JKA Switzerland’s Yama Gasshuku, led by Sensei Kazuaki Kurihara and Swiss instructors, took place during Easter week, from 18 to 20 April.
Held in the beautiful mountains of the Jungfrau region, it was a great training camp with first-class training sessions under the guidance of Sensei Kurihara and the JKA Switzerland instructors.
We changed the name of the Easter Gasshuku this year to “Yama Gasshuku” in homage to the majestic mountain scenery.

Mürren presented itself at its most beautiful this year, with snow-covered mountains and clear blue skies offering a breathtaking view. We were pleased to welcome Sensei Kazuaki Kurihara from the JKA headquarters as guest instructor, as well as the instructors of JKA Switzerland: Katherine Broder, Christian Mundwiler, Bernhard Isenegger, Hanspeter Ruetsche and Tommaso Minì.

Over 150 enthusiastic adult participants travelled to Mürren from all over Switzerland to take part in the Yama Gasshuku.
The training was intensive and varied, including kihon, kata and kumite. Sensei Kurihara inspired all participants with his calm and competent manner. His precise and targeted feedback provided valuable guidance on how to improve their techniques and execution.
The participants were divided into three level groups: lower intermediate, upper intermediate and a group of club instructors.
Two training sessions in the morning began with basic kihon for all groups, followed by kata with basic bunkai. In the afternoon, one session was dedicated to kumite, while the other was reserved for the club instructors.

The kata topics this year were Jitte, Nijushiho, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan, always with Bunkai.
The dojo instructor’s training was focused on the following topics: development in Jiyu Ippon Kumite and Heian Kata. This training focused on the most important elements for teaching in the dojos.
Training always began with a short warm-up session focusing on flexibility and warming up the body. Kurihara Sensei knew exactly how to inspire and motivate the participants with his top-class JKA karate, both technically and didactically!
The atmosphere during the training was excellent, intensive JKA karate training where everyone gave their best!

We would like to thank Sensei Kurihara and all the instructors of JKA Switzerland. They really inspired us with their excellent guidance and the great Yama-Gasshuku with high class JKA Karate training.
The Sportchalet was the perfect place for socialising after the training session, almost all participants were accommodated there and met for meals and after training in a friendly atmosphere. The atmosphere was fantastic and we had some wonderful hours and very nice conversations.

The 32nd Yama-Gasshuku came to an end on Sunday afternoon, in almost perfect weather, with snow and sunshine.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped so much with the organisation of the Yama Gasshuku! Many thanks to Ken Walzer for his first-class and precise translation!
We are looking forward to the next Yama Gasshuku! It will take place again in Mürren from 3 to 5 April 2026!