About JKA

The Japan Karate Association

The Japan Karate Association (“JKA”) is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization, and is the preserver of the soul and spirit of the art of “kokufu-bunka karate-do” karate based on the ancient Japanese tradition of Bushido (the way of the samurai). The great masters of JKA paved the way to today’s karate.

Japan Karate Association Australia

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) Australia Inc. (“JKA Australia”) was incorporated in 2010 and is one of the leading JKA karate organisations in Australia. We have hundreds of members practicing at our branches or ‘dojos’, which are located at various locations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. JKA Australia teaches traditional JKA Shotokan-style karate. The standards taught are of the highest level in keeping with the technical requirements set by JKA Headquarters.

The purpose of JKA Australia is to develop and promote JKA Shotokan karate in Australia. Our instructors are certified by JKA Headquarters based in Tokyo, Japan. The standards taught are of the highest level in keeping with the technical requirements set by JKA HQ. Our goal is to maintain these standards, to grow and to help all our students achieve their personal goals and aspirations.

Key Individuals of JKA

Here are the masters and teachers of JKA Australia as well as the JKA in Japan HQ that we are a member of. Learn more about Ciarán Horgan Sensei, our head instructor here

Funakoshi Gichin Shihan was the founder of Shotokan karate-do, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is known as a "father of modern karate"

Oishi Takeshi Shihan succeeded Ueki Masaaki Shihan and is inaugurated as the fourth chief instructor of JKA.

Nishimura Takaatsu Shihan is the founder and former Chief Instructor of JKA Australia.

Phil Young Sensei is the current Chief Instructor of JKA Australia.

Ciaran Horgan Sensei is the Branch Head and Head Instructor of JKA Australia Melbourne Thornbury Branch.