About Cape JKA

Karate means “open or empty hand” and originated as a system of self-defense when weapons were banned in Okinawa. Then came the birth in 1868 of Okinawan karate master Funakoshi Gichin. He dedicated his whole life to promoting the values of the art, and introduced the way of karate-jutsu to Japan, where it spread across the country. By 1949, his followers had established an association for the promotion of karate; they called it Nihon Karate Kyokai, or Japan Karate Association.

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) is a Japanese martial art with its headquarters in Tokyo Japan (it is the only legal karate entity officially approved by the Japanese government as an association of members for the promotion of Karate) JKA is the only karate association recognized by the Japanese government as being an educational institution (that follow a set curriculum) and is therefore the style practiced at most schools and universities. Incidentally JKA karate is at many worldwide universities and is practiced at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

JKA is the biggest karate organization in the world, it is a way of life that trains the practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, true karate (by performing techniques with strength, speed and focus), dictates taking down an opponent with a single blow.  JKA karate differs from other martial arts insofar as it prides itself on the respect it demonstrates and demands from its practitioners. The resultant of true Budo Karate (the way of true Karate) is therefore natural, and effortless actions performed with confidence and humility thus perfecting unity of mind and body. The South African Affiliate of the JKA (SA JKA) was established by Stan Schmidt (8th Dan JKA) in 1963. He studied at the JKA Headquarters under Nakayama Masatoshi (10th Dan, JKA) and his cadre of famous instructors.  The SA JKA has grown since then with the largest membership in the country which makes it also the most authoritative Karate organization in SA. SA JKA is well represented in all 9 provinces across South Africa with its headquarters in Johannesburg, Gauteng. 

The 5 Maxims of JKA Karate are:

• Seek perfection of character (Character)
• Be Faithful (Sincerity)
• Endeavour (Effort)
• Respect others (Etiquette)
• Refrain from violent behavior (Self Control)

Competitions and competing are a small piece of the karate pie so to speak.  In the words of the founder of JKA, Gichin Funakoshi, “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” We do however compete locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.  JKA practitioners have the benefit of competing in JKA events. Every year we have Provincial tournaments where students can attain Western Province colors. With opportunities of travelling abroad to World Championships.  JKA is the biggest karate organization in the world and the Shoto-Cup or JKA World Championships takes place every 3 years, competitors range from 9 years of age and up to senior level.