Gichin Funakoshi 松濤 (1868-1957)
Father of Modern Day Karate
Shotokan Karate
Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi, nicknamed "Shoto" (“Shoto” was the literary first name he used when doing calligraphy and writing poetry. “Shoto” means “Pine Waves,” and refers to the sound of wind blowing through the pines, which resembles the sound of ocean waves) is widely considered the "Father" of modern-day karate due to his efforts of introducing the Okinawan art of Karate (translated to "Empty-Hand") to mainland Japan. He dedicated his entire life promoting the values of the art, and in 1949, his followers helped established an association for the promotion of karate; now famously known and highly regarded as the Japan Karate Association (JKA) or Nihon Karate Kyokai.
Japan Karate Association
"The Keeper of Karate's Highest Tradition"
Founded in 1949, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was highly appreciated for its social activities, and received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Education as a “General Incorporated Association” in 1957. From then until now, JKA have devoted effort to inherit and develop this irreplaceable martial arts culture born in Japan. As a result, JKA was approved as a ” Public Interest Incorporated Association” on 21st March, 2012 by the Prime Minister of Japan. With a vast membership in over 100 countries, the JKA is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization. Recognized heir to the Shotokan karate tradition, it is the only legal karate entity officially approved by the Government of Japan as an association of members (Shadan Hojin) for the promotion and preservation of karate, and granted a tax-free status in Japan.
JKA aims to promote improvement of its skills and self-discipline by research and instruction of Karate-do (translated to "Empty Hand-Way), thereby contributing to the improvement of the well-being of the people and cultivate a sound martial arts spirit. Moreover, it aims to contribute to world peace by spreading the spirit of Japanese martial arts which respects courtesy to countries all over the world.
Head Master
JKA
M. Nakayama was a direct student of Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi and helped to establish the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in Tokyo, Japan.
Principal Chief Instructor
JKA
M. Ueki is the current international Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and was officially inaugurated on May 29, 2010.
Fmr. Chief Instructor
JKA Australia
T. Nishimura was the Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Australia and served as the Director of the JKA Asia Oceania Region until his death in October 2021.
Instructor
JKA Geelong
Gerard is the Instructor of JKA Geelong Shotokan Karate Club and served as the youngest President of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Australia.