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ISKA Black Belt College - Sunday, May 16th from 12-2pm, PT

5/10/2021

We will be hosting a virtual Black Belt College on Sunday, May 16th from 12:00pm-2:00pm, Pacific Time, via Zoom, featuring Sensei Robert Stevenson and Sensei Armando Jemmott. Training will be geared towards brown belts and above, but others are welcome to join the virtual session.

This virtual training is being offered free, but donations are being accepted if you feel so inclined. Please click here to donate.

How to access the ISKA Black Belt College Session on May 16th:
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88566458370?pwd=a2hFcDVvNXd0QWNuYUJzUk5VbWZhQT09
Meeting ID: 885 6645 8370 | Password: 732390

Learn More About the ISKA Black Belt College

ISKA Spring Virtual Gasshuku - Saturday, March 20th, 2021

3/5/2021

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Unfortunately, Sensei Bernardy had to have emergency surgery yesterday, and while non-life threatening, this surgery has rendered him unable to join us this weekend.
We wish him a speedy and full recovery and look forward to hosting him for a future seminar.

We have amended the Gasshuku schedule to the following:

Session 1 - Sensei Rick Llewelyn
10:00am-11:15am, PT (1:00pm-2:15pm ET)
15 minute break
Session 2 - Sensei Steve Borkowsky
11:30am-12:45pm, PT (2:30pm-3:45pm ET)
15 minute break
Session 3 - Sensei Rick Hotton
1:00pm-2:45pm, PT (4:00pm-5:45pm ET)

Wrap Up & Q&A
2:45pm-3pm, PT (5:45pm-6pm ET)

Please contact us at info@santenkarate.com if you have any questions.

With Covid lockdowns persisting this spring throughout the world, we are again organizing a unique virtual training event with four wonderful instructors. We are extremely honored to have special guest instructors Sensei Pedro Bernardy, Sensei Rick Hotton, and Sensei Steve Borkowsky join us for this special event. In addition, ISKA President, Sensei Rick Llewelyn will also present for the ISKA Spring Virtual Gasshuku.

Offered at a very reasonable cost ($40 per participant) to train with four top-level instructors, we invite you to join us by clicking the button below to learn more and to register.

Click Here to Learn More

Annual Kata Review Sessions - Via Zoom - Jan. 23rd & 30th

1/12/2021

ISKA is once again organizing an Annual Kata Review, split into two sessions - one for "Tier 1" kata and one for "Tier 2" kata. Both sessions will be virtual and are open to all Karate practitioners, but kata will be mostly Shotokan based. There is no cost to join but donations are gladly accepted to support contributing instructors.

Please join us as we review and celebrate each kata and the unique techniques, body dynamic, theoretical applications therein, as well as the capacity of kata to serve as a tool for self-discovery and meditation.

Instructors will include:
Hanshi Ricardo Llewelyn (Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy)
Sensei Steve Borkowsky (Greenpoint Shotokan- Brooklyn, NY)
Sensei John Leggett (Sacramento Traditional Karate)
Kyoshi Peter Johnson (Dojo USA - San Bruno)
and Special Guest Instructors for each session.

Special Guest Instructor
Sensei Mina Yamazaki
Ryobukai USA

Special Guest Instructor
Sensei Rick Hotton
Sunday Morning Keiko

Please email us with any questions at info@santenkarate.com.

Welcome to 2021

1/4/2021

HNY21

The ISKA wishes you a Happy New Year
2020 is in the Rear View, Smoother Ride in 2021!

We are glad that 2020 is in the rear view mirror and excited to have a positive outlook for a smoother ride in 2021. Even though Covid-19 created a lot of unexpected twists and turns in 2020, we learned and successfully launched new virtual events. In 2020 it became obvious that as a Karate organization, you Zoom or Doom. The ISKA Zoomed!

The ISKA’s track record of delivering excellent seminars and events allowed us to pivot those events to a virtual format without skipping a beat. ISKA 2020 sponsored events for members and friends included:

Virtual Black Belt College
Virtual Gasshuku
Virtual Masters Seminar
Virtual Kata Tournament (Battle of the Dojos between Shotokan Karate Academy Escalon, CA and Lehi, UT)
Special Virtual training in Spanish for ISKA Latin American members

We would like to thank all of the Sensei who participated in delivering these virtual events and we are equally thankful for the participants from all over the globe who joined.

Our outlook for a smoother 2021 includes:

Commitment to return to live in person events when it is safe to do so
Due to the success of our virtual events, we will include them on our 2021 calendar and beyond
Ongoing addition of ISKA resources available to our members
Growing the ISKA membership globally

To our members, we thank you for your belief and support of the ISKA during this past crazy year!
To past and future members, let’s discuss how the ISKA can assist you in your Karate development in 2021 and beyond. We look forward to your participation in ISKA events in 2021 and the future.
Please visit the ISKA website or Facebook Page to follow our planned activities or contact us at info@santenkarate.com with inquiries and questions.

ISKA Black Belt College - Sat. Dec. 5th - via Zoom

11/20/2020

ISKA Black Belt College
to be held via Zoom
Saturday, Dec. 5th, 2020 12:00-2:00pm, Pacific Time
Open to All Black Belts and Brown Belts
Free to Join • No Registration Necessary

1205BBC

Featuring ISKA Sensei
Peter Johnson, Dojo USA
and
John Leggett, Sacramento Traditional Karate
Topics to include:
Oji Waza (Response or Counter Attack Techniques)
Kihon, Kata, and Motivation
and
Moderated Discussion on Navigating Teaching in the Virtual World:
"Virtual Training with Real Results: Without Intention, there is no Attention"

Click here to learn more info and How to Join

34th Annual ISKA Master's Seminar - Sat. Nov. 7th

9/27/2020

34th Annual
ISKA Master's Seminar
featuring Sensei Avi Rokah
Saturday, November 7th, 2020
10am-3pm, Pacific Time
via Zoom

Join us in memory of Master Hidetaka Nishiyama and Hanshi Vincent Cruz
as we host Sensei Avi Rokah for the 34th Annual ISKA Master's Seminar.

Cost:
$40 per participant
Zoom Meeting ID and password will be emailed to registered participants
1-2 days prior to the event.

Anticipated Seminar Schedule:
10:00am-3:00pm, Pacific Time
to include Q&A + break

Click here to find your time zone

About the ISKA Master's Seminar

Normally, this would be a 2 day in-person seminar, but on account of the pandemic,
we are adapting by offering a one day virtual seminar to honor the memory of
Sensei Nishiyama and Sensei Cruz. Please join us.

Polish your kata, sharpen your body dynamics to increase your power.
Explore fundamental principles of Traditional Karate.

You can't afford to miss this opportunity to train with one of
the World's leading experts in karate!

The 34th Annual ISKA Master's Seminar is being held in memory of the late
Grand Master Hidetaka Nishiyama as we celebrate his life and teachings.

It takes a lifetime to learn Karate...... There is no limit!
Many traditionalists from all parts of the world will be attending.
For the serious Martial Artist!

The Tradition lives on!

ISKA Virtual Gasshuku on Sat. Sept. 12th

8/18/2020

The Covid-19 lockdowns have provided us all a challenge as we cope with altered routines, staying safe and healthy, and trying to remain optimistic despite the circumstances. We were disappointed to have to cancel our annual Summer Camp amongst the redwoods in La Honda, especially after 31 straight years of holding an annual ISKA Camp, but the safety of all of students and Instructors is paramount.

We feel that this year's circumstances, while not what we are used to, provides a very unique opportunity to bring together a group of instructors not limited by geography or the expense of travel. We are extremely honored to have special guest instructors Sensei Rick Hotton, Sensei Mina Yamazaki, and Sensei Steve Borkowsky join us for this special event. In addition, ISKA President, Sensei Rick Llewelyn will also present during this not-to-be-forgotten Virtual Gasshuku.

Registration is limited. Book early to guarantee your spot. See important details below.

History of Karate in Panamá : Slideshow

7/20/2020

A video was recently shared on YouTube about some of the major figures in the development of karate in Panamá and we wanted to share it with the greater ISKA community. After being in the Strategic Air Command in the mid-to-late 1950's, Master Cruz was then transferred to the Canal Zone in Panamá, where he spent a few years and taught hundreds of students. There has been a long lineage of great karateka from Panamá. This is not a complete list, but mentions many of the most famous players in the last 50 years.

2020 ISKA Summer Camp Cancelled

7/3/2020

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Friday, July 3rd, 2020
The 2020 ISKA Summer Camp is being cancelled due to the continuing Covid-19 outbreak.
We wish for all ISKA members and the greater karate community to remain safe and healthy throughout this time. Due to the close quarters of the lodging and meal facilities at the camp location, we are unable to safely host the event this year. We are hoping for a great return in the summer of 2021. Please save the dates now: August 6-8th, 2021.

We are in the process of planning a virtual seminar with a few instructors, to be held sometime in August. Please stay tuned for further announcements. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@santenkarate.com.

Best,
The ISKA Leadership Team

Covid-19

Virtual Black Belt College - Sunday, June 14th, 12-2pm, PT

5/28/2020

Jun142020BBC

For Black Belts and Brown Belts Only • Free to Join
Please Reserve your spot via the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/258967531881108/
Limited to 100 Participants - be sure to join early

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85474235731?pwd=bFVmZjFBZWtlVzhKVHNuUFozQTlCQT09

Meeting ID: 854 7423 5731 Password: 942832

For any questions, please contact us at info@santenkarate.com.

Tips for Productive Virtual Training:

Recommendations for setting up your space for virtual training
Download the Zoom software ahead of time (Laptop Recommended)
Some Etiquette for Virtual Training:
- Please join on time. (5-10 minutes early) We will plan to begin on time: 12pm, PACIFIC TIME
- Please no electronics use during the training - Please pay attention as you would if training we were in person in the dojo.
- Please save questions for when Instructors open up the session for questions. All participants will be muted upon entry and throughout training except for opportunities provided by the Instructors for Q&A.
- Please configure your camera so your entire body can be seen, with good lighting if possible, so coaching can be offered from the Instructors. We encourage everyone to join with camera on so we can train together and improve.
A recording of the training will be made available on the ISKA YouTube channel after training. Be sure to subscribe for updates.

Virtual Classes Online with Sensei Rick Llewelyn

5/4/2020

On account of many dojos being shut down due to shelter-in-place orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many have turned to teaching and learning through virtual platforms. This has proved to be a great way to stay in touch with others and commit to valuable training time so that we may keep our skills sharp.

Sensei Llewelyn is teaching virtual karate classes using Zoom. Please see the schedule below and register if you would like to join. Please email us for more information.

Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday - 6:30pm-7:30pm, PST
Saturday - 10:00-11:30am, PST

ISKA members and members of other dojos that practice traditional Shotokan karate are invited to join. Fees are $10 per class or if you want to join all sessions for the remainder of the month, the cost is $95. Payment can be made through Venmo or through the link below and a link to join the Zoom session will be emailed to you. These classes are best suited for ages 9+.

At this point, we intend to continue training virtually in California through at least May 31st. We will continue to send out regular updates regarding reopening of the dojo and cessation of virtual classes.

Register for Virtual Classes Here

Cancelled: The 23rd Annual ISKA Winter Seminar on March 14th

2/17/2020

Update: Monday, March 9th, 2020
Due to Covid-19 outbreak, we are cancelling
The 23rd ISKA Winter Seminar on March 14th

Dear ISKA Family,

In light of recent developments related to the Covid-19 outbreak and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the 23rd ISKA Winter Seminar, scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2020 in San Bruno, CA. We feel that the benefits of canceling this event at this time far outweigh the potential risks and we are heeding the advice of local and national health agencies. The health and safety of our instructors and students is paramount in our minds.

This was a difficult decision, since the genesis of this event was an annual seminar conducted by Hanshi Vincent Cruz at the Shotokan Karate Academy, Benicia, 23 years ago, and we have continued holding this annual event to keep his legacy alive.

We apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause and look forward to you attending future ISKA events. We will continue to monitor this fluid situation and will communicate regarding potential impacts to other future planned events. Please visit our website at www.santenkarate.com for regular updates.

We will issue full refunds to anyone who has already registered for the ISKA Winter Seminar online. We will send an email in the next couple of days to confirm that your refund has been issued. Please direct any questions to info@santenkarate.com.

Thank you,

Hanshi Rick Llewelyn and Hanshi Robert Stevenson

The 23rd Annual ISKA Winter Seminar
Saturday, March 14th, 2019 at Dojo USA, San Bruno, CA

INSTRUCTORS
The 23rd Annual ISKA Winter Seminar will be taught by Hanshi Rick Llewelyn, Hanshi Robert Stevenson, and Special Guest Instructor Kyoshi Steve McCann, 7th Dan.

EXPLORE ADVANCED KARATE CONCEPTS

Explore concepts to help you improve your concentration of power and body dynamics based on basic principles.
Improve your underlying principles of karate, focusing on the correlation between mind, body and spirit.
Improve your Kata and Kumite through bunkai and principles of application.

If you are looking to improve your overall karate practice, this seminar is not to miss.

Click here to learn more about the 23rd Annual ISKA Winter Seminar

2020 ISKA Black Belt College Series Announcement

2/3/2020

We are announcing the dates of the 2020 ISKA Black Belt College Series below. Please plan ahead to attend these quarterly sessions. The theme of each session will vary, but will be geared towards advanced black belt concepts. Brown belts are permitted, with Sensei approval, on a case by case basis.

The cost for each session is $20 for ISKA Members (must have a current valid ISKA Annual or Lifetime membership) or $40 for Non-Members. Click here to become a member.
Each Session is 3 hours (generally 12-3pm).
Each Session will be in a different location.
Please arrive early to allow time to get dressed and register.

First Session of 2020:

2020 ISKA Black Belt Schedule:

Sunday, February 9, 2020, 12-3pm @ Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy. Hanshi Rick Llewelyn hosting.
Sunday, April 5, 2020, 12-3pm @ Sacramento Traditional Karate. Sensei John Leggett hosting.
Sunday, June 14, 2020, 12-3pm @ Dojo USA in San Bruno, CA. Kyoshi Peter Johnson hosting.
Tentative - Sunday, Nov. 8th in the Central Valley - TBD

Learn More About the ISKA Black Belt College

Nov. 17th Black Belt College

11/18/2019

The last session of 2019 of the ISKA Black Belt has concluded, which was graciously hosted by Hanshi Robert Stevenson in Fresno on Sunday, Nov. 17th. Thank you to all who participated. See you next year!
Instructors: Hanshi Robert Stevenson, Hanshi Rick Llewelyn, Sensei Cephra Raja

111719BBCGroup

Click below to see more pictures from the training.

Last Black Belt College Session of 2019 on Nov. 17th in Fresno

11/15/2019

The last Black Belt College Session of 2019 is coming up on Sunday, Nov. 17th from 12-3pm in Fresno, hosted by Hanshi Robert Stevenson.

$20 for ISKA Members, $40 for Non-members (renewed annually).

Location:
Cecil C Hinton Community Center, 2385 S. Fairview Ave., Fresno, CA 93706 (click for directions)

For the serious Black Belt student and Instructors (Brown Belts with Instructor approval). Students should have a working understanding of most advanced Shotokan kata and come prepared for light kumite.

We focus on advanced concepts in body dynamics, bunkai, kumite, mobility and flexibility, conditioning, and kata dissection/history in different ways in each session.

Register for the ISKA Black Belt College

Contact Hanshi Rick Llewelyn for more information:
Phone: (510) 599-0581 Email: info@santenkarate.com