JKA of Northern California: Shotokan Karate

JKA NorCal was started in early of 2009 to promote the practice of Shotokan karate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently operating out of the Prime Time Athletic Club in Burlingame, California, we are a non-profit, fully-accredited traditional martial arts dojo, offering classes for men, women, and children of all levels under chief instructor Sensei Khim Torres, a 4th-degree black belt and mentored by Christina Foo, a 5th-degree black belt.

JKA NorCal Students are exposed to the full curriculum of traditional Shotokan karate, a weaponless system of self-defense and an excellent all-around fitness regimen, exercising 90% of the body’s muscles in a combination of aerobic and anaerobic workouts. It also develops mental concentration and strong spirit. The ultimate goal – development of character.

Why choose us? Compare these features to other schools:

Worldwide Affiliation

Travel? Move often? The Japan Karate Association (JKA) (http://www.jka.or.jp/english/e_index.html) is one of the most-respected Shotokan karate organizations in the world, found in over 40 countries and throughout the United States. Training and testing are standardized. Ranks earned in the JKA are recognized throughout the worldwide organization. Books and videos are available to help supplement practice. (We are the first JKA/AF dojo in the U.S. northwest region).

JKA NorCal is organized under the renowned Takayuki Mikami in the JKA American Federation (JKA AF) (http://jkaaf.org). Sensei Mikami was recently elected Senior Technical Advisor to the JKA and has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of authentic Karate-Do. He has set the goals of the JKA/AF to include the conveyance of the highest standards of technique, the development of the character of our participants, and the fostering of the martial spirit that permeates the JKA. It is an affiliated member of the JKA World Federation in Tokyo, Japan.

Quality Instruction

Sensei Khim Torres, a certified instructor, is an internationally accomplished champion. JKA qualified B-Instructor, C-Examiner and B-Judge.

Unlike other schools, most classes are taught by the chief instructor. No class is ever taught by anyone under the rank of Shodan. There is infrastructure for you to pursue your goals as a competitor, a judge, an instructor, an examiner and/or for health and lifetime training. All certification through JKA.

Black Belt Participation

JKA NorCal is unusual in that it has many senior black belt members currently studying under Sensei Torres, which provides students at all levels with accelerated learning opportunities through interactions with those students. It is an environment that cultivates respect, discipline, community, learning and development.

Number of Classes

We hold classes Monday through Saturday for adults and children and training is unlimited—that is, you may participate in as many general classes as you wish.

Special Training Opportunities

Special seminars, intensive training camps and special interest classes are available to members periodically throughout the year, as well as the option to join the JKA NorCal competition team, which has won medals at the regional, national, and international levels. An engaged dojo that leverages the national and worldwide affiliation with opportunities to travel and train under notable instructors and share experiences with karatekas all over the world.

Prime Time Athletic Club

All students also receive full access to the state-of-the-art health and gym facilities available at the Prime Time Athletic Club in Burlingame as part of their monthly dues. Facility includes showers. Student and family discounts are available.