SKA MALTA in Japan, July 2017

SKA Members Sensei David Salem Rizzo and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo training at the JKA HQ Honbu Dojo, Tokyo; July 2017

In Summer of 2017, SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo 3rd Dan and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo 2nd Dan, travelled to Tokyo, Japan for a unique Honeymoon Training Holiday, an excellent opportunity to train with the world’s most renowned Japanese Karate Instructors.

During their stay in Tokyo, SKA members trained at the Headquarters of the most prestigious Karate Organisation in Japan, the Japan Karate Association – JKA Honbu Dojo. Training was led by several JKA HQ instructors, amongst whom Sensei Kenro Kurasako 8th Dan, Sensei Imamura 7th Dan several times JKA All Japan Kumite Champion and JKA All Japan top Kata competitor, Sensei Daisuke Ueda 3rd Dan, an excellent experience and opportunity to enrich their Karate experience.

SKA Members training at the JKA HQ Honbu Dojo, Tokyo; July 2017

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo with Sensei Ueda, JKA HQ Instructor; July 2017

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo in Training with Sensei Ueda, JKA HQ Instructor; July 2017

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo in Training with Sensei Ueda, JKA HQ Instructor; July 2017

SKA Members with Sensei Onozawa at JKQ HQ Honbu Dojo, July 2017

Our members also had the pleasure of training at the JKA Taishijuku Dojos in Myogadani and Akabane, with world-renowned, charismatic JKA Instructor, Sensei Tatsuya Naka 7th Dan, and Sensei Ryosuke Shimizu 5th Dan, past JKA All Japan Kumite Champion. All training sessions focussed on superb detail in all aspects of Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo with Sensei Tatsuya Naka, 7th Dan JKA Instructor; at JKA Taishijuku Dojo; July 2017

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo with Sensei Ryosuke Shimizu 5th Dan JKA Instructor; at JKA Taishijuku Dojo; July 2017

After training, our members also had the great honour of being invited to dinner with Sensei Naka and several Senior members of JKA Taishijuku. Also present was renowned Kuro-Obi Director, Mr Nishi Fuyuhiko.

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo with Sensei Tatsuya Naka, and Mr Nishi Fuyuhiko; July 2017

SKA Sensei David Salem Rizzo and Senpai Michelle Salem Rizzo with Sensei Tatsuya Naka; July 2017

While visiting Kyoto, our SKA Members also sought out Dojos in the area and trained with Sensei Masayuki Kato and his students at their Okonohono Dojo. Training included a variety of detailed Kihon, Kata and Kumite and also had the opportunity to join promising Karatekas who were gearing for an upcoming competition.

SKA Members at Sensei Kato’s Okonohono Dojo in Kyoto; July 2017

SKA would like to thank all Instructors and students of JKA HQ, JKA Taishijuku and Okonohono Dojo for the warm welcome, hospitality and Friendship that was constantly shown towards our members throughout their stay in Japan, and look forward to meeting again in training very soon.