With a vast membership in over 100 countries, the JKA is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization. Recognized heir to the Shotokan karate tradition, it is the only legal karate entity officially approved by the Japanese government as an association of members Shadan Hojin) for the promotion of karate, and granted a tax-free status. More importantly, the JKA is the preserver of the soul and spirit of the art of kokufu-bunkakarate-do-karate based on the ancient Japanese tradition of Bushido (the way of the samurai). Our mission is to promote this way of karate throughout the world, ensuring that it remains true to the philosophical precepts upon which it was founded.