Sensei Takayuki Mikami, 9th dan | since 1961
504-835-6825
Louisiana Karate Association (LKA) was founded in 1961 and is the oldest Karate club in Louisiana. In March of 1965, the first graduate of Japan Karate Association Instructor Training Program, Takayuki Mikami, became the Chief Instructor of Louisiana Karate Association. Sensei Mikami brought his immense knowledge and experience to LKA and continues to do so to this day. Students of all ages from all walks of life in the New Orleans area and beyond were first introduced to Karate at LKA. LKA quickly developed a reputation as the place to learn Karate in the New Orleans area. LKA and Sensei Mikami also quickly developed a reputation for producing some of the best karateka in the nation. After a just a few years in New Orleans, Sensei Mikami produced the first of many national champions and U.S. team members. By the end of the 80s there would be over a dozen more. Today still, several US champions and national team members hail from LKA. LKA has been the host of numerous regional, national and international competitions.
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At LKA, we continue to provide premier-quality traditional karate training to the southeast Louisiana community. All are welcome to train. We offer classes to youth and adults, of all ages and fitness levels.
WHAT IS KARATE?
Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art and self-defense system. Karate uses blocks, punches, strikes and kicks to defend against an opponent. Through training, practitioners develop not only their physical condition and learn self-defense, but also strive to develop their character through mental focus, self-discipline and perseverance.
Our style, Shotokan Karate, is characterized by strong body focus (concentrated moments of energy) and large movements. Shotokan was developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Sensei Mikami trained directly under Master Funakoshi as well as his top students, Mr. Nakayama, and Mr. Nishiyama. Shotokan is the modern form of karate comprised of three main parts, kihon (basics), kata (forms) or a pattern of moves representing defense against imaginary attackers, and kumite (partner drills). All LKA instructors have trained in this direct lineage through Sensei Mikami to the founder of Karate.
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Japan Karate Association
Our club is a member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Internationally headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the JKA one of the oldest and most influential Shotokan karate organizations in the world. Sensei Mikami is its Senior Technical Advisor and a member of the Board of Directors.
LKA is also the headquarters for the Japan Karate Association/American Federation (JKA/AF). The JKA/AF is an organization of JKA clubs throughout North America, founded by Sensei Mikami in 2009. We several annual events, including the National Championships in November and an international training camp in June.