ISKFBC
was initially formed as JKABC when Mr. Gary Johnson invited Master
Teruyuki Okazaki to visit B.C. in July 1983. In November 1983,
Master Yutaka Yaguchi was invited to teach in B.C., and the
foundation of International Shotokan Karate Federation was laid.
Since those first visits, the level of karate in B.C. has grown,
thanks to both Masters Okazaki and Yaguchi, who have taught
major clinics in B.C regularly every year since 1983.
JKA of BC (ISKF) non-profit society was incorporated in May of
1986 under the province of British Columbia’s Societies Act. A
Board of Directors was established with Mr. Gary Johnson
appointed as Chairman and Chief Instructor. A mandate was
established to organize the annual events on behalf of the
membership and to further the teaching of Shotokan Karate here
in B.C.
Mr. Gary Johnson retired in 2002, and Mr. Joe Dixon was appointed
Technical Director. The title of Chief Instructor was given to
Master Yaguchi, as recognition to his large contributions in
developing JKA of BC.
Since 1983, Japan Karate Association of B.C. (ISKF) has grown from
one club to many clubs located throughout the province. Some
highlights of this history include.
In 2007 all member dojo's voted unanimously to follow Masters
Okazaki and Yaguchi and officially leave the JKA and promote
ISKF as a independent international Karate body.
| July 1983 | Annual clinics with Master Teruyuki Okazaki begin. |
| November 1983 | Bi-annual clinics with Master Yutaka Yaguchi begin. |
| November 1984 | Special clinics with Master Masahiko Tanaka. |
| June 1985 | Special clinics with Master Masatoshi Nakayama. |
| May 1986 | JKA BC (ISKF) incorporated as a non-profit society under the province of British Columbia’s societies act. |
| June 1986 | Special clinics with Master Yoshiharu Osaka. |
| October 1989 | JKA BC hosts 9th National Karate Championship, New Westminster. |
| June 1991 | Special clinics with Master Yoshiharu Osaka |
| October 1996 | JKA BC hosts 16th National Karate Championship, New Westminster. |
| October 2002 | Mr. Gray Johnson retires, Mr. Joe Dixon appointed Technical Director. |
| October 2003 | JKA BC Celebrates 20th anniversary, hosting 23rd National Karate Championship, Vancouver |
| June 2007 | ISKF leaves the JKA |
| July 2007 | Special clinics with Sensei Hiroyoshi Okazaki |
| Jan. 2010 | ISKF now with over 50 countries as members |
| Jan. 2017 | Masters Okazaki and Yaguchi retire, Sensei Hiro Okazaki assumes leadership of ISKF |
| April 2020 | Master Okazaki passed away |
