About Kokondo

The International Kokondo Association (IKA) embodies two traditional Japanese martial arts: Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu. The IKA's purpose is to maintain the integrity, authenticity and effectiveness of both arts by standardizing the techniques, kata, etiquette and procedures practiced in all Kokondo dojo worldwide. Only individuals with current IKA Instructor's Certification, proper and current rank credentials, and written permission from Hombu may teach the arts of Kokondo Karate or Jukido Jujitsu, or represent the IKA in any way.

The IKA is a traditional martial arts organization with a clear set of guidelines pertaining to etiquette, ranks and responsibilities, as well as a tightly knit and warm family of diverse people. IKA members include men, women, youths and children from all backgrounds and all walks of life who appreciate the values of our traditional arts. Discrimination of any type is not allowed in any IKA dojo, and therefore the IKA attracts considerate people who enrich the organization through their participation as students, sensei, dojo heads, committee members and directors. Perhaps because the IKA does not emphasize competition as so many martial arts systems now do, our youth and adult members tend to value learning and self-improvement rather than “winning at all costs.” As a result of this emphasis, the environment in all Kokondo dojo is conducive to fostering an ethic of “mutual welfare and benefit.”

Kokondo enjoys a rare status among traditional martial arts organizations in that it is a "closed" system, in spite of its size and international scope. One purpose of this autonomous status is to keep Kokondo-ka free of the intercultural political and economic battles that currently plague most worldwide martial arts organizations. Examples abound of individual sensei or martial arts organizations that feel the need to legitimize what they do by aligning themselves politically with governing bodies across the world. Such affiliations serve a purpose only when actual training and support occurs, not simply when money changes hands. Kokondo has grown to its current status by developing instructors under close supervision throughout their training according to all published rank requirements and clearly stated expectations regarding character and commitment. Unlike many global associations, the IKA does not accept instructors as members who have not undergone authentic Kokondo or Jukido training over time under a registered IKA sensei.

Second, Kokondo prevents the inevitable introduction of random techniques, kata and philosophies that often occurs when students dabble in many styles without completely committing to their own. Between Jukido, Kokondo karate and the weapons arts taught within the IKA, there is more than enough knowledge to guarantee Kokondo-ka a lifetime of rich learning. Kokondo teaches that because it is always possible to further enhance one's understanding and performance of technique, the effort of trying one's best to improve is more important than ever achieving perfection.

IKA members endeavor to follow the Codes of Bushido in their training and in their daily lives. One example of this practice pertains to benevolence, or charitable acts of kindness to help others in need. The IKA as an organization (as well as most dojo independently) donate considerable time, energy and financial contributions to local, national and global charities. As one example, the IKA is a long-time supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and schedules annual events such as tournaments, demonstrations and shows to raise money for research to find a cure. Kokondo Sensei also regularly teach self-defense seminars as a service to increase awareness of safety in their communities.

The world headquarters (Hombu) for the IKA is in South, Windsor, CT. Over the course of its history, the IKA has included member dojo in 29 US states, and international members in numerous countries, including: Finland, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Norway, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Saipan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China and others.

Some of this content was borrowed from www.kokondo.com with written permission of Daniel and Scott Cohen