An exceptional international seminar – the JKA Poland Spring Gasshuku 2026 – took place in the sports hall in Żary, organized by the Kontra Karate Club under the auspices of JKA Poland.

This event beautifully coincided with the 20th anniversary of the hosting Club, which we had the pleasure of celebrating together on this special occasion. It was a remarkable accumulation of emotions, experiences, and the spirit of Japanese karate.

The special guests of the event were instructors from the JKA Honbu Dojo in Tokyo:
Sensei Tatsuro Igarashi (4th Dan) – winner of kumite at the 67th All Japan Championships 2025 and runner-up in kumite at the Funakoshi Gichin Cup World Championship 2024,
and
Sensei Hidemoto Kurihara (4th Dan) – Japan kata champion 2025 and runner-up in kata at the Funakoshi Gichin Cup World Championship 2024.

The instructors had been in Żary since Saturday, March 21. During that time, they conducted daily training sessions with athletes from the Kontra Karate Club, met with the Mayor of Żary, visited the palace in Żagań, and had the opportunity to experience Polish culture. They also supported a charitable initiative and conducted a training session for seniors.

From Wednesday, March 25, they additionally led training sessions for members of the JKA Poland national team.

The highlight of the event was the seminar itself, held from Friday evening until Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, two training sessions were conducted each day (10:00–11:30 and 13:30–15:00), separately for advanced practitioners and for colored belt holders. The training sessions were distinguished by exceptional precision, a high technical level, and an intensity that motivated participants to push beyond their limits.

A particularly special moment of the event was the open demonstration by the instructors, which took place on Saturday, March 28 at 15:00. The hall was filled to capacity—not only with seminar participants, but also with local residents. The demonstration became a true celebration of karate, showcasing the highest world-class level.

A total of 318 karate practitioners from across Poland and abroad took part in the seminar, including participants from Germany, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic.

On Saturday evening, a formal Sayonara Party was held, combined with the hosting Club’s
20th Anniversary Gala. The event was attended by representatives of all levels of local
government, partner clubs, former students, parents, supporters, and Gasshuku
participants. It served as a symbolic conclusion to this extraordinary weekend—a time for memories, gratitude, and shared celebration of both the Gasshuku and 20 years of the Kontra Club’s activity.