Tradition Karate VS Sport Karate.

JKA is the source and godfather of Shotokan Karate

What is the sport Karate ? What is the Tradition Karate ?

JKA Karate Has No Weight Classifications or Point System
Karate is not a sport one plays for points. In JKA kumite (Sparring), there are no weight
classifications and no arbitrary point system.

Other karate groups often award multiple points (e.g., 3 points for a kick to the head,
2 points for a kick to the middle body, 1 point for any kind of punch), which can be tallied up
to a win at their tournaments. But JKA tournaments are much stricter, One attack could end the match!

At the JKA there is only ippon ("one full point," which means you have downed your opponent and won),

or waza-ari ("effective technique," which counts for roughly 80% of an ippon).

The basis of JKA karate is the ability to take down your opponent, regardless of size or weight, with one blow.

There is no room for incremental points in such a tradition. The difference is obvious:
we teach our students how to gain mastery of themselves and overwhelm the opponent.

Other groups have changed Karate as "Self defense" from Art to a Karate "sport style"

Pointing system, or kick with no touch, or punch with no touch your opponent,

this is not Karate! this is not why we practice an effective self defense art

JKA Karate is not a sport style, JKA karate is a real effective self defense.

in JKA tournaments you may win your match with one effective technique

no time to run away....no time to waste.

Differences between JKA and WKF (World Karate Federation)

JKA is more traditional with focus placed on delivering a killing blow...

They are not as focused with whom scores first but rather who executes a better technique

that would have caused the most damage in a real encounter.

WKF is more sport oriented in terms of how they kumite and that is why you see more "bouncing"

rather than use of sabaki (movement) in their strategies.

The JKA also places more emphasis on Ippon, or single strike / point, Kumite than the WKF.

The WKF allows you to fight to three points

where as the JKA it is typically only one point needed to win the match.

Criteria on the paper rules between the two is almost identical but the

WKF is focusing on their chance to enter the Olympics so therefore you will see more flash,

more sportive concepts than with the JKA's events. In the past five years the WKF has modified

and changed their rules to almost an open format of point sparring which has degraded it quite rapidly.

When you watch the matches you will clearly see the primary three concepts

of Kumite being applied within the JKA which are Sen Sen no Sen, Sen no Sen and Go no Sen.

These are almost completely absent in the WKF matches where they are only attempting to score.

Both the JKA and the WKF still have some of the best authentic matches with proper Kime

and technique but there is a huge difference between the two.

For those with a competitive spirit, sport karate can be very rewarding. However,

at all times the athlete must remember that the distinction between win or lose is

based on an impression made in a split second. Rules and protective wear

create a controlled environment that can lead to serious misconceptions of the true

ability of the participants and must be guarded against. Titles and medals are only recognition for a moment in time.

However, competitors experience situations that cannot be simulated in the dojo.

These help develop skills not easily achieved. Additionally, sport karate develops courage,

determination and acceptance of failure. Also friendships and lasting relationships formed

through cultural exchange that can enhance lives.

Always guard against the short lived moments of fulfillment as these soon disappear.

Skills fail quickly if not grounded in the basics of traditional training, which requires

continuous and arduous practice of fundamentals like kihon, kata and bunkai

To win in competition or obtain a grade is only the surface of karate.

The true value is much greater, which is understood when an indomitable

spirit is cultivated through many years of training. Traditional values cannot be seen,

only known by becoming part of one’s life. Treasure old values while cultivating new,

so that your karate-do can remain a part of your life for the longest time.

This, irrespective of age, gender, strength and ability, should remain a priority.