For years, after Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki retired from ISKF, formerly under JKA, i personally felt a little lost as regards looking for a community where there are people who truly knows karate and loves the martial art as i do. It would also be great if there are masters who have studied longer than i have who has insights that would blow my mind. Since Shihan Okazaki came from JKA, i felt that JKA would be such an organization.
JKA, the Japan Karate Association, is the oldest, most presigious and basically, as the tag line says, the Keepers of Karate’s highest traditions. Most, if not all, of the other karate organizations in the world are offshoots of JKA as some instructors moved to start their own organizations. Students follow where their teachers go but sometimes, you have to see the bigger picture and think not only of yourself but those who follow you. Pioneer Shotokan Karate Club is home for dozens of karatekas but like some offshoots, when the Chief Instructor passes away, the club dwindles and crumbles. I do not want that for my students. I want them to have a home even when i am no longer alive. With JKA, Pioneer Karate and those who belong to it, will forever belong to an awesome group and their journey as karatekas will continue.
We are grateful to the Japan Karate Association Philippines – Nihon Karate Kyohai Inc. for welcoming our group into their ranks. We look forward to all the activities that are coming and lined up every year. We are looking forward to sharing ideas and learning from everyone. We are looking forward to growing individually and as a group.
