Welcome
Our Philosophy
At the Japan Karate Association (JKA), we place immense focus on the proper form and balance of each kihon, or basic technique. Through extensive training, our instructors have rigorously and scientifically analyzed every individual movement in each kata, developing an unrivaled spectrum of kihon techniques. These specialized kihon are refined to make kata more applicable in kumite, and in turn, the experience gained from kumite further perfects one’s kihon and kata. This creates an inseparable trinity in JKA Karate: kihon, kata, and kumite. Through constant repetition, your body learns to move effortlessly and naturally, and your mind follows suit. JKA Karate is the way of balance.
JKA Karate is not about points, weight classes, or flashy demonstrations. It is a martial art and a way of life that trains practitioners to be peaceful, but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates neutralizing an opponent with a single blow. This requires strength, speed, focus, and control, but these physical aspects are only part of the practice—they are the vehicle, not the journey itself.
True karate is rooted in Bushido, where the body, mind, and spirit—the whole person—are developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite, and kata, we learn to control our movements, but more importantly, we learn to relinquish control as well. This allows us to perform techniques instinctively and remain focused without consciously concentrating on any one thing. The body remembers how to move, and the mind remembers how to be still, creating a harmonious unity of mind and body that is intensely powerful.
Even the greatest physical strength and skill cannot match the power of this wholeness. The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, accompanied by the confidence, humility, openness, and peace that only perfect unity of mind and body can bring. This is the core teaching of Zen, the foundation of Bushido, and the essence of the JKA’s karate philosophy.
Bushido has been the samurai code of conduct in Japan for centuries. Firmly based on Zen teachings, Bushido was intended to help samurai master their nature and understand their minds and the universe through direct experience, while fostering strength, self-control, and wisdom. Bushido is built on seven essential principles:
1. **Seigi**: The right decision and rectitude
2. **Yuki**: Bravery and heroism
3. **Jin**: Compassion and benevolence to all
4. **Reigi**: Courtesy and right action
5. **Makoto**: Truthfulness and utter sincerity
6. **Meiyo**: Honor and glory
7. **Chugi**: Devotion and loyalty
Martial spirit and courage were, of course, essential aspects of Bushido. However, Bushido’s highest goal for the samurai was complete virtue in thought and action. Each samurai followed a carefully designed regimen of polite ceremony and etiquette to promote such virtue. With its emphasis on prescribed form, Bushido helped samurai harmonize mind and body, enabling them to maintain a calmness, or **heijoshin** (literally, “ordinary everyday mind”), even in the face of hardship. Sincerity, kindness, honesty, filial piety, and honor formed the core of Bushido and became the seed from which the karate tradition grew. These attributes, along with the wisdom, understanding, and peaceful strength they promote, are some of karate’s greatest benefits. They are also among Japan’s greatest gifts to the world.
**Dojo Kun**: Senior instructors at the JKA developed the Dojo Kun, which everyone studying at the JKA commits to memory. At the start of each practice session, students kneel in the seiza position and recite these five precepts aloud. This process instills the right attitude, mindset, and virtues to strive for both within the dojo and beyond:
1. **Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto** – Seek perfection of character
2. **Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto** – Be sincere
3. **Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto** – Put maximum effort into everything you do
4. **Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto** – Respect others
5. **Hitotsu! Kekki no yū o imashimuru koto** – Develop self-control