JKA Technique

JKA Techniques: The Inseparable Trinity Lead to Kime

The foundation of karate is the kihon (basic techniques), the kata (forms), and the kumite (sparring). Upon these three rest all technique, all speed, all strength and all progress in karate. They are, in essence, one. And they must be studied as one: without the kihon basic techniques, there can be neither kata nor kumite. Likewise, kata separated from kumite is simply rote movement unseasoned with the knowledge that comes from application. Finally, kumite without kata loses the characteristic agility and effortless smoothness inherent in karate. Kihon is kata is kumite.

At the JKA, we emphasize all three of these equally and simultaneously.

Through years of training and experience, we’ve developed a unique and unrivalled system of kihon techniques. We put tremendous focus on the fundamentals, teaching scientifically and step-by-step the proper posture, balance and angle of each specific movement. As with most things, continuous repetition is essential, for if you get the fundamentals wrong, there can be no further progress.

After mastering the kihon, you move on to the kata, the core of all karate skills. In kata, there is no wasted or meaningless movement. We emphasize repeating them over and over again. Through constant repetition, your body learns to move automatically, effortlessly and efficiently. Over time, the techniques become unconscious, rather than deliberate mechanical movements. You can do them without thinking, which frees your mind to be still and experience the dynamics of that moment.

At the JKA, we’ve refined the kata to be more applicable in kumite sparring. Through the techniques learned in the kihon and practiced in the kata, you discover how to respond to situations naturally and freely, and apply your techniques appropriately as the circumstances demand.

And that’s when the true power of karate can be understood. When your entire being —body and mind—explodes forward and downs the opponent with one blow, it is called kime. Kime is the ultimate purpose of the kihon-kata-kumite trinity.

When you join the JKA, you gain access to many benefits of membership. Primarily, of course, you get continual guidance from highly-skilled and certified instructors, experienced evaluation for Dan and Kyu rank promotions, the right to participate in local and international JKA karate tournaments, and dozens of other practical advantages, including the privilege of requesting the dispatch of an instructor from Japan to visit your organization or group*.

*(The fee for an instructor visit is US $2,000 for one week, plus accommodation and transportation; $3,000 for up to ten days; and $4,000 for up to two weeks. For details, check with the Tokyo JKA HQ.)

But the best reason to join is for karate itself.

Karate is not an easy art. But it is an art. And like any art, the more you put into it, the more you will gain. Ka-rate enriches you physically, mentally, and spiritually —developing your body, your mind, and your character. Especially at the JKA.

Why?

Because the JKA is The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition. Our karate is the strongest and most traditional karate there is. We see it not as a sport, but as a whole way of life. And that is always our emphasis: the whole. The goal is to help you develop every aspect of who you are.