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ACADEMY JOINS JAPAN KARATE SHOTO FEDERATION (JKS)
By Admin
01 January 2021 10:30 am

As of today, Bristol Karate Academy joins the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS). A move that opens us up to a whole host of new opportunities.
 
The JKS is an international association with members in over 60 countries across the world. The international headquarters is in Japan, with world chief instructor Shihan Masao Kagawa (9th Dan) at the helm. Kagawa Shihan is internationally well respected and is currently Chairman of the Technical Committee of the World Karate Federation.
 
Domestically, JKS England has clubs across the country and is headed by Alan Campbell Sensei, with Matt Price Sensei heading up the national squad. Matt Sensei is of course familiar to the members of the Academy. No other guest instructor has visited us more times.

JKS England is a member of the English Karate Federation and British Karate Federation, which was recently recognised by the British Olympic Association as the governing body for Karate in Great Britain. Our membership of JKS England means that our elite members now have a pathway to compete in the prestigious EKF all-styles national championships for the first time since 2006.  Further, as Bristol Karate Academy now falls under the umbrella of the World Karate Federation, those that wish to push towards competing at the very highest level in the EKF squad have the opportunity to represent their country at the WKF World Championships. 
 
While this is a move that brings great opportunity and excitement, it is also a difficult one. As our relationship with the Karate Union of Great Britain has come to an end we thank them for their support over the many years that we’ve been affiliated.
 
As has long been the case with Bristol Karate Academy, we always look for opportunities to train with exceptional karateka, regardless of affiliation. Karate is one big family. Our approach has not changed and we look forward to sharing the dojo floor with our KUGB friends in the near future.

But today, on new year's day, we look with renewed excitement and enthusiasm to 2021. A landmark year where we look forward to grasping all of the opportunities that we make and that are presented to us. We will work hard and reap the rewards as part of JKS England and the JKS worldwide community.

By virtue and industry, we are Bristol Karate Academy.