The Japan Karate
Association is the oldest, largest and most structured karate organization
in the world with member dojo in over 125 countries.
It is known for its high quality of instruction of Shotokan Karate begun
by Master Gichin Funakoshi, the father of all modern day karate. Our region
of the world is headed by Master Masataka Mori,
9th Dan the chief instructor of Shotokan
Karate-Do International(SKDI) in New York, who began his training
over 60 years ago in Japan. Montville's chief instructor, Andrew
Bakoledis, is both a certified JKA Instructor
and certified CT public school teacher and
former coach. He earned degrees in Mathematics and in Education.
At the Japan Karate Association
of Montville, we are dedicated to perfecting the character of our
students through the teaching of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do.
This is not just self-defense. Our
goal is to develop mind, body and spirit while building good character.
We practice Karate-Do for the purpose of total confidence
and self-mastery, honed over many years of training. As a JKA dojo(place
of the way), the mission of the school is to promote the ancient Japanese
tradition of Bushido – the way of the samurai. It is also important
that we learn to think and live safely and peacefully. Karate-do
("The way of the empty hand") is an excellent self-defense paradigm,
utilizing mental, physical and spiritual prowess to derail an assailant
with blocks, kicks, strikes, holds, and sweeps. But it is indeed an art
requiring discipline.
Students young and old practice kihon, kata, and kumite(basics,
forms, and sparring). Students will develop an understanding that karate
begins and ends with courtesy, and transfer this to their
everyday lives. As they improve strength and flexibility, they learn respect
for themselves and others while correcting weaknesses and developing strengths.
While practing karate, students learn to make more effort through their
struggles and gain confidence through successes - tempered by humility.
The principles by which we live daily:
Seek Perfection of Character
Be Faithful to the Ideals of the Way of Karate
Endeavor in the Spirited Training of Karate-Do
Respect Others in All Aspects of Life
Refrain from Violent Behavior
At all of our JKA dojo, you will begin to experience a self-discovery
and apply it to many things in your life. You will make life-long friends
and will train with people young and old all over the New
England region. Unlike most other karate studios with no affiliation,
we are not just one building or one school. You don't just learn self-defense
skills taught by one person whose purpose is to make money. But rather
you learn the entire art taught by the organization for the purpose
of community and harmony (wa). Moreover, you are learning about the culture,
language, and philosophy of the Japanese. Our
teacher, Master Mori, was sent by the JKA to the United States over 50
years ago to teach the Japanese tradition of karate-do, and every month
we travel to New York City to train with him. Additionally, because the
JKA is so highly regimented, when you walk through our doors you are training
as millions train all over the world. At the
Tokyo world headquarters, everyone is welcome to join class while visiting
Japan. In fact, many students practice at other dojo on business
trips, vacation, or when they go to college because we are
many and we are friendly, humble people. It is no wonder that those who
begin training have such an easy time continuing. Your education is deep
and meaningful. We want the path of self-discovery on which you embark
to one day ultimately lead to self-mastery. This is an experience like
no other, filled with opportunites for personal growth. And yes, adults
can begin at any age.
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Below: Kids learn
the same basic principles as adults from the beginning. At Montville's
only karate dojo, students learn concentration and control and apply it
when sparring. As they mature and advance, they may train more often with
adults.
WHY CHOOSE THE JKA OF MONTVILLE?
Students learn respect for self through
hard work and accomplishment. They learn respect
for teacher who enables their self respect. They learn respect
for others who help them improve. Students will exhibit respect
outside the dojo for others as a result of their learning experiences
and self-control and self-confidence. As well, there are no mixed messages
for children about striking others in the dojo and then expecting something
different outside the dojo - it is not allowed in either environment.
Styles other than shotokan
were heavily influenced by Okinawan karate-do, such as shorin-ryu. You
can therefore easily continue your training here as
others have done with experience in but not limited to: shorin ryu, goju
ryu, wado ryu, kenpo, tae kwon do, and tang soo do.
Our dojo
embodies a strong spirit of lifelong learning and lasting friendships,
in and out of the dojo.
Below: Sensei competing at 2004 World Funakoshi Cup Tournament
in Tokyo
Team Kata - 2012 World Tournament (Mike, Andrew, Joe)
Individual Kumite - Annual Montreal Tourny (Mike and Ryan)
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Annual training camp at the University of Connecticut,
where New Englanders flock every April for intense spirited training,
hospitality, home cooking, and catching up with old friends.
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Kumite at all of our dojo is a light contact form of sparring, exercising
form, speed, power and precision. Unlike many other establishments, mental
and physical control is adhered to daily and it is therefore very safe
to train and compete. Purchasing protective gear is unnecessary.
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JAPAN
