Roberto Chinellato, a life on the path of Karate-do: from San Rafael to 7th dan in the Japanese tradition

At a stage held in Switzerland in April 2026, Master Roberto Chinellato—leader and head of the Italian Karate association—was awarded the 7th dan by the highest global authority of his style, in recognition of decades of dedication to teaching, discipline, and the promotion of traditional Karate-do.

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Born in southern Mendoza and trained within one of the most traditional lineages of Japanese Karate, Roberto Chinellato reached 7th dan in the Shito-Ryu Itosu Kai style—a distinction reserved for masters with decades of experience. With a life spanning Argentina, Canada, Europe, and Japan, his story combines direct lineage, teaching, and deep dedication to both Karate and Kobudo.

Roberto Chinellato’s story cannot be measured solely in ranks or titles. Above all, it is the story of a life shaped by Karate as a discipline, a philosophy, and a form of cultural transmission.

Born in San Rafael, he took his first steps in martial arts in Argentina at a time when access to traditional Karate sources was limited. Nevertheless, he continued along a path that would lead him into one of the most profound branches of the system: Shito-Ryu, founded by Kenwa Mabuni on the island of Okinawa.

This style, considered one of the four original Japanese Karate systems, stands out both as a traditional and a sport practice. It is known for its technical complexity and for preserving nearly 80 katas and traditional principles, combining the Shuri-te school of Anko Itosu and the Naha-te school of Kanryo Higaonna. Within this framework, Chinellato trained in the Itosu Kai lineage, developed by Ryusho Sakagami and continued by Sadaaki Sakagami, heir to the system.

Direct lineage and international training

A central element of his training was his connection with Shihan Kei Tsumura, a legend in the field of martial arts, a direct disciple of the Sakagami line, and one of the key figures in the spread of Karate and Kobudo in Canada.

For years, Chinellato traveled repeatedly to Canada to train and compete under his guidance. This training was not only technical but also conceptual: a direct transmission of the spirit and philosophy of traditional Karate-do.

During this time, he also trained in Kobudo, the art of traditional Okinawan weapons, historically linked to Karate. This knowledge led him to train the Federal Police of Mendoza Province when the tonfa was first introduced as a defense tool. The system he practices comes from the lineage of Master Shiken Taira, one of the key figures in preserving these traditions in the 20th century.

From Mendoza to Europe

In the early 1990s, Chinellato settled in Italy, where he developed much of his career as a master.

There, he not only continued his training but also founded and structured the Itosu Kai school in the country, becoming the official representative of the style for all of Italy in both Karate and Kobudo. In this role, he trained generations of students and established a sustained practice over time, maintaining the traditional principles of the style.

His role went beyond teaching: he became a true icon of his school at the global level and a transmitter of the system, carrying forward a line of instruction directly connected to Japan.

Competition, teaching, and recognition

In addition to his pedagogical work, he was actively involved in international competition, particularly in Canada, where he achieved notable results both as a competitor and as a coach.

However, in traditional Karate, the most important recognition does not come from tournaments, but from consistency over time. In this sense, his recent promotion to 7th dan represents far more than just a new rank.

The meaning of 7th dan

Within the structure of Karate, 7th dan is a level reserved for masters with decades of practice, teaching, and contribution to the development of the art. Its legitimacy—recognized and registered in Japan—reflects both the individual’s trajectory and their standing in the martial arts world.

It is not merely about technical skill, but about a comprehensive recognition: career, student development, commitment to tradition, and acknowledgment within the lineage.

Reaching this level means having passed through every stage of the martial path, from initial learning to the conscious transmission of knowledge.

A legacy in motion

Today, Chinellato remains active in the international circuit, participating in stages and seminars alongside leading figures of the style such as Sadaaki Sakagami, reaffirming his direct connection with the system’s global leadership. He is currently in Switzerland with Sakagami and will travel to Japan next year to continue pursuing his passion.

From Europe, he continues to teach Karate and Kobudo, maintaining a practice that blends tradition, discipline, and continuity.

The story of Roberto Chinellato—beginning in his hometown of San Rafael, Mendoza, and expanding across the world—is also the story of an art passed down from generation to generation. In this journey, his attainment of 7th dan is not an endpoint, but rather a confirmation of something deeper: a lifetime devoted to the path of Karate as a way of life.