“The Japan Karate Association (JKA) is one of the most respected and influential Shotokan karate organizations in the world. Founded in 1948 and officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1958 as a nonprofit, cultural organization; the JKA is internationally regarded as the keeper of karate‘s highest tradition. It’s mission is to preserve, teach and promote the art of Shotokan karate as passed down from it’s founder, GICHIN FUNAKOSHI, and further developed by generations of expert instructors. From its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, the JKA trains its instructors through an elite and rigorous instructor training program – widely recognized as the global benchmark for karate education. This program emphasize is not only Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) but also philosophy, etiquette and teaching methods. As a result, JKA instructors maintain technical excellence and uphold the cultural values that defined true Japanese karate. Today, the JK operates in over 100 countries worldwide, with certified instructors conducting seminars and tournaments in black examinations to ensure consistent global standards. The association fosters a community that transcends borders – built upon the pillars of respect, humility, and continuous self improve improvement. In the United States, the JKA has been active since the early 1960s, led by pioneering instructors like SENSEI TAKAYUKI MIKAMI, who brought traditional karate directly from Japan to American dojos. The JKA organization continues to support a network of affiliated dojos across the country, offering instruction, testing and international training opportunities. These efforts ensure the same level of discipline and technical precise precision found in Japan is preserved here in the United States of America”. 

*credit 2025 JKA USA National Karate Camp Program