JKA karate has remained essentially unchanged throughout its history. Each student learns each technique and tradition in its original and most powerful form. As a result, the JKA produces some of the strongest and most skillful karate-ka in the world. There are a number of practical factors that make JKA karate different from other karate traditions.

JKA karate is a unique refinement of the Shotokan style, one of the oldest and most traditional types of Okinawan karate. Since it descends directly from such “original” sources, it has developed from strong roots underpinned by a long history and a great tradition


Every technique and movement in JKA karate is based on solid, scientific, physical movement theory. That’s why we put such heavy focus—far more than any other organization—on kihon, the basic foundational techniques, and their proper form, angle and balance. The result speaks for itself: JKA karate is powerful, solid, stable, and smooth flowing; this has proven itself time and again in tournaments. Despite the excellence of JKA karate, however, it is constantly being improved.

Karate is not a sport one plays for points. In JKA kumite, there are no weight classifications and no arbitrary point system. At the JKA there is only ippon (“one full point,” which means you have downed your opponent and won), or waza-ari (“effective technique,” which counts for roughly 80% of an ippon). The basis of JKA karate is the ability to take down your opponent, regardless of size or weight, with one blow. There is no room for incremental points in such a tradition. The difference is obvious: we teach our students how to gain mastery of themselves and overwhelm the opponent

Unlike many other karate organizations, the JKA was not created as an organization whose major purpose is holding matches and tournaments. Though it does sponsor tournaments, its major focus is the practice of karate. Its purpose is the teaching of karate as a way of life.