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About IJKA

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Explanation of International Japan martial arts Karate dokai (IJKA)

International Japan martial arts karate do is a new karate method developed by late Master Asai based on his unique philosophy and theory. What are those philosophy and theory?

  1. The core of Karate

    2. Its core must be Budo, martial art. However, after the tournaments method was adopted it is losing the Budo aspect from karate. The current trend is leading to more sports karate. Master Asai believed there must be another karate that retains the original core of martial arts.

  2. Physical aspect of karate training:

    3. He found many practitioners suffered leg joints and hip problems from karate training.

    1. He developed a training method that would not harm the practitioners' body
    2. He developed the warm up and down exercises with breathing method that would relax the muscles so that the practitioners can train karate throughout their life without injuring themselves.
  3. Techniques of karate:
    1. Introduced the new techniques that were not found in the traditional karate such as tenshin (body spins), jumps, whip techniques and others.
    2. Improve karate by adopting the different techniques from other martial arts.
    3. Non political organization that is open to any styles in order to create comprehensive karate.
    4. Create kata that are appropriate for the practitioners of all styles so they can practice karate together and improve their karate.
  4. Mental aspect:

    5. Master Asai saw many practitioners were focusing only on the prowess, higher dan ranks, and authority seeking. He was very disturbed about this unfortunate trend and he put the improvement of one's character is the most important in karate training. He added "Improvement of character" before "Perfection of character" in Dojo kun.

    To the practitioners who claimed they were better or stronger karateka, Master Asai said stay weaker but continue training. He wanted us to know that the weak ones want to look strong and the true strong ones act as though they were weak.
    Master Asai's desire was to have global friendship and peace.
    Therefore, Asai ryu karate means learn from the past but always develop new. Based on the improvement of the spiritual (mental) aspect, our Karate is a comprehensive and rich in vision that includes;

    • martial arts karate
    • excellent physical exercises
    • life time karate for all ages and both sexes
    • including social welfare (see below)
  5. Wheel chair karate

    6. For the details of wheel chair karate please refer to the explanation on our website.

    As a conclusion, I.J.K.A. (International Japan martial arts Karate dokai Asai ryu) is an unique karate family where the practitioners of Asai ryu gather to train martial arts karate harmoneously and to preserve the wishes of late Master Asai as described above.
    This organization stands for what Master Asai searched, improvement of character. Therefore, if you are only seeking the dan ranks or authority this organization is not suitable for you. We welcome only the practitioners who agree to the philosophy and theory of Asai ryu karate. We welcome not only the practitioners around the world who had experienced Asai ryu karate but also anyone even if they have never met Master Asai before if they agree and accept those concepts.

I.J.K.A. Herein Establishes Below Policies
To Carry on the Philosophy of The Late Shuseki Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai

  1. I.J.K.A. is to establish its Administrational Office and Technical Office.
  2. The Technical Office is formed by the Instructor Committee.
  3. The Technical Office is to overlook matters associated with the techniques of Karate.
  4. The Administrational Office is to overlook matters associated with financials and administrations.
  5. The Administrational Office and the Technical Office are responsible for disseminating the spirit of Shuseki Shihan Tetsihiko Asai on Karate.
  6. Members are to not bring personal conflicts into the organization.
  7. Country heads for the Administrational Office and the Technical Office will be assigned in each region.
  8. Country heads are to overlook the operation in each respective region and are to not abuse their authorities.
  9. Country heads are appointed for two years.
  10. Members of the Association may contact Japan Headquarters directly without going through country heads.
  11. Instructors of the Instructor Committee that make up the Technical Office are those with Shihan Asai rank 4 Dan or above.
  • We are now open for entry applications. Please note: applicants with direct association with Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai and those with references from individuals/groups with direct association with Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai are given higher priorities.
  • The policies may change with an agreement from the Director, the Chief Instructor, the Chief Administration Officer, and other executive members.


The IJKA Technical Office

  • The Technical Office is formed by the Instructor Committee:
    • They must be 4th dan or higher
  • membership in the Instructor Committee is decided according to the following guidelines:
    • Must be 3rd dan or higher
    • Must have an instructor certificate
    • After the above is fulfilled, then they can be a part of the Instructor Committee
  • Tournaments:
    • The main Technical Office and Administration will decide when, where and what type of tournament but member feedback is welcome.
  • Technical Seminars:
    • For dan or other certification (instructor, judge, etc) examination, they will be held at the tournaments.
    • Each country can invite an instructor from the Instructor Committee to hold a dan exam at their dojo.
      Cost is separately provided.

Dan Examination

  • For 1st - 3rd dan examination, there must be at least 2 instructors for the examination, as previously stated by Master Asai.
  • For 4th dan and above, there must be at least 3 instructors for the examination, including the Chief Instructor.
  • The 3 focus points that are judged during the exam are:
    1. A person's character
    2. How the person trains (attendance, trains hard at the dojo)
    3. Karate technique
  • If a person receives a dan certificate from an outside organization (other than IJKA) or from someone other than Master Tetsuhiko Asai, they must submit a training video of themselves to the Chief Instructor for review. The Chief Instructor will review the video and determine whether the person will keep their dan level or needs improvement.
    1. If improvement is needed, comments from the Chief Instructor will be sent back to the person.
    2. A person can send a video to the Chief Instructor for review a total of 3 times. The first time is free of charge. The second and third time, there will be a charge of $30 each time.
    3. This is process is only to confirm a person's dan level, it is NOT AN EXAMINATION BY VIDEO REVIEW.
  • Different branches close in proximity can split the cost of requesting an instructor from the main dojo.
    Cost is separately provided.

These rules are subject to change after the official meeting with the Instructor Committee members.