The Japan Karate Association (JKA) Sierra Leone was officially launched on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, at the Physio Fitness Gym, King Harman Road, Freetown, joining other martial arts bodies in promoting sports development in Mama Salone.
In his welcome address, Secretary General Thomas Musa Turay introduced the leadership, including Chairman Dr. Patrick K. Muana, former Professor of English and current Presidential Adviser on Security to H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, and founding member Victor Edward Amara.
Amara explained that JKA is dedicated to preserving authentic Shotokan karate rooted in Bushido philosophy, emphasizing discipline, peace, character development, and respect, while strongly discouraging violence. He stressed that the dojo is a place of discipline, not politics, with strict adherence to Japanese tradition.
He noted that practitioners can now train and receive certification locally instead of traveling abroad, urging members to serve as disciplined ambassadors of the JKA World Federation.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Muana traced karate’s origins to Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of Modern Karate, and explained that JKA was founded in 1949 by Funakoshi’s senior students to promote Shotokan karate worldwide. He described Sierra Leone’s recognition as historic, confirming that all JKA training in the country is now globally recognized and rooted in pure traditional practice.
Dr. Muana announced plans to expand traditional karate nationwide and across the sub-region, encouraging the establishment of schools and highlighting karate’s physical, mental, and character-building benefits, especially for young people. He also shared his 45-year karate journey, stressing that academic excellence and martial arts can go hand in hand.
In closing, Sensei Dr. P.K. Muana thanked Gombe Sensei of JKA WF-Africa, the JKA HQ evaluation team led by Izumiya Sensei, JKA Ghana Chairman Sammy Obeng Sensei, Francis Fuster Hanshi, and other pioneers of karate in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony ended with demonstrations, a two-hour practical training session, group exercises, and photo sessions, marking a successful and historic launch.
