Happy New Year to you all!

Last year, we had a series of major events such as the World Joint Training Camp, the World Championships, and the Funakoshi Gichin 100th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony. Thanks to everyone’s cooperation, we were able to accomplish them successfully.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude once again for the funeral of the late Masaaki Ueki, the 3rd Chief Teacher, on October 20, for the heartwarming kindness of everyone and for being able to hold the ceremony smoothly.

In 2024, in accordance with the revision of “Rules and Regulations” of the Japan Karate Association, we revised the “JKA/World Federation Rules and Regulations” and established the “Rules of the International Shihanaki of JKA”. I am confident that the relationship between each country and JKA HQ will be closer and stronger.

JKA must unite its aspirations and make further efforts to promote and develop Karate as a martial art and Karate with Ippon Shobu.
To this end, it is important for all members to work together as the members of one organization looking in the same goal. Currently, JKA/WF allows cooperation only with WKF. It means that you can involve in their operation as the WKF’s directors. This had been decided by the International Board of Directors.

Recently, I heard that JKA members are active in an organization called EKSA, but ESKA and JKA have nothing to do with each other.
Individuals are free to participate in ESKA’s tournaments for the purpose of testing the results of their trainings, but as mentioned above, it is not wise decision to take part in the management of ESKA that does not have any cooperative relationship with JKA. The reason is clear that it is JKA who has responsibility to carry out spreading Ippon-Shobu.
I strongly urge you to act with pride.

When the power of JKA is united, there is no other organization that is as strong as this in the world.
Let’s hold together and work under the banner of JKA.

Wishing you all a wonderful year!

Takeshi Oishi
Chief Instructor
JKA HQ