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.