About the WKA

The Washington Karate Association was founded in 1966 by Julius Thiry in Seattle, Washington. It has been a sport institution that has grown in reputation internationally bringing acclaim to our State for educating and stewarding thousands of exceptional students, athletes and citizens. Over 250,000 students have been educated through the WKA. Twice that amount has been under the tutelage of Shihan Thiry domestically.

Tenets of the WKA

There are no short cuts to excellence. While most of us may not achieve our most lofty goals and aspirations, it is nevertheless important to bring our utmost to all of which we are a part.

Harmony and strength are important partners. A balanced character is most often achieved through persistence, consistent practice of correct action and mindfulness toward morality. Karate-do specifically points to Karate as one vehicle for self awareness and personal development. When one understands that character is derived from a series of challenges, the process or path itself becomes enjoyable.

The WKA is successful greatly due to the dedication of its directors, teachers and students who share a common sense of health of mind and body. To do this in such a community is nothing short of stimulating and rewarding.

Hallmarks of Karate-ka (students of Karate-do)

• Citizenship
• Academic and/or professional excellence
• Filial duty
• Integrity, ethical conduct and willingness to be morally proactive

Tradition

The Washington Karate Association is founded upon the traditional style of Karate known as Haysahi-ha Shito-ryu, one of the strongest systems of Karate. The WKA is a member of International Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu Federation. We are also associated with following National and International Organizations:

• USA National Karate-do Federation (USA-NKF)
• World Karate Federation (WKF)
• Pan American Karate Federation (PKF)
• Japan Karate Federation (PKF)

Mission

The International Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Federation’s Washington school is an American organization dedicated to the practice and correct promulgation of Karate-do. The basic objective of the WKA is to provide its members a means of developing an upstanding character while being strengthened emotionally, physically and mentally. To attain this goal, the WKA adheres to the highest principles and standards expected of elite educational institutions.