Hanshi Shihan Hamid Asna-Ashari
8th Dan
Chairman, Kyokushin-Kan International
Committee
Chairman, Latin & North America
Hanshi Shihan Hamid Asna-Ashari is a distinguished Kyokushin Karate master whose life has been dedicated to the practice, teaching, and advancement of traditional Budo Karate. Born in 1964, he began his Kyokushin Karate journey in 1979 and earned his black belt in 1983. Through years of rigorous training, competition, and perseverance, he established himself as a respected practitioner, earning numerous provincial and national titles before opening his own dojo in 1987.
In 1992, driven by a desire to deepen his technical knowledge and understanding of Kyokushin Karate, he traveled to Japan to train at the Honbu (headquarters) under the direct supervision of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. Recognizing his dedication, technical ability, and commitment to the Kyokushin spirit, Sosai Oyama appointed him as the official representative of the Japan Kyokushin Karate Organization in Iran.
Upon returning to Iran in 1997, he established the Iran Kyokushinkaikan Karate Organization, serving as its branch chief and continuing to promote the principles and traditions of Kyokushin Karate. At that time, he held the rank of 5th Dan, reflecting his extensive experience and longstanding commitment to the art.
In 2002, Shihan Hamid immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where he soon established his first dojo in North Vancouver. His dedication to preserving and promoting authentic Kyokushin Karate continued across borders. In 2003, he was approached by the secretary of the newly established Japan Kyokushin-Kan Organization, founded by Kaicho Hatsuo Royama, and accepted the appointment as its official representative in Canada. He subsequently founded the Canada Kyokushin-Kan Organization, expanding its reach and building a growing network of dojos dedicated to traditional Kyokushin Karate.
Today, the Canada Kyokushin-Kan Organization encompasses dojos in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Coquitlam in Metro Vancouver, as well as additional branches in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Through his leadership, teaching, and commitment to the next generation of martial artists, Hanshi Shihan Asna-Ashari continues to strengthen the presence of Kyokushin-Kan Karate throughout Canada.
At the heart of his teaching philosophy is the belief that true Budo Karate extends far beyond physical strength and fighting ability. It cultivates discipline, perseverance, humility, respect, courage, and mental fortitude—qualities that empower students not only in the dojo but also in their everyday lives. His mission is to preserve the essence of traditional Budo Karate while inspiring practitioners to pursue continuous self-improvement and embody the values of the martial way.
In recognition of his decades of dedication, leadership, and contribution to Kyokushin Karate, he was awarded the rank of 8th Dan and the title of Hanshi Shihan in 2025. He currently serves as Chairman of the Latin America and North America Region and Chairman of the Kyokushin-Kan International Committee, continuing to contribute to the international development and preservation of Kyokushin-Kan Karate.
Through more than four decades of practice, teaching, and leadership, Shihan Hamid Asna-Ashari remains committed to passing on the spirit of Kyokushin Karate and the enduring principles of Budo to future generations.