JKA Lipa City Brief History

Our Story:

JKA Lipa City was established to provide the community with an affordable yet authentic path to traditional Shotokan Karate. We are a fully accredited traditional karate dojo with more than 30 years of experience in offering instruction to men, women, and children of all levels.

Training is conducted under the direct supervision of Chief Instructor Sensei Khim Torres, JKA 6th Dan Black Belt, and Chairman & Owner Shihan Ruperto Torres, JKA 5th Dan Black Belt, with the dedicated support of full-time instructors Sensei Cindy Rodriguez-Torres and Sensei Kim Masayuki Torres, both JKA 4th Dan Black Belts.

At JKA Lipa City, students are treated as students—never as customers. Our purpose goes beyond physical training. We aim to forge strong character, discipline, and resilience while developing the body and mind through rigorous practice. Training is demanding, and rank is earned, never given.

Traditional Training, Complete Curriculum:

Students at JKA Lipa City are immersed in the full curriculum of traditional Shotokan Karate. As students advance in rank, they are introduced to other classical budo disciplines, expanding their understanding of martial tradition and self-defense.

This comprehensive training system provides an exceptional full-body workout, engaging over 90% of the body’s muscles through a balanced combination of aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, strength, speed, and coordination.

Certified Instruction from Japan:

One of the greatest strengths of JKA Lipa City lies in its method of instruction. All our instructors are Japan-certified by the Japan Karate Association World Federation. Each undergoes rigorous evaluation and testing before being granted instructor qualifications.

This specialist teaching system—established decades ago—remains unique in the martial arts world and continues to produce some of the finest athletes and instructors globally. Every JKA instructor, whether in Japan or leading dojos worldwide, passes on the same fundamentals and techniques, ensuring that the highest traditions of karate are preserved and practiced in every dojo.

In addition to Instructor certification, JKA Lipa City instructors are also Certified Examiners and Judges. Continuous re-certification and evaluation is mandatory, in accordance with JKA World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
 
International Affiliation:

JKA Lipa City is an affiliate member of the Japan Karate Association Philippines, headed by Shihan Gilieto Luague, the official representative to the Japan Karate Association / World Federation (JKA/WF) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Our Vision:

To promote a traditional Shotokan Karate dojo where individuals can pursue a lifelong study of true Karate-do, positively influence the community, and develop skills that meet the international standards of JKA / World Federation.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to provide high-quality karate education that enhances the lives of our members and empowers them to share the principles of Karate-do within the community.
We achieve this through high-level instruction that nurtures the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of martial arts training.

Our Instructional Goals:

●    Provide practical and effective self-defense training to all who wish to learn Karate-do

●    Encourage peaceful conflict resolution guided by harmony and traditional karate values

●    Build a strong foundation of fundamental techniques and movement to support long-term growth

●    Maintain a safe, disciplined training environment that develops confidence, self-control, and motivation

●    Uphold consistent and fair standards for student advancement and promotion

●    Deliver a training curriculum that promotes healthy bodies, focused minds, and natural reflexes
 
Active in the Global Karate Community:

JKA Lipa City takes pride in being an active and respected participant in the international karate community. Our dojo regularly sends instructors and students to international tournaments & gasshuku and JKA world championship, providing valuable exposure to high-level training, competition, and the shared spirit of traditional Karate-do.

JKA Lipa City also proudly hosts the annual JKA Friendship Game, a gathering that brings together karateka from different dojos to celebrate skill, discipline, and camaraderie; in the spirit of friendship and unity. This event reflects the true essence of karate—mutual respect, continuous improvement, and international brotherhood.

The 2026 JKA Friendship Game is scheduled for
March 29, 2026 @ 8:00AM - 5:00PM
at the Lipa Academy of Sports, Culture and Arts (LASCA) Lipa City, Batangas

Through these events, JKA Lipa City continues to uphold the values of the Japan Karate Association while strengthening ties within the local and international karate community.