International Shotokan Karate Association

The International Shotokan Karate Association is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to the promotion and practice of traditional Shotokan karate. It is closely associated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF), a global organization dedicated to the same principles.

Background and Mission

Established to preserve and spread the teachings of Shotokan karate, the association continues the legacy of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Shotokan. Its mission aligns with that of the ISKF: to foster a community dedicated to karate excellence while upholding the traditional values and principles of Shotokan.

Affiliations and Operations

While the specific details of its operations and affiliations are not explicitly documented, it is understood to be part of a broader network that includes the ISKF. The ISKF itself is one of the largest Shotokan organizations in North and South America, founded in 1977 by high-ranking members of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). In 2007, the ISKF separated from the JKA to become an independent entity.

Governance and Leadership

The leadership structure of the association mirrors that of the ISKF, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of Shotokan teachings. The ISKF is led by Chairman and Chief Instructor Hiroyoshi Okazaki, who plays a significant role in ensuring that the organization adheres to traditional karate principles.

Programs and Impact

Through its affiliation with the ISKF, the International Shotokan Karate Association supports programs that promote karate at various levels, including collegiate programs. The association contributes to building a global community that shares a common goal of karate excellence and mutual understanding.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit organization, it is registered with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. However, specific financial details and operational strategies are not publicly available.

See Also

• International Shotokan Karate Federation
• Shotokan
• List of Shotokan Organizations

References

• Internal records.
• Associated organizations' literature.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Shotokan_Karate_Federation [2] https://iskf.com [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Shotokan_organizations [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotokan [5] https://www.skifworld.com/SKIF-Instructors.php