Currently due to the COVID pandemic there are no in person or virtual (zoom) trainings occurring at the Minneapolis dojo.

Please contact the Twin Cities Dojo @ http://twincities.ska.org for additional information regarding trainings. (updated 03/01/2022)

The Mission of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), as established by its shihan, Tsutomu Ohshima:

“To preserve, perpetuate and advance the legacy of Shotokan Karate for the betterment of the lives of those who train, and to contribute positively to human history.“

Mr. Ohshima was one of the last students of Master Funakoshi. Master funakoshi is recognized as the father of modern karate and was responsible for bringing the art from Okinawa to Japan in 1922. SKA is a non-profit organization and was started in 1956 by Tsutomu Ohshima. SKA is one of numerous national organizations all practicing under Mr. Ohshima’s leadership. You can find other SKA dojos (and our international affiliates) in our dojo directory.

Minneapolis Shotokan Karate Dojo (Brooklyn Park) and Twin Cities Shotokan Karate Club (Edina) are two of over 100 SKA dojos teaching Shotokan Karate in the United States. Here you can practice karate as it’s been taught in the for more than 50 years in the USA and for centuries in Asia. As a unique school of self-improvement through rigorous and focused training, we emphasize karate as an art, not a sport. We remain true to the traditional methodology handed down from master to master and generation to generation.

Shotokan karate distinguishes itself as a martial art form with a direct lineage to Japan, Okinawa and ancient China. The training encompasses physical, mental and spiritual elements. Beginning students are taught to master basic techniques including kicks, blocks, punches, kata forms and basic controlled sparring. More advanced techniques, strategies and applications are taught as your skill improves.

An interested person can discover their own strengths and weaknesses through consistent training – known in traditional martial arts as “facing one’s self.” No matter what level we attain, each of us continues to polish and develop our strength of character. Ultimately, our goal is to push aside our weaknesses in times of stress and draw upon our strengths.

Mr. Ohshima continues to lead SKA from his home adjacent to Shotokan Ohshima Dojo on a beautiful mountain-top in Santa Barbara, California.