Who We Are

Waikoloa Karate Academy is a Shotokan style family dojo located in Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. Shotokan is a Japanese style of karate founded by Okinawan master Gichin Funakoshi (1868 – 1957). 

Shotokan advocates advancement, but in the quality of individual technique rather than in superficial knowledge of numerous techniques. Shotokan instructors advocate the belief that proper study eliminates ego and promotes hard honest work, humility, and excellence. Shotokan students are distinguished by their excellent posture, low stances, and hip power. (The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia)

Waikoloa Karate Academy is a member dojo of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation-United States of America (SKIF-USA).  SKIF-USA is a not-for-profit educational karate organization formed in 1998 and is affiliated directly with SKIF Japan. SKIF Japan was established in 1977 by Hirokazu Kanazawa, Soke (founder) 1932 – 2019.  High caliber instructors from Japan regularly visit SKIF dojo worldwide to administer black belt exams and give instructional seminars. 

Membership in SKIF provides for internationally recognized and respected black belt ranking.  All dan (black belt) promotions must be awarded by a certified SKIF examiner and registered at SKIF General Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.  Once registered, such grades are universally recognized by SKIF affiliates and many other traditional karate organizations in over 100 countries around the world.