2025 Seiwakai in Daisen and JKF Gojukai in Sendai – Seminars & Competition

By Johnpaul Williams – Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan

Our Menlo Park travelers have returned from the annual summer expedition to Japan! We proudly participated in the weeklong seminar in the Omagari Daisen region of Akita and continued onward to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, for the highly anticipated JKF Gojukai seminar and national competition.

Seiwakai Annual International Gasshuku – July 16–21, 2025

2025 Seiwakai members in Omagari Daisen, Japan

Day One (July 16) – Seiwakai Annual International Gasshuku

The seminar in Omagari Daisen began with great fanfare. Fujiwara Seiichi Shuseki Shihan led operations, assisted by Takahashi Satoru. Daily training blended Kihon (basic techniques) and advanced Kata, tailored specifically to each participant’s grade, age, and level. As the week progressed, the intensity increased, pushing members to rise to Seiwakai’s notoriously high technical standard, all while maintaining strict safety protocols—we are happy to report zero cases of heat exhaustion among our team.

After the second session, Seiwakai members were treated to a special private display of Daisen Hanabi (Fireworks) held outside the Hanabium (Omagari Hanabi Museum). Though the brief show did not coincide with the city’s major annual Hanabi festival, it was a deeply heartfelt gesture of Japanese sincerity and hospitality.

Day Two (July 17) – Mayoral Welcome

We were formally welcomed by Mayor Hiroyuki Oimatsu of Daisen, his committee, and the local press during the second session of the day. Their presence was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound sign of mutual respect, gratitude for Fujiwara Sensei’s enduring leadership, and acknowledgment of the positive cultural and economic impact brought by international participation.

Each member was graciously gifted a ¥1000 station shop voucher and a custom cloth tote bag—perfect for carrying souvenirs while clearly identifying us as proud, welcomed visitors to the region.

Kei car life with our Nissan in Omagari Daisen

Day Three (July 18) – Navigating Daisen

After navigating by taxi and rideshare earlier in the week, we followed the savvy example of our Australian hotel-mates and rented a Kei car—a highly practical move for both tired legs and wallets. While driving in Japan requires an international driver’s license and intense focus, the serene countryside roads of Daisen made it a manageable and scenic experience.

Thankfully, my commercial-grade driving experience, backed by early-life road training with the CHP, helped immensely, and we easily survived the “tiny-car” experience. To my surprise, I actually fit comfortably in the compact vehicle (though I certainly don’t recommend anyone try to sit directly behind me). The backseat was quickly filled by my dōgi and gear, making this an ideal setup for solo or duo travelers, but definitely not for groups.

Day Four (July 19) – A Change of Scenery

Day Four saw a change of scenery and a welcome break from the intense physical schedule. After a necessary day of rest and recovery on Saturday, the group reconvened for training on Sunday at the Kamioka Gymnasium in Daisen. This sudden venue shift was necessitated by the national election committee commandeering the Omagari Budokan for official use.

The Kamioka Gymnasium provided a unique opportunity for the local members—particularly the juniors and those preparing for the upcoming JKF Gojukai national competition. They were able to demonstrate their kata directly before Fujiwara Shuseki Shihan and the entire international contingent, beautifully showcasing their skills and dedication.

Day Five (July 20) – Economy of Motion & Budo Philosophy

When the group returned to Kamioka, attendees were truly feeling the deep, muscular burn of cumulative training. There is a profound lesson in exhaustive training: it inherently teaches the Karate player to relax, reserve their energy, and save it to release only for explosive techniques. The sheer fatigue gave way to wisdom. As any seasoned Karateka knows, economy of motion and physical relaxation must precede explosive power. This is a long-tried and true discipline of training, absolutely crucial for those preparing for the intense Seiwakai Shinsa (testing) scheduled for the following day.

That morning, Fujiwara Shihan stepped away from physical mechanics to review and lecture on Reishiki 礼式 (proper etiquette), Seiza 正座 (formal seated posture), and Zarei 座礼 (seated bowing). He passionately reinforced that Karatedō is a Budo. He emphasized that manners, respect, and humility are not mere “add-ons,” but rather the absolute foundation of Karate-dō as a martial way—and the ultimate goal of the art itself.

He strongly urged all participating international Senseis to impart these crucial philosophical lessons back home to their dōjōs and local communities. This emphasis on etiquette highlights the immense cultural depth of Karatedō far beyond its physical techniques, reinforcing its role as a lifelong path for personal development.

Day Six (July 21) – Shinsa (Testing Day)

Returning to the familiar Omagari Budōkan 大曲武道館, there was a palpable mix of ease and anxiety among participants. The smooth, well-equilibrated wooden floor—far more forgiving than the slightly “sticky” surface at the Kamioka facility—allowed everyone to move freely and focus entirely on their final day of testing. This familiar environment set a positive tone, enabling practitioners to fully channel their energy into the culmination of the week’s exhaustive efforts.

The final day traditionally marks the Shinsa 審査 (testing) period. I was officially exempt this year, having successfully earned my Seiwakai Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō 誠和会剛柔流空手道 7th Dan 七段 the previous summer in 2024. At that time, I was unknowingly contending with a torn MCL and a 25 mm cyst on my meniscus—major issues compounding the chronic knee problems I was already managing. Despite the severe pain, I persevered through the intense grading and achieved a positive result. With the benefit of hindsight and a greater awareness of my physical condition now, I believe I could have delivered an even stronger performance. Nevertheless, I remain deeply grateful for both the opportunity and the outcome.

The evening following the grading was celebrated with the annual Seiwakai International Enkai 宴会—a cherished tradition featuring a massive banquet-style meal, drinks, and lively international camaraderie. As in the previous year, entertainment was provided by “Japan’s Number One Magician,” whose unique blend of comedy and sleight of hand once again left the room filled with laughter and amazement.

After the Enkai, while some members returned to pack, others continued on to the Nijikai 二次会 (afterparty) at local karaoke establishments. I participated only briefly, strictly abstaining from alcohol as I had driven to the venue. Safety always takes precedence—especially when navigating dark rural roads on the opposite side of the street—resulting in a sober, peaceful end to the night.

The next morning was devoted to returning the rental car and boarding the Shinkansen 新幹線 from Omagari Station 大曲駅 to Sendai Station 仙台駅, where we planned to reunite with our JKF Gōjūkai 日本空手道連盟剛柔会 family.

JKF Gojukai Seminar & Taikai (Sendai) – July 22–25, 2025

2025 JKF Gojukai Gasshuku in Sendai Japan

Day One (July 22) – The Seminar Begins

Anticipation, anticipation, anticipation. As the butterflies finally begin to settle, we take our designated positions on the massive floor. The front row quickly fills with senior members and those eager to be noticed by the executive committee. I assume my usual place in the front-right corner, a strategic position chosen deliberately: it affords a clear line of sight to observe others, while also allowing me to hear instructions more clearly (I have a minor hearing loss—a lasting souvenir from years working in the entertainment industry, much like the late Paul Coleman).

International members begin collecting pre-ordered items—club memberships, competition bibs, and seminar necessities. A small logistical hiccup arises: my competition number, 690, is missing. Fortunately, Kato Kei 加藤恵 is assisting the foreign delegation with admirable diligence. He assures me that the bib has indeed been printed. Eventually, it turns up—unexpectedly in the possession of our Seiwakai 誠和会 colleagues from Portugal.

Meanwhile, the senior 8th Dan 八段 candidates move with quiet, intense focus, making their final preparations before their monumental testing—a highly visible reminder of the gravity and prestige of this event.

Gojukai Shinsa Applicants preparing for the rigorous 8th Dan grading

Day Two (July 23) – JKF Gojukai Dan Testing

After the grueling morning practice session, approximately one-third of the participants remained for Shinsa 審査 (testing).

It is worth noting—both in keeping with tradition and as a stark reflection of the formidable standards of the JKF Gōjūkai 日本空手道連盟剛柔会—that the statistical pass rates for advanced gradings are exceptionally strict and mathematically brutal:

2025 JKF Gojukai Enkai: Takegawa Tatsuo Sensei, Ramon Veras Sensei and Johnpaul Williams

The evening concluded with the 2025 JKF Gōjūkai Enkai 宴会, held at a venue near Sendai Station. This post-event banquet is both a tradition and a rare privilege, offering attendees the opportunity to mingle directly with senior JKF Gōjūkai staff and the executive board.

At our table, we were extremely fortunate to be seated with Hoto Masumi 保登真澄 Sensei. To my surprise, she not only speaks fluent English but also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, with a familiarity and fondness for the Stanford and Menlo Park communities back home.

Hoto Sensei graciously introduced us to Yamakage Emiko 山蔭恵美子 Sensei, the only female 8th Dan 八段 in the entire JKF Gōjūkai. She is a highly respected technical examiner as well as a World Karate Federation (WKF) and Asian Karate Federation (AKF) referee. Her warmth, leadership, and remarkable presence were deeply inspiring. Shiho Williams Sensei enjoyed a wonderful conversation with her, and we both look forward to the possibility of meeting with Yamakage Sensei and Hoto Sensei again in the near future.

2025 JKF Gojukai Taikai from the stadium upper level seats

Day Three (July 24) – Competition Day 1

The first day of the Taikai competition. While there were not as many competitors as last year in Okinawa (understandable, given that 2024 was the massive 50th Anniversary Taikai), the sheer spirit and enthusiasm in the arena were alive and well.

A special Seiwakai Enkai was arranged for the evening by Fujiwara Seiichi at an Izakaya near the train station. Many attended to celebrate, though Fujiwara Sensei himself was understandably exhausted from the heavy organizational demands of the past two weeks and chose to rest and save his energy for the final day.

JKF Gojukai Mens over 50 Rankings at the 51st Taikai in Sendai Japan 2025

Day Four (July 25) – Competition Day 2

On the final day of the JKF Gojukai competition, I stepped onto the tatami to compete in the highly contested Men’s Over-50 Kata Division. Competing in a crowded group of 29 elite practitioners, I tied for 7th place. However, during the intense tiebreaker rounds, I was mathematically bumped down to 9th, agonizingly missing the final stage of the top eight by a single spot once again (echoing my 2023 results).

Despite not appearing on the final stage, I am undeterred. I will return next year. 2026 will mark exactly 25 years since I placed in the top 8 in Kumite back in 2001. My recovering and recurring knee injury is simply not enough to hold me back. I must set a living example for my club and my students, displaying that no matter your age, there is far more to life than being sidelined by the number of times you have circled the sun. Remaining active, resilient, and focused regardless of age or injury is a lifetime goal.

Regardless of my personal ranking, I felt immense pride as many Seiwakai members from around the world (particularly the Australian delegation) placed in the top eight across several divisions, including my own. Stacey Karetsian from Australia bested us all, taking 1st place and securing the gold over the Japan-based participants.

Additionally, three USA members from the JKF Gojukai group OGKK in Texas placed in the top eight of their respective divisions. They are the first Americans to achieve this feat since 2001. This is a historic and memorable honor that perfectly displays the true passion and tenacity of participants who traveled halfway across the world and refused to return home empty-handed.

Final Reflection

As I’ve said before, and will say again: the world is changing—don’t blink. We will be back on the tatami in Japan in 2026. Until then…

– Johnpaul Williams
Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan (誠和会空手シリコン谷・指導者)
+1-650-394-6669 (Text only for SKSV inquiries)