Japan Tour 2024

Reflections on the JKS Seminar at Teikyo University, Tokyo

Derek Stockham (JKS Wales Chairman & Chief Instructor)

At the end of November 2024, myself and Matthew Stockham (JKS Wales squad coach) had the privilege of attending an intensive three-day seminar at Teikyo University in Tokyo. The event brought together practitioners from around the world to train under the guidance of the JKS Honbu instructors, with a perfect balance of rigorous karate practice and warm camaraderie.

Pre-Seminar Training – A Special Invitation The day before the official seminar began, we received a special invitation to train at Sensei Watanabe’s dojo. This exclusive session provided an excellent opportunity to refine our fundamentals and experience the welcoming spirit of Japanese dojo culture before the main event.

Day 1 – Kihon, Kata, and Leadership The seminar officially began on the afternoon of Day 1 with Kihon drills and focused kata sessions, covering kyu-grade katas from Shodan through to Godan. The technical precision and depth of instruction provided an inspiring start to the seminar. Later in the day, branch leaders gathered for an important meeting to discuss the ongoing development of JKS worldwide.

Day 2 – Junro Kata and Dan Gradings The second day started with a morning session on Kihon drills and Junro kata, again from Shodan to Godan. After lunch, students preparing for dan gradings received focused kata training before the highly anticipated dan examinations began at 16:30.

A highlight of the day was the success of Matt Stockham, who passed his Rokudan (6th dan) examination. His kumite included matches against the Russian branch leader and an old friend from Scotland. For his grading kata's, Matt chose Bassai Dai and Sochin — both particular favourites of Shihan Masao Kagawa, 9th dan, whose technical brilliance continues to inspire karate-ka worldwide. The evening concluded with celebrations among friends at Coco’s, a well-loved spot for post-training meals and camaraderie.

Day 3 – Advanced Training and Farewell. The final day began with a special seminar for students ranked 5th dan and above, followed by a judges and referees training and examination session at 12:30. The seminar concluded on a high note with a post-seminar party at 17:30, where attendees were warmly hosted and even served by the Honbu instructors. A particularly memorable moment came when Shihan Kagawa treated everyone to a song, demonstrating the unique spirit of friendship and cultural connection that underpins the JKS family.

Reflections

The seminar not only provided high-level technical training but also reaffirmed the values of respect, perseverance, and fellowship that define karate. Being able to train in Japan, alongside practitioners from across the world, and under the tutelage of world-class instructors is an invaluable experience.

We return home motivated, inspired, and eager to pass on what we learned to our dojos and students. The Teikyo University seminar is not for the feint hearted, but it is something I would encourage all senior karate-ka to attend.