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The Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA) is a major traditional Shotokan karate organization, founded on the 10th February 1999 by senior Shotokan instructor, Keigo Abe. A former instructor graduate of the Japan Karate Association, Abe trained and taught at the JKA Headquarters (Sohonbu) for nearly 35 years. He rose up through the ranks and held the positions of JKA Director of Qualifications and JKA (Matsuno)Technical Director.[1] He was also a well renowned karate competitor, having attained many achievements and accolades during his time with the Japan Karate Association. [2]

The JSKA claims members in over 40 countries globally [3] while the organization's stated goals are to teach karate as a martial art based on the Japanese concepts of Budo and to gain perfection of technique and self defense, while improving health, confidence and mental attitude. It differentiates itself from other organizations by proclaiming a return to the traditional values and training of the Japan Karate Association as laid down by Masatoshi Nakayama, the JKA’s first headmaster.[4] Its students suggest that through the teachings of their Chief Instructor Keigo Abe, a direct student of Masotoshi Nakayama who in turn was taught by the founder of the style Gichin Funakoshi, that 'the Shotokan Legacy continues'. [5]

The JSKA emphasizes the development of effective techniques utilising the low and long stances introduced by Yoshitaka Funakoshi and passed on through Nakayama to Abe, and although they are a general feature of the Shotokan style, the self defense/budo element is continually stressed where the significance of natural actions, utilising good posture and biomechanics, ensures the execution of a powerful and effective technique. Although the JSKA does accept the need for tournaments, its use of the ippon shobu rules, guarantees that the concept of ‘one strike, one kill’ is still maintained in their training. [6]

JSKA Officials[edit]

Instructor	Rank	Position	Country
Keigo Abe	9th Dan	Chief Instructor	Japan
Mitsuru Nagaki	8th Dan	Assistant Chief Instructor	Japan
Makoto Matsunami	8th Dan	International Technical Director	Japan
Masahisa Iida	7th Dan	Director	Japan
Tsunehiro Sato	7th Dan	Director	Japan
Takashi Naito	6th Dan	International Director of Administration	Japan

Senior Western Shihankai Members[edit]

Instructor	Rank	Position	Country/Affiliated Group
Dieter Flindt	7th Dan	European Technical Director	JSKA Germany
Charles Gidley	7th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Great Britain
George Carruthers	7th Dan	European Director of Administration	JSKA Great Britain
Vilaca Pinto	7th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Portugal
Jan Knobel	7th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Netherlands
Khosro Taghva	7th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Italy
Hand Mueller	6th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Switzerland
Soon Pretorius	6th Dan	Technical Director	KSKA South Africa (JSKA)
Alexander Drennick	6th Dan	Technical Director	JSKA Russia/St Petersburg

Grades[edit]

For all kyu gradings, the student must demonstrate to the examiners tier understanding of the three facets of the style; set patterns (kata), basics (kihon) and sparring (kumite). Grades are examined with the karateka presenting themselves for assessment, with the permission of their instructor, every three to four months. This situation last between 10th kyu and 1st kyu, depending on the affiliate association. The minimum waiting period between 1st kyu and 1st dan is typically a 6-12 month. Time between dan gradings increases approximately in yearly increments as the grade progresses.

Kyu Grades run from 10th kyu to 1st Kyu and Dan grades from 1st Dan to10th Dan. Although kyu grades are coloured to show progression, all dan grades wear only black belts.

Dan gradings are taken under an authorized grading examiner. Senior grades above 5th Dan come specifically under the auspices of the JSKA Chief Instructor and are examined at national/international events (such as National/International Competitions). Depending on the grade being taken a similar format to the kyu grades is required covering all three sections of the training. The karateka must demonstrate a single kata of their choice while the chief examiner will choose another kata from a set list, depending on grade, to be performed. As the grades progress a research paper must be presented and the bunkai (application) of a kata chosen by the examiner, must be shown and explained.[7]

Championships[edit]

The JSKA has since its inception ran a World Championships every 2 years; Germany (2002), South Africa (2004), United States (2006), Great Britain (2008) with coming events in Portugal (2010) and Mexico (2012).[8]

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JSKA Officials[edit]

Senior Western Shihankai Members[edit]

Grades[edit]

Championships[edit]

See also[edit]

External links[edit]