REPORT: Training Seminar in Auckland, New Zealand by Sensei Tatsuya Naka.

JKA New Zealand was proud to host Sensei Tatsuya Naka from the JKA HQ Japan to conduct a 4 day training seminar in Auckland from 26th to 30th November 2009.

This event was co-sponsored by Sensei Karl Naoroji of the JKA Pakuranga Karate Club and Sensei Zel Unkovich of the JKA Auckland WF. This seminar was attended by over 100 active karate members from all over New Zealand.

The training sessions were conducted separately for the juniors, ranging from white belt beginners to Yon Kyu (purple belts), later followed by the senior brown and black belt grades.

Sensei Naka’s technical knowledge and natural teaching charisma simply left all participants spell bound and completely in awe for the 4 days, simply magnificent!

Whilst practicing Kihon Sensei constantly emphasized the need to maintain hip rotation from “Shomen” to “Hanmi” and visa versa. In order to simplify the techniques Sensei repeated various drills till the concept was understood perfectly.

All basic “Heian katas” & Sentei katas Jion, Kanku-Dai, Bassai-Dai & Gankaku were practiced with complete analysis along with explanation on individual techniques.

Kumite sessions comprised of the basic Ippon & Jiyu-Ippon with counter punching, kicking, locking, sweeping and throwing techniques.

There was a grading conducted on the last day of the seminar by Sensei Naka.
JKA members from New Zealand & Australia appeared and successfully passed their Kyu & Dan grades. Dan grading was conducted up to “San Dan” level.

The experience was fantastic and we look forward to inviting more JKA HQ instructors in the future to come to New Zealand and share their knowledge & experience with our members.

For JKA New Zealand
Karl Naoroji & Zel Unkovich