Authentic Shotokan karate
Shotokan is the most widely practised form of traditional karate. The deep stances and range of strong techniques of this once secret martial art were first demonstrated publicly in 1922 by Master Funakoshi Gichin at a physical education exhibition hosted by the then Japan Ministry of Education. So impressed were the audience that in time, karate was incorporated into the school curriculum and throughout higher education establishments.
Characteristics of Shotokan over other karate styles are its incorporation of long, deep stances and full range of movement and multi-directional kicks: side, rotating and rear. Other styles tend to use shorter stances and forward kicks only.
The keeper of Japan’s highest tradition
Heir of the Shotokan lineage, The Japan Karate Association 公益社団法人日本空手協会 has applied sports science and body mechanics to gain maximum efficiency of technique. This approach has developed a refined and unique ‘JKA Shotokan’ style, evidently distinguishable from all other karate schools. The JKA’s methods of training apply an equal measure of kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. But the teaching extends beyond the purely physical elements of practise; in true karate the body, mind and spirit are developed simultaneously.
Between its governing board and technical committee, they have established the JKA World Federation, branching out across more then 100 countries with the sole mission being to promote the benefits of karate worldwide.
At its headquarters in Tokyo, The JKA employs a constant core of around 25 full-time instructors, under the lead of the Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor). Every one of these instructors has been selected from the top exponents amongst their peers, and undergone further intensive training. They will each have anywhere between 10 and 60 years-plus experience.
Significantly, The Japan Karate Association is the only independent karate association awarded special rights and legal status by the Government of Japan to operate as an association of members (Shadan Hojin) for the promotion of karate.
Karate is not merely a sport, but a martial art. The aim is to harmonise both mind and body; to balance strength, perseverance and patience, for total confidence and self-mastery.
The Japan Karate Association
The Japan Karate Association England 日本空手協会英国支部 is an organisation intent on the development, teaching and promotion of authentic JKA budo karate nationwide. The Chief Instructor is Ohta Yoshinobu 8th Dan.
Ohta Sensei is a graduate of Takushoku University which has a fierce reputation for producing some of the most exceptional karate-ka. After graduating, he was accepted onto the renowned JKA Instructor Course. It was around this time that Enoeda Keinosuke (1935-2003) 9th Dan, head of JKA Europe, was looking for a new assistant instructor. Ohta Sensei was selected and officially took up this role in 1982.
Over the next 20 years, Ohta would accompany him across the world, his exceptional ability, technical prowess and engaging methods making him highly popular and a sought after instructor in his own right.
Following Enoeda’s untimely death in 2003, Ohta Sensei officially established The Japan Karate Association England, to strengthen the relationship between the karateka of Great Britain and Japan, and to foster the friendly spirit of joint training and Japanese lineage, as the birthplace of karate.