On November 4, 2024, JKA PHILIPPINES delegation headed by Gilieto Luague Shihan, JKA PHILIPPINES Chairman and Representative to JKA WF HQ welcomed Koichiro Okuma Shihan on his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

On November 5, 2024, Okuma Shihan, along with the delegates from the JKA PHILIPPINES, traveled to Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines to conduct a one day special Gasshuku and to meet the regional representatives of the Zamboanga region.

JKA PHILIPPINES held an exceptional three-day gathering at the NOVADECI Convention Center in Quezon City, Philippines, from November 8th to 10th, 2024. This event was made even more special by the esteemed presence of Koichiro Okuma Shihan from JKA WF Headquarters in Tokyo, who led participants through an enriching series of seminars, examinations, and a tournament. Below is a
day-by-day summary of the event’s highlights:

Day 1: Dan Examination, Instructor and Judge Review Koichiro Okuma Shihan presided over the Dan Examination, assessing ranks from Shodan to Godan. Prior to dan ranking and qualification examinations, he provided critical reviews for Instructor D License, and Judge D examinees, sharing valuable insights and tips on Sentei Kata that inspired and guided participants. He reviewed the flag
calls for the corner judge as part of the preparation for the Judge D license examination.

Day 2: 1st JKA Philippines International Gasshuku On the second day, JKA PHILIPPINES proudly hosted the first-ever international Gasshuku led by Okuma Shihan. The morning session focused on Kihon techniques for all the attendees ensuring that all attendees understand the JKA way of training in Kihon. Then the group was divided into three groups. Okuma Shihan took over the black belts nidan and above; Oca Obsioma Shihan, Chief Instructor of JKA PHILIPPINES took over the brown belts and shodan black belts; and guest instructor Raul Andaya Sensei took over all the other color belts. Further instructions on kihon and proper Kata bunkai application were covered. In the afternoon, licensing exams for Instructors, Judges, and Examiners were conducted. The day featured a special surprise visit
from Julian Chees Sensei, recent Kata Gold Medalist from the Gichin Funakoshi Cup, which added an extra layer of excitement to this landmark event.

Day 3: 1st JKA PHILIPPINES Tournament and Guest Appearances The final day saw the successful launch of the 1st JKA PHILIPPINES Tournament, with several esteemed guests in attendance:

• Mr. Levi Ignacio: Sports Development Consultant, veteran actor, martial artist, and 5th Dan
  Head Instructor in the U.S.
• Mr. Carlos Gayoso: Karate Instructor and Head of Sports Development for Quezon City.
• Family of Kunio Sasaki Shihan:
  o Tetsi Sasaki: Son of the late Kunio Sasaki Shihan and Instructor Designer for Optum.
  o Rose Manalang Sasaki: Wife of the late Kunio Sasaki Shihan and Professor at Arellano
  University and Pamantasan ng Marikina.
• Family Representative of Takahashi Shihan
• Matsuda Shigehiro: First Secretary and Director, Japan Information and Culture Center,
  Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The tournament participants were divided into four major divisions: kids, teens, adults and seniors. The tournament also provided an opportunity for the new Judge D examinees who passed the exam to train and practice their judging skill as corner judges during the kids and teens events.

Over these three days, JKA PHILIPPINES hosted what has been the most significant and impactful JKA Karate event in the Philippines. We extend heartfelt gratitude to JKA Headquarters for allowing Koichiro Okuma Shihan to guide and inspire us in this momentous event. With this success, we look forward to organizing even larger events in the future.

OSS!
Romeliana Sanchez
Corporate Secretary, JKA PHILIPPINES