The IJKA is now headed by Utsumi Takato Sensei 7th Dan.
Takato Sensei was hand picked by Kato Shihan and initially appointed Chief Instructor for IJKA Japan. Kato Sensei had a vision for the future and saw Takato Sensei as an eventual successor to continue his IJKA legacy for future generations of karateka.
Following Kato Shihan’s sad passing in April 2020, Takato Sensei was asked to take over the mantel of IJKA International Chief Instructor. That title subsequently changed to World Chief Instructor.
Takato Sensei is based at IJKA HQ in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. He visits IJKA affiliated countries each year to teach at seminars organised by the host nation.