The Tradition Continues

The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promulgate traditional Japanese karate-do throughout the world. The ISKF was founded in September 1977. Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th dan, the Chairman and the Chief Instructor of the ISKF, and Shihan Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th dan, the Vice Chairman and the Vice Chief Instructor, were two of the original founders. Today, the ISKF is comprised of over twenty-eight Pan American countries, and over ten countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The ISKF is still growing and continually adds new clubs and countries to its membership, and currently has over 50,000 individual members worldwide.

The vision of the ISKF founders was to promote traditional shotokan karate-do as described in the teachings of the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun. Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern shotokan karate, wrote the Dojo and Niju Kuns not only as a guide to practicing karate, but also as a guide to everyday life. He viewed karate as a vehicle to spread peace and harmony worldwide. Master Nakayama was also a staunch supporter of spreading karate to the world and letting each culture adopt and spread karate in their homelands. He wanted to present karate-do in the context of each country’s culture and in a democratic fashion. He believed this approach would contribute to spreading karate-do around the globe. This vision laid the foundation for the structure and guidance of the International Shotokan Karate Federation.

Master Masatoshi Nakayama (Left)
Master Teruyuki Okazaki (Right)

Master Gichin Funakoshi (Middle)

The name of the organization encapsulates the purpose, history, and future of the ISKF. The choice for the name was a conscious decision of the founders to acknowledge the growth of karate around the world and to show respect to each member country. Because karate was becoming a worldwide martial art, the founders felt it was only fair to act as an international entity. Karate, although a traditional Japanese martial art, was now international, hence they dropped Japan from the title just as judo, kendo, and aikido organizations did. "Shotokan" shows respect and homage to Master Funakoshi for developing the form we now practice.

AFFILIATION

There are many benefits to joining the ISKF. Membership allows the members of a dojo access to the best instruction, and the highest-level instructors. Members may participate in Camps, Seminars, and Tournaments sponsored by the ISKF throughout the world, and clubs are eligible to invite senior instructors for examinations and seminars.

Western Region Benefits

Individual Membership
Club Membership
Spring Camp & Shiai
Summer Camp & Shiai
Fall Camp & Shiai
Special Seminars
Kyu / Rank Exams
Dan / Black Belt Exams
Available National Judges, Instructor, Examiner, Certification and Classes
Social Events - Bowling , Golf, Christmas Party
Regional Meetings
World Tournament Shotocup
Pan America Tournament
National Tournament Tryouts
National Tournament & Camp
National Year End Banquet
Newsletter
National & Regional Leadership & Instruction from two most of the most senior original JKA Instructors and are recognized world wide as the best Master Okazaki 10th Dan, and Master Yaguchi 9th Dan

and more!

ISKF Qualifications

Join ISKF (Individual)

Join ISKF (Club)