Brief History of Modern-day Karate
Karate was introduced to the Japanese public, by Funakoshi Gichin, during an exhibition sponsored by the first Ministry of Education in 1922. He regarded it as a means of developing the mind and building character, as well as being an effective martial art. After years of diligent study and refinement of his karate, Funakoshi established his Shotokan training hall in 1936. 13 years later, his followers formed the Japan Karate Association, with Funakoshi Gichin as Master in 1949.
日本空手協会, The Japan Karate Association, World Federation
The mission of the JKA is the promotion of karate; its benefits and values throughout the world. These values extend beyond the purely physical elements of practice. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit must be developed simultaneously. JKA members currently span over 100 countries.
Shotokan karate is one of the most traditional and widely practised forms of karate in the world today. Shotokan puts focus on kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring)
to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. The JKA has refined the Shotokan style of karate, creating a related, but unique style all of its own.
Japan Karate Association England (JKA England)
JKA England is a nationwide organisation for the development, teaching and promotion of authentic JKA karate in England. The Head of Association is Ohta Yoshinobu 7th Dan JKA.
A graduate of Takushoku University, Ohta came to the UK in 1982. He had been hand-picked, from attendees of the famous JKA Instructors Course, to be the official assistant to Enoeda Keinsuke (dec). At that time, Enoeda Sensei was the head of JKA Europe and the UK. Over the next 20 years, Ohta Sensei accompanied him in teaching karate around the world.
After he passed away, Ohta established JKA England in 2003 as the official Japan Karate Association body in this country.
Ohta Sensei continues to be widely respected among karate exponents worldwide for his superb technical abilities and is a very popular instructor.