The second JKA Malaysia International Gasshuku in 2025 was held on December 13 & 14, in Penang. Shimizu Ryosuke Sensei, 6th dan, from JKA HQ, visited Malaysia for the first time and led energetically through the training sessions. Nearly 60 karateka from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia came together for two action-packed practice days at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Orphanage Home Hall and SJK (C) Sum Sun School Hall, respectively.

Shimizu Sensei, known for his fast kumite, shared deep insights on kihon, kata, kumite, and the spirit of karate during the Gasshuku. He took participants back to the most important part of karate and budo: courtesy. Through simple, essential exercises, karatekas of all levels gained experience in coordination and balance to strengthen their way forward in martial arts and life.

Penang State JKA members kicked off the Gasshuku on Friday night (December 12). Shimizu Sensei surprised participants with mobility exercises. They required good posture, coordination, and balance, which are much needed in any karate stances and positions. The interplay of body, mind, and spirit was emphasized to focus on posture and the alignment of the spine. Once internalized, karatekas spent time on detailing Zenkutsu dachi to reduce and eliminate wobbly knees and strengthen the lower body movements.

At the official start of the International Gasshuku on Saturday (December 13), the practice of good posture continued. Shimizu Sensei’s clear explanations and the opportunity to train hamni – shomen positions and proper weight shifting drove the point of good balance home. Pivoting and efficient hip and lower body use not only kept attendees’ attention, but also fascinated them beyond the two-hour morning training and spilled into the lunch break. The plentiful food didn’t stop anyone from continuing to ponder coordination and timing. After the afternoon session, Shimizu Sensei held Dan and qualification exams.

Relaxing at the scrumptious buffet dinner at Shin Restaurant in Georgetown was the perfect opportunity to mingle with friends and fellow karateka, getting to know new people, catching up, and enjoying the cool and friendly atmosphere.

On Sunday (December 15), the morning session had practitioners marvel at sensei’s coordination expertise and left everyone puzzling over the mind exercise of simultaneous uke and tsuki use. On the surface, the hand movements seemed to be isolated; however, the training quickly taught everyone enhanced body use, hip drive, and timing. It was the perfect prelude to the kumite session. From basics to more advanced techniques, participants soon accelerated their kirikaeshi techniques and gyakutsuki attacks. Under the sensei’s guidance, karatekas gained a better understanding of timing and agility while cultivating better body balance. The afternoon session ended with valuable learnings for competitors and to train judges’ eyes.

JKA Malaysia thanks Shimizu Sensei for his charismatic and powerful instructions. We echo his encouragement to pick one thing from the Gasshuku to work on. It will be difficult to do as there are so many points for everyone to improve, but we will try our best. We are looking forward to welcoming Shimizu Sensei to Malaysia again and can’t wait to demonstrate our improved skills. JKA Malaysia also extends a heartfelt thank you to all the participants from
home and abroad who showed fierce spirit and enthusiasm, the hard-working staff, and the kind volunteers.

In 2026, JKA Malaysia is planning another international Gasshuku towards the middle of the year. Keep your eyes and ears open for the announcement. Karate starts with a bow and ends with a bow, so continue your practice diligently and seriously until we meet again. OSS!

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