JKA WF Scotland Summer Camp 2026 - Glasgow

On the weekend of August 7-9th 2026, members of JKA-Shotokan Ireland travelled to Paisley to take part in JKA-WF Scotland's annual summer training camp. Representatives from our UCD, YMCA, St. Brigid's and Cork dojos made the trip. The instructors on the course were Takeshi Oishi Sensei (9th dan and JKA Chief Instructor), Masao Kawasoe Sensei (8th dan) and Kunio Kobayashi Sensei (7th dan).

While Kawasoe Sensei is a regular visitor to Ireland (as JKA-Shotoakan Ireland's Technical Director), this was a rare opportunity to train with the JKA's Chief Instructor, and also with Kobayashi Sensei, a JKA honbu dojo instructor and former All Japan kata and kumite champion.

Throughout the course all three instructors placed an emphasis on generating power through correct technique rather than depending on physical strength. Katas covered in detail included Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Tekki Shodan, Nijushiho, and lots of Taikyoku Shodan.

A highlight of the weekend for the Irish contingent was Kushal Ramkumar from our UCD club passing his shodan grading. Kushal earned his grade with a solid performance in front of three of the most senior Shotokan karate instructors in the world.