HISTORY OF THE J.K.A
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Pre-war era
1922- Okinawan karate master Gichin Funakoshi demonstrates 'To-de' in Ochanomizu, Japan for the Ministry of Education.
1929- After discussions with Gyodo Furukawa (Chief Priest Enkaku Temple, Kamakura) Funakoshi seeing the similarities between Zen philosophies and Karate evolved the 'spirit of karate' and changed 'To-de' to 'Kara Te'.
1930-War Years -Masatoshi Nakayama and Masatomo Takagi kept karate practice alive, although officially it was prevented from developing. Funakoshi's Shotokan Hombu Dojo destroyed in bombing raid.
Post-war era 1949 -Formal establishment of The JAPAN KARATE ASSOCIATION, incorporated by Yoshinosuke Saigo (Member of The House of Councilors, Japanese Government).
1953- Hidetaka Nishiyama on the invitation of the Strategic Air Command (USA) introduces karate to the United States. Karate is now an international art.
1955- Funakoshi Sensei is now 86 years old. Takagi in conversation with a movie producer, Yuzuru Kataoka, mentions that the Shotokan need a new Hombu Dojo. At the end of the year Kataoka calls Takagi with the news that a ground has been consecrated for the new dojo. This is the base from which the JKA developed.
1956 -The Instructor's Training developed. Nakayama Sensei and Nishiyama Sensei created the course that in turn created the legends of JKA Karate. Takayuki Mikami and Hirokazu Kanazawa being the first graduates. Those that followed helped to create the JKA as Worldwide body that was respected by all. 195-7 1st All Japan Championships. Kanazawa the champion. 1957 -Formal recognition of the JKA by the Japan Ministry of Education. 1957 -Master Funakoshi passes away. 1959 -The Chairman of the JKA is Shuji Masutani, (former Japan Deputy Prime Minister)
1961- Emperor Showa celebrates his 60th birthday. JKA demonstrate karate to him.
1964- 1st World Karate Tour
1965 -JKA send the following instructors abroad to teach. Hirokazu Kanazawa, Yutaka Yaguchi, Keinosuke Enoeda, Hiroshi Shirai (at the time all5th Dans). Kanazawa now 9th Dan, Chief Intsr. SKI; Yaguchi now 8th Dan ISKF, USA, Enoeda now 8th Dan KUGB, Britain; Shirai now 8th Dan ITKF. WSI, Italy. 1966 -Kakuei Tanaka (future Prime Minister if Japan) becomes JKA Chairman.
1970 -JKA hosts 1st World Karate Championships. 1972 -Zentaro Kosaka (former Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs) becomes JKA Chairman. 1972 -Two boys, Thalidomide victims, become Shodan. This was a major step in Karate becoming an art everyone could participate in. 1978 -1st All Japan Youth Tournament 1985 -1st Shoto World Cup held in Japan, later re-named 1986 -Noboyuki Nakahara (President of Tomen Corporation) becomes JKA Chairman.
1986 -Master Nakayama passes away.
The JKA split due to in fighting. Tetsuhiko Asai heads one faction whilst Motokuni Sugiura heads the other. Both factions share the old hombu dojo. Legal arguments are still sub-judice in Japan as to who has the right to the name JKA. Effectively both teach traditional JKA Karate, and both have worldwide recognition.
The following history relates only to the Asai Faction of the JKA.
1989- Former Japanese Minister of Transport, Raizo Matsuno, becomes Chairman of the JKA. 1994 -Yohji Yamamoto (Student of Richard Amos), International Fashion Couturier, founds the JKA Supporters Organisation.
The formation of the JKA UK
1994 JKA Seikukan formed under the guidance of Robert Sidoli, a former technical director of Japan Karate Association Canada, and former student of Hidetaka Nishiyama.
1995 JKA Seikukan expands to become known as JKA England. Official recognition given by JKA Hombu, Tokyo.
1997 JKA England changes name to JKA United Kingdom Karate Federation in order to incorporate the students from Wales and Scotland. Official recognition given by JKA Hombu, Tokyo.
1997 JKAUK send first competition squad to JKA European Championships, winnings include 2nd place Senior Men's Team Kumite, 2nd Place Veteran's kumite, 3rd place Senior Women's Team Kumite. 1997 JKA Technical Director Shihan Akihito Isaka,8th dan, teaches official course for JKAUK assisted by Sensei Richard Amos. JKAUK hold 1st official JKA dan gradings(above shodan).
The above info is thanks to Sensei Robert Sidoli JKI
There has been a lot of changes to the JKA, for more information
go to www.jkikarate.com web site or www.jkadojo.com web site