On the 30th and 31st July, JKA WF Malta held its first International JKA Gasshuku, which was greatly anticipated by all after a two-year long wait due to the global pandemic. Training was conducted by guest Instructor Naito Takeshi sensei, 8th Dan JKA, National Chief Instructor of JKA WF Italy.

Over 100 adults and children – all JKA WF Malta members – participated with great energy and enthusiasm despite the intense summer heat and humidity.

Training covered basic JKA Kihon fundamentals, Idou kihon with correct use of koshi-no-kiru 腰の切る and relaxed upper body, maintaining Zanshin 残心, maintaining constant pressure on the opponent and concepts of zero-to-100 and Shuhari 守破離 in Kihon, Kumite and Kata.

There was also a constant emphasis on the importance of education of children and adolescents to improve their physical and mental health, discipline, manners and respect, equality of all individuals, and basic life values for building confident strong characters who will one day contribute good to society.

This was also the first opportunity for JKA WF Malta to have Dan examinations and Judge and Instructor Qualification Licence examinations carried out in Malta.

Congratulations to all 23 members who successfully passed their Shodan, Nidan and Sandan black belt examinations and 5 members who achieved their new Instructor and Judge Licences.

On behalf of JKA WF Malta, we would like to thank JKA Headquarters in Tokyo for allowing us to have such a great opportunity for all our members in Malta and for Naito Takeshi Sensei for the wealth of knowledge passed on to all present throughout the event.