JKA – The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition Karate is defined as “empty hand”.

Founded in November 1948 by the students of master Funakoshi Gichin that introduced karate in Japan mainland, also considered as the father of modern Karate making master Funakoshi as Emeritus Chief Instructor of the Association. 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, the JKA has devoted its effort to inherit and develop this irreplaceable martial arts culture born in Japan. Consequently, on 21st March, 2012, the JKA got approved as “Public Interest Incorporated Association” by the Prime Minister of Japan.