About Us
Shotokan karate is a traditional style of Japanese karate that was founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi (pictured below). Karate is an "empty hand" martial art that focuses on self-defense by teaching blocking, striking, punching, kicking, throwing, and joint locks using the weapons of the body. The ultimate aim of practicing Shotokan karate is not to win or lose a fight, but to seek the perfection of one's character through consistent training.
Alaska Shotokan Karate is an amateur, non-profit martial arts association dedicated to the practice of traditional Japanese karate. The basic objective is to provide its members a means of developing and strengthening both physically and mentally. To attain this goal, Alaska Shotokan Karate adheres to the same high standards and principles set forth by Master Gichin Funakoshi in the dojo kun, which is still repeated at the end of every class, and the niju kun, which explains in more detail the guiding principles of Master Funakoshi's philosophy: Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette, and Self-Control.
Alaska Shotokan Karate is affiliated with the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). ISKF is a world-wide organization composed of over 70 member countries that was founded in 1977. Our local instructors are all members of ISKF who volunteer their time to teach the students. All examinations for rank are performed by qualified ISKF examiners, and our dojo instructors are participants of the ISKF Instructor Training Program, which provides additional training for instructors in order to maintain technical standards for those who are teaching or assisting in ISKF affiliated dojos. In addition to the regular weekly classes held at the Alaska Shotokan clubs, special high ranking ISKF karate instructors are invited to Alaska annually to conduct special examinations and training seminars for the region.
Visit the ISKF Home Page for more information about the International Shotokan Karate Federation.
ISKF Masters
Master Masatoshi Nakayama
April 15,1913 - April 15,1987
Founder of ISKF
Master Teruyuki Okazaki
June 22, 1931 - April 21, 2020
Previous ISKF Vice Chief Instructor
Master Yutaka Yaguchi
