New Orleans Athletic Club · JKA Shotokan · Est. 1965
Traditional Shotokan Karate in the Japan Karate Association lineage of Master Takayuki Mikami — taught in New Orleans for over 40 years by Sensei Doug Walsh, 4th Dan.
Direct line from the Japan Karate Association through Master Mikami, 9th Dan — the highest-ranked JKA master in the US.
Train in the landmark ballroom of the New Orleans Athletic Club, founded 1872 — the second-oldest athletic club in America.
All ranks certified by and recognized worldwide by the Japan Karate Association. Test under Master Mikami himself.
Dojo fees (~$100/mo) include full New Orleans Athletic Club gym membership — pool, fitness center, group classes, and more.
Our Heritage
Shotokan is one of the world's most widely practiced styles of traditional karate, developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi — the father of modern karate. It is characterized by powerful, deliberate technique, disciplined form, and a deep philosophical tradition rooted in budo: the martial way as a path of lifelong self-development.
Training is built on three pillars: kihon (fundamentals), kata (choreographed forms), and kumite (partner sparring). At NOAC Karate Dojo, we practice Shotokan in a direct lineage connecting every student back to the founders of the art.
Sensei Takayuki Mikami, a native of Niigata, Japan, was the very first graduate of the Japan Karate Association Instructor Training Program. As a competitor, he won and placed in the All-Japan Karate Championship in both kata and kumite every year from 1958 to 1962. He then devoted himself entirely to teaching and to building the tradition in America.
In March of 1965, Sensei Mikami arrived in New Orleans and has remained here ever since — making Louisiana home to one of the longest-running JKA programs in the United States. He founded the All South Karate Federation and established the annual All South Tournament in New Orleans, now the longest-running traditional karate tournament in the country.
Promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt in 2011, Sensei Mikami is the highest-ranked JKA master in the United States and serves as Senior Technical Advisor and Board Director of the Japan Karate Association World Federation. All NOAC students are eligible to test under his authority and attend his special classes and clinics. Every rank earned here carries JKA certification recognized worldwide.
NOAC Karate Dojo trains under the umbrella of the Louisiana Karate Association — the South's oldest karate school, operating since 1961. LKA is also the headquarters of the Japan Karate Association/American Federation (JKA/AF), founded by Sensei Mikami in 2009. This connects our students to a continent-wide network of JKA clubs and directly to the JKA World Federation in Tokyo.
The Shotokan Dojo Kun — Five Principles of Karate-Do
Recited at the close of every class. The rules of the dojo and of the karateka outside the dojo.
Head Instructor
4th Dan · Japan Karate Association
Sensei Walsh has been studying Shotokan Karate for over 40 years and teaching it for more than 30. He is a certified 4th Degree Black Belt, Judge, Instructor, and Examiner of the Japan Karate Association.
He is a direct student of his original and present instructor, Master Takayuki Mikami — a connection he has maintained throughout his entire karate life. He has also trained at the JKA Hombu Dojo (world headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan on several occasions, and under multiple world-renowned Japanese karate masters.
New Students
Becoming a student of Shotokan Karate means preparing to train the mind and spirit, as well as the body. You do not need to be fit, flexible, experienced, or young to start — karate builds all of those things over time. What you need is willingness: to show up, pay attention, and respect the process.
NOAC Karate is open to everyone regardless of experience, age, or physical condition. Karate is beneficial for self-defense, physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, concentration, confidence, and overall wellness.
The foundation. Stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks practiced with precision and repetition. Everything in karate is built on kihon. Even black belts return to basics constantly.
Choreographed sequences of movement representing defense against imaginary opponents. Kata are the living library of karate — each one a complete lesson in technique, timing, and spirit.
Controlled partner practice that develops timing, distance, and fighting spirit. Kumite begins with structured drills before progressing to free sparring.
Arrive a few minutes early. Introduce yourself to Sensei Walsh. He'll show you the space and walk you through dojo etiquette before class begins.
Class opens and closes with a bow. This is a sign of respect for the art, your instructor, and fellow students — not a religious gesture.
You'll be welcomed. Our students remember what it felt like to be new. Expect encouragement, not intimidation.
What to wear. New students may train in comfortable athletic clothing. Remove shoes, socks, and all jewelry before stepping on the floor. Once you decide to continue, Sensei Walsh will advise you on ordering a dogi (uniform) and obi (white belt).
Karate is a lifetime activity. It can be practiced throughout youth and into old age for a healthy, happy, and productive life. One can practice Karate-Do as a child and continue it for a lifetime.
There are 10 Kyu (student) ranks and 10 Dan (black belt) ranks in JKA karate. Advancement is earned through demonstrated skill and dedication, tested approximately every three months.
| Belt | Level | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| White | Beginner | 10th–9th Kyu |
| Yellow | Early Intermediate | 8th Kyu |
| Orange | Intermediate | 7th Kyu |
| Green | Intermediate | 6th–5th Kyu |
| Blue | Advanced Intermediate | 4th–3rd Kyu |
| Brown | Advanced | 2nd–1st Kyu |
| Black | Expert / Instructor | Shodan and above |
How often should I train?
Beginners typically start 1–2 times per week. As you commit more deeply, 3–4 sessions per week greatly accelerates development.
Is it safe for beginners?
Yes. Safety is a priority in traditional karate. Beginners train in a controlled, structured environment and build gradually before advancing to free sparring.
Do I need to be in shape first?
Not at all. Karate training itself builds fitness, flexibility, and coordination. Come as you are — progress is personal and Sensei Walsh meets each student at their level.
Will my rank be officially recognized?
Yes. All ranks are certified by the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and recognized internationally. Testing is conducted by JKA-authorized technical examiners.
What does it cost?
Approximately $100/month, which includes full New Orleans Athletic Club gym membership — access to the pool, fitness center, group fitness classes, and all NOAC amenities.
How do I get started?
Email us at noackarateclub@gmail.com or drop in before a class. Sensei Walsh will welcome you and walk you through your first visit to the dojo.
Code of Conduct
The dojo is more than a gym. It is a place of focused training, mutual respect, and shared commitment. These rules create the conditions where everyone — beginners and black belts alike — can train safely and grow.
Bow when entering and leaving the dojo. This acknowledges the training space as a place worthy of respect.
Address your instructor as "Sensei." A mark of respect for their knowledge and position.
Arrive on time. If late, wait at the edge of the mat until Sensei acknowledges you before joining class.
No shoes on the training floor. Remove shoes, socks, and all jewelry before class begins.
Keep your gi clean and in good repair. Your appearance reflects your attitude toward training.
Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short to protect yourself and your training partners.
Silence your phone before class. No food or drink on the training floor. Water is permitted.
Do not leave the floor during training without permission from Sensei.
When Sensei demonstrates, watch and listen. Do not talk during instruction. Questions are welcome at natural pauses.
Never use karate outside the dojo except in genuine self-defense. The techniques we practice are serious.
Treat fellow students with respect at all times — inside and outside the dojo.
Senior students: lead by example. It is your responsibility — and your privilege — to support newer students.
Study Guide
The foundation of karate is kihon, kata, and kumite. Upon these three rest all technique, all speed, all strength, and all progress in karate.
Sensei Walsh provides all students with a linked resource guide containing instructional videos and materials for every element below.
There are 10 Kyu (student) and 10 Dan (black belt) ranks in JKA karate. To advance, you must fulfill the requirements and complete a testing procedure conducted by a panel of JKA-authorized technical examiners.
Testing occurs approximately every three months and must be pre-approved by Sensei Walsh. All certifications are issued by the Japan Karate Association and recognized worldwide. Students may also test under Master Mikami directly and attend his special clinics throughout the year.
Contact Sensei Walsh for the full Kyu/Dan Testing Syllabus.
Classes & Events
| Day | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30p – 8:30p | All Levels |
| Thursday | 7:20p – 8:20p | All Levels |
| Friday | 6:45p – 8:00p | All Levels |
| Saturday | 2:45p – 3:45p | All Levels |
| Saturday | 3:45p – 5:00p | Inter / Adv |
📍 New Orleans Athletic Club · 222 N. Rampart St · New Orleans, LA 70112
Kyu/Dan Rank Testing
Pre-approval by Sensei required · JKA certified examiners · Internationally recognized ranks
All South Karate Tournament
New Orleans · Longest-running traditional karate tournament in the United States
Special Clinics with Master Mikami
All NOAC students eligible to attend JKA/AF training sessions with the 9th Dan master
Get in Touch
Location
New Orleans Athletic Club
222 N. Rampart St
New Orleans, LA 70112
Head Instructor
Sensei Doug Walsh
4th Dan, JKA
Affiliation
Louisiana Karate Association
JKA American Federation
Japan Karate Association
~$100 / monthIncludes full New Orleans Athletic Club gym membership — pool, fitness center, group classes & all NOAC amenities.