SENSEI TAKAYUKI MIKAMI, 9TH DAN JKA
JKA/AF Founding & Chief Instructor
Sensei Takayuki Mikami, a native of Japan, is a graduate from the first class of the Instructor Training Program of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), the largest and most influential karate organization in the world. He became the first certified instructor sent overseas by the JKA when he moved to New Orleans in 1965 to promote Shotokan karate training in the United States.
Sensei Mikami was a formidable competitor, winning the All-Japan Championships multiple times in both kumite (free sparring) kata (forms). After this success, he focused his efforts on instruction and training his students to be the best.
Sensei Mikami developed karate training in the Southern region by creating the All South Karate Association in 1965 and hosting the annual All South Tournament in New Orleans, now the longest running traditional karate tournament in the United States. In 2008, he formed the Japan Karate Association/American Federation (JKA/AF) to better serve his members and to connect directly with the JKA World Federation in Japan.
He was promoted to 9th degree black belt in 2011 and is the highest ranked JKA master in the United States. He serves as the Senior Technical Advisor to the JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, the second highest technical position after the JKA World Federation Chief Instructor.
Japan Karate Association American Federation (JKA/AF) Officers and Board Members
Jerry Kattawar, Jr. President, Vice Chairman Executive Director
Jose Ferrand Vice Chairman Executive Director
Kyriakos Papadopoulos Communication Director Executive Director
Joey Giluso Treasurer/Tournament Director Executive Director
Scott Decuir Secretary Executive Director
Vey Laplace Managing Director Executive Director
Maria Hrabec Communication Committee Executive Director
Ferdie Torres Youth Development Executive Director
Bill Staten Auditing Director Executive Director
Christina Foo Business and Travel Director At Large
Dr. Javier Simons Medical Director At Large
Carol See Tai Director At Large
Johnny Caluda Director At Large
Tom Fruitticher Director At Large
Wauriman Borges Director At Large
John Haral Director At Large
Mark Prudhomme Director At Large
Lane Nevils Director At Large
Glenn Taylor Director At Large
Daryl Adams Tournament Director At Large
Dimitri Papadopoulos Youth Development Director At Large
Kellan Lyman Communication Committee At Large
