New Delhi, India – What was announced as a “groundbreaking moment for Indian martial arts” has quickly ignited a fierce debate within the community, following news that Hanshi Shaswat Kumar, founder of Senkoukai Karate, was awarded the 10th Dan Black Belt by the All Japan Martial Arts Organization.

The prestigious honor, reportedly conferred personally by Soke Yoshimoto Tanaka, president of the organization, recognized Kumar’s “lifetime of dedication, excellence, and contributions to traditional karate.”

According to reports from ACN Correspondent on May 17, 2025, Hanshi Shaswat Kumar was celebrated for becoming the first Indian to achieve this extremely rare and high-ranking Dan. The announcement highlighted his significant contributions to the martial art.

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However, the validity and legitimacy of this achievement have been sharply challenged by veteran martial artists in India.

Shiv Panchal, who identifies himself as a “founder member of National Federation,” expressed strong skepticism and dismay.
“A younger Boy I never heard his name in India however I was the founder member of National Federation but never heard about this name,” Panchal stated, raising immediate questions about Kumar’s recognition within established Indian martial arts circles.

Panchal did not mince words in his criticism of the awarding body and master. “Shame on the Japanese Master who awarded this Dan,” he remarked, emphasizing the profound significance of a 10th Dan. “10th Dan can not be degree its hard work of life time study and research in Martial Arts.”

The 10th Dan Black Belt is universally recognized as the highest possible rank in many martial arts disciplines, typically reserved for the art’s founder or a very select few individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to its mastery, research, and propagation. Such a rank signifies not just technical proficiency, but also profound wisdom, leadership, and a legacy within the martial arts world.

This controversy underscores a growing tension within the martial arts community regarding the integrity of high-ranking certifications and the criteria for awarding them, particularly when individuals are not widely known or recognized by established national federations in their home countries.

The debate surrounding Hanshi Shaswat Kumar’s 10th Dan is expected to continue as martial artists weigh in on the implications of this contentious award.