud of. As a firefighter, I can often make a difference for people.

Conclusion

Karate is an integral part of who I am. Karate has given me self-confidence above all, but also so much more.

Many strong friendships and a large social network, not only in Belgium but all over the world.

Passion for Karate

I began practicing karate in early 1992 under the guidance of Sensei Jacques Salmon at the Loverval club, which was affiliated with the JKA at the time.

Before this affiliation, Jacques Sensei had been one of the first members of SKIF Belgium. He preserved the teaching methods of Soke Kanazawa in his instruction, ensuring that a strong connection with SKIF was always present throughout my learning journey.

In parallel, from 2009 onwards, I trained with Sensei Yvan Dewindt at Swift, which allowed me to further broaden my practice and understanding of karate.

In 2013, when Sensei Jacques decided to hand over the keys of the Loverval club, it felt natural to officially rejoin SKIF, an organization within which I had already built many strong personal and technical relationships.

Karate has always played a central role in my life. I met my wife Audrey on the tatami. A large part of our family life revolves around karate, and it was only natural that our son Noah also developed a passion for karate and for SKIF.

Competition

As a teenager and young adult, I took part in a few competitions in Belgium, without any particular focus on results.

Accompanying my son to competitions, both in Belgium and abroad, sparked a renewed desire in me to challenge myself. Competition became a complementary way to improve and push my own limits.

For several years now, I have been competing at national level as well as at European and World Championships, where I have reached the podium on multiple occasions. Today, we compete as a family — Audrey, Noah, and myself — which strengthens our motivation and, above all, reinforces the commitment and example we set for our students.

Commitment to karate

During my teenage years, my karate practice was mainly social; I trained primarily to be with friends.

From 2005 onwards, after my marriage, my perspective on karate changed. I became more deeply interested in the art itself, in what it could bring me personally, and in what I could transmit to children and adults.

In doing so, I found a true balance between personal development and teaching.

Today, I am a 4th Dan SKIF and head instructor of the Swift Karate Club in La Hulpe, as well as Nintai-Ryoku Karate in Bouffioulx and Loverval. These responsibilities take up a significant part of my time, but it is a true joy to see both children and adults progress, gain confidence, and become better — on and off the tatami.

Professional and social commitments

After several years working as an IT consultant, I joined Swift in La Hulpe in 2001, where I currently hold the position of IT Architect.

In February 2026, I took on the role of President of SKIF Belgium. Together with the Board of Directors and our Technical Director, Sensei Stéphane, I am committed to developing SKIF Belgium further and increasing its visibility at both national and international levels.

Conclusion

For me, karate is not merely a sport, but a guiding thread that connects personal commitment, family life, transmission, and collective responsibility. Through teaching, competition, and federative involvement, I strive to uphold the values of traditional karate: respect, perseverance, humility, and self-improvement. My ambition is to continue growing while actively contributing to the education of present and future generations, ensuring the sustainable development of the SKIF community in Belgium and beyond.