History of the Washington Karate Association

Hanshi Julius Thiry

The Washington Karate Association is the largest and most renowned school of martial arts in the Pacific Northwest. The instructors are of the highest caliber, whose accomplishments have been lauded nationally and internationally. The technical expertise and fine discipline of our organization is well known.

Headed by founder and President, Dr. Julius Thiry (Hanshi) for over 40 years, we are proud of our tradition of excellence.

At the Washington Karate Association we teach the traditional style of Karate known as Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu, one of the strongest systems of Karate. The Washington Karate Association is the only organization in the State of Washington associated with:

• Japan Karate Federation (JKF)
• USA National Karate-Do Federation (USA-NKF)
• Pan American Karate Federation (PKF)
• World Karate Federation (WKF)
• Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu International

Background on the WKA

The Washington Karate Association is an American organization dedicated to the practice and promulgation of Karate-Do. The basic objective of the Washington Karate Association is to provide its members a means of developing character while being strengthened emotionally, physically and mentally. To attain this goal, the Washington Karate Association adheres to the highest standards and principles.

The guiding principles of Karate study are those elements included in "Karate-Do" (the Way of Karate): the development of sincerity, loyalty, etiquette, tenacity and self-control.