In 1953, the International Karate Association was formed in Tokyo, Japan. Since its inception, the primary goal of the IKA has been to promote traditional Japanese Karate - specifically the Gosoku Ryu, Hard/Fast style, originated by Takayuki Kubota. In 1964, Grand Master Kubota relocated the Association's headquarters to the United States and was able to attract talented young students that later formed the core of the American branch of the IKA.

Under Grand Master Kubota's leadership, the IKA has achieved widespread recognition in the karate world, and has made important contributions in the tournament circuit.

Some of IKA's more outstanding performances are:

1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, and 1980: Two IKA members on the US Team in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth World Karate Tournaments.

1980: The first IKA World Cup Karate Championship; winner was Val Mijailovic.

1981: International Karate USA Kumite and Kata winner.

1982: Winner of second IKA World Cup Karate championship.

1984, 1986, 1988 and 1990: IKA members were winning participants in International Karate Tournaments.

2000: Millenium IKA World Cup; kumite and weapons grand champion was Rod Kuratomi