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Name: Leon David Pantanowitz.

Rank:   Nana Dan (7^th Dan) – Shihan.

Chief Instructor of Israel - I.O.G.K.F

Born: 30^th November, l938. Klerksdorp, Transvaal, R.S.A.

Academic Qualifications:  M.Sc. Pharmacy.

Tel: 972-9-8332626

Fax: 972-9-8842569

email: iogkfi@netvision.net.il

 Martial Arts Qualification

 Leon Pantanowitz started Martial Arts training in 1956, at the age of 17 at the Shi-Huen Judo Association of South Africa, in Johannesburg and by 1963, had obtained his Nidan (2^nd Dan). In 1964 he moved to Cape Town and joined the Karate School of Mr. Hugh St. John Thomson, known today as Karate Do International. He trained at this School, until Feb.1972, when he emigrated to Israel, where he opened Dojo’s and taught, under the name of Karate-Do International-Israel Branch. He obtained the Rank of Go Dan (5^th Dan) and the title of Shihan-Ho by 1983. This School of Karate was associated with I.O.G.K.F. during the years 1969 – 1976, under the Chairmanship of Sensei Morio Higaonna. In 1976 this relationship was terminated and in August 1984, Leon Pantanowitz returned to the fold of I.O.G.K.F., after training with Sensei Higaonna for 6 weeks, at the Honbu Dojo in Okinawa. His grade of 5^th Dan was reconfirmed. He received his title of Shihan from Sensei Higaonna in Aug. 1991 and his 7^th Dan in I.O.G.K.F. in August 1998.

The following is a short resume of Leon Pantanowitz’s achievements and activities in Karate:

 Judo:

Nidan (2^nd Dan) Shi-Huen Judo Ass. S.A.                                            May 1963

 Karate:

Karate – Do International:         Go Dan (5^th Dan)                                 July 1981

                                                Shihan-Ho                               May 1983

I.O.G.K.F.  -                           Godan (5^th Dan)                                  Aug 1984

                                                Shihan                                                  Aug 1991

                                                Rokudan (6^th Dan)                               Dec 1992

                                                Nanadan (7^th Dan)                               Aug 1998

Israel Institute for Sport – Wingate – Nat Helman School for Coaches:

Sports Coach Karate -                                                                         1986/1987

Senior Sports Coach Karate -                                                              1997/1998  

 International Judging and Refereeing Qualifications:

 Kumite Judge - 10^th Maccabiah Games                                                 July 1977

Kumite Referee - 11^th Maccabiah Games                                              July 1981

Kumite Judge - European Karate Union                                                May 1987

Kata Judge - European Karate Union                                       May 1987

Kata Judge - World Union of Karate Org.                                            Oct 1988

International Competitions attended as Adjudicator:

 6 Maccabiah Games.

11 European Karate Union Junior and Cadet Championships.

14 European Karate Union Senior Championships.

8 World Karate Federation World Championships.

3 World Karate Federation World Cups.

1 I.O.G.K.F. European Championship.

1 I.O.G.K.F. World Championship.

2 European Karate Union/Fed Club Championships.

5 World Karate Union/Fed Kumite and Kata Courses.

2 World Traditional Karate Championships – Okinawa Japan.

 Represented Israel, at 35 International European and World Events, as a Kumite and Kata Judge and one World Championship, as Coach to the Israeli Team. 2 World Traditional Karate / Kobudo Championships, as a Kata Judge, in Okinawa Japan. One European and one World I.O.G.K.F. Championship, as Chief Referee, for both Kumite and Kata. Thus, representing Israel at 40 International events, as well as 6 Maccabiah world games.

I.O.G.K.F Gasshuku’s seminars and Festivals attend:

 9 Israel / International Gasshukus with Sensei M. Higaonna

16 I.O.G.K.F European Gasshukus  with Sensei M. Higaonna

9 I.O.G.K.F Chief Instructor Gasshukus with Sensei M. Higaonna 

3 Chojun Miyagi Memorial Festivals with Sensei M. Higaonna

10 extended training periods in Okinawa – Japan.

 Thus, all told representing Israel at 32 International I.O.G.K.F events and 9 others in Israel.

 Other positions held:

 Coach for Israel – Kumite / Kata.

Chief referee for Israel.

Authorized to conduct lectures and instruct instructors and coaches’ courses, under the auspices of the Israel Institute For Sport – Wingate – the Nat Helman School for coaches.

 Administration positions held:

 Foundation member of Israel Karate Federation

Israel Karate Federation Directing Committee member

I.O.G.K.F European world council member.

Israel Institute For Sport – Wingate – member of the professional advisory committee to the Nat Helman School for coaches.

Member of the World Grading Panel for the I.O.G.K.F       

Written by Shihan Leon Pantanowitz, 7th Dan, Karate-Do International