Not only is Karate a traditional Japanese martial art and a system of self-defense, it is also a great sport. It is an activity where participants learn to use their empty hands and feet as weapons while keeping themselves in good physical conditions at the same time. Karate practitioners are capable of defending themselves unarmed.

If this is what you are interested in doing, then JKS Dojo of San Jose invites you to join us in sharing this exciting and challenging practice of Shotokan-style karate. We encourage you to visit our dojo and observe our training before joining the club (click here for our class schedule and maps). Visitors are always welcome.

Mission

• Adhere to the principles of Dojo Kun (precepts) by teaching and developing honesty, integrity, sincerity and mutual respect among the members.
  1. Seek perfection of character
  2. Be faithful
  3. Endeavor
  4. Respect others
  5. Refrain from violent behavior
• Bring out the best in each member through exciting and safe (non-contact) work-outs by well-trained and enthusiastic instructors
• Teach traditional Shotokan Karate-do from Japan at the highest level of skills and technique
• Provide a friendly, encouraging, and helpful atmosphere for learning

How We Are Different

1. All novice members will receive one to one, private training by one of our instructors after joining our dojo. The length of this individual attention will vary depending on the new members' needs, but typically after 2 to 4 weeks, the beginners will be able to join in the group training.
2. We teach authentic Karate from Japan, JKS is an international organization headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
3. JKS is Asai-style Karate-do, the advanced style of Shotokan Karate developed by the world famous Master Asai Tetsuhiko.
4. Our chief instructor, Sensei Koss Yokota (6th Dan), is a World Class Instructor from Japan. We also have many other certified black belt instructors.

What we can do for you

By training with us, you will learn

• Self-defense and fighting skills
• Confidence, discipline, and concentration
• Muscular and aerobic fitness
• Increased perceptual awareness
• Stress management
• Body alignment, balance, and coordination.

Training

Kihon (basics)

Initially, basic moves that form the foundation of everything that later follows are taught. Basics are the technique of blocking, punching, and kicking. Balancing and body shifting are also other important techniques that are a part of body movement or basics.

Beginners are taught simple techniques first. They practice the same technique numerous times in a slow manner until the technique becomes natural. Eventually, the students will learn more sophisticated techniques and the combinations to improve their attacking and defending skills. Learning technique is like building a house or a tall tower with toy blocks; the more solid the foundation one has, the bigger and more impressive building one can build. Also, the more techniques (blocks) one has, the better fighter (building) one can become.

Kumite (sparring)

A great deal of one's Karate training involves working with partners in class. This exercise is called Kumite. The objective of working with a training partner is to learn the distance and practice the application of the basic techniques in a controlled environment. All sparring is closely monitored and managed by the instructor and, in order to avoid injuries, no body contact (other than blocking) is allowed . We do not use any gloves, and only little protective gear at times, such that free and full movements are possible.

Kata (forms)

In addition to the basic punching, kicking and blocking techniques used in sparring, Kata training is also practiced. Kata training is the performance of a prescribed series of Karate moves designed to teach combination techniques in a mock fight against multiple attackers with and without weapons.

There are twenty-six different basic Kata in the JKS syllabus, but a beginner will practice only the first ten or so in the first couple years of training. A typical Kata has 30 to 40 steps but could go up to over 100 steps. For Shodan (first degree black belt) examination, a student is expected to know at least 12 different Kata. Senior black belts will continue to learn up to 30 or so new kata. Sensei Yokota is familiar with 50 Kata and Master Asai is known to have mastered over 150 Kata.