About Nihon Shotokan Karate-do Federation
History of NSKF
The founder of Karate, Gichin Funakoshi first introduced Karate to high schools in Okinawa around 1908. After demonstrating Karate in some major universities around Japan, Karate grew in recognition and popularity. It became recognized as a discipline that trained the mind as well as the body, leading to its original name, ‘Karate-do’, meaning ‘the way of Karate’ In May 1949, Nakayama, and other colleagues helped establish the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
Funakoshi was the formal head of the organization, after the death of Funakoshi, Nakayama was appointed as Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association. By 1956, working with Teruyuki Okazaki, he restructured the Shotokan karate training program to follow both traditional karate and methods developed in modern sports sciences. Nakayama is widely known for having spread Shotokan karate throughout the world.
After the death of Nakayama Sensei, the largest karate organization in the world, the unending cycle of splits among JKAs and former JKAs continues. NSKF was established to follow the spirit of Funakoshi and his way of Karate in cultivating the mind, body, and spirit. In this often chaotic world, clear direction and strong leadership are needed to guide students to their goals.
The NSKF, under the chief instructorship of Pemba Tamang, was founded for this reason. Pemba Tamang has been involved in Karate since childhood and was one of the first foreigners to graduate from the original JKA kensho-sei (instructors) course. In 1989 he became the first non-Japanese International Instructor. The globalization and competitive development of Karate have had some positive effects on Karate, but unfortunately, both in Japan and around the world, the original principles of Karate are being lost.
The NSKF, under the experience of Pemba Tamang, is working to restore these principles to Karate all over the world. We are committed to the development of Karate and “the way” (do) and for everlasting World peace. Christo Riekert Sensei established NSKF South Africa in 2018, in 2023 Desmond van den Doel Sensei continued to lead NSKF South Africa under the direct guidance of Pemba Tamang Shihan.
Our Dojo Heads










Have a Question or Want to Learn More?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re interested in joining our family, have questions about our training programs, or want to inquire about events and competitions, we’re just a message away. Feel free to reach out to us using the form below, and one of our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.
