In 1956, he graduated from university and joined the JKA. That same year, he was promoted to 3rd dan. Kanazawa won the inaugural All Japan Karate Championship's kumite (sparring) championship in 1957.
In 1956, after graduating from university, he joined the JKA and achieved the rank of 3rd dan that same year. He went on to win the inaugural All Japan Karate Championship's kumite competition in 1957.