Manzo Iwata  1924-1993
    Was born in Tokyo Japan. Whilst at school he trained in Kendo and Judo.

    He also took lessons from Ueshiba Morihe, founder of Aikido and a friend 

    of his grandfather.At 18years old he became a student of  Shito-Ryu Master Kenwa Mabuni.

    As well as karate Mabuni Sensei  taught Manzo Iwata “Bo-Jutsu” and importantly

    also introduced him to Master Seiko Fujita. with whom he studied and mastered

    in the arts of Jo-JutsuAnd Nanban-Satoryu-Kempo.In 1944

    Iwata Sensei received his Shihan Diploma in Shito-Ryu directly from Kenwa Mabuni.

    In 1948 he received his Shihan Certificte from Master Fujita and was invited

    to accept  the position of ‘Soke’ hereditary heir to Fijita’s system