Hanshi Steve Arneil (1934–2021)

Founder of the International Federation of Karate (IFK)

Hanshi Steve Arneil was born in South Africa in 1934 and began training in martial arts from a young age, studying boxing, judo, and karate. In pursuit of deeper knowledge, he traveled to Japan in the late 1950s and was eventually accepted as a student of Sosai Mas Oyama. He began training under Oyama in January 1961 and quickly distinguished himself through discipline, strength, and dedication.

On May 22, 1965, Arneil became the first person after Mas Oyama himself to complete the legendary 100-man kumite. Several had attempted the feat, but Arneil was the first to succeed—cementing his place in Kyokushin history. He was later awarded the rank of 7th dan by Sosai Oyama, one of very few non-Japanese to receive that honor directly.

From 1968 to 1976, Arneil served as Team Manager and Coach for the All Styles English and British Karate Team. Under his leadership, the British team became the first non-Japanese team to win the Karate World Championship in 1975–76, marking a milestone in international competition.

In 1991, after spending over 3 decades as a disciple of Mas Oyama and a dedicated follower of Kyokushin, Hanshi Arneil decided to step away from the IKO. While he always spoke with respect and loyalty toward Sosai Oyama, he recognized that there were increasing organizational and financial pressures that shaped the broader landscape of international karate. Rather than compromise his core values, he chose a different path—one that allowed him to focus fully on training, teaching, and preserving the spirit of Kyokushin without distraction. Widely respected across styles and organizations, Hanshi Arneil remained committed to building karateka from the inside out, free from ego, politics, or personal gain.

In 1992, Hanshi Arneil founded the International Federation of Karate (IFK) to preserve the spirit and values of Kyokushin within a non-political, transparent, and inclusive structure. Under his guidance, the IFK grew into one of the most respected karate organizations in the world.

Hanshi Arneil remained active in teaching, grading, and guiding students well into his late 80s. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind a global community of instructors and karateka dedicated to carrying forward his legacy.