JKAWF INDIA

A very lucky day for JKAWF INDIA team training in Japan. The team got an opportunity to spend a quality moments with Takeshi Oishi Shuseki Shihan.
Attached a wonderful "selfie" too, clicked by Ippei Kamae -San with Mai Miyash*ta Sensei.
We appreciate the hard work of our team that they are putting everyday training at least three times at the headquarters. Ganbatte Kudasai!

Wishing the JKAWF INDIA TEAM all the best as they head to Japan to train at the kyokai headquarters. The four member team will stay in Tokyo for one month and train rigorously at the JKA Headquarters everyday! 🥋
💪 Do your best and make India proud! 🇮🇳
We sincerely express our gratitude to the Japan Karate Association HQ and Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata and Consulate-General of Japan in Chennai for supporting our efforts. 🙏🏼

JKA News Pradeep Sharma Amit Modak Jibinlal N S Sattasundar Sadhukhan

Announcement & Invitation: 2nd All India JKA Karate Championship & JKAWF INDIA Summer National Camp 2026
Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 5–7 June 2026

We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all JKAWF INDIA branches across 16 states to participate in the "2nd All India JKA Karate Championship" and the "JKAWF INDIA Summer National Camp 2026". This exciting, national-level event will be hosted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 5 to 7 June 2026.

A note of heartfelt gratitude to JKA HQ:
We sincerely thank JKA Headquarters for assigning Satoshi Takahashi Shihan to Bhubaneswar. Shihan will conduct:
- Technical Seminar for everyone in attendance
- Judge Seminar for referees and judges
- Dan and Licence Examinations (pre-tournament)
- Supreme Judge of the Championship in Bhubaneswar

These programs will take place prior to the tournament, setting the stage for a championship of the highest standard under JKA guidelines.

Organizers and hosts:
- This is a mega national-level event organized by JKAWF INDIA
- The event is hosted and managed by JKAWF INDIA Odisha

Who should participate:
- All JKAWF INDIA branches in 16 states are invited to participate
- The championships will feature competitions across multiple divisions in line with JKA rules
- The JKAWF INDIA Summer Camp component emphasizes skill development, tactical understanding, conditioning, and readiness for competition

Why this matters:
- Participating in a JKA karate camp accelerates skill development through expert coaching, standardized JKA techniques, and focused seminars—while building discipline, conditioning, and a strong JKA community.
- Participation serves as a gateway to the next level Asian or World Championships for our top athletes
- Attending will provide access to world-class instruction, evaluation, and the chance to showcase your skills on a national stage

Schedule highlights (tentative):
- June 5: Pre-tournament seminars and examinations (Technical Seminar, Judge Seminar, Dan & Licence Examinations)
- June 6: Opening ceremony; competition events begin
- June 7: Championship rounds, closing ceremony and awards

Registration and communication:
- Please coordinate with your JKAWF INDIA "Sensei" to register
- Final schedule, venue specifics, and accommodation options will be announced soon
- For further information, contact JKAWF INDIA headquarters and the JKAWF INDIA Odisha state organizers

A call to action:
- Mark your calendars and begin preparations to participate, learn, and compete
- Embrace the JKA tradition, train with dedication, and use this championship as a stepping stone toward future Asian or World level success

We look forward to welcoming you to Bhubaneswar for an inspiring and transformative event, with Satoshi Takahashi Shihan guiding us through seminars and adjudicating the competition as Supreme Judge.

With gratitude and anticipation,
JKAWF INDIA
JKAWF INDIA Odisha

First Shidoin Keiko (Instructors' Class) of the year 2026 was held last Sunday the 8th of February after a gap of two months in Birati (Kolkata). We hope to continue the same once every month for this year without any impediment.

JKAWF INDIA Instructors' Classes: Elevating Excellence

JKAWF INDIA's monthly instructors' classes are crucial for our growth and excellence. Benefits include:
- Staying updated on JKA's latest techniques, teaching methodologies, and philosophy.
- Enhancing teaching skills and sharing best practices.
- Networking and collaboration with fellow instructors.
- Direct guidance from your senior instructors.
- Strengthening our commitment to JKA's values and mission.

We invite all association instructors to attend all these classes once a month. Let's keep striving for karate excellence!

THE NEXT CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2026 AT THE SAME VENUE IN BIRATI.

Yuko Hirayama Shihan's Seminar - A Resounding Success in Indore, MP!

We were very happy to conclude Hirayama Shihan's seminar in Indore on 13th January 2026! Though the turnout may not have been the largest, the spirit, enthusiasm, dedication, and sincerity of our karatekas were truly unmatched.

Hirayama Shihan was impressed with the students' grasp of JKA karate education, thanks to the tireless efforts of Akash Sharma Sensei, representative of JKAWF INDIA in Indore. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of karateka is truly commendable.

The seminar was a unique opportunity for our members to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of Shotokan karate. Hirayama Shihan shared invaluable insights on technique, Japanese terminologies, discipline, and the true spirit of karate.

A huge thank you to Hirayama Shihan, Akash Sharma Sensei, Arindam Sikdar Sensei, Soham Kenzi Palchowdhury and all participants for making this event unforgettable. Your passion and commitment to karate are truly inspiring! 💫

Report on JKA Karate Seminar – Purba Bardhaman
Hirayama Shihan’s Karate Legacy Tour – India 2026
Date: January 22, 2026
Venue: Loco Railway Community Hall, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal

A landmark one-day JKA karate seminar was successfully conducted on January 22, 2026, at the Loco Railway Community Hall in Purba Bardhaman as part of “Hirayama Shihan’s Karate Legacy Tour – India 2026.” The event drew an impressive participation of nearly 250 JKA karate-ka from across Purba Bardhaman district, reflecting the growing strength and technical enthusiasm of the region’s JKA community.

The seminar was organized by JKA Purba Bardhaman, the district unit of JKAWF INDIA WB, under the leadership of association instructors Chandan Sarkar - President, Sk. Ismile - Secretary, Rajib Basak - Asst. Secretary, Biswajit Ray - Treasurer, and Somnath Chatterjee - Member.

Their coordinated logistical planning ensured smooth session transitions, disciplined floor management, and an effective training environment despite the large turnout.

Technical Direction by Yuko Hirayama Shihan, 7th Dan, JKA HQ Instructor from Japan

The seminar was led by Hirayama Shihan, the senior most female instructor of the JKA Headquarters whose instruction focused on refining core JKA fundamentals at an advanced technical level. Her teaching emphasized that mastery of basics is the foundation of high-level karate.

Key areas of instruction included:

1. Kihon no Katachi (Correct Form)

Hirayama Shihan repeatedly stressed the importance of precise body alignment, proper hip engagement, and structural stability. She highlighted how incorrect posture weakens both power transmission and kime, reminding practitioners that visual sharpness must reflect biomechanical efficiency.

2. Tachi-Kata (Stances)

Detailed corrections were made in zenkutsu-dachi, kokutsu-dachi, and kiba-dachi, with special attention to weight distribution, knee tracking, and grounding through the feet. Shihan explained how stable yet dynamic stances enable effective transitions between techniques without compromising balance.

3. Maai (Distance Management)

A significant portion of partner drills focused on understanding maai—the tactical combative distance. Students practiced entering and controlling distance with proper timing, learning that effective technique is not only about speed but about spatial judgment and positioning.

4. Rhythm and Tempo

Hirayama Shihan demonstrated how variations in rhythm influence both kata expression and kumite application. She explained that monotone pacing reduces effectiveness, while controlled changes in tempo create tactical advantage and dynamic realism.

5. Koshi-no-Kaiten (Hip Rotation)

A major technical theme was the correct use of koshi-no-kaiten. Shihan clarified that hip rotation must originate from the core and synchronize with stance stability and upper-body relaxation. She demonstrated how efficient hip action multiplies striking power without unnecessary muscular tension.

6. Deep Study of Heian Nidan

Participants were guided through an intensive study of Heian Nidan, examining:

* Embusen accuracy
* Directional changes
* Hip vibration (koshi no shindō)
* Bunkai-related movement intent

Shihan emphasized that even foundational kata contain advanced principles when practiced with correct understanding and spirit.

7. Use of Japanese Terminology

Hirayama Shihan strongly advised instructors to use Japanese terminology from the earliest stages of teaching. She explained that traditional terminology preserves the art’s technical precision and cultural integrity while creating a universal language for karateka worldwide.

Assisting Instructors and Dignitaries

Due to the large number of participants, senior members of JKAWF INDIA assisted in conducting the training:

Somnath Palchowdhury, Chairman, JKAWF INDIA
Arindam Sikdar, Member, Technical Committee
Biplab Ghosh, President, JKA Howrah
Soham Kenzi, JKA Karnataka

There were visitors from the state Uttrakhand too, Ritika and Abhishek who came all along to attend Hirayama Shihan's Seminars in Kolkata and Bardhaman Town.

Their support ensured individual corrections could be delivered effectively across the training floor, maintaining high instructional quality throughout the seminar.

Conclusion

The seminar concluded with a formal expression of gratitude from JKAWF INDIA to JKA Purba Bardhaman and the organizing team for their dedication and efficient management of such a large-scale technical event. Special appreciation was extended to Hirayama Shihan for her patient guidance, technical clarity, and commitment in traveling long distances by road to support the development of JKA karate in India.

The seminar left participants with renewed technical insight, stronger fundamentals, and deeper appreciation for traditional JKA karate principles—further strengthening the legacy of JKA karate in Purba Bardhaman.

#日本空手協会 JKA News Yuko Hirayama JKAWF INDIA

Capturing Excellence: Keiko with Yuko Hirayama Shihan, Kolkata 🌟

We're thrilled to share a vibrant album from Day 1 & 2 of Keiko with the incredible Yuko Hirayama Shihan in Kolkata, West Bengal (20th Jan 2026)! 📸✨

Witness the intensity, precision, and passion as 185 brown and black belt karatekas (including the association instructors) that attended the Day 1 – from 110 kyu ranked karatekas that attended the Day 2; wide-eyes kids to seasoned veterans – trained with unwavering JKA spirit. 🙌 Shihan’s care, patience, and expertise shone bright, pushing technical standards to new heights.

A massive thank you to everyone who made this possible! 🙏 And a heartfelt salute to Hirayama Shihan for her relentless dedication – since Jan 10th, she's traveled from Bangalore to Mananthavady, Thrissur, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Nagaon, and now Kolkata, Purba Bardhaman, Krishnagar... spreading JKA excellence across India! 🌍

Special appreciation for the Shidoin and seniors travelled from New Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand to attend Hirayama Shihan's Seminar in Kolkata.

Dive into the album and feel the energy! 💥

#日本空手協会 Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata Jkawf India Odisha Japan Karate Association-Kerala JKA Karnataka JKA Bangalore JKA News JKAWF INDIA Yuko Hirayama

A pictorial album of the much anticipated JKA KARATE ODISHA CAMP 2026 with Yuko Hirayama Shihan from the JKA Headquarters in Japan in KIIT University, Bhubaneswar hosted by the Jkawf India Odisha led by Anil Singh Sensei and team.
The 1-Day Camp was attended by Somnath Palchowdhury Sensei, Chairman of the JKA; Anil Sinha Sensei, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the JKAWF INDIA; Arindam Sikdar Sensei; Member of the Technical Committee of the JKAWF INDIA; Brahmananda Mishra, President of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industries; and Prof Dr Kumar Mohanty, Director of the KIIT School of Management.
The camp was attended by over 120 karateka/members of JKAWF INDIA from Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh apart from the different districts of host state Odisha.
The first ever JKA Dan Test was held by a JKA HQ examiner in Odisha where 3 candidates of JKAWF INDIA Chattisgarh passed Shodan (1st Dan) while JKAWF INDIA Odisha's Sandeep Gupta, Dharmanshu Pandey, Sunil Kumar Deo and Aniket Singh successfully passed JKA Nidan (2nd Dan).
Hirayama Sensei was payed a visit to the KIIT University Indoor Stadium to inspect the venue of the 2nd All India JKA Karate Championship of the JKAWF INDIA that's going to be held in June this year in presence of Katsutoshi Shiina Shihan as the Supreme Judge and was overwhelmed to see the huge infrastructure and wished the tournament a great success.
A Thanksgiving Dinner has been hosted by the organisers at the prestigious Bhubaneswar Club with the key members of the organisation.

What a day! 🎉

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, the JKA Kerala Karate Camp in Thrissur turned into a powerhouse of energy as we welcomed Yuko Hirayama Shihan – 7th Dan and the senior‑most female instructor from JKA Headquarters, Tokyo! 🇯🇵✨

Over 200 karateka, both karate students and association instructors from the districts of Thrissur, Malappuram and Calicut and JKAWF INDIA Tamilnadu have attended the 1-Day Technical Seminar by Hirayama Shihan at TSGA Indoor Stadium, Triprayar, Thrissur.

The one day keiko was meticulously planned and organised by the JKA Thrissur, led by Shidoin Jibinlal NS, member of the Japan Karate Association - Japan Karate Association-Kerala and coordinated by Ameer Adukkattil Sensei and supported by Somnath Palchowdhury Sensei.

This was the annual JKA seminar for this year 2026 by the JKA HQ instructor in Thrissur that the JKA Thrissur hosts every year and it set a new standard for fundamentals, cross‑regional networking, and cultural exchange. The three hours session by Hirayama Shihan was exhausting but highly inspiring due to Shihan's ever smiling face and continuous encouragement to the participants and innovative and easy to understand examples and demonstrations of complex techniques.

This Thrissur Seminar of Hirayama Shihan was attended by many association instructors of the JKA Kerala who left with sharper techniques, a deeper love for JKA, and a fire to spread the art at the grassroots level.

Thanks and congratulations to all who were instrumental in making this event a grand success.

Anyone willing to take up JKA karate or join the Japan Karate Association may contact Jubinlal NS Sensei at 95442 92255

#日本空手協会

Congratulations to JKA WAYANAD; particularly the leaders Sanil KS and Ravish KC who were instrumental in creating the opportunity for their students in Dwaraka, Padamala, Mananthavady Panamaram, and Thariyode by inviting and successfully hosting the senior most female instructor from the Headquarters of the Japan Karate Association in Tokyo YUKO HIRAYAMA Shihan, a 7th Dan for a 1-Day Technical Seminar on last Saturday 10th January, 2026 at Mary Matha Arts & Science College, Mananthavady. Little over than one hundred karateka did attend the day's seminar from the branches of JKA Wayanad apart from small teams from JKA Calicut and JKA Karnataka.
Somnath Palchowdhury, the Chairman of the JKAWF INDIA was present to guide and support the hosts beside other association instructors Sughasan Kailasam, Rajarshi Ray and Soham Kenzi Palchowdhury.
During the three hours long seminar Hirayama Shihan was seen patiently taking individual care for the participants sometimes praising and at times correcting them or pushing them hard to cross their limit. Many fine points of kihon, kata and gohon & ippon kumite have been adopted by the participants by the end of day's seminar which as per the organisers are itself a big achievements.
Yuko Hirayama Shihan's visit to Wayanad, Kerala will be remembered as the first time a JKA Headquarters instructor came to guide local learners.
A huge shout-out to Hirayama Shihan for braving long flights and winding roads to bring her expertise to such a remote corner of the country, championing JKA at the grassroots.
Thanks to Ameer AK Sensei for continuous guidance and support.

#日本空手協会

JKAWF INDIA wishes everyone a Happy New Year 2026!

As we step into a fresh year, we’re grateful for the discipline, respect, and unity that karate brings to our lives. Thank you to all our members, instructors, and supporters for pushing us forward in 2025. May 2026 bring new challenges, stronger ties, and countless moments in and out of the Dojo.

Let’s train hard, stay humble, and continue inspiring the next generation—especially our growing number of young karate-ka.

🥋✨

JKAWF INDIA wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends, Members, and Well‑wishers,

On this holy occasion of Christmas, the family of JKAWF INDIA extends heartfelt greetings to you and your loved ones. May the birth of Christ bring you peace, joy, and renewed strength to pursue excellence on and off the mat. Let this festive season fill your hearts with gratitude and hope for a prosperous New Year.

May the spirit of goodwill and unity inspire us all to continue our journey of discipline, respect, and perseverance.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a wonderful year ahead!

— Team JKAWF INDIA

🥋✨