JKA Shotokan Karate

JKA stands for Japan Karate Association and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. In Japanese, the organization is called Nihon Karate Kyo Kai and was formed in May 1948 after the American occupation forces lifted the ban in Japan on practicing so-called martial arts. The style of shotokan karate that JKA practices is simply called JKA-Shotokan. In May 1958, JKA was officially accepted by the Japanese Ministry of Education.

The organization is also the only Shotokan school member of the Japan Karatedo Federation, the umbrella organization also for JKF Gojukai, JKF Shito-kai, JKF Wado-kai, Renbukai and Nippon Karatedo Rengoukai. JKA World Federation administers JKA and internationally and has today spread JKA-Shotokan in over 150 member countries.

In "Hombu Dojo", the main dojo in Tokyo, a number of instructors are trained annually, both Japanese and instructors from other countries. As early as 1957, the first national championships, the "All Japan Karate-do Championships", were held, which have since continued annually. The competition has been visited by the Japanese emperor, among others. In addition to seniors, more than 2,000 young people participate annually in national JKA championships (6-18 years), who have qualified regionally.

Every other year, JKA organizes the world championships in JKA-Shotokan which are held every other time, i.e. every four years in Tokyo. In 2000, the competition took place in Budokan, the most prestigious competition arena in Japan, located in the northern part of the Imperial Palace's parks.