The 2019 Ottawa JKA Summer Camp was held from July 11 to 14. Approximately 150 participants were welcomed, from across Canada and the United States.  Usually classes are divided in 3 programs:  an Instructors, emphasizing standardization of JKA techniques, a Power, addressed to competitors,  and a General Program, for all belts, focusing on Kihon and Kata.

This year we chose to divide in 2 programs, an Instructors and a General Program to give more opportunities for the participants to be instructed by Kobayashi Sensei. Participants in this Camp, learned important lessons on proper “tsukaekata” or “how to use your body” as well as how to generate power by maximizing weight transfer.  Participants voiced their enjoyment and were very pleased on a fine camp. Yondan and Godan Examinations were held as well as Qualifications Examinations.

A special note from the candidates for Judging, that the main emphasis as a judge is to always put the competitors first, applying this philosophy to each tournament. This particular address that Kobayashi Sensei did, should become a must address to be given prior to all tournaments.

We all wish to express our most sincere gratitude to Kobayashi Sensei for his time and dedication, and his invaluable instruction.