This year’s JKA Spring Camp in Bad Camberg, Germany, was held from March 20th to March 22nd, 2026. Traditionally, the Spring Camp is led by Naka Tatsuya Shihan; however, he had to cancel his participation at short notice due to medical reasons.

Thanks to the great efforts of the organizers, Patrick Jokl and Cheyenne Heumann, and in close cooperation with the JKA Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, an excellent solution was found: JKA Grandmaster Hirayama Yuko (7th Dan) kindly agreed to take over the instruction of the seminar.

Hirayama Shihan delivered karate at the highest level. The training focused in particular on the development of speed, as well as correct posture and precise technical direction, the importance of which she emphasized throughout all sessions.

Over the course of the weekend, she taught the kata Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, and Tekki Sandan, as well as Bassai Dai and Bassai Sho. In the final session on Sunday, the focus was on the correct execution of Jiyu Ippon Kumite.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the nearly 200 participants from across Europe, including Turkey, Greece, Luxembourg, Switzerland, England, Austria, France, Romania, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

Special thanks go to Hirayama Shihan for her short-notice support, as well as to the JKA Hombu Dojo in Tokyo for the excellent cooperation.

The 7th JKA Spring Camp in Bad Camberg, Germany, will take place from March 19th to March 21st, 2027, and will again be led by Naka Shihan.