Japan Karate Association

 Join JKA

How to join

When you join the JKA, you gain access to many benefits of membership. Primarily, of course, you get continual guidance from highly-skilled and certified instructors, experienced evaluation for Dan and Kyu rank promotions, the right to participate in local and international JKA karate tournaments, and dozens of other practical advantages, including the privilege of requesting the dispatch of an instructor from Japan to visit your organization or group*.
*(The fee for an instructor visit is US $2,000 for one week, plus accommodation and transportation; $3,000 for up to ten days; and $4,000 for up to two weeks. For details check with the Tokyo JKA HQ.)

But the best reason to join is for karate itself.

Karate is not an easy art. But it is an art. And like any art the more you put into it, the more you will gain. Ka-rate enriches you physically, mentally, and spiritually —developing your body, your mind, and your character. Especially at the JKA.

Why?

Because the JKA is The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition. Our karate is the strongest and most traditional karate there is. We see it not as a sport, but as a whole way of life. And that is always our emphasis: the whole. The goal is to help you develop every aspect of who you are.

How to join JKA

The application procedure differs slightly depending on which kind of membership you are applying for. Click below for information and action steps for each:

Group Membership Application Procedures

For any dojo, karate group, karate club or other such organization desiring official membership and/or affiliation with the JKA, or for any dojo or club wishing to teach the JKA karate system.

Individual Membership Application Procedures

For anyone interested in joining the JKA as an individual, and attending one of our dojos or affiliated organizations near them.

“Kata” of Karate

There are many characteristics and fascinating elements in Karatedo as a Japanese  physical exercise culture. One of them is “Kata”.

The Japanese have incorporated “heart” and “technique” through “Kata” which is a unique and excellent transferring and acquiring method.

Karate’s “Kata” is perfomed alone. It can be practiced at your own pace, according to the ability and physical fitness that you currently possess, regardless of each person’s physical strength and abilities, age, sex and innate qualities. This is one of the major features of Karate that is not found in any other martial art.

By practicing “Kata”, we are able to harmonize our mind and body. Our body moves evenly, front to back, left and right, up and down, equally.

Since it uses all muscles which are not commonly used in daily activity, it is an ideal full body exercise for small children as well. It stimulates the development of a balanced body.

Additionally, by understanding this “Kata” completely and practicing it seriously, concentration can be cultivated.

Cultivating Innerstrength / Training Your Innerself

There are many characteristics and fascinating elements in Karatedo as a Japanese  physical exercise culture. One of them is “Kata”.

The tradition of teaching Karate, which has been fostered in the Japanese tradition, the innerself is refined through the training of  these techniques.

The JKA firmly believes that the refinement of the innerself and the cultivation of such high virtues as courage, patience, power of introspection, selflessness, and compassion can be most effectively achieved through developing the body and fostering an attitude that honors respect and tradition.

Currently, JKA has about 1000 branch organizations nationwide including local dojos, business associations, university, high schools, junior high schools, sports clubs.

All branch organizations have instructors certified by JKA. They provide reasonable and detailed instruction depending on your needs and purpose, physical fitness, gender, age and level of experience. We have dedicated ourselves to working hard so that everyone is satisfied with the instruction.

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