Starting in May 2012: New Location, New Classes

The Japan Karate Association of San Francisco will be moving to a new location starting in May. We will be having classes twice a week at the Genesis DanceSport Academy, 404 Clement Street, 2nd floor, between 5th and 6th Avenues in San Francisco. The fee schedule will change, too: $100 per month, or $50 per month for beginners. Cash or check only.

All ranks above beginner are encouraged to train in all classes, until further notice.

Class schedule:

Thursday:
7:30 to 8:30 PM: Intermediate
8:30 to 9:30 PM: Advanced

Saturday:
11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon: Beginners
12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM: Combination

Please note that this website is updated infrequently. Consult our main website or Facebook page:
http://jkasanfrancisco.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/JKA-of-San-Francisco/274168072627736

The JKA of San Francisco is a traditional Japanese Shotokan karate-do dojo, affiliated with the Japan Karate Association World Federation and JKA Shotokan Karate-do International, led by Mr. Masataka Mori, 9th dan, New York. (There are other dojo affiliated with or descended from the JKA in San Francisco and the Bay Area; the JKA of San Francisco makes no claim to superior position within the JKA system.)

Chief Instructor T.J. Stiles, 5th dan, holds the following licenses from JKA headquarters in Japan: Class B Instructor, Class B Tournament Judge, Class C Rank Examiner. He is also a graduate of the JKA Shotokan Karate-do International's intermediate and advanced instructor-training courses, taught by Mori Sensei. It exists to teach karate-do according to the technical standards of the Japan Karate Association, and within its institutional parameters, and also to further the spirit of traditional karate-do taught by Mori Sensei.

Notice the New Name

First, a reminder of a reminder: The first class will be on Sunday, September 29, at 1:00 PM at the Richmond District YMCA in San Francisco. Location: 360 18th Avenue, San Francisco. Near the 38 and 38L bus stops, direct from downtown, and with free street parking and a parking lot across the street. Fee: $15. Arrive early to change and be ready by 1:00 PM. For people with karate experience above the beginner level.

Second, note that we are now using the name JKA of San Francisco, in place of the original name, JKA of the Golden Gate.  It is my understanding that JKA of San Francisco is not being used by any other organization, and I was specifically asked to use it by Mori Sensei, chief instructor of JKA SKDI and a standing director of the JKA World Federation (our parent organizations). If I am mistaken, please let me know.

As I've mentioned, there are other Japan Karate Association-affiliated or related clubs in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We claim to superior standing. As a student of Mori Sensei for more than 25 years, I wish to establish a dojo directly under his supervision, and I wish to teach again, without disrupting an established dojo by entering as an outsider. I don't wish to poach anyone's students, but classes are open to all who wish to train with us. 

New Date for First Class

Apologies for the change of schedule, but the first class will be held Sunday, January 29, at 1:00 PM (until 2:30 PM). Same location: Richmond District YMCA in San Francisco, Studio 1. Same fee: $15.

Karate for Grown-Ups: First Class

The JKA of the Golden Gate will be holding its very first class. This is an initial session, and will be along the lines of a clinic or seminar. In February, we'll be starting a regular class schedule.

Time: 1:30 to 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 21

Location: Richmond District YMCA in San Francisco, Studio 1

360 18th Avenue, between Geary and Clement (near the 38L and 38 bus line)

Parking available across the street

Fee: $15

Eligibility: For this initial session, any Shotokan or similar karate experience above the beginner level. Must be 12 years old or older.

Clothing and Facilities: Bring a traditional white karate gi (uniform), or sweats or other work-out clothes. You may use the locker rooms to change and shower.

 Instructor T.J. Stiles, 5th Dan, teaching at the JKA of New York in 2006