The Philippines: 6 Decades of Living Legacy of Shotokan Karate

April 2, 2026 – Manila, Philippines. For more than six decades, the Philippines has quietly nurtured one of the most enduring traditions of authentic Shotokan karate outside Japan.

That journey began in 1958 when Takayuki Mikami, the first instructor sent by the Japan Karate Association, arrived in Manila to introduce traditional Japanese karate to Filipino students. His mission planted the first seeds of what would become a nationwide karate movement.

Seven years later, in 1965, another legendary figure arrived: Kunio Sasaki. What was meant to be a temporary assignment soon became a lifetime dedication. Persuaded by passionate Filipino students to remain in the country, Sasaki Shihan established the JKA Philippine Chapter and became the guiding force behind the growth of traditional Shotokan karate in the archipelago.

Through the mentorship of respected instructors such as Masanori Takahashi, the art expanded beyond Manila and reached the Visayas, where pioneering practitioners like Oscar Obsioma helped establish dojos and represent the Philippines on the international stage.

As Filipino karate practitioners began competing globally, the nation gradually earned recognition within the international Shotokan community.

Today, that legacy is carried forward by Gilieto Luague, Chairman of JKA Philippines and a senior instructor who began his karate journey in 1969 under Takahashi Shihan. Over the decades, Luague Shihan has expanded the reach of JKA karate across continents, establishing dojos in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates while mentoring new generations of karate practitioners.

In 2024, a historic milestone was achieved when the JKA World Federation Philippines Inc. was formally recognized by the Japan Karate Association World Federation in Tokyo, affirming the Philippines’ role in preserving the authentic teachings of Shotokan karate.

That living tradition will take center stage once again when the Philippines hosts the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship from August 27–30, 2026 in Davao City.

The event will bring together masters, instructors, and karateka from around the world for four days of intense Gasshuku training, high-level competition, and the shared pursuit of karate excellence.

More than a tournament, the gathering represents something deeper: a continuation of the philosophy passed down from master to student for generations.

A reminder that karate is not only a sport—but a lifelong path.

And in the Philippines, that path continues to grow stronger with every generation.