Japan Karate Association (JKA) Hawaii is proud to participate in the JKA Gichin Funakoshi Online Festival. To learn more about the Festival, please visit the JKA YouTube channel.

Japan Karate Association (JKA) Hawaii is the Hawaii branch of the JKA. With branches in over 100 countries, the JKA is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization and the “Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition.” No other organization approaches karate with greater intensity of purpose or structure than the JKA. The JKA Hawaii takes that prestige very seriously by ensuring that all of our instructors are highly trained and adhere to strict training standards to ensure that our students get the most out of every class.

Karate is not a game of points, weight classes, or showy demonstrations. It is a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful; but if a conflict is unavoidable, true karate dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.

Such action requires strength, speed, focus, and control. But these physical aspects are only part of the practice; they are just the vehicle, not the journey itself.

True karate is based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind, and spirit–the whole person–must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), and kata (form) we learn to control our movements. But more importantly, we learn to give up control too. We can perform the techniques without thinking about them and remain focused without having to concentrate on any one thing. In essence, the body remembers how to move and the mind remembers how to be still.

This harmonious unity of mind and body is intensely powerful. Even the greatest physical strength and skill are no match for the power of wholeness.

The result of true karate is natural, effortless action. This confidence, humility, openness, and peace are only possible through perfect unity of mind and body. JKA Hawaii strives to teach more than just karate, but also patience, culture, and character. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and the JKA karate philosophy.

Studying karate with JKA Hawaii is more than learning to fight or defend yourself. There is also a heavy emphasis on character development, such as showing respect, strengthening the body, becoming more confident, and challenging the spirit to be stronger through discipline and patience.