One lineage, from Gichin Funakoshi to the college dojos of Boston. Every black belt it has produced, and the story behind each one.
Gichin Funakoshi
Founder of Shotokan
Isao Obata
Funakoshi's student · First JKA chairman
Kazumi Tabata
Obata's student · Brought the line to Boston
Tabata Sensei came to Boston and taught where his students were: on the college campuses. Sensei Vazrik Chiloyan trained under him and carries the line forward today with Anselmo Cassiano. Every black belt below descends from it.
MHKH Club gathers students from the colleges of the Boston area and beyond. We are affiliated with JKA, JUKF, and HDKI so that students can keep training wherever life takes them after Boston, without worrying about transferring. As of 2026, 31 black belts have been promoted under the leadership of Sensei Vazrik Chiloyan.
Tap a face to read their story, or drag one free of the cluster.
What began with one teacher on Boston's campuses now reaches 13 universities, 18 countries, and 5 organizations. See the world map or the timeline poster.