Japan Karate-Do Federation

The Japan Karate-Do Federation has one of the most impressive backgrounds of Martial Arts
Organizations in the United States, as well as around the world teaching traditional Japanese
Shotokan Karate. Voted twice by the readers of the Orange County Register "Best Martial Arts
in Orange County", you are assured if you're looking to start Martial Arts, find updates on JKF
Dojo events, or just looking to learn more about Karate-Do, you're at the right site.

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The Japan Karate-Do Federation was established in the United States in 1959 by
Shihan Dan Ivan. Mr. Ivan holds Black Belts in Karatedo (8th Dan), Judo (3rd Dan),
Aikido (1st Dan) and Kendo (1st Dan).
Mr. Ivan is regarded as one of the first American pioneers of Japanese Martial Arts
and trained in Japan from 1948 to 1956. He was only one of a few Americans to train
at the Kodokan after World War II and he holds the distinction of being the first American
issued a Dan rank in Aikido.

ABOUT US

SHIHAN GODSHAW

BE BETTER THAN YOU WERE BEFORE!

KATA

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks, and throws. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques—with every technique potentially a killing blow (ikken hisatsu)—while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm).

Karate-Do

Karate-do (the "way of the empty hand") is a traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial art focused on self-defense, character development, and physical mastery using strikes, kicks, and blocks.

Tournaments

structured martial arts competition across multiple local, national, and international circuits. Events are focusing primarily on two core disciplines: Kata and Kumite.

Self-defense

Karate self-defense means effective techniques, clear principles, and training that makes you confident, capable, and ready to act.

Okinawan Kobudō (古武道; also known as Ryūkyū Kobujutsu, Koryū, or just as Kobudō) is a Japanese term that can be translated as “old martial way of Okinawa“. It generally refers to the classical weapon traditions of Okinawan martial arts, most notably the rokushakubo (six foot staff, known as the “bō”), sai (short unsharpened dagger), tonfa (handled club), kama (sickle), and nunchaku (nunchucks), but also the tekko (knuckledusters), tinbe-rochin (shield and spear), and surujin (weighted chain). Less common Okinawan weapons include the tambo (short staff) and the eku (boat oar of traditional Okinawan design).

Our Classes

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Youth Karate

Teen Karate

Adult Karate

Traditional Weapons

Self Defense

Competition Karate

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benefits of martial arts

Martial Arts Training Provides Powerful Physical And Mental Improvements. Key Advantages Include Full-Body Physical Fitness, Better Heart Health, Razor-Sharp Mental Focus, Deep Stress Relief, And Practical Self-Defense Skills.

Why Choose Us?

The Japan Karate-Do Federation has one of the most impressive backgrounds of Martial Arts Organizations in the United States, as well as around the world teaching traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate. Voted twice by the readers of the Orange County Register “Best Martial Arts in Orange County”, you are assured if you’re looking to start Martial Arts, find updates on JKF Dojo events, or just looking to learn more about Karate-Do, you’re at the right site.

Traditional karate-do

self-defense

Our Instructors

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Shihan & Sensei Godshaw

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Testimonial

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D. Flores

Local Guide

This is a very rare and special traditional shotokan karate dojo with outstanding high quality, and warmhearted instruction from the head instructor Paul Godshaw along with the many other very experienced and knowledgeable senior instructors. If you want to learn good traditional karate that emphasizes hard training, disciple, a balance of kihon, kata and kumite, and most importantly, character building, then this place is for you.[...]

Lyndon Kay

Student

Traditional Japanese Karate. I am learning that the body can do amazing things. When I first watched a class at this awesome dojo, I told myself I had to be a part of it, but I am a few years shy of 70, so I was a little reluctant to start. I didn't need to be. The instructors always seem to know just the right amount to push us students...not too little and not too much. [...]

Jorge Gomez

Parent

My kids have been coming to karate training for over a year. They love Sensei and Shihan as well as the rest of the team. I’d 100% recommend Japan Karate-Do federation to anyone that would like their kids to do exercise and boost their confidence.

Brent Little

Student

The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate, breaking down traditional techniques with clear explanations while emphasizing discipline, respect, and personal growth. The classes are energetic yet welcoming for all levels, fostering a supportive community that motivates everyone to improve [...].