JKA WF Northern Ireland is linked directly to JKA HQ in Japan. We have a membership of 120 students across clubs in Derry/Londonderry, Belfast and Bangor. All our instructors are fully qualified and recognised by the JKA in Japan and are all 3rd Dan and above.
We welcome all to our group where you can train, learn and have fun at any of our clubs across Northern Ireland.
Chief instructor is Sensei Kawasoe 8th Dan JKA
Chairperson is John Richardson 5th Dan JKA
Our Classes
Come and learn a traditional art, some self defence, get fit and grow in confidence and have fun in friendly surroundings. All are welcome. 1st lesson is free at any of our clubs.
For more information on JKA WF Northern Ireland clubs
Sensei Masao Kawasoe
Chief Instructor 8th Dan JKA
Masao Kawasoe was born in 1945, his father was a Japanese businessman and he has two brothers. His parents stay in Kyushu in the south of Japan. Sensei Kawasoe now resides in London and has done for over 19 years. He began his martial arts training in judo and at the age of 15 saw a karate demonstration. This so impressed him he started looking to find a dojo to train. One of his first instructors was the world famous Sensei Tysuama, who’s home was in the same town, Saga City. Training through his high school and then going to the famous karate University of Takushoku, he continued to train with Sensei Tysuama
This training took the form of 6 days per week, 3 hours per day for 4 years. During this time he was spotted by the Japan Karate Association and invited to take full time JKA instructors course under Sensei Nakayama. He successfully completed this over the next 3 years. Upon graduating as an international JKA instructor, Sensei Nakayama said of him:
“Through his mastery of karate basics he has come to reach a level few achieve, his technique inspires all who see it to strive for the ideals of Shotokan Karate.”
JKA WF Northern Ireland
Do you have questions about our classes?
jkawfn.ireland@gmail.com
JKA WF Northern Ireland 