Shotokan Karate Jitsu Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Zaprala began his training in 1973, with Sensei Okazaki in the Northeast Philadelphia Karate Club.  As he was a police officer, he thought it was prudent to be involved in hand to hand training.  In 1976, he began to train in a new dojo in Collingswood, NJ, under Sensei L.B. Safar.  He earned his Shodan in 1977 under Sensei’s Okazaki and Safar.  His Nidan was earned in 1980 under the same instructors, as well as his Sandan in 1982.  He continued to train regularly and in 1986, under the supervision of the late Sensei Ozawa, Mr. Zaprala earned his Yondan.  His training has still continued to this day and on May 31st 2002, Mr. Zaprala was awarded his Godan.

From 1980 until 1983, Mr. Zaprala participated in the instructors training program under Sensei Okazaki with the ISKF/JKA club in Philadelphia.  In 1999, Joe completed a two year instructor training program with the Kissaki Kai organization. His competitive career started in 1976 and spanned to 1985 when an training injury prevented any further participation.  He competed in both kata and kumite during this period and was a member of a three man team which were East Coast champions three consecutive years, in 1978, 1979, and 1980.  On the National Level, the same three man team placed second all three consecutive years.

Joe currently resides in Maple Shade , NJ, with his wife and three children.