The IJKA Continental Cup was more than a tournament.

It brought together karateka, referees, and instructors from different countries to share knowledge, experience, and a common vision for the future.

This event was an important step toward strengthening international cooperation, developing shared standards, and building the foundation for future IJKA world-level events.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this historic event.

Following the referee training seminar, the IJKA Japan Cup provided an opportunity to put that learning into practice.

Referees from different countries worked together on the tatami, applying shared standards and gaining valuable experience through real competition.

The Japan Cup was not only a tournament.

It was also an important step toward building a stronger international referee system and preparing for future IJKA world-level events.

We would like to thank all of the Japanese competitors and families who supported this event and helped create a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Every step brings us closer to the future we are building together.

The second day began with an advanced black belt seminar focusing on Yakusoku Kumite and Jiyu Kumite.

Through practical training, participants shared their understanding of timing, distance, control, and the principles behind kumite.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to referee training.  A strong tournament requires more than good competitors.  It requires shared standards, consistent judging, and a common understanding among referees.  The referee training seminar was an important step toward building a stronger and more unified IJKA competition system.

This was not only preparation for future tournaments.

It was preparation for the future of IJKA.

There are still challenges ahead, but this was an important first step.

The afternoon session on Day 1 focused on examiner training for 1st Dan and 2nd Dan examinations.

Members from different countries shared ideas, standards, and perspectives together.

This was not only about grading. 

It was about building a clearer and stronger future for IJKA together.

At the end of the session, membership certificates for newly joined countries and Dan certificates were also presented.  These moments represented recognition, trust, responsibility, and the continuing growth of the IJKA family.

There is still work to do, but this was an important first step.

The first morning seminar focused on technical training: basics and kata.

This was not only a training session. It was a step toward sharing the IJKA standard more clearly across countries.

By training together, we begin to align our understanding of technique, movement, and teaching direction.

What we created in Japan was more than an event.

From seminars to competition, from friendship to culture, every moment had meaning.

This was an important first step toward the future of IJKA.

To everyone who traveled to Japan, thank you for your trust, your spirit, your patience, and your friendship.

IJKA is not only about technique.

It is also about people, respect, and unity.

We are building the future of IJKA together.

We hope to welcome you again in Japan in a few years.

The International Japan Karate Association (IJKA) is pleased to announce that Israel has officially joined the IJKA family.

The newly appointed representative, Loris has a distinguished competitive background, including a bronze medal at the 41st European Karate Championship held in Stavanger, Norway (2006). She was also a former member of the Israeli National Team.

Following her competitive career, she has remained dedicated to karate as an instructor, actively guiding the next generation while balancing family life as a mother of a 6-year-old daughter.

Her warm and people-centered approach reflects the spirit of international connection that IJKA values across its global network.

She is scheduled to participate in the IJKA Continental Cup, technical seminars, and the special karate exchange program in Japan this May.

With Israel’s participation, IJKA continues to strengthen its international presence and expand its global community.

We are pleased to announce that Takato Utsumi Sensei, Chief Instructor of IJKA, will be visiting the United Kingdom to conduct a special IJKA seminar.

The seminar will be held on 29–30 August 2026 in the UK.

For full details, please refer to the official IJKA UK website below:https://ijka.uk/about/ijka-uk-events/

We look forward to welcoming many IJKA members and karateka to this valuable international training opportunity.

We are pleased to announce an International Seminar to be held in Merate, Italy, on 14–15 March 2026, organized by IJKA Italy.　????

This seminar will be conducted jointly by Norio Kawasaki sensei, who has led and contributed to the karate world for many years, and Takato Utsumi sensei, IJKA Chief Instructor.

We warmly welcome karate practitioners from Italy and abroad to join us for this valuable opportunity to train and connect through karate.