Japan Karate Association Instructor Training

The JKA provides four classes of authorized instructor certification.

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) trains and licenses each of its instructors through a specialized program. Four classes of certification allow applicants to carry out progressively greater levels of instruction.

Class D

Prerequisites for entering Class D-authorized instructor training include being 20 years of age or older and having second "Dan" rank. Upon Class D certification, the instructor becomes qualified for branch dojo and group instruction.

Class C

Class C applicants must wait a minimum of three months after receiving third Dan rank and must already have Class D certification. Applicants test at regional headquarters. With Class C certification, instructors become qualified to instruct at a national level.

Class B

Applicants aiming for Class B certification must wait at least three months upon receiving fourth Dan rank and must have Class C certification. Testing takes place at the Tokyo JKA headquarters. After being certified, instructors may instruct at a regional level.

Class A

Class A certification takes place at the Tokyo JKA headquarters for applicants with Class B certification who have waited at least three months after receiving sixth Dan rank. After achieving Class A certification, instructors may instruct at an international level and at international training sessions.

References

• Japan Karate Association: JKA Qualification System
• Japan Karate Association: Dan Ranking
• JKA of Silicon Valley: JKA in Japan