International Kokondo Association ( IKA )

Within the International Kokondo Association (I.K.A.), there are two distinct arts: Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate, both of which are traditional Japanese styles that emphasize practical, effective self defense.

Kokondo was founded in name in 1970 by Shihan Paul Arel (Jukido Jujitsu, the art was founded in 1959), but the techniques are drawn from a large number of martial arts styles including Okinawan, Japanese, and Chinese arts, among others. However, Kokondo is not a haphazard conglomeration, nor is it classed as a modern eclectic art. Jukido for example has many techniques found in many Judo, Aikido/Aiki-jutsu, and Karate. However it is important to remember that Jukido is a style of Jujitsu. Jujitsu is not combination of Karate, Aikido, and Judo. Jujitsu is actually the forerunner, or "parent" art, of Judo and Aikido. Judo and Aikido were born from the roots of Jujitsu, not the other way around. Many of the strikes found in Jujitsu are also found in Karate.

The I.K.A. was established to maintain the integrity and authenticity of our self-defense arts, it is the "umbrella" organization which governs both Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate.

Stringent guidelines were established by the founders to insure effective, practical, and beneficial practice. This includes conformity to martial arts standards, which encompasses the areas of courtesy, discipline, and procedures specific to the codes of bushido. These include proper practice methods, effective and authentic techniques, understanding and adhering to correct courtesy and discipline, promotional rank, evaluation, judging methods, leadership, and practice.

Kokondo enjoys a rare status among traditional martial arts organizations in that it is a "closed" system, in spite of its size and international scope. One purpose of this autonomous status is to keep Kokondo-ka free of the intercultural political and economic battles which currently plague most worldwide martial arts organizations. Second, by remaining closed, Kokondo prevents the inevitable introduction of random techniques, kata, and philosophies which often occurs when students dabble in many styles without complete commitment to their own. Between Jukido Jujitsu, Kokondo Karate, Kobudo (traditional weapons), and the code of Bushido taught in the IKA, there is more than enough knowledge to guarantee Kokondo-Ka a lifetime of rich learning. Kokondo teaches that because it is always possible to further enhance one's understanding and performance of technique, the effort of trying one's best to improve is more important than ever achieving perfection.

All students with a serious interest in continuing their Jukido training are heavily suggested to join and become a member of the I.K.A. All students can get to the level of Yellow Belt 2. After this point the student join the IKA. The benefits of becoming an IKA member are many. Some of these benefits are listed below.

- Free Testing

- Your rank will be recognized Internationally by ALL Jukido Jujitsu or Kokondo Karate dojos! ( i.e.: If you were to relocate or take a vacation outside the area of your local dojo, you could find another IKA dojo and as long as you are a current IKA member they will automatically honor your rank / belt level. IKA dojos are located worldwide. )

- Personal IKA Membership card

- Personal IKA Membership certificate ( Issued every renewal )

- Rank Certificates recognized worldwide by IKA

- Access & Discounts to functions which state "IKA" only

- Budo News (Periodical IKA Newsletter)

- Opportunity to train at regional, national, and international seminars and events with IKA members from around the world

- And much more!