A Weekend of Outstanding Karate Training, Learning and Achievement
From Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2026, JKA Scotland proudly hosted its annual International Gasshuku Seminar, bringing together karateka from across Scotland and beyond for an inspiring weekend of high-level training, examination and personal development.
This year’s event was led by two highly respected instructors from the Japan Karate Association:
• Kurihara Sensei (6th Dan JKA, JKA Headquarters Japan)
• Ohta Sensei (8th Dan JKA, Chief Instructor JKA England)
Students travelled from all corners of the country, from the Orkney Islands to the Borders. The atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected the true spirit of Shotokan Karate, combining hard training, friendship and a shared commitment to improvement.
Training Highlights
Throughout the three-day seminar, both Sensei emphasised the importance of strong fundamentals, reminding students that advanced karate is built upon consistent and correct kihon practice. Training focused on effective body movement, posture, timing and the efficient use of power, ensuring that techniques remained sharp, direct and purposeful.
Students were encouraged to refine their understanding, maintaining correct form and strong basics throughout all aspects of training. The instruction provided valuable insight for practitioners of every grade and experience level.
Black Belt students were given the opportunity to study four advanced kata in depth:
• Kanku Sho
• Empi
• Nijushiho
• Bassai Sho
The detailed instruction highlighted both the technical and practical applications of each kata, with a strong emphasis on correct timing, rhythm, direction and the integration of kihon principles into advanced performance.
Kyu grade students also benefited from intensive kata and kihon training tailored to their respective grades, helping them develop greater confidence, understanding and technical ability on Saturday prior to Kyu Grading Examination.
Grading’s and International Qualification Examinations
Throughout the weekend, students undertook a range of grading examinations, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to their karate development. Congratulations go to all students who successfully achieved their next grade.
The seminar also hosted JKA International Qualification Examinations for Instructor, Judge and Examiner certifications. Candidates completed both theoretical and practical assessments, providing an opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications under the supervision of senior JKA instructors.
These examinations represent an important step in maintaining and developing the high technical standards expected within the Japan Karate Association and further strengthen the quality of instruction throughout Scotland.
Congratulations
Congratulations to all students who successfully passed:
•Kyu Grading
•Dan Grading
•JKA International Instructor Qualifications
•JKA International Judge Qualifications
Your hard work, perseverance and commitment to training continue to uphold the high standards of JKA Karate.
Thank You
JKA Scotland would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Kurihara Sensei and Ohta Sensei for their exceptional instruction, guidance and continued support.
We would also like to thank all students, instructors, examiners and officials whose efforts contributed to another successful and enjoyable Gasshuku. Thanks must also go to Dunfermline High School for accommodating us so well.
As always, the weekend seemed to pass far too quickly and served as a reminder of how important these opportunities are for bringing the karate community together.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another unforgettable weekend of training, learning and friendship. Add the date to calendars now – Friday 27th to Sunday 29th August 2027