JKA WF MALTA – 1st International JKA Gasshuku – July 2022

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

Over 100 adults and children – all JKA members – participated with great energy and enthusiasm throughout the seminar 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.

Parents were also present for Naito Sensei’s constant emphasis on the importance of education, discipline, and basic life values for building confident strong characters in the younger generations, who will one day contribute to the general good in society.

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

Congratulations to all 23 members who successfully passed their Shodan, Nidan and Sandan black belt examinations and 5 members who successfully achieved their 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 and for Naito Takeshi Sensei for the wealth of knowledge passed on to all present at the event.

Photo Credits : with thanks to chamar.d.owl photography