Funakoshi Gichin (1868 - 1957)
The Father of modern day karate. Founder of the Shotokan style (the name was taken from his poetry pen name Shoto, meaning ocean waves). He brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan in 1922, during an exhibition sponsored by the first Ministry of Education.
Nakayama Masatoshi (1913 - 1987)
Started karate under Funakoshi Gichin, immediately after entering Takushoku University. In 1949 he helped found the Japan Karate Association (JKA), with Funakoshi Gichin as Supreme Master. He was instrumental in the development of karate and promoting it worldwide
Enoeda Keinosuke (1935 - 2003)
The Shotokan Tiger. So named because of his reputation as a fearless fighter. Famous and respected throughout the world, Enoeda Sensei came to England in 1965 to establish karate in the UK and later founded the aptly named Marshall Street Dojo. He was Chief Instructor of JKA Europe.
The Japan Karate Association
The mission of the JKA is the promotion of karate; it's benefits and values throughout the world. Japan Karate Association members currently span over 100 countries.
Shotokan karate is one of the most traditional and widely practised forms of karate in the world today. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques.
The JKA has refined the Shotokan style even further, creating a related, but unique style all of its own.
Shotokan karate is one of the most traditional and widely practised forms of karate in the world today. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques.
The JKA has refined the Shotokan style even further, creating a related, but unique style all of its own.
Japan Karate Association England
JKA England is a nationwide organisation for the development, teaching and promotion of authentic JKA karate in England. It was established in 2003, with Ohta Yoshinobu as Chairman and Chief Instructor.
Ohta Yoshinobu 7th DAN JKA
A graduate of Takushoku University, Ohta came to the UK in 1982. He had been hand-picked, from attendees of the famous JKA Instructors Course, to be the official assistant to Enoeda sensei. Over the next 20 years, Ohta sensei instructed classes and accompanied Enoeda Sensei in teaching karate around the world.
Ohta sensei continues to be widely respected among karate exponents worldwide. He is committed to the advancement of JKA karate in England and the improvement of his students.
Ohta sensei continues to be widely respected among karate exponents worldwide. He is committed to the advancement of JKA karate in England and the improvement of his students.
