Karate Resources
Resources / Karate Resources
HISTORY OF KARATE
Modern-day Karate, “The art of empty hands”, was developed by the Okinawans in response to a ban on the possession of weapons by Japanese warlords. When Okinawa was united with Japan, a master named Gichin Funakoshi was invited to display his skills to the Japanese. His skills impressed Jigaro Kano, the founder of Judo, and Funakoshi stayed to teach. In turn, Funakoshi learned from Kano and developed a code of conduct to his art and called it Karate. He founded a school called Shotokan, and this style of Karate remains the most widely practiced today.
ORGANIZATIONS
International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF)
The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) is a global organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Shotokan Karate. Founded by Master Teruyuki Okazaki, a direct disciple of Gichin Funakoshi, ISKF connects students worldwide through the art’s principles, structured training, certifications, and seminars.
USA National Karate-do Federation
USA National Karate-do Federation (USA-NKF) is the official National Governing Body for Karate in the U.S., recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the World Karate Federation. Oversees athlete development, coaching, and officiating.
World Karate Federation
The World Karate Federation (WKF) is the premier international governing body for sport karate, recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It oversees global competitions, including senior and junior world championships, sets competition rules in kumite and kata, and represents nearly 200 national federations worldwide.
Karate Tournament Central
Karate Tournament Central is a comprehensive event database and resource hub for martial arts competitions. It offers searchable listings by state, discipline, and date, plus tournament promotion tools, point rankings, and a magazine for the karate community.
Shotokan Karate of America (SKA)
Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) is a nonprofit organization teaching traditional Shotokan karate‑do across the U.S. since 1956. SKA preserves the art’s legacy under founder Tsutomu Ohshima, with over 140 affiliated dojos, regular special training events, and a philosophy rooted in discipline, character, and excellence.
SCHOOLS
The Japan Karate Association of Boston
JKA Boston (Japan Karate Association of Boston) offers traditional Shotokan Karate instruction in Brookline, MA. Affiliated with the JKA World Federation and Shotokan Karate‑Do International, the dojo emphasizes disciplined training, character development, and competitive excellence under experienced instructors.
The Karate Dojo
The Karate Dojo offers karate training for both youth and adults in West Columbia, SC, focusing on confidence, discipline, self‑defense, and wellness. With group classes, private lessons, fitness boot camps, and weapons training, it’s a full martial arts center for all levels.
Sport Karate Academy
Evansville Sport Karate Academy offers Shotokan karate classes for students of all ages—pre‑school, kids, teens, and adults—in a family atmosphere. Based in Evansville, IN, the academy emphasizes personal growth, discipline, and practical self-defense training.