About Us

Japan Karate Association of Bangladesh

The sole legal representative of the Japan Karate Association in Bangladesh — directly affiliated with the JKA World Federation in Tokyo, Japan. For nearly five decades we have preserved the discipline, respect, and uncompromising standards of traditional Shotokan karate-do.

Heritage

A line traced back to the source

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) was founded in Tokyo in 1949 by senior students of Gichin Funakoshi — the Okinawan master who carried karate-do to mainland Japan. In 1957 the Japanese Ministry of Education formally recognised the JKA as the national body for the promotion of karate, with Masatoshi Nakayama as its first Chief Instructor.

JKA Bangladesh began its journey in 1978, planting the first roots of authentic Shotokan in this country. Decades later, we remain the only organisation in Bangladesh directly chartered by JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, following the syllabus, rank standards, and examiner protocols issued by the parent body.

Between 2016 and 2020 — until international travel was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic — JKA Bangladesh pioneered the regular invitation of world-renowned Japanese instructors to Dhaka, raising the technical level of Bangladeshi karateka and connecting local students directly to the Honbu Dojo tradition.

Milestones

Nearly five decades of practice

1949

JKA founded in Tokyo

Senior students of Gichin Funakoshi establish the Japan Karate Association as the formal body for Shotokan research and instruction.

1978

JKA arrives in Bangladesh

The first JKA-affiliated dojo opens in Dhaka, introducing authentic Shotokan training to Bangladesh.

1990s

Regional expansion

Branches established across Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions.

2016 – 2020

Era of the visiting Sensei

JKA Bangladesh hosts a sustained programme of seminars led by senior JKA instructors from Japan, lifting national technical standards.

Today

A national federation

Over 50 registered branches and a community of more than 700 active members, all training to JKA World Federation standards.

Mission

Character before technique

Our mission is to cultivate not only physical strength, but the indomitable spirit, character, and discipline that traditional karate-do demands. We follow the exact syllabus and standards set by the masters in Japan, without dilution or shortcut.

The dojo is the place where this work begins. Every belt awarded, every kata corrected, and every examination conducted in Bangladesh is measured against the same standard upheld at the JKA Honbu Dojo in Tokyo.

Dojo Kun

The five precepts

  • 1.Seek perfection of character
  • 2.Be faithful
  • 3.Endeavour
  • 4.Respect others
  • 5.Refrain from violent behaviour

Affiliation

Direct line to Tokyo

JKA Bangladesh is the only organisation in this country recognised by the JKA World Federation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Our members hold the official JKA passport — accepted at affiliated dojos in more than 100 countries — and our Dan certifications are issued and verifiable directly by the parent body.

1949

JKA Founded (Tokyo)

1978

JKA in Bangladesh

100+

Countries Affiliated

National Reach

A federation that spans the country

24

Dhaka

Division

12

Chattogram

Division

6

Sylhet

Division

5

Rajshahi

Division

4

Khulna

Division

Privileges of JKA

Global Standard

Training syllabus identical to JKA Honbu Dojo, Tokyo.

JKA Passport

Official JKA passport recognized in over 100 countries globally.

Dan Certification

Internationally verifiable Black Belt (Dan) certificates from Japan.

Instructor Qualification

Pathways to become certified judges, examiners, and instructors.

Tournament Access

Direct entry to national and international JKA championships.

Educational Tours

Opportunities for training camps in Japan and other countries.

Visit Us

Begin your training

Japan Karate Association Bangladesh

National Sports Council, 62/3 Purana Paltan

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Email: info@jkabangladesh.com

Phone: +880 1234 567890