Event Overview: We are pleased to report the highly successful completion of the JKA Spring Camp (Gasshuku) 2026, which took place from March 20 to March 22, 2026, in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. This was a truly historic and memorable weekend, as it marked the very first time a high-level instructor from the JKA Hombu Dojo in Tokyo visited the Republic of Moldova.

Guest Instructor: We had the distinct honor of welcoming Mr. Kunio Kobayashi Sensei, 7th Dan JKA HQ Instructor, whose presence was highly anticipated and provided an inspiring experience for all participants.

Organization and Venues: The Gasshuku was organized by the National Traditional Karate Federation of the Republic of Moldova (JKA Moldova), under the dedicated leadership of President Mr. Anton Ignat (6th Dan) and Vice President Mr. Iurie Patlati (5th Dan). Training sessions were smoothly coordinated across two venues: the Fitness & Wellness Club ALEXIA and the State University of Physical Education and Sport.

Training Highlights & International Guests: The weekend brought together karate practitioners of all levels to promote official JKA technical standards, friendship, and cooperation.  We were thrilled to welcome international guests who traveled from Romania (specifically from Timișoara and Iași), Spain, Chile, and Cyprus to join us for this historic event. Training was structured to accommodate both Coloured Belts and Black Belts, with intensive daily sessions focusing on the fundamentals and advanced techniques of JKA Karate. Specifically, the training focused in-depth on Kata Sochin, Gojushiho Sho, Tekki Shodan and Tekki Nidan, alongside extensive Kihon and Kumite drills. The spirit of camaraderie was further celebrated at the Sayonara Party held on Saturday evening.

Gradings & Examinations: A major highlight of the weekend took place on Sunday, March 22, when Dan Grading and JKA International Qualification Examinations for Instructors, Judges, and Examiners were conducted exclusively for JKA members.

We would like to extend our proudest congratulations to the following karateka who successfully passed their rigorous examinations:

• Shodan: Ion Turcan, Maria Isac, Polina Bicova
• Nidan: Vitalie Cozmolici, Maxim Periteanu, Petru Isac, Nichita Maximciuc
• Instructor & Judge Qualifications: Iurie Plesco, Bejan Viorel, Sergiu Negura, Ianos Turcanu, Ion Dorogoi

 Acknowledgments: JKA Moldova gratefully acknowledges the contribution of all instructors, volunteers, and participants who made this landmark event possible. Ultimately, we would like to formally express our deepest gratitude to Kunio Kobayashi Sensei for traveling to Moldova for the first time and sharing the true spirit of JKA Karate with us. We look forward to many more events of this caliber in the future.

Oss, JKA Moldova