 The Japan Karate Association
of Albany, Inc. (JKA) is a local non-profit club, whose practitioners
have provided training and education in the traditional Japanese martial
art of Shotokan Karate-Do for over 40 years. We are a traditional martial
arts club that emphasizes a holistic view to training both the body and
the mind. We believe that philosophy and ideals are just as important
to traditional martial arts as physical prowess. Our training is based
on time-honored techniques and systems. Classes are more disciplined
and place more emphasis on etiquette than the typical street-corner karate
school. The Japan Karate Association is the largest and one of the most
prestigious martial arts organizations in the world. Exacting standards
of technique and rank are the same in our club as they are in Japan.
While your training and advancement is our primary concern, JKA schools
will not compromise their ranking standards just to keep students happy.
All students receive the finest quality instruction.
- All JKA Instructors are nationally and internationally
certified.
- All JKA Instructors participate in instructor training courses and
seminars that improve their teaching skills.
- There are four special training camps per year that expose students
to world-class karate instructors.
- Your JKA rank is recognized throughout the world.
Independent schools and smaller organizations do not offer this depth
of opportunity.
Karate
trains the mind as well as the body, resulting in improved self-awareness,
discipline, and confidence. Not only will
you become more confident that
you can defend yourself, but your confidence to tackle all of
life's trials will grow. One of the translations of the Japanese symbol
for
martial arts (the "bu" in "budo") is "to stop
conflict." This is a philosophical goal for a martial artist, but
does not only apply to external conflicts. Karate training increases "inner
harmony" and "inner strength." It reduces the internal
conflict (stress) that leads to other physical ailments.
 Most karate champions, like other top athletes,
were probably well-coordinated natural athletes before they began their
karate training. Most of us,
however, come to karate in order to become more coordinated and physically
fit. Even if you feel like you’ve never been athletic you can still
practice karate. By doing so, your coordination and fitness will greatly
improve. As a means of self-defense, JKA Shotokan karate provides effective
practical techniques for personal protection, taught through traditional
instruction.
The JKA is not a profit seeking enterprise. All
surplus funds generated by the organization are used to further develop
our karate programs,
and are reinvested into our members’ development. Chief instructor
Douglas Luft, a 6th Dan (degree blackbelt), has studied and taught JKA
Shotokan in the Capitol District for more than 35 years and is a well-known
and internationally-accredited JKA martial artist.
Our non-contractual dues structure offers a great value. Students are
able to train up to six days per week (Monday through Friday evenings
and Saturday morning) with classes conveniently scheduled for beginner
to advanced levels. Monthly fees are: $65 (adults); $50 (teens); and
$35 (children), family discounts are available.
We’re eager to meet prospective new members
interested in the JKA style of Shotokan karate training. To join, all
you have to do is
come to any of our classes and try it out! If you decide you like it,
you can then see a club officer, fill out an application form, pay the
first month's dues and you're in. If you're shopping around for martial
arts schools, you're welcome to come observe class and talk to the instructors
or club members.
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