About Us

About Us

Our company was formed in London 54 years ago to import authentic martial arts supplies from Japan. Since the formation of our publications unit in 1979, we have also published instructional books by the most talented karate instructors in the world.

In 1983, we opened our office in Southern California to supply American corporate customers initially. However, as we grew, we added more individual martial artists customers who understood the value of our products to their training! In 1994, with Jones Intercable, a prominent American Cable TV company, we created a production company that made over forty broadcast-quality karate training videos with instructors as famous as Morio Higaonna, Shinyu Gushi, Shinpo Matayoshi, etc.

Today, our goal is the same as when we started; to provide the best quality, most authentic martial arts equipment at the most reasonable price backed by a truly superior service.

Dragon Associates Inc. Quality, Service, Knowledge

Meijin Dojo Brand Uniform.

“DOJO” is a competitively priced uniform that is by no means “cheap” when it comes to quality, fit and comfort. Each Meijin uniform is cut and sewn to identical specifications, they vary only in the type and weight of the fabric used in their construction. In other words, if you always wear a size 5 Meijin Tropical or PRO, a Meijin Brand Dojo uniform size 5 will fit you just as well. If you would like us to custom embroider your new Meijin uniform, please check the Free Embroidery tab below.

 
$52.25$75.65Select options

Meijin Premium Black Uniform

With the same size and cut as our best-selling standard PRO uniform, the Meijin PREMIUM BLACK is available in sizes 3-12 and half sizes 3.5 - 6.5. Please note that Meijin black uniforms use a special dye to resist fading and discoloration. We strongly recommend therefore that these uniforms be washed in cold water before they are worn for the first time. If you would like us to custom embroider your new Meijin uniform, please check the Free Embroidery tab below.  
$169.50$244.50Select options
Meijin PRO The Meiji PRO is an ultra high quality 100% cotton canvas uniform. The special canvas is woven to our own specification from three strands of long fiber cotton for the ultimate in strength and comfort. The Meijin PRO exceeds many of the other “Premium” brands in everything but price, and is available with FREE Japanese name or style embroidery, and translation if required, on request. Please see Free Embroidery tab below.
$149.75$199.75Select options

Meijin Tropical Uniform

The Meijin Tropical uniform is our best-selling product in many areas of the US and overseas, especially in the summer and in locations that enjoy a sub-tropical climate. The design results from 20 years of research and development, its most outstanding feature being a remarkable fine woven 100% cotton canvas that weighs in at 10 ounces. It looks great, it has masses of SNAP, and it is much easier to launder than heavier uniforms. If you would like us to custom embroider your new Meijin uniform, please check the Free Embroidery tab below.

 
$64.90$119.75Select options
Dojo Brand white belt is supplied free of charge when you order a complete Dojo Brand uniform, but it must be requested and shipped with your uniform order. It matches exactly the specifications of the Meijin Dojo uniform, but if purchased separately costs $4.95    Dojo Brand Uniforms Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery. Any type of belt can be embroidered, and they all look really great when done well. Use the selection boxes below to customize your belt!  

Meijin Colored Karate Belts: These belts are made exclusively for our company. They feature multiple  lines of precise stitching, over a laminated cotton/felt core, covered by the highest quality 100% cotton cover. We offer them in the following colors: black, blue, brown, orange, green, purple, red, yellow and white.

Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery. Any type of belt can be embroidered, and they all look really great when done well.  Use the selection boxes below to design your custom belt! If you don't need custom embroidery, please select the size and color of your belt and jump straight to the “Add to cart” box!
$7.95$8.95Select options
The Meijin cotton black belt is sewn over a cotton felt inner core with ten lines of  continuous stitching for stability and strength. This belt is an absolute classic and when we custom embroider these belts with the Class A imported German embroidery Madera thread that we use they become works of art. Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery. Any type of belt can be embroidered, and they all look really great when done well. Please use the selection boxes below to customize your new belt!
$39.00$45.00Select options
The Meijin Sik Black Belt The Meijin “silk” black belt actually uses a 100% black rayon cover in a semi-matte finish as genuine silk is not durable enough for this purpose. It is sewn over a cotton felt inner core with ten lines of  continuous stitching for stability and strength. The silky black luster gives the belt a classic appearance which contrasts beautifully with the Class A imported German embroidery Madera thread that we use for custom Japanese embroidery. Truly a class act!   Embroidery designs Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery. Any type of belt can be embroidered, and they all look really great when done well. This is how you order yours! Use the selection boxes below to customize your belt!  
$39.00$45.00Select options

Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery.

The Meijin Senpai Belt, like the belts worn by many of the karate pioneers, is less stiff, easier to tie, and less likely to come undone during training. This is a belt that will serve you well for many, many years. Of course, we can also custom embroider your belt at an extra charge, and we carry out basic translations for embroidery customers at no extra charge. About translations and embroidery, around 80% of the belt and uniform translations we see from other companies are incorrect, so please consult us if you need this service. Here is an excellent article about translating English-Japanese-English, and the pitfalls the amateur translator can encounter.

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$9.95$10.95Select options
The Meijin Shihan Karate belt is offered as part of our range of professional grade karate equipment. We offer the SHIHAN karate belt of red and white panels in a width of 1.75" and sizes 4 - 9. Our belts are designated “Premium” because they have 16 red sections and 15 white sections. Of course, we can embroider your belt at extra cost and you may find our translation service, which is free for customers, interesting. Meijin Custom Belt Embroidery. Any type of belt can be embroidered, and they all look really great when done well. Use the selection boxes below to customize your belt!  
By Masafumi Shiomitsu the former captain of the Nihon University Karate Team, Tokyo, the largest university in Japan. Size 6" x 9" 128 pages featuring everything from stretching and preparatory exercises to training with iron clogs.
Okinawa Karate The Exquisite Art is the definitive work on the history of karate, and the most beautifully produced book of its type to date. Designed and produced by Classical Fighting Arts magazine, it was printed by the highly respected press of Ikemiya Shokai Ltd. in Naha, Okinawa. Full Review Here

$89.00Read more

“Shotokan Karate A Precise History”

…is an enormous volume weighing almost five pounds and produced with such care the result is a book of the quality rarely seen these days. It is both a technical and a historical masterpiece! Please see here for full details.    

Shotokan Karate Advanced Kata …by Keinosuke Enoeda, an instructor best known as the “Shotokan Tiger.”

Volume 3 of a series of instructional kata books produced in London during the early 1980s that are universally considered the very best of their type. Includes the Shotokan Kata: Gojushiho-Sho, Gojushiho-Dai, Nijushiho, Tekki-Sandan and Tekki-Nidan.
This  program includes detailed instruction in:  Junbi Undo-training methods unique to karate for increasing strength & flexibility; Sabaki-effective defensive and offensive movement in karate, Kamae-stances that provide a stable base to fight from.
Morio Higaonna Sensei presents applications of the Kata Seisan and Suparinpei. Higaonna Sensei Goju Ryu 10th Dan Hanshi was designated a “Living Intangible Cultural Asset of Okinawa” in 2012 by the Okinawan Government. Running time 60 minutes.        
Hojo Undo using the chiishi, nigiri game and ishi-sashi to develop overall body power; the historical development of Gekki Sai Dai Ichi and Gekki Sai Dai Ni and their performance; the kata Saifa. Running Time 60 minutes.
The Kata Seiyunchin & Shisochin presented by Morio Higaonna Sensei, Goju Ryu 10th Dan. Filmed on location in a beautiful Japanese garden, this Tsunami DVD is as visually pleasing as it is technically excellent. Running time 60 minutes.
Morio Higaonna Sensei presents the Goju Ryu Kata kata Sanseru & Seipai. Includes explanations of techniques and bunkai, advice on performance, timing, and correct breathing. Running time 54 minutes.
Morio Higaonna Sensei is the student of An’ichi Miyagi and is therefore only one generation removed from the Founder of Goju Ryu, Chogun Miyagi. Presents Kururunfa and Seisan. Running time 60 minutes.
Suparinpei Kata. When Higaonna Sensei visited Fuchow for the first time in 1987 and demonstrated the Goju Ryu kata, older Chinese martial artists recognized many of them. Running time 50 minutes  
Encyclopedia of Goju Ryu 7 This program has three parts which are presented by Higaonna Sensei personally. These are the three fundamental kata of Goju Ryu karate: Sanshin, the dynamic tension kata that develops power, concentration and karate related muscle groups.
Morio Higaonna Sensei shows in detail the applications of the kata Gekki Sai, Saifa, Seiyunchin & Shisochin in order to overwhelm and defeat an opponent. Running time 50 minutes.
The applications of the kata are the keys to its improvement and mastery.  Higaonna Sensei presents the applications of the important kata; Sanseru, Seipai & Kururunfa. Running time 60 minutes.

Feeding Crane Gung Fu

Viewed by many as the grandfather of the Naha-Te Okinawan karate styles, Feeding Crane Fist  combines internal and external intrinsic energy  to produce a fighting system of unparalleled dynamism and Effectiveness Running time: 55 minutes.
From Tak Kubota, the internationally famous police tactics specialist, this DVD includes defenses to  grabbing, trapping and blocking techniques, choke-holds escapes, pain compliance and its use in self-defense. The author is credited with the development of the Kubotan Keychain and the PR-24 Police Baton. ®
Kata: Sanchin, Gekisai Dai Ichi, Gekisai Dai Ni, Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Sanseru, Seipai, Kururunfa, Sesan, Suparinpei, Tensho. The complete Goju Ryu syllabus of 12 kata with basic applications performed by this famous modern master.

Goju Ryu Technical 1

This first volume shows superb performances of the foundational kata mandatory Goju Ryu Seipai and Saifa followed by highly detailed explanations of the “bunkai” (applications), correct method of moving, and how to breathe correctly while performing the kata.

Higaonna Technical Series

In Chojun Miyagi's Goju Ryu karate, the benefits of Sanchin training—physical strength, body development, striking power and focus—can only be realized if the kata is practiced correctly. Each movement must be precisely performed and harmonized with the performer's breathing.  
The third in a series of six programs by Morio Higaonna Sensei, presents the entire arsenal of Goju Ryu karate techniques; 21 striking and punching, 10 kicking, and 31 blocking methods, and their most effective combinations. Running time 56 minutes
Lectures and demonstrations 
by Morio Higaonna, 10th Dan, Hanshi of the kata; Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni, 
Seiyunchin, Shisochin and Kururunfa. Running time 56 minutes.
Morio Higaonna Sensei 10th Dan Hanshi, Goju yu, demonstrates the kata,  Sesan, Suparinpei, Tensho, and Gekisai Dai (as kakie) as only he can. Great performance, excellent production quality. Running time 60 minutes.
Sanseru by Morio Higaonna Sensei, a Living Tangible asset of Karate and teacher the likes of which is  born only once or twice each century, has produced this series of  DVDs which is a living textbook of Chojun Miyagi Sensei's Goju Ryu.  Running time 55 minutes.
This is the official English language version of the Shotokan 
Kata Series of programs produced by the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan, under the technical direction of its Chief Instructor, Masatoshi Nakayama. It has been converted to the DVD format (with full menus) and additional Shotokan historical material added during the re-editing process.
This is the official English language version of the Shotokan 
Kata Series of programs produced by the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan, under the technical direction of its Chief Instructor, Masatoshi Nakayama. It has been converted to the DVD format (with full menus) and additional Shotokan historical material added during the re-editing process.

JKA Shotokan Kata

Volume 1 Contents: Heian 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & Tekki 1. 
Kata instruction in this series of programs is given by Masatoshi Nakayama, assisted by other senior Japan Karate Association instructors including: M. Tanaka, A. Isaka, M. Yahara, T. Imura, 
A. Isaka, Y. Osaka, M. Yahara and T. Imura. Filmed on location in Japan and in studio.

JKA Shotokan Karate Vol 2.

Volume 2 Contents: Tekki 2, Tekki 3, Bassai Dai. Kata instruction in this series of programs is given by Masatoshi Nakayama, assisted by other senior Japan Karate Association instructors including: M. Tanaka, A. Isaka, M. Yahara, T. Imura.

JKA Shotokan Kata Vol.5 This is the official English language version of the Shotokan 
Kata Series of programs produced by the Japan Karate Association, Tokyo, Japan, under the technical direction of its Chief Instructor, Masatoshi Nakayama. It was subsequently licensed to Dragon Associates Inc.who converted to DVD format (with full navigational menus).  Additional Shotokan historical material was added during the front and end of each DVD during the re-editing and re-processing work.
Shinpo Matayoshi Sensei demonstrates Bo kata, Choun no Kun, Sakugawa no Kun, Suishi no Kun; the Matayoshi Tonfa and Nunchaku kata; the Tsuken Akachu no Eku, kata with the oar he learned from his famous father. Also included is a demonstration of the Hakutsuru (White Crane) kata the author learned in the 1930s from the Chinese Boxing master, Go Ken Ki, (Wu Tsien Kuei) originally from Fuchow.
Shinpo Matayoshi Sensei 10th Dan, the former headmaster of the Matayoshi Kobudo school, demonstrates the Sai, Kama, & Nunti Sai. Visually stunning program filmed in studio and on location and in which he is assisted by Morio Higaonna Sensei, Goju Ryu 10th Dan. Running time 55 minutes.

Matsubayashi  Ryu 1 The history of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu and a biography of its founder, as well as: Pinan Shodan and its applications – Yasuhiro Makishi, Kusanku kata – Takayoshi Nagamine, Naihanchi kata – Chotoku Omine, Gekisai Dai Ichi kata,  Morio Higaonna,  Fukyugata Ichi, Shoshin Nagamine    Weapon Techniques – Sai Dai Ichi Running time: 30 Minutes.

Matsubayashi Ryu 3

This video program presents the first ten kata of the Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu karate syllabus up to Naihanchi Sandan performed by headmaster Takayoshi Nagamine 9th Dan, assisted by senior instructors Makishi 9th Dan and Taira 8th Dan.

This video program presents the first kata of the Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu karate syllabus up to Naihanchi Sandan, performed by the son of the Founder assisted by senior instructors, Makishi and Taira. Running time 56 minutes, filmed on location at the Suiho En Japanese Garden.
Taizaburo Nakamura Sensei was an instructor in swordsmanship at the Japanese Military's pre-war Toyama school who would survive countless physical conflicts in WWII as a member of the Nanpo Kirikomi Tai, an elite special forces group armed principally with swords.
This first program by Uechi Ryu Master Shinyu Gushi Sensei 9th Dan, includes the background of Pangai Noon
 karate, the performance of its signature kata,  Sanchin kata and Shime; as well as supplementary training methods and
 breaking techniques. Running Time 30 minutes.    
This excellent presentation by Shinyu Gushi Sensei 9th Dan, includes Zenkosoku Shomen Geri; Hiji Zuki; Mawashi Zuki; Wa Uke; Sukui Age Uke Gedan Barai; Hajiki Uke; Wa Uke Kamae; Shomen Hajiki; Koi No Shippo; Koi No Shippo-Yoko; Watari Uke; Fumikomi Harai Sukui Age Harai; Suegoshi Hijitsuki. Kata: Kanshiwa, Kanshu, Seichin with
 Yakusoku Kumite.
Master Gushi is an enigmatic figure, as well as a highly respected karate master. He is also a highly accomplished (Okinawan)  musician, in fact the very  personification of the cultured warrior figure so admired in Oriental history and literature. A quiet, modest, and thoughtful man. A man for whom life is karate and karate is life. Includes the kata Seiru, Kanchin, and Seisan.
This program filmed in studio and on location in a Japanese garden, includes,the kata Sanseru; Seijun No Bo; Akacchu Eku; Matsugawa no Sai; Jiffa (traditional Okinawan hairpin kata-probably the first time ever filmed in its entirety) kata, performed by  Shinyu Gushi, 9th Dan Uechi Ryu, one of the foremost instructors in the field of karate and ancient weapons. Running time 30 minutes.
In this program Shinyu Gushi Sensei demonstrates; preparatory and supplementary exercises, fighting strategy, the development of a powerful grip, how to condition the fists and fingers, strength training with a partner, Sanchin, as well as the breaking of hard objects with the hands, toes, and shins. Professionally produce on location in a dojo set in a beautiful Japanese garden.
Power Training is a DVD in which Morio Higaonna Sensei unlocks the treasury of training techniques. His fighting ability made him, according to martial arts author and historian Donn Draeger, “…the most dangerous man in Japan in a real fight.” Learn the complete personal training and conditioning system of Higaonna Sensei, 10th Dan Hanshi (Living Intangible Asset of Karate). The world’s most famous Goju Ryu instructor!
This style was developed by Yasuhiro Konishi Sensei. Technical information included in this DVD; Bogyo Rokkyodo (six defensive manouvres), Hijiate Roppo (Six Elbow Strikes), Tegatana (knife hand attacks), Taisabaki Kata, Ippon, Nihon & Sanbon with applications. Running time 55 minutes, professionally filmed and produced in studio. DVD format with navigational menus.
This is a powerful and fascinating story, illustrated with the rare photographs and demonstrations by the son and senior students of Yasuhiro Konishi,  one of karate's foremost pioneers. Running time 55 minutes, professionally filmed and produced in a major TV facility.
This presentation features instructors: Shuichi Arakaki, Shinyu Gushi, Morio Higaonna, Hideharu Igaki, Takehiro Konishi, Liu Chang I, Yukiyoshi Marutani, Hideharu Igaki, Shoshin Nagamine, Toshihiro Oshiro, and many others. It gives a lucid explanation of the development of karate, the relationship between the styles.
The excellent historical sections and  powerful demonstrations  by Kenzo Mabuni the son of the style's founder, give the viewer a rich and rewarding experience. A professionally produced DVD presentation, filmed on a professional soundstage, the program includes navigational menus, vintage footage from the 1920s, music and narration.
This is the Motobu family system of Tode (karate) presented by Chosei Motobu, the son of the Founder, and Takeji Inaba. It features the three Naihanchi kata and the Jiyu Hon Kumite the “Twelve True Fighting Methods of this unique form of karate. Includes a biography of Choki Motobu, and a historical background of this very dynamic karate man's unique style.
Featuring Seibukan Master Zenpo Shimabukuro this presentation is as informative as it is enjoyable. It presents the karate of Chotoku Kyan including the kata  Passai, 
Chinto, Kusanku, Seisan, Anaku, 
Wansu, Gojushiho, and Wanchin. In Okinawa Kyan Sensei is a karate giant, until now he has not received the credit he is due in the West.

Uchinadi 1

Uchinadi, Tekobushi or Tode as it is known to the Okinawans, is the very essence of karate and derives its prodigious effectiveness from ultra-sophisticated body movements and the dynamic striking power of “Atifa.” A century ago, it prompted the founder of the internationally famous publishing conglomerate, Kodansha, to remark…

Uchinadi 2 The Original Karate of Okinawa.

“Better even than the first in his series, this program graphically illustrates the author's total mastery of his art!”

Includes a comprehensive technical section, as well as demonstrations of the kata; Wankan, Wanshu, Rohai and Patsai: a complete course in makiwara training and also instruction in the Sai kata, Kyan no Sai and Kishaba no Sai.

Winning Competition Karate 1

Master Competition Karate with International Coaches Marutani & Igaki. Contents: Preparation, exercises and stretching stances, basic techniques, drills for kicking, footwork, repetition training, basic and advanced combination techniques and competition strategy. Running Time: 55 Mins

Winning 2 Counterattacks. Yukiyoshi Marutani, a senior national kumite coach, was a Japanese National Team member for seven years. He is noted for the speed and precision of his techniques, and his ability to launch devastating counterattacks from any and every position.

Winning 3 

'Winning’ is the first video series on traditional Japanese karate made overseas to be successfully distributed on a commercial basis in Japan!” —Classical Fighting Arts magazine.” Running time: 55 minutes.

 
A very valuable, comprehensive and culturally significant treatment of an art that was previously spoken of but very rarely seen. Running time 55 minutes, filmed on location and a professional TV sound stage in Southern California .

Goju Ryu:

On May 30th, 1930, a Martial Arts Demonstration was held in Tokyo to celebrate the ascension of the new emperor. Chojun Miyagi Sensei sent his top student, Jin’an Shinzato, to demonstrate their form of karate perhaps because he suffered terribly from sea-sickness, and did not want to make the long sea journey for a single event.

Goju Ryu Karate Do

On May 30th, 1930, a Martial Arts Demonstration was held in Tokyo to celebrate the ascension of the new emperor. 

A blend of Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu styles formulated by an instructor known in later life as Tatsuo Shimabuku.

Isshin Ryu Karate Do

Isshin Ryu Karate Do is a blend of Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu styles formulated by an instructor known in later life as Tatsuo Shimabuku. More about uniform embroidery here.
Kobayashi Ryu is the form of Shorin Ryu (small forest) style of  karate that is associated with the name of Choshin Chibana Sensei, 1885 - 1969.
Kobayashi Ryu is the form of Shorin Ryu (small forest) style of  karate that is associated with the name of Choshin Chibana Sensei, 1885 - 1969. Choshin Chibana Sensei was the last of the great masters of the Golden Age of karate, and one of the few to survive WWII. (Continues below).
The style that became associates with the well-known karate pioneer, Shoshin Nagamine, a student of Choki Motobu, Chotoku Kyan and others. It has produced many famous students, principal amongst them Katsuhiko Shinzato a Professor art the Kokusai University in Okinawa and at Stanford University in California.
The style that became associates with the well-known karate pioneer, Shoshin Nagamine, a student of Choki Motobu, Chotoku Kyan and others.
Kenwa Mabuni named his style of karate Shito Ryu by combining a character from the names of his two principal teachers, Ankoh Itoso and Higaonna Kanryo. A tireless karate pioneer, Mabubi Sensei's  style has spread internationally.

Shito Ryu Karate Do

Kenwa Mabuni named his style of karate Shito Ryu by combining a character from the names of his two principal teachers, Ankoh Itoso and Higaonna Kanryo. A tireless karate pioneer, Mabubi Sensei's style has spread internationally.
There is little to distinguish Shobayashi Ryu from its Shorin Ryu cousins other than the former's lack of a cohesive, documented history.
There is little to distinguish Shobayashi Ryu from its Shorin Ryu cousins other than the former's lack of a cohesive, documented history.
Seibukan was developed by Zenryo Shimabukuro and his son, Zenpo and is based firmly upon the teachings of Chotoku Kyan Sensei (Chan Mi Gwa). It features fast and very dynamic techniques that include snapping or whipping actions.
Gichin Funakoshi's pen name was “Shoto” or pine waves. Shoto KAN (HALL) was the common name for his first permanent dojo founded in the late 1930s in Tokyo and thus became the name of the style.
When the name Shotokan (Pine Waves Hall) was first applied to Gichin Funakoshi's style of karate, these characters were used to write the name. Later, a new character was substituted to comply with modern usage.
Gichin Funakoshi's pen name was “Shoto” or pine waves. Shoto KAN (HALL) was the common name for his first permanent dojo founded in the late 1930s in Tokyo and thus became the name of the style. See DVD Series here
Kanbun Uechi studied Chinese boxing in Fuchow in the later twentieth century until he returned to his homeland of Okinawa in 2010. There, he lived in virtual seclusion having left Okinawa to avoid the Japanese military draft and not wishing to be punished for this act.

Uechi Ryu Karate Do

Kanbun Uechi left Okinawa to study Chinese boxing (Pangai Noon) in Fuchow in the late twentieth century to avoid the Japanese military draft. Returning to his homeland of Okinawa in 2010, he lived in virtual seclusion being unwilling to teach karate due to a fatal accident that happened during his time in China. When pressure to teach became too great, he moved to Wakayama in mainland Japan where the style we now know as Uechi Ryu was born.
Hironori Otsuka, one of Gichin Funakoshi's first students in mainland Japan at the Meiseijuku Dojo, went on to develop his own style (Way of Peace Method) by blending Shorin Ryu karate with elements of jujutsu.
Hironori Otsuka, one of Gichin Funakoshi's first students in mainland Japan at the Meisojuku Dojo, went on to develop his own style of Wado Ryu (Way of Peace Method) by blending Shorin Ryu karate with elements of jujutsu.