Presidents Messages

Welcome to the official website of the W.J.K.A.

This is the official site for the World JKA Karate Association (WJKA). The WJKA is a non-political organization that is based on the teachings and methodology of the Japan Karate Association of the 1960's through to the early 1980's when the JKA was at its technical peak and under the leadership of Masatoshi Nakayama.

The WJKA is an association for groups and individuals that practice traditional Shotokan karate who wish to preserve the values and principals that made Shotokan karate the paramount karate style through out the world. The WJKA presents you with an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and groups, while both avoiding politics and being able to share information with each other regardless of race, religion or nationality.

As an association, we endeavor to form a circle of friendship that would surpasses all boundaries and promote the understanding and technical enhancement of Shotokan karate. Above all else, we believe that karate is a martial science and a way of life that trains the practitioner to be peaceful, yet has the capability to terminate an opponent with a single blow.

Of course, such action requires power, swiftness, focus and control. Nevertheless, these physical aspects are just the vehicle, but not the journey itself.
This journey is based on Bushido where the body, mind and spirit are developed concurrently through training in kihon, kumite and kata. Hence the practitioner learns to both control and to relinquish control to the movements until the techniques are performed without thought while remaining focused. In essence, the body remembers how to move while the mind remembers how to be still.
As a result, one becomes the embodiment of true karate because this method of training exemplifies a natural and effortless action where peace is possible through the perfect unity of mind, body and spirit. This is the core teaching of Zen as well as the philosophy of the WJKA.

Therefore, for all groups and individuals who understand our philosophy and wish to practice traditional Shotokan karate in the manner described above, you are welcome to join the World JKA Karate Association.

On behalf of the entire World JKA Karate Association (WJKA), I thank you for you interest in becoming affiliated with the WJKA and extend a warm welcome and best wishes for your karate success.

Sincerely

Jan G. Knobel, 8.Dan

President
World JKA Karate Association

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History of the WJKA

The aim of the World JKA Karate Association is to propagate pure JKA Shotokan karate steeped in the teachings and traditional methodology of the Japan Karate Association of the 1960's through to the early 1980's, prior to the death of Masatoshi Nakayama, and as outlined in the Best Karate Series.

The concept of the WJKA was first put to an international board in 1994 in Brussels, by Sidoli Sensei and Knobel Sensei at the 2nd JKA Euro-Camp in 1996. The reasoning for this was the fact that both felt that karate-ka from both sides of the JKA (as prior to political divisions) should be able to train together and test together. They proposed that a neutral and non-political 'friendship society' of JKA karate-ka should be created, where no individual association should be in control of any other, allowing autonomy and the freedom to fully develop. Between 1997 and 1999 there were several discussions between the European instructors. At the conclusion of these discussions all seemed keen to try and alma gate in friendship.

The concept was not to create yet another JKA body, but to create a 'union' where everyone was in communication, affording everyone access to instruction, regardless of which association an instructor.

A meeting was held in Germany in May 2000 between students of Mikami Sensei, Yahara Sensei, Asai Sensei and Ochi Sensei. All agreed on the need for such an organization in order that JKA Karate could still be enjoyed by all, rather than one association being in total control of the mantle of JKA style karate.
At the 12th (Asai faction) JKA World Karate Championships, held in Cardiff in July 2000, discussions took place between high grade non Japanese instructors.
All agreed with the need to begin the international friendship, and to draw from the experiences of senior karate-ka from around the globe and at this point the WJKA was born.

Sensei Jan G. Knobel, 8.Dan

Co-Founder W.J.K.A.

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