The Japan Karate Association or in Japanese, Nihon Karate Kyokai or simply, the JKA, is a traditional Karate organisation whose world headquarters are in Tokyo Japan.

The JKA is the Keeper of Karate's highest tradition and is known as "The Way of Balance". We practice and promote Budo Karate on a global basis through the Japan Karate Association World Federation a global entity administering 4 geographic world regions; Asia-Oceania, Pan-America, Europe and Africa & Mid-East.

The founder of the JKA used the pen name “Shoto” and the word “kan” translates to mean ‘place of practice’ therefore the JKA practices what is often called Shotokan Karate.

JKA Karate is a dynamic martial art that, when practiced correctly, is a source of great skill, robust good health and a means of developing self-control. The ultimate aim of JKA is the perfection of the individuals character which in turn has positive benefits for family, friends and society. JKA Karate does not discriminate on any basis; gender, age religion or race, it is available to males, females adults and children alike from all cultures. Classes are conducted in a safe yet disciplined environment and JKA training is always constructive and of great benefit to all participants.

The Japan Karate Association was formed in the late 1940’s by a group of Karateka including the man known as the father of modern Karate, Gichin Funakoshi Sensei. Since its inception, the JKA has had a policy of developing and refining both the practical and administrative aspects of Karate. In this regard, the JKA is responsible for 4 major developments that have made Karate an international Martial Art. These developments are;

1. The most thoroughly documented and detailed scientific analysis of all Karate techniques definitively recorded in print and on film.

2. The establishment of the world renowned JKA Instructors Programme. A course comprising two years of full-time Karate study under the auspices of the JKA Hombu Dojo. Graduates of the programme are among the elite of world Karate and often become instructors or assistant instructors to JKA member countries.

3. The development of the rules of Competition Karate that are closely related to the principles of Budo. These rules have stood the test of time in that they have hardly changed since being established and published in the mid 1950’s.

4. The estabishment of Karate as part of the Japanese school and University curriculum. The JKA and The Ministry of Education in Japan have worked together to develop youth programs since mid last century.

Above all, the Japan Karate Association is a body of people with common goals who share a common purpose. Today JKA Karate is established throughout Japan as part of the national educational syllabus. It is also known and practiced in most other countries of the world.

Participation

The JKA together with it's World Federation affiliates has the largest following of any single style traditional Karate group in the world. Reliable participatory figures are not readily available on a global basis, but the following is a list of the larger organisations operational in Japan as at May 2003 showing the number of branch Dojos for each. This gives an indication of the level of coverage enjoyed by the JKA which is more than double the number of established Dojos of the next most popular group.

For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions

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