About Us

Shotokan Karate Academy of San Antonio

Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling, throwing and some standing joint locking techniques, which can be found even in basic kata. While we do not perform grappling, throwing, or standing joint locks on each other, we do learn the application of the techniques in kata, or bunkai.

Japan Karate Association (JKA) is the world’s most prestigious and immense known karate organization with a large international membership in over 100 countries. The JKA mission is to promote the way of karate throughout the world by ensuring it remains true to the philosophical precepts upon which it was founded.

Our club was founded in the 1970s by Sensei Peter Velez, 6th dan. He trained for more than 50 years under the tutelage of masters Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama and Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama. His student, John Harral (5th Dan), continued the club for many years afterwards. Since Sensei Harral’s retirement, a group of his black belt students currently keep the club alive and growing. Our volunteer instructors have decades of combined experience in traditional Shotokan karate.

Here in San Antonio, we are the only dojo promoting Shotokan karate recognized by the Japan Karate Association, heir of Shotokan karate tradition. All of our instructors are ranked and certified by the JKA.

We are affiliated with Japan Karate Association American Federation. https://www.jkaaf.com/