About Us

Hanshi Julius Thiry

Shihan Katherine Thiry

Sensei Junko Arai

Sensei Thomas Burke

A History of the WKA

For fifty years, the Washington Karate Association (WKA) founder and president, Julius Thiry, has inculcated Karate-do techniques and tenets to thousands of students worldwide who have stood testament, and the test of time, to his teaching brand. While there will always be exceptions, Hanshi Thiry's lessons have translated into a vast number of vested, productive citizens of their respective communities within a wide spectrum of pursuits. For fifty years, there has been a continuity of purpose, personal attention to detail and oversight, that has elevated Karate standards-student by student...read more

Dojo Facilities

​Our dojo is located near SR 520 and 148th Avenue.  We are minutes to Microsoft main campus and  convenient to all surrounding areas of Bellevue including Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, Woodinville, and Seattle.

​We offer a traditional hardwood sprung floor with mirrored walls, a mat floor with tournament quality mats also with mirrored walls, and a third practice room.  We have locker rooms with showers, and a large lobby area with WiFi internet.  

Testimonials

"For 30 years Hanshi Thiry’s wisdom, support, and excellence have guided me in all areas of my life.  The WKA community is a shining example of how to develop and nurture people of all ages and abilities in not just exceptional karate-do, but in leadership in their families, communities, and the world."  S. Andersen

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"After visiting a number of other dojos in the area, and being exceedingly impressed by the quality of skill demonstrated by a class I could see in session through the window as I pulled up in the parking lot, I was sold on WKA Bellevue before I ever set foot in the door.  The dedication of Hanshi Thiry and the WKA’s other world-recognized Senseis is evident in the personal and physical development of every student.  My favorite part of all, however, is how WKA allows and encourages parents to train in the same classes with their children – a truly inspired concept I’ve never encountered anywhere else." R. K. Masse

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Letters of Commendation

Governor Jay Inslee, Washington State

Senator Patty Murry, United States Senate

Judge Charles Wiggins, Washington State Supreme Court Justice

Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Metropolitan King County District 3

President Zvonko Celebija, Global Karate-Do Federation

Shihan Manuel A. Pazos, Asociacion Seito Karate-Do de Venezuela

Shihan Subrata Kumar Gosh, Martial Arts of Karate-Do Association of India