Japan Karate Association Instructor Training

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.

  1. 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.