**EXTRA-EXTRA--BREAKING NEWS--EXTRA-EXTRA**

The official SKJF newsletter "OSS!!" is now available online!! Additionally, The SKJF Kyu/Dan rank requirements and criteria website is now online along with the NEW Stranger Danger A.L.E.R.T. Defense System. Read on for link details.

Coming Soon: www.ShotoJukuKai.com

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*** OSS!! -- IRASSHAI!! ***

The Shotokan Karatedo of Japan Federation - SKJF is comprised of many Shotokan Ryu Yudansha, Dojo Sensei and their students, who continue to seek out the way of Master Gichin Funakoshi.

This special collective of all who follow Master Funakoshi's own "special school" is known in Japan as the Shoto-Juku-Kai. Translated literally into English, ShotoJukuKai means "The Association of Special Schools of the Followers of Pine Waves."

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"ShotoKan" -vs- "ShotoJuku"

In order to understand the differences and similarities, one must take a brief look at the history of Shotokan in general. As most are aware, the name ShotoKan refers directly to the name of "style or system" directly associated with Gichin Funakoshi. Although Funakoshi decided to stay in Japan in April 1922, he deeply wanted his art "Tode" simply called "Karate" and later "Karatedo." Despite his wishes, Funakoshis' pen name "Shoto" meaning "Pine Waves" was adopted by his students when they named the first free standing Dojo in 1939. They called it the "ShotoKan" meaning "Pine Waves Hall." In doing so, these students branded a label on what was taught inside. From that moment on, Funakoshis' art was now called "ShotoKan Karatedo."

This was not the only change that occurred. During that same time period the Imperial Japanese war machine was put into high gear and changed the course of history. Not just for Japan and the rest of the world, but in the Shotokan Dojo as well. For what was then being taught inside the Dojo and many University Shotokan Clubs was now becoming steamlined into an effective style of unarmed combat. Funakoshi himself advised students going off to war to use the "Karate Charge" if they faced the enemy unarmed.

During this process, Funakoshi opted to abandon some of the practices involving weapons brought to Japan from Okinawa in 1922. The weapons of "KOBUDO" meaning the "Ancient Martial Ways" were virtually placed into storage. Comprised mainly of farming and fishing tools, the 5 major weapons of Kobudo consist of the Bo (or Kon), Sai, Tonfa, Kama and Nunchaku.

During the post war reunification of Karatedo and establishment of both the Japan Karate Association - JKA and the splinter group the Shotokai Karate Association - SKA (both in 1949), Funakoshis' art became even more refined and organized. Unfortunately, neither of these two groups embraced (or remembered) any Kobudo whatsoever. Those that did were usually ostracized and taught Karate & Kobudo in private schools. Thus Karatedo seemed to have two very branches; one with Kobudo and one without. Eventually, these branches became intertwined and created a seedling which then became a very sturdy tree. This tree is commonly known as "ShotoJukuKai - SKJF."

As Funakoshi observed on many occasions:

"To Search For The Old Is to Understand The New.

The Old, The New, This Is a Matter Of Time."

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*** Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai - SKJF ***

The Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai - SKJF was founded in 1990. The SKJF tree is made up of several resolute branches with very strong and enduring roots. At the base of this tree is the SKJF Executive Director & Chief Instructor: Brian R. Fey Sr. - Nanadan, O'Sensei & Kyoshi - (7th Dan, Chief Instructor & Master Of The Fine Arts).

O'Sensei Fey, a certified Japanese Yudansha, has studied Shotokan Karatedo, Kobudo and Iaido for nearly 4 decades. O'Sensei Fey began his study of Karatedo in 1971 under the Japan Karatedo Shotokan KenKoJuku Association which was founded by Kancho Tomosaburo Okano - Kudan (9th Dan). Kancho Okano was a student of both Gichin and Giko Funakoshi and founder of the KenKoJuku Shotokan Karatedo Association. In 1984, O'Sensei Fey became a student of Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa - Judan (10th Dan) and founder of the Shotokan Karatedo International Federation - SKIF.

In addition, O'Sensei Fey has been fortunate to have been able to study Karatedo & Kobudo under many noteable Japanese Sensei such as - the late O. Ozawa, T. Miyazaki, M. Takahashi, K. Funakoshi and F. Demura to name a few. As such, O'Sensei Fey has a broad based knowledge of both Karatedo & Kobudo. He currently teaches the entire Shotokan Kata syllabus (including several early versions) as well as an extensive assortment of Kobudo Kata. O'Sensei Fey is also a certified member of the Zenkoku Karatedo-Kobudo Remmei.

The SKJF became an official branch of the SKIF representing Kancho Kanazawa in the USA. Serving as the SKJF Executive Director and Chief Instructor since its inception, O'Sensei Fey has strived to provide a strong link between East and West by providing strong leadership and a true example as to what Master Funakoshi created in 1922 - Shotokan Karatedo.

The entire SKJF family are all dedicated to the same unique and sole purpose:

TO PART THE CLOUDS AND SEEK THE WAY.

It is our sincere hope and intention that all SKJF members will be able to learn from one another and not allow political lines interfere with or impede the cultivation of Budo spirit.

Since the inception of the SKJF, the organization has grown throughout the western hemisphere, establishing it as a recognized leader in traditional karatedo training and in budo education.

As the SKJF is a non-political organization, any and all Shotokan-Ryu based Dojo Sensei or Yudansha may become affiliated members. As there are many organizations and/or interpretations of the Shotokan-Ryu, the primary role of the SKJF is to eliminate misunderstandings and restore harmony.

The SKJF is not in the habit or practice of accepting membership on an "open enrollment" from other Ryu-Ha outside of a Shotokan based system. At present, it should be stressed that only those applicants who are familiar with the practice of the Shotokan-Ryu Kata will be accepted for membership consideration.

Additionally, one need not vacate his/her current organizational ties and/or method(s) of Shotokan practice when becoming an SKJF member. The SKJF has many members are affiliated to many other fine organizations or groups such as the: JKA, ISKF, ISKA, AJKA, SKIF, FSKA, IASK, SSKI, SKA, ShotoKai, KenKoJuku and/or Shotokan-Ryu independents.

Please note that the SKJF is a TRADITIONAL organization and only accepts members who study and teach AUTHENTIC Karatedo and not eclectic/hybrid/cardio based systems. In short, anything short of wearing a WHITE GI and the study of the main Shotokan Kata syllabus is not considered traditional or authentic.

Once a membership applicant is accepted, he/she will have the opportunity to become a member of the SKJF YudanshaKai.

At present, the SKJF does not accept any independent Kyu (colored belt) applicants. Dojo Sensei may however, ask or require that their own Kyu level students become SKJF affiliates at the Dojo level.

For those without any direct organizational ties or links with Japan, the SKJF can serve solely as their primary organization giving them a solid home.

The headquarters branch for the SKJF is the "Japan ShotoJuku Dojo" located in the Tampa Bay area, Florida USA. The physical address to the dojo is: 9712 66th Street, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782 and is open six days per week. ALL Mailings are requested to be addressed to the Post Office Box to ensure delivery.

Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai - SKJF

PO Box #1843

Pinellas Park, Fl 33780 USA

Visitors and guests are welcome at the Dojo, regardless of his/her current rank, style et cetera. Many international visitors are often received and are encouraged to come and train while on holiday or vacation in Florida. The Dojo is just 90 minutes west of the Orlando area and just 5 minutes from the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

SKJF seminars, clinics and special classes are conducted throughout the year and at many different SKJF dojo. These events feature special guest instruction from not only O'Sensei Fey, but have included such notable Instructors such as Hirokazu Kanazawa, Hiroyasu Fujishima, Fumio Demura and the late Osamu Ozawa.

Once registered, SKJF members receive a Japanese rank certificate, SKJF patch and are entitled to purchase SKJF Kyu certificates and SKJF patches for their students. If you have worked hard and pursued your study of Shotokan Karatedo with honor, then why not be recognized for your efforts today and stop being held hostage by those who sit in financial judgement over you.

To that end, the SKJF does not believe in "yearly" membership fees that require you to send money year after year after year just to maintain what you have already earned, registered and paid for. All SKJF memberships are for the LIFETIME of the member. Register once and you are an SKJF member FOREVER!! No yearly renewal fees, just a LIFETIME of membership.

LIFETIME DUES = $100.00!!

This includes a Japanese rank certificate, SKJF patch and a LIFETIME of training advantages that only the SKJF can offer.

To top things off, all "new" upgrade Yudansha examinations are FREE. That's right, there is absolutely NO CHARGE for Yudansha examinations!

Upon the receipt of successful exam results, members may register their new grade for official SKJF certification. Additional rank registration information may be located in the SKJF Rank Page; see link below.

For additional SKJF membership information, please send a brief letter -AND- resume outlining your Karatedo experience to ShotoJuku88@aol.com

Be sure to visit the OSS!!-Online Newsletter for the latest news and information including seminar & exam information.

(This page is usually under construction, so check back often. The date of the most current update has been posted at the very top of the page for your convenience.)

OSS!!

Japan Karatedo ShotoJukuKai - SKJF

O'Sensei Brian R. Fey Sr.
PO BOX # 1843
Pinellas Park, Florida 33780 USA
ShotoJuku88@aol.com

Click Below For The SKJF Newsletter: "OSS!!-Online" & Other Official SKJF Links