National Karate Institute (NKI, a.k.a. LA Central Dojo) opened its door in the late 1960’s in downtown Los Angeles. Master Hidetaka Nishiyama (1928-2008 www.itkf.org/files/senseibio.pdf) was the Chief Instructor of this dojo (studio), and karate enthusiasts from all over the world gathered to train under him for over 40 years. The dojo once had over 300 regular students, and among them were the famous national/international champions and current top American instructors.
Due to the city’s new development plan of the area, the NKI was forced to permanently close down in the summer of 2008. Coincidentally around the same time, Master Nishiyama became ill and later passed away.
Without the Master or the facility, it has been a challenge for the remaining students to continue training. However, some of the high rank and dedicated students have continued to offer classes at temporary locations. “It is our responsibility, as direct students of Sensei Nishiyama, to continue training in order to keep his karate alive and to pass it on to the new generations. It is our hope to grow as a strong karate dojo and to re-open a permanent facility in near future.”
School Affiliation:
Our school of karate is called Shotokan (JKA style). We are a member of the most historic and renowned national traditional karate federation, the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKFwww.aakf.org). The AAKF is a sole US national representative of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKFwww.itkf.org) which was recognized as “the international governing body for traditional karate” by the International Olympic Committee in 1993.
About National Karate Institute
Brief History:
National Karate Institute (NKI, a.k.a. LA Central Dojo) opened its door in the late 1960’s in downtown Los Angeles. Master Hidetaka Nishiyama (1928-2008 www.itkf.org/files/senseibio.pdf) was the Chief Instructor of this dojo (studio), and karate enthusiasts from all over the world gathered to train under him for over 40 years. The dojo once had over 300 regular students, and among them were the famous national/international champions and current top American instructors.
Due to the city’s new development plan of the area, the NKI was forced to permanently close down in the summer of 2008. Coincidentally around the same time, Master Nishiyama became ill and later passed away.
Without the Master or the facility, it has been a challenge for the remaining students to continue training. However, some of the high rank and dedicated students have continued to offer classes at temporary locations. “It is our responsibility, as direct students of Sensei Nishiyama, to continue training in order to keep his karate alive and to pass it on to the new generations. It is our hope to grow as a strong karate dojo and to re-open a permanent facility in near future.”
School Affiliation:
Our school of karate is called Shotokan (JKA style). We are a member of the most historic and renowned national traditional karate federation, the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF www.aakf.org). The AAKF is a sole US national representative of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF www.itkf.org) which was recognized as “the international governing body for traditional karate” by the International Olympic Committee in 1993.