Hanshi Andrew Rekunoff
President
World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN
Chairman
World Full-Contact Karate Federation
Hanshi Andrew Rekunoff is an internationally recognized martial arts leader, innovator, and instructor who has significantly influenced the evolution of modern Full Contact Karate. With decades of hands-on experience, elite-level coaching, and organizational leadership, he has helped redefine how full-contact fighting systems are trained, practiced, and presented worldwide.
His approach blends traditional Budo philosophy with modern combat efficiency, creating a powerful and practical system known as SOSHINKAN Full Contact Karate — a discipline focused on real fighting ability, athletic performance, and mental strength.
Global Leadership & Vision
Driven by a clear mission to elevate Full Contact Karate to a new level, Hanshi Rekunoff founded:
World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN (WKOS)
World Full-Contact Karate Federation (WFKF)
These organizations unite fighters, coaches, and schools from different countries under one standard — combining tradition, realism, and competitive excellence.
Through his leadership, international tournaments, training camps, and seminars have been established, bringing together athletes from around the world. These events are not only competitions, but platforms for growth, exchange of knowledge, and building a global martial arts community.
Expertise & Contribution
Over the years, Hanshi Rekunoff has developed advanced training systems designed specifically for full-contact fighting. His methodology focuses on:
Real combat effectiveness
High-level conditioning
Tactical thinking in Kumite
Progressive training systems for beginners to professionals
In addition to coaching, he has educated and mentored numerous instructors, ensuring that his system continues to grow and evolve through future generations.
Rank & Credentials
8th Degree Black Belt (8th Dan)
8th Dan — 2022
7th Dan — 2015
6th Dan — 2010
5th Dan — 2006
4th Dan — 2002
3rd Dan — 2000
2nd Dan — 1998
1st Dan — 1994
Professional Career
Began martial arts training in Judo (1984)
Transitioned into Kyokushin Karate (1987)
Continued development in multiple disciplines including Full Contact Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Soshinkan Karate
Key Positions Held:
Head Coach — Odessa Regional Contact Karate Federation (1994–1996)
Chief Instructor — Eastern Ukraine, ISKF (1996–2001)
Director & Chief Instructor — Daihido Organization (2001–2005)
Vice President — ISKF (2006–2014)
Vice President — Ukrainian Kyokushin Karate Federation (2010–2014)
Official Representative in Poland — World Sokyokushin Organization (2014)
President — World Karate Organization SOSHINKAN (since 2015)
Recognition & Awards
Awarded the Honorary Order of the 2nd Degree for outstanding achievements in education, scientific activity, and contributions to the development of the International Humanitarian University (Odessa, Ukraine — October 29, 2021).
Personal Story
Like many young boys, Andrew dreamed of becoming strong and learning how to fight. However, growing up in the Soviet Union, martial arts were heavily restricted — with Judo being one of the few officially allowed disciplines.
His journey began in Odessa, where he trained in Judo while secretly exploring karate techniques in improvised settings. Access to information was extremely limited — early training was built on handwritten notes, rare images, and shared knowledge among small groups of enthusiasts.
Despite restrictions and risks, dedication and discipline shaped his foundation. When martial arts became legal again in the late 1980s, opportunities expanded — but so did the number of unqualified instructors. This period strengthened his commitment to authenticity and real skill.
Military service further developed his fighting experience, where daily full-contact sparring became a crucial part of his growth.
After returning to civilian life, he continued his training under high-level instructors, combining different fighting systems into a more complete and practical approach — laying the groundwork for what would later become Soshinkan Karate.
Influences & Training
Throughout his career, Hanshi Rekunoff has trained with and organized seminars alongside respected martial artists from around the world, continuously expanding his technical and philosophical understanding of combat arts.
Philosophy
Soshinkan Karate is built on a simple but powerful idea:
Real fighting ability must be tested, developed, and continuously refined.
The path of Karate is not limited to technique — it is a lifelong process of discipline, growth, and self-mastery.
Legacy
Over the years, Hanshi Andrew Rekunoff has:
Trained thousands of students
Developed numerous champions at national and international levels
Mentored instructors who now teach worldwide
Organized major international events and seminars
His work continues to influence the next generation of martial artists, pushing Full Contact Karate toward higher standards and global recognition.
Closing
The journey never ends.
With unwavering dedication to the art and its evolution, Hanshi Andrew Rekunoff continues to move forward — refining the system, expanding its reach, and inspiring fighters across the world.
Osu!