International Shotokan Karate Federation
of British Columbia

The purpose of ISKFBC is to promote and instruct Shotokan Karate as taught by Senseis G. Funakoshi and M. Nakayama, and passed down to us through their senior students.

Sensei FunakoshiSensei NakayamaSensei OkazakiSensei Yaguchi

 

 

Where do we come from:

KARATE-DO

Sensei Funakoshi

 Officially introduced to Japan in 1922 by Master Gichin Funakoshi, karate originates from a very old, secretly-practiced method of self defence consisting of punching, striking, kicking and blocking techniques. 
With the increasing number of martial art styles being practiced today, much confusion exists over what can properly by called karate. Strictly speaking, the term karate or, more properly, karate-do should only be applied to the method of self-defence that evolved from the blending of native Okinawa and Chinese fighting forms. 

The distinction between self-defence and martial art is fundamental. The purpose of learning self-defence is purely practical: to develop the ability to defend oneself in case of physical threat or harm. Whereas practiced as a martial art (budo), karate-do seeks to go much further. True martial arts training goes beyond the mastery of technique. It seeks to transform the individual's physical, mental and spiritual potential to the highest level. The essence of budo is self-development, the unending struggle to overcome the limitations imposed by one’s ego. Through steady, sincere, rigorous training, karate disciplines the mind and the body in the development of the human spirit.

THE JAPAN KARATE ASSOCIATION

The Japan Karate Association was founded shortly after the Second World War by Master Funakoshi and his senior students. 

In 1956, the JKA Instructor Training Program was developed with the purpose of standardizing techniques and creating official instructors, examiners and, later, judges. Dr. Takehiko Sakai, a leading Orthopedic surgeon and senior-ranking student to Master Funakoshi, devised the program’s curriculum and lectured on various topics including sports medicine and kinesiology. 

The JKA was officially sanctioned by the Japanese Ministry of Education in 1957. The JKA developed into a world-wide organization under the guidance of the late Master Masatoshi Nakayama, appointed successor and second Chief Instructor of the JKA after the death of Master Funakoshi.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE FEDERATION

The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF), was established in 1977. The ISKF coordinates efforts to bring programs and develop organizations throughout the world using the time honoured methods developed by Master Funakoshi and Master Nakayama.

Master Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th degree black belt, is the Chief Instructor and Chairman of the ISKF. Master Okazaki was the right-hand man to Master Nakayama in the early days of establishing the JKA. He also played a crucial role in establishing and developing JKA tournament rules and the JKA Instructors Training Program.

Master Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th degree black belt, Chief Instructor of the ISKF of Colorado, headquarters of the Mountain States Region of the ISKF, is Chairman of the ISKF Technical Committee. Sensei Yaguchi is also Chief instructor for ISKFBC.

THE INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE FEDERATION OF CANADA

The ISKF Canada is a federal non-profit organization which provides technical, legal and administrative support to its member dojos through standardization of forms, procedures, rules and regulations.

The ISKF of Canada oversees adherence to the technical and procedural standards of the ISKF, and promotes the growth of ISKF karate across Canada. Through clinics and training camps, members have the opportunity to study with high-ranking masters. Kyu and Dan ranks are recognized throughout the world
ISKF of BC history: