Once again the international training course organised by Sensei Sawada Kazuhiro, 7th Dan JKA, was a resounding success. It brought together more than 400 karateka from more than 12 countries, from Continental Europe, U.K. and beyond.

 

One of the visiting instructors was Sensei Ohta Yoshinobu, 7th Dan JKA, by now a regular visitor to the Brussels November training course. As usual he was highly appreciated by all there. His superb technique with hip movement constantly at the same level together with his excellent kata demonstrations left everyone breathless.

 

The Special guest Instructor was none other than Sensei Naka Tatsuya, 7th Dan JKA, from the JKA So Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.

 

Naka Sensei focussed on the Budo aspects of karate, including the “yoi” and “zanshin” during all parts of Shotokan training – kihon, kata, kumite.
Both “zarei” (the salute whilst kneeling) and “ritsurei” (the salute whilst standing) are seen by some as merely a formality. Naka Sensei stressed that these should be performed with the same spirit, and essence of all other aspects of karate training.

 

The “yoi” preparation, “yame” and/or “naore” at the end of a sequence within training signal the moment for the karateka to re-focus all of his/her senses.

 

We also had the privilege to have among our instructors, Sensei Sergio Gneo, 7th Dan JKA, and Sensei Daniel Lamberts, 5th Dan JKA.

 

Many thanks to all, instructors and participants, and especially to Sawada Sensei for allowing this superb annual training course.