JKA Philippines to gather for four days of elite training, competition, and tradition August 2026 - 3rd International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship in Davao City

The upcoming gathering highlights more than six decades of JKA tradition in the Philippines, a legacy that began in 1958 when Japanese master Takayuki Mikami became the first JKA instructor dispatched to Manila. Mikami Sensei spent a year introducing traditional Shotokan karate to Filipino practitioners, laying the groundwork for the discipline’s continued growth nationwide.

In 1965, another pivotal figure arrived—Kunio Sasaki, who initially intended to stay only briefly. Encouraged by a dedicated group of Filipino karate enthusiasts, Sasaki Shihan chose to remain in the Philippines, eventually establishing the JKA Philippine Chapter and serving as the official JKA representative in the country for decades until his passing in 2016.

The development of JKA karate in the Philippines expanded rapidly in the late 1960s and early 1970s under the influence of renowned instructor Masanori Takahashi. Through his leadership and mentorship, many Filipino karate practitioners emerged and helped spread Shotokan karate across the country, particularly in the Visayas.

Among the pioneers of JKA karate in the region was Oscar Obsioma, who played a central role in the expansion of JKA Cebu and represented Central Visayas in national and international competitions. Filipino karate practitioners soon gained recognition internationally, competing in world events alongside leading karate masters such as Masahiko Tanaka.

Today, the organization continues to thrive under the leadership of Gilieto Luague, Chairman of JKA Philippines and a certified JKA 5th Dan black belt, licensed instructor, and officiating judge. Luague Shihan began his karate journey in 1969 under Takahashi Shihan and has since dedicated decades to expanding JKA karate both in the Philippines and abroad.

During his international career, Luague Shihan established numerous JKA dojos in the Middle East while working in Saudi Arabia and later in the United Arab Emirates, helping introduce authentic Shotokan karate to practitioners in cities such as Taif, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

In 2024, a historic milestone was achieved when the JKA World Federation Philippines Inc. (JKA-WFPI) was officially recognized by the Japan Karate Association World Federation in Tokyo. The recognition confirmed JKA Philippines (PH-2) as an official member organization, with Luague Shihan serving as the recognized representative. The certificate was issued and signed by Katsuhide Kusahara, Chairman of the JKA World Federation.

Building on this momentum, the upcoming 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship will serve as a major international gathering for Shotokan practitioners. The event will feature intensive training seminars, traditional Gasshuku sessions led by senior instructors, and international-level karate competitions highlighting kata and kumite.

Hosted in the vibrant southern Philippine city of Davao City, the event aims to further strengthen international collaboration among karate practitioners while promoting the Philippines as a center for traditional martial arts training in Asia.

Organizers expect hundreds of participants from local and international JKA dojos, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing reputation as a hub for authentic Shotokan karate instruction.

Guided by the principle “The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition,” JKA Philippines remains committed to preserving the teachings and discipline passed down by generations of Japanese masters while inspiring future karate practitioners across the world.

Event Details
Event: 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship
Dates: August 27–30, 2026
Location: Davao City, Philippines
Organizer: JKA World Federation Philippines Inc.

For inquiries and participation details, interested karate practitioners and organizations may contact JKA Philippines through its official channels.

By Tomas Kauer