New Orleans Shotokan Academy

This weekend was the JKA AF National Karate Camp, with guest instructors from the Japan Karate Association headquarters. We had the privilege of training with Master Yasunori Ogura 8th Dan and Master Hidemoto Kurihara 4th Dan. This combination of instructors was truly special because of the difference in experience and age of the instructors. With Ogura Sensei one could truly sense the depth of knowledge and mastery of the art over decades of study and reflection. With Kurihara Sensei we were able to see body control and movement of one of the younger instructors, who is still in his prime of athleticism. The contrast was impressive and inspiring. Although decades separate the two masters of the art, one could also appreciate the link that binds them: JKA Shotokan Karate. We also had a special visit from our own Master Takayuki Mikami, 9th Dan and pioneer of shotokan karate. We send our gratitude for the lessons learned, and once gain we take our task of implementing the instructional themes in our personal and dojo trainings. Oss!

Class pictures from Monday and Tuesday of this week. Lucky to have these wonderful individuals as members of the NOSA Dojo. Congratulations to all who tested and did so well.

Julia’s last class in New Orleans. She will be moving to Tennessee, and we will mis her terribly. But we know she will continue training and will visit us, whenever she is in town. Best wishes on your new journey, and congratulations on your success!

New Adult Beginner Class - March 10th
Classes are Tuesdays and Fridays 6:45-7:45
NOSAkarate.com

Moments from Ueda Seminar in New Orleans 2026

Photos by Emilia Aguinaga

Daisuke Ueda Sensei , Instructor of JKA Headquarters in Tokyo Japan, visited the New Orleans Shotokan Academy for the second year in a row. Trainings took place at the NOSA Dojo Wednesday - Friday, and on Saturday February 21st, the Ueda Seminar took place at McGehee School in the garden district of New Orleans. Themes from Ueda Sensei’s instruction included:
•Proper concentration and etiquette
•Correct body posture and alignment
•Attention to the back musculature when executing techniques
•Proper weight distribution and triangular base regarding stance and shoulder position
•Relaxation to achieve optimal ex*****on of technique
•Transfer of body mass into correct application of kime
Ueda Sensei instructs with a passion and energy that inspires practitioners to explore their physical and mental limits. His commitment to the art of karate-do can be felt in every moment and interaction with him, and because of this, he inspires us to want to achieve more and work harder. For all of these reasons, we are very grateful to have been given so much material. It is now our duty to take this experience and cultivate it within ourselves and our members and to continue on the path that has been shown to us. Thank you from all of us at the NOSA Dojo, Ueda Sensei!

Registration is open for the Ueda 🥋 Camp, and so is the store for preordering event shirts. The cutoff date for ordering 👕 shirts is February 2nd!!!
We have a really cool design and 2 versions:
Performance t shirt
Soccer-style jersey

Found on our website:

NOSAkarate.com

Jedi

#aikido #practicemakesprogress #lightsaber