JKA Budokarate represents authentic and traditional Japanese karate based on the Shotokan style. Shotokan is characterized by deep, strong stances and a longer fighting distance. Modern Shotokan has also been influenced by other Okinawan and Japanese martial arts.
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The Japan Karate Association (JKA), founded in 1948, is the world’s leading Shotokan karate organization. Its mission is to preserve and promote the values of traditional karate—personal development, discipline, and respect. JKA provides high-level instruction and organizes major competitions, enabling people of all ages to practice karate worldwide. By emphasizing correct technique, character development, and community, JKA promotes the well-being of its practitioners and fosters international friendship and peace.
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Contact information:
Japan Karate Association - headquarters: https://www.jka.or.jp/en/
How do we operate?
JKA Finland is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Japanese budo and bushido culture, as well as increase awareness of Shotokan Karate-Do in Finland. Our member clubs teach authentic, traditional Japanese karate under the guidance of qualified coaches.
We serve as the official representative of the Japan Karate Association in Finland. Daily training takes place in seven clubs across the country. Each year, we organize two high-level gasshuku (training camps) featuring top instructors from JKA’s headquarters dojo. We also provide international instructor training (the JKA Instructor Course), and those who complete it successfully earn the JKA 2nd-dan black belt and the D-license.
Instructors
All JKA instructors (sensei) have years of experience both in training and teaching karate. They hold a JKA-issued dan grade and instructor license, ensuring high-quality and professional instruction for all practitioners.
Kihon, Kata and Kumite
Karate training is built on basic techniques (kihon), forms (kata), and sparring (kumite). Training also develops mobility, fitness, flexibility, strength, as well as physical and mental endurance.
Dojo Kun – Karate Etiquette
Karate is a budo art guided by strict moral principles (Dojo Kun):
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Seek perfection of character
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Be sincere
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Put maximum effort into everything you do
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Respect others
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Develop self-control