We are pleased to report the successful completion of our Winter Course 2025, which proved to be another fantastic event for JKA England. This year, we had the honour of hosting three instructors from JKA Headquarters: Taniyama Sensei (7th Dan), Ueda Sensei (5th Dan), and world Kata champion Hakizume Kaishi Sensei (4th Dan). They joined our resident chief instructor, Ohta Sensei (8th Dan), to provide exceptional training to our members.

In addition to our visiting instructors, instruction was also provided by the JKA England technical committee, consisting of Senseis Gary Stewart (7th Dan), Adel Ismail (6th Dan), Giuseppe D’Onofrio (6th Dan), and Dave Paulus (6th Dan).

Hakizume Sensei arrived in London two weeks prior to the international course, allowing him to explore the sights of England and visit various JKA England clubs, including Westminster, Tanren, Beckenham, and Newark. These additional training sessions were immensely popular and beneficial, and we are very grateful for the opportunity. Taniyama Sensei also arrived early and conducted a masterclass at Oxford City SKC.

As per our usual format, over 300 Karateka were in attendance, divided into four groups according to their rank. This structure allowed participants to learn from all our visiting instructors. We employed our proven strategy of equal focus on Kihon, Kumite, and Kata, which is a key factor in maintaining the high standards of JKA.

This event also facilitated an invaluable opportunity for JKA international judges to enhance their skills with Ueda Sensei. Furthermore, the JKA England national Kata squad participated in a dynamic and inspiring Kata training session with Hakizume Sensei, which was highly beneficial.

The three-day course concluded with a Dan grading up to 5th Dan. Congratulations to all who were successful, and for those who did not pass, we encourage you to continue your training and strive for improvement.

We are already looking forward to our Spring Course next April and are excited to welcome Senseis Osaka, Imamura, Nemoto, and Sawada to England for another exceptional training opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support.