Last March 29, 2026, the spirit of true Budo came alive during the 2026 JKA Philippines Friendship Game—a remarkable event that brought together the heart and soul of
traditional shotokan karate in one unforgettable gathering.

This year’s Friendship Game was made even more meaningful as we celebrated the 79th Birthday of Shihan Ruperto Torres, the esteemed Owner & Chairman of JKA Lipa City. His lifelong dedication to karate continues to inspire generations of practitioners.
 
Strength in Numbers, Power in Unity
With the support of 19 dojos and the participation of nearly 300 competitors, the event went beyond competition—it became a platform to unite the traditional shotokan karate community and strengthen our shared commitment to authentic Budo karate.

Guided by the principles of the Japan Karate Association Philippines, the event upheld its mission to elevate the standard of traditional shotokan karate toward the level of the JKA World Federation HQ in Tokyo, Japan.

Gratitude to Our Community
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, officials, athletes, coaches, senseis, and supporters whose passion and dedication made this event a resounding success.

A special thank you to JKA Philippines Chairman, Shihan Lito Luague (6th Dan), for his unwavering support and for conducting the Dan Examinations, which proudly produced 4 new Shodans for JKA Lipa City. Your leadership continues to guide and uplift our karate family.

Looking Ahead
The journey doesn’t stop here! Next year’s Friendship Game promises to be even more exciting as we celebrate a milestone—the 80th Birthday of Shihan Ruperto Torres. We can’t wait to see everyone once again for another inspiring gathering of karateka.

Until then—train hard, stay humble, and keep the spirit of Budo alive. Oss!

A Legacy of Authentic Instruction

Training at JKA Lipa City is conducted under the direct supervision of Chief Instructor Khim Torres (JKA 6th Dan Black Belt) and Chairman & Owner Ruperto Torres (JKA 5th Dan Black Belt), supported by full-time instructors Cindy Rodriguez-Torres and Kim Masayuki Torres (both JKA 4th Dan Black Belts).

At JKA Lipa City, practitioners are regarded as students—not customers. The dojo’s philosophy extends beyond physical training to the cultivation of character, discipline, and resilience. Rank is earned through rigorous practice and commitment to the principles of Karate-do.

Traditional Training, Complete Curriculum

Students at JKA Lipa City follow the full curriculum of traditional Shotokan Karate, progressing through kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). As they advance, students are introduced to additional classical budo disciplines, broadening their understanding of martial tradition and practical self-defense.

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

Certified Instruction from Japan

All instructors at JKA Lipa City hold certification from the Japan Karate Association and undergo rigorous evaluation before receiving teaching credentials. This globally standardized instructional system—developed in Japan decades ago—ensures that every JKA dojo worldwide preserves the same fundamental techniques and traditions.

Beyond instructor certification, JKA Lipa City teachers are also certified Examiners and Judges, with mandatory continuous re-certification 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 Gilieto Luague, the official representative to the JKA/WF in Tokyo. This affiliation connects the Batangas-based dojo to the global network of traditional Shotokan Karate practitioners.

Vision and Mission

Vision:
To promote a traditional Shotokan Karate dojo where individuals pursue lifelong study of true Karate-do, positively influence the community, and develop skills aligned with international JKA/WF standards.

Mission:
To provide high-quality karate education that enhances members’ lives and empowers them to share the principles of Karate-do within the community through instruction that develops the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of martial arts training.

Instructional Goals

• Provide practical and effective self-defense training
• Encourage peaceful conflict resolution grounded in traditional karate values
• Build strong foundations in fundamental techniques and movement
• Maintain a safe, disciplined training environment fostering confidence and self-control
• Uphold fair and consistent standards for advancement
• Promote healthy bodies, focused minds, and natural reflexes

Active in the Global Karate Community

JKA Lipa City is an active participant in the international karate community, regularly sending instructors and students to overseas tournaments, gasshuku (training camps), and JKA World Championships for advanced training and cultural exchange.

The dojo also hosts the annual JKA Friendship Game, bringing together karateka from multiple dojos to celebrate discipline, skill, and camaraderie in the spirit of mutual respect and unity.

2026 JKA Friendship Game
March 29, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lipa Academy of Sports, Culture and Arts (LASCA), Lipa City, Batangas

Through these initiatives, JKA Lipa City continues to uphold the traditions of the Japan Karate Association while strengthening bonds across the local and international karate community.

Media Contact:
JKA Lipa City
Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
Email: [insert email]
Phone: [insert contact number]

About JKA Lipa City
JKA Lipa City is a fully accredited traditional Shotokan Karate dojo in Batangas, Philippines, dedicated to authentic Japanese karate instruction under internationally certified teachers. With over three decades of experience, the dojo develops character, discipline, and physical excellence through rigorous training aligned with the Japan Karate Association standards.

By Tomas Kauer

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

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.