JKA Santa Monica Dojo

04/15/2026

Today, with deep respect and gratitude, we commemorate the passing of Master Masatoshi Nakayama (中山 正敏, Nakayama Masatoshi; April 13, 1913 – April 15, 1987).

Master Nakayama succeeded Master Funakoshi as as the head and chief instructor of the JKA. He presided over the JKA's establishment of a formal instructor training program, the creation of a standardized examination structure, the first formal tournaments, and the subsequent rapid growth of the JKA and Shotokan around the world. (For more details, see: "Mind And Body - Like Bullet", by Yutaka Yaguchi with Catherine Pinch, © 2008, ISBN 978-1-57833-4-00-1).

Sensei Field, our dojo's founder, was among those privileged to receive personal instruction from Master Nakayama in Tokyo. And later, when Mr. Field had started to teach in California, Master Nakayama came to visit and support the growing student body.

Master Nakayama continued to teach Shotokan karate until his death.

We will remain forever grateful.

From our archives, the pictures below show Master Nakayama on his visits to California, together with Sensei Field.

03/31/2026

After another inspiring weekend seminar, Sensei Field and members of his JKA group are saying goodbye to Naka Sensei. We hope for Naka Sensei's safe return to his home in Japan, and look forward to the next opportunity for more training.

03/29/2026

Sensei Field always loves being among fellow karate-ka. If you see him out and about, please come on by and share your memories!

1st day of training with Naka Sensei in the books! 🥋🔥

Honored to learn from such an incredible instructor. It was also great to have Sensei Fields there watching and supporting.

OSS! 👊🏻
JKA ARIZONA

03/29/2026

Strong presence of students from Sensei Field's JKA group, on Day 2 of the special seminar weekend with JKA Headquarter Instructor, Tatsuya Naka Sensei. We are grateful for the opportunity!

03/28/2026

Miyuki Kuroha led a special class early this morning at Santa Monica Dojo. She focused on reviewing lessons from Naka Sensei’s Day 1 camp. It was great to repeat all the techniques while it was still fresh in our memories and share with all who couldn’t make it last night. Thank you so much to Miyuki sempai!

Now, everyone is traveling back for Day 2 of Naka Sensei seminars in California. 💪

03/28/2026

After training, we eat. A lot. 😁🍴🥄🍽️🍻🥣🥢

(Unfortunately, Sensei Field and Mr. French had to leave earlier, so we didn't get their picture).

03/28/2026

This weekend, Santa Monica Dojo students are taking classes from JKA Headquarter Instructor, Tatsuya Naka Sensei who flew in from Japan. Pictured here with Sensei Field, the founder of Santa Monica Dojo.

03/17/2026

Sensei Field in the lower right corner. Flagstaff, Arizona is a wonderful location, with many scenic areas surrounding it. Together with Sensei Field, we visited quite a few of those places and even went hiking and swimming in between classes. Great memories!

Grand Canyon Karate Camp — Flagstaff, Arizona. Relive the spirit of Grand Canyon Karate Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, where world-class JKA instructors united to create an unforgettable atmosphere of true budo, learning, and unity. From chartering buses to visit the breathtaking Grand Canyon with Master Nakayama to intense training sessions, those camps were truly special. OSSU, Chuck Coburn www.KarateAZ.com