About Shotokan Karate and the JKA
Shotokan Karate is a weaponless martial art developed in Okinawa and Japan, emphasizing power and efficiency in combat. Skilled karateka defeat their opponents with minimal number of techniques and effort, which is particularly useful when facing multiple opponents.
Gichin Funakoshi
JKA (the Japan Karate Association) was founded in 1948 with Gichin Funakoshi as its chief instructor; Sensei Funakoshi is considered the father of modern karate, after having brought the art from Okinawa to Japan.
JKA Karate is distinguished from other martial arts by the linearity and strength of its punches, blocks, and kicks. Precise techniques, accompanied by mastery and focus of energy flows and a deep knowledge of the body’s vital points, make this karate style a comprehensive system for self-defense and combat. The JKA now operates worldwide to maintain the high standards of instruction and training established by Master Funakoshi and to encourage the growth and development of karate.
The objective of karate-do is to polish and nurture both the mind and body. The cultivation of one’s spirit and mental attitude begun during practice in the dojo should not cease after the physical and mental exertions end for the day. Rather, this should continue outside the dojo, in our daily routine.
~ Gichin Funakoshi
Sensei Motokuni Sugiura, Chief instructor of the JKA and President of JKA, Nobuyuki Nakahara
