SKA at JKA Italy International Gasshuku in Vieste, Puglia; August 2016

On the 26^th August 2016,  25 SKA members accompanied SKA Chief Instructor Sensei Edward Aquilina,  Sensei Kenneth Farrugia and Sensei David Salem Rizzo to beautiful Vieste in Puglia, Italy to participate in the International Gasshuku organised by JKA Italy, between the 26th and 28th of August.

The first session took place at a dojo in Macchia di Mauro, on arriving from a two and a half hour drive from Bari to Vieste. Over 200 Italian Karatekas were present, amongst whom also representatives from JKA Sardegna. Training was headed by Sensei Takeshi Naito 7^th Dan JKA, Chief Instructor of JKA Italy and Sensei Masao Kawasoe 7^th Dan JKA WF, Instructor of JKA England and Scotland.

Three-hour sessions were held every day over three days. A Kata Competition also took place on Saturday 27th August, during which SKA Senpai Keith Falzon won 1st Place in the Senior Male Category. SKA Malta was presented to all attending JKA Italy members by Sensei Naito, who commended our constant commitment in authentic Karate and our strong participation despite the long hours of travelling.

SKA would like to thank JKA Italy for their hospitality and look forward to our re-encounter next month.

Oss!

SKA Members at the Malta International Airport, Friday 26th August 2016

SKA Malta Members being presented to JKA Italy Members by Sensei Takeshi Naito

SKA Malta commended for its constant commitment and participation in authentic Karate

Training at Dojo in Macchia di Mauro

Kumite Training at Dojo in Macchia di Mauro

Unsu Training with Sensei Masao Kawasoe

Sensei Stefano de Bartolomeo, JKA Italy Champion with Senpai Paul Falzon, SKA

Senior Female Kata Competition Final SKA Leanne Grech with JKA Italy Competitor

Sensei Kenneth Farrugia, SKA competing with JKA Sardegna competitor 2nd Runner up

SKA Members Yanes Nocilla and Senpai Keith Falzon in Kata Competition

SKA Members Senpai Darryl Farrugia and Senpai Keith Falzon in Kata Competition

Senpai Keith Falzon, SKA, with Sensei Takeshi Naito

Christina Desira, SKA with Sensei Takeshi Naito

Sensei Naito with SKA, explaining technique. Also present JKA Italy’s Sensei Santino Novelli

Sensei Naito explaining Bassai Dai Technique

Sensei Naito and SKA Chief Instructor Sensei Edward Aquilina with SKA Malta members

SKA members with SKA Chief Instructor Sensei Edward Aquilina in Vieste

SKA Group photo with Sensei Edward Aquilina at Vieste Old City Centre