Membership

Becoming a member of the Berkeley YMCA dojo

In order to become a member of the Berkeley YMCA dojo, you must first join the downtown Berkeley YMCA. Once a member of the downtown Berkeley YMCA, you will be able to attend dojo classes and other health and fitness classes offered by the YMCA. Here is how:

  • Come to the Welcome Desk at 2001 Allston Way with a picture ID and a voided check, savings account statement, or credit card.
  • Fill out a few forms and make your initial payment (the enrollment fee plus your first month’s dues, pro-rated).
  • We’ll set up a monthly bank draft and issue you a membership card, and you can start working out that day.

For more information please click here >

Becoming a member of Shotokan Karate of America

Membership in Shotokan Karate of America is required in order to participate in special trainings and kyu tests (gradings). You do not need to be a member of SKA to attend regular dojo classes.

In order to join SKA, one must be under the direct supervision of one of our Black Belt instructors. Please check Directory of Dojos and International Affiliates to contact an SKA instructor near you who may help you become a member of SKA. For any additional information or assistance about membership in SKA, please contact hq@ska.org for contact information for the Regional Director in your area who will help you.

Shotokan Ohshima Karate-do also has many International Affiliate Organizations in many countries around the World. Please check [Directory of Dojo's and International Affiliates] for list of International contacts. For any additional information about group affiliation with SKA, please contact affiliation@ska.org.

Please note that SKA does not offer visa assistance to international karate-ka wishing to affiliate with SKA.

Highlighted below are some of the benefits of SKA membership.  Anyone who becomes a member of SKA will receive:

  • A Student Guide
  • A membership identification card (to be carried with you to all SKA functions)
  • Newsletters
  • In addition to practicing at one’s dojo, the privilege of practicing at SKA dojos across the country and at its international affiliates
  • The opportunity to attend SKA-sponsored activities such as Special Trainings and special practices led by senior black belts
  • Continuing guidance — via newsletter and web site communication — on interpreting, applying and integrating the instructional material in the book Karate-Do Kyohan (Master Text, The Way of Karate) by Gichin Funakoshi, translated by Tsutomu Ohshima, and in the book Training Notes, compiled from 40 years of trainings notes and articles by Ohshima Shihan.
  • Access to the SKA web site “Member’s Only” area, for news on current activities in the U.S., Canada and international affiliates, schedule of events, monthly training calendar, and articles and resources related to the martial arts.
  • The opportunity to take part in SKA’s online conferences and Internet mailing list discussion groups.
  • Direct connection to the Shotokan Ohshima Dojo in Santa Barbara, California
  • The opportunity to be ranked at kyu (white and brown belt ranking) tests.  There are NO grading fees for kyu tests.  In contrast, most schools create many grade levels and charge fees for each grading.  Some also require students to buy a different gi (uniform) and/or belt for every level of advancement.
  • The opportunity to be ranked at Black Belt dan (black belt ranking) tests.  There are NO grading fees for dan tests.  Furthermore, at SKA dan tests, each candidate is carefully judged and graded by senior members of the organization, according to the standards handed down through Ohshima Sensei, Shihan (chief instructor) of SKA.  In other organizations, students often do not have the benefit of high-level seniors and are charged exorbitant fees for each level, whether the student passes or not.
  • There are NO fees for dan certificates.  As described in the Black Belt Manual, “the form of our diploma follows an ancient tradition going back many centuries, and is an integral part of the cultural heritage of our martial arts practice.  Its form is identical to that used by Master Funakoshi, including the use of special paper, unique ink stamps for identification and to prevent forgery, and the hand craftsmanship of Ohshima Sensei’s calligraphy.  The reason for the half-seal on the upper right corner is to ensure the diploma’s authenticity.  The other half of the stamp is imprinted in Ohshima Sensei’s book, and only an authentic diploma will match this impression.” These certificates are priceless — no fee can buy them.
  • Most importantly, SKA membership puts the practitioner in line with the direct lineage handed down by Ohshima Sensei.  Because of his life-long dedication and personal investment in so many of the black belts, other martial arts organizations find it difficult to compare with SKA’s rich heritage, depth, consistency, and its commitment to pass the martial art of karate-do to future generations.