Post a comment 
The Japan Karate Association (JKA) Sierra Leone was officially launched on Tuesday at the Physio Fitness Gym on King Harman Road, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of traditional martial arts and sports development in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the welcome address, Secretary General Thomas Musa Turay formally introduced the association’s leadership, including Chairman Dr. Patrick K. Muana, former Professor of English and current Presidential Adviser on Security to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, alongside founding member Victor Edward Amara.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Amara emphasized that JKA is committed to preserving authentic Shotokan karate, firmly grounded in the Bushido philosophy, which promotes discipline, peace, character development, and mutual respect, while strictly discouraging violence. He stressed that the dojo remains a place of discipline rather than politics, with strong adherence to Japanese tradition and values.
Amara further noted that Sierra Leonean practitioners can now train and obtain internationally recognized certification locally, eliminating the need to travel abroad. He encouraged members to conduct themselves as disciplined ambassadors of the JKA World Federation.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Muana traced the origins of karate to Gichin Funakoshi, widely regarded as the Father of Modern Karate, explaining that the Japan Karate Association was founded in 1949 by Funakoshi’s senior students to promote Shotokan karate globally. He described Sierra Leone’s official recognition as historic, confirming that all JKA training conducted in the country now meets international standards and is rooted in pure traditional practice.
Dr. Muana announced plans to expand traditional karate training nationwide and across the sub-region, encouraging the establishment of schools and highlighting the physical, mental, and character-building benefits of karate, particularly for young people. Reflecting on his 45-year journey in karate, he underscored that academic excellence and martial arts discipline can successfully complement each other.
In closing, Sensei Dr. P.K. Muana expressed gratitude to Gombe Sensei of JKA WF-Africa, the JKA Headquarters evaluation team led by Izumiya Sensei, JKA Ghana Chairman Sammy Obeng Sensei, Francis Fuster Hanshi, and other pioneers who have contributed to the growth of karate in Sierra Leone.
The event concluded with karate demonstrations, a two-hour practical training session, group exercises, and photo sessions, marking a successful and historic launch of the Japan Karate Association in Sierra Leone.
