8th Annual Spring Course with Sensei Hiroyoshi Okazaki

Hampstead Karate Club, known as City Dojo, proudly hosted the 8th Annual Spring Course with Sensei Hiroyoshi Okazaki (8th Dan). This exciting event took place at the ISKF UK Headquarters, Sobell Karate Club, over the April Bank Holiday weekend. Sensei Okazaki, a highly respected instructor and accomplished competitor, brought his wealth of experience as the ISKF Chairman and Vice Chief Instructor.

Throughout the weekend, the participants focused on kihon, emphasising the correct and efficient use of the body when executing punches, kicks, blocks, and transitions between stances. Sensei Okazaki placed great importance on understanding each movement in kata and carefully considering the tension and contraction of the body. Developing kime, or focus, was also highlighted as a significant aspect of the training.

Under Sensei Okazaki's expert guidance, the participants also had the opportunity to practice kumite. He demonstrated and explained the proper distance, timing, and focus required for attacking and defending in sen-no-sen and go-no-sen scenarios. The event also included exclusive sessions for blackbelts registered on the ISKF Instructor Trainee Programme. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the Programme took place outside the US, with the UK becoming the sole European location for trainee instructors to work towards this prestigious qualification.

These exclusive sessions were attended by 11 senior blackbelts, who engaged in discussions and practice of advanced Shotokan kata. With Sensei Okazaki's valuable guidance, they further honed their skills in recognising, communicating, and correcting common student errors. This opportunity to learn from such a respected instructor was truly invaluable.

Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui, the ISKF UK Chief Instructor, commends Sensei Okazaki on another exceptional course. He expresses his gratitude to participants from around the world who traveled to north London to be part of this fantastic event. Hampstead Karate Club, or City Dojo, eagerly looks forward to hosting this event again next year, continuing to provide an excellent platform for karate enthusiasts to learn and grow in their martial arts journey.