The Japan Karate Association (or JKA; known in Japanese as Nihon Karate Kyokai, or sometimes just "kyokai" among karateka in Japan) is one of the primary and most influential Shotokan karate organisations in the world.

Shotokan Karate is a weaponless martial art developed in Okinawa and Japan, emphasising power and efficiency in combat. Skilled karate-ka defeat their opponents with a minimal number of techniques and effort, which is particularly useful when facing multiple opponents. 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.

However, JKA Karate is much more than just a way to defend and fight — it is a holistic system in which the training itself has far reaching effects on the trainee. It is an ideal way to become and stay fit, as it combines intense aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It is a way to gain self-discipline and the confidence to surmount everyday obstacles, whether tangible or not. JKA Karate encourages and helps in the exploration and understanding of both the physical and mental self.

The JKA was founded in 1955 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.

We invite you to read the rest of our website for information regarding our classes at the Yushikai Karate Academy.