Shotokan Karate USA is the only United States Karate organization recognized and authenticated by the Japan Karate Association (JKA).

The founder and chief instructor of Shotokan Karate USA is Dr. Alex Sternberg , a 6th Dan who has more than 40 years of karate experience, and is the author of From Kata to Competition: The Complete Karate Handbook. Shihan Sternberg is a Certified Referee of the World Karate Federation (WKF), under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee. In addition, Shihan Sternberg was a founding member of the board of directors, a member of the team selection commitee, and held the position of Chairman of the Referee Council for the USA National Karate-do Federation from 1994 to 2000.