Abe Keigo founded the Japan Shotokan Karate Association 10 February, 1999 following his retirement as Technical Director of the JKA (Matsuno section) on 31 January, 1999.

Taiji Kase and Hiroshi Shirai, senior JKA instructors in Europe, quit to form the World Karate-Do Shotokan Academy.

I believe that the true purpose of Karate lies in daily training with a goal to develop a strong mind and body and furthermore to contribute to society in general."

The JSKA claims members in over 40 countries globally[2] while the organization's stated goals are to teach karate as a martial art based on the Japanese concepts of Budo and to gain perfection of technique and self-defense, while improving health, confidence and mental attitude.

It differentiates itself from other organizations by proclaiming a return to the traditional values and training methods of the Japan Karate Association as laid down by Masatoshi Nakayama, the JKA’s first chief instructor.

[4] The JSKA emphasizes the development of effective techniques utilising the low and long stances introduced by Yoshitaka Funakoshi and passed on through Nakayama to Abe.

And, although they are a general feature of the Shotokan style, the self-defense/budo elements are continually stressed where the significance of natural action, utilising good posture and biomechanics, ensures the execution of a powerful and effective technique.

[5] Keigo Abe, the first chief instructor of the association, passed away on December 21, 2019 in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, at the home of Mitsuru Nagaki.

According to Yasuhisa Shiozaki, the JSKA chairman, he "never fails to practice hard and is breaking an unprecedented record of winning 27 consecutive master class championships.

[citation needed] For all kyu gradings, the student must demonstrate to the examiners tier understanding of the three facets of the style; set patterns (kata), basics (kihon) and sparring (kumite).