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What is the AKJKAQ?

The "Association de Karate JKA du Quebec" (AKJKAQ), or (JKA Karate Association of Quebec), is a non-profit organization that has been in existance since 1991. It regroups dojos from the Shotokan style that are affiliated with the Japan Karate Association (JKA).

Its goals are:

• Promote the development and expansion of the JKA Shotokan karate style in the province of Quebec;
• Organize different types of events as:
  • Competitions;
  • Clinics;
  • Ranks pre-exams;
  • Training camps;
  • Ranks and qualifications exams;
• Act as a communication channel between its members.

The AKJKAQ is affiliated to:

• Karate Quebec;
  
• Karate Canada;
• JKA-SKD Canada;
  
• The Japan Karate Association (JKA).

Chiefs instructors of the AKJAQ

• Jean-Pierre Cusson sensei, 7^th Dan
• Louis Dessaint sensei, 7^th Dan
• Manon Quirion sensei, 7^th Dan

Board of directors of the AKJKAQ

The board of directors is responsible for managing and administering the AKJKAQ. It is made of 7 members elected at the annual general meeting.

• Jean-Pierre Cusson: president
• Bernard Monast: vice-president
• Manon Quirion: treasurer
• Johanne Hébert: secretary
• Three (3) directors:
  • Roger Charbonneau
  • Normand Tremblay
  • Olivier Rivest

What is Shotokan?

Shotokan is one of the most widely practiced traditional style of karate. The style was developed by master Funakoshi Gichin. It’s a hard and linear style, centered on power, but which also includes some fluid and circular techniques. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

Who is Master Funakoshi Gichin?

Funakoshi Gichin was born in Okinawa, Japan. He learned karate under the guidance of Azato Anko sensei and Itosu Anko sensei. Funakoshi Gichin sensei introduced karate in mainland Japan at the beginning of the last century and modified it in order to introduce it in the school system. He is considered as the father of modern karate-do.

Funakoshi Gichin sensei (1868-1957)

Funakoshi Gichin sensei performing the kata Tekki Shodan

What is the JKA?

The JKA, Japan Karate Association, was founded in 1949 by senior students of Sensei Funakoshi Gichin, including Sensei Nakayama Masatoshi. With members in over 100 countries, the JKA is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization, and the only legal karate entity officially recognized by the Japanese government as an association of members for the promotion of karate.

Indeed, the JKA received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Education as a “General Incorporated Association” in 1957 and has been approved as ” Public Interest Incorporated Association” in 2012.

JKA's mission is to promote the way of karate throughout the world, while ensuring that it remains true to the philosophical precepts upon which it was founded.

The JKA aims to promote improvement of its skills and self-discipline by research and instruction of Karatedo, thereby contributing to the improvement of the well-being of the people and cultivate a sound martial arts spirit.

Nakayama Masatoshi sensei (1913-1987)

Who is the current chief instructor of the JKA?

Since October 2024, the current chief instructor (Shuseki Shihan) of the JKA is Oishi Takeshi sensei, 9^th Dan.

Oishi Takeshi sensei

Past chief instructors of the JKA:

• Ueki Masaaki sensei, 10^th Dan (1939-2024)
• Sugiura Motokuni sensei, 10^th Dan (1924-2015)
• Nakayama Masatoshi sensei, 10^th Dan (1913-1987)
• Funakoshi Gichin sensei (chief instructor emeritus) (1868-1957)