The Japan Karate Association is the largest karate organization in the world, with member dojos in over 100 countries. Our region of the world is headed by Master Masataka Mori, 8th Dan and the chief instructor of Shotokan Karate-Do International(SKDI). Montville's chief instructor, Andrew Bakoledis, is both a certified JKA Instructor and certified Connecticut public school teacher and coach. He earned degrees in both Mathematics and in Education.

At the Japan Karate Association of Montville, we are dedicated to perfecting the character of our students through the teaching of traditional Shotokan Karate, begun by Master Funakoshi. Our goal is to develop body, mind and spirit while building good character. We practice the martial arts for total confidence and self-mastery. As a JKA dojo(place of the way), the mission of the school is to promote the ancient Japanese tradition of Bushido – the way of the samurai. Karate ("The way of the empty hand") is an excellent self-defense tool, developing physical, mental, and spiritual prowess to derail an assailant using blocks, kicks, strikes, holds, and sweeps. But it is indeed an art requiring discipline.

Students practice kihon, kata, and kumite(basics, forms, and sparring). Students will develop an understanding that karate begins and ends with courtesy, and transfer this to their everyday lives. As they improve strength and flexibility, they learn respect for themselves and others while correcting weaknesses and developing strengths. While practing karate, students learn to make more effort through their struggles and gain confidence through successes - tempered by humility. The principles by which we live daily:

Seek Perfection of Character
Be Faithful to the Ideals of the Way
Endeavor in the Spirited Training of Karate
Respect Others in All Aspects of Life
Refrain from Violent Behavior

At all of our dojo, you will begin to experience a self-discovery and apply it to many things in your life. You will make life-long friends and will train with people young and old all over the New England region. Unlike most other karate schools with no affiliation, we are not just one building or one school. You don't just learn self-defense skills taught by one person whose purpose is to make money. But rather you learn the entire art taught by the organization for the purpose of community and harmony (wa). Moreover, you are learning about the culture, language, and philosophy of the Japanese. Our teacher, Master Mori, was sent by the JKA to the United States 45 years ago to teach the Japanese tradition of karate, and every month we travel to New York City to train with him. Additionally, because the JKA is so highly regimented, when you walk through our doors you are training as millions train all over the world. In fact, many students practice at other dojos on business trips, vacation, or when they go to college because we are many and we are friendly. It is no wonder that those who begin have such an easy time continuing. Your education is deep and meaningful. We want the path of self-discovery on which you embark to one day ultimately lead to self-mastery.

Univ. of Conn

WHY CHOOSE THE JKA OF MONTVILLE? The reasons are many, including no hidden or extra costs ever, so read through the pages of this web site and others sites to compare. While you learn about other schools, ask the instructor: "Do I have to sign an annual contract?", "Who teaches you? And how often?" Also, "What are your teaching credentials?", "What is your educational background?" You deserve a dojo and a teacher who embody lifelong learning, in and out of the dojo.

Above: From the beginning, kids learn the same basic principles as adults, including safety and control when sparring.

Below: Brian, Nicholas, and Talia with Bako sensei after passing the dan exam at summer training camp.

SKDI Tournaments: Above - Synchronized Team Kata and Below - Individual Kumite

SKDI Training Camp

Kumite at all of our dojo is a light contact form of sparring, exercising control and precision. No protective gear is necessary.