Blog Posts

Sensei Llewelyn to be Guest Instructor at the 1st Inaugural California Spring Keiko with Sensei Rick Hotton - April 12-14th

3/20/2019

Sensei Rick Llewelyn has been invited to be a Guest Instructor at the 1st Inaugural Spring Keiko with Sensei Rick Hotton on April 12-14th, 2019 at Tony Hunt's Seishin Shotokan in Auburn , CA.

click on the image for more info

Cost
$125 for Sunday Morning Keiko Members
$150 for Non-SMK Members

For more information and to register, please visit the Sunday Morning Keiko website:
www.sundaymorningkeiko.org/2019-california-spring-keiko

Accommodations
There are a few hotels in Auburn. We recommend the Best Western Golden Key, located about 10 minutes from the dojo.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@santenkarate.com or contact SMK directly.

22nd ISKA Winter Seminar - Sat., March 9th in San Bruno

2/6/2019

SAVE-THE-DATE FOR THE 22ND ISKA WINTER SEMINAR:
Click the image for details.

First Black Belt College of 2019 coming up Feb. 10th in MTZ

2/6/2019

The first Black Belt College of 2019 coming up on Sunday, February 10th in Martinez, CA from 1-4pm.

Learn more.....

New Year's Advanced Kata Review in Sacramento

1/13/2019

AdvKataRevSac

Hanshi Llewelyn would like to thank Sensei John Leggett, of Sacramento Traditional Shotokan Karate, for hosting the ISKA Advanced Kata Review on Saturday, January 12th, in Sacramento and thank you to all the black belts who led specific kata reviews.

Kata is the bedrock of solid karate practice and it is important that we cultivate breadth and depth when it comes to kata. More than a dance, kata are simulated fight scenarios that teach body dynamic, balance, timing, and correct spirit, amongst other things.

It is refreshing to review them in their entirety and to be reminded that there is always much more to learn. The journey never ends... onward we go.

Learn more about our upcoming events...

Upcoming Events in the New Year

1/6/2019

HNY19

Welcome to 2019!
We hope everyone had a great holiday season. We have many events planned for this year we and we look forward to doing more outreach in the Martial Arts community as well. We hope you will plan to join us.

2018 by the Numbers

We hosted 6 Black Belt College Sessions with on average 20 people attending each session.
Hanshi Stevenson & Hanshi Llewelyn taught roughly 15 seminars or training sessions equalling roughly 75 hours of instruction each - in addition to their regular teaching duties.
We had 4 Competition Team Trainings and attended 3 major local tournaments and mentored about 20 students on an ongoing basis in kata and kumite competition strategies.
We had 185 registered members and 14 registered dojos and many others with students who registered independently to attend our events.
There were 14 ISKA-sanctioned Dan rank promotions -6 shodan, 3 nidan, 5 sandan and many kyu rank promotions.
We invited 2 outside instructors to join us at a couple of our events this year - Coach/Sensei Tony DeSousa (May Thai, MMA, Karate, & Tae Kwon Do) to our June Black Belt College session and Sensei Rick Hotton (Karate & Aikido) to our 30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp (held at a new location this year).
Our YouTube Channel received 13, 200 views with over 28,000 minutes of viewing time in 2018.

Here's to hoping that 2019 is even better than 2018!
We have a similar schedule to last year's lineup of events, with one minor change: This year's Black Belt College series has been revised to a quarterly schedule - a slight departure from the bimonthly schedule that we held for the past 2 years.

We do also intend to hold some additional training sessions addressing Bunkai Training, but not explicitly a part of the Black Belt College sessions. Stay tuned for details on this.

Our 2019 tentative event schedule is linked below.
We look forward to training with you all in the year ahead!

2019 ISKA Event Schedule

Special Black Belt Training at Fremont Shotokan - Sun. Nov. 18th

11/15/2018

181118BBTC

Fremont Shotokan Semi-Annual Black Belt Special Training
Sunday, November 18th, 2018, from 9am-11:45am
hosted by Sensei Bernardo Mercado
This training session will feature the following instructors, in 30 minute segments each:
• Sensei Fred Borda – Silicon Valley Shotokan Karate, Palo Alto
• Sensei Steve Curley – Shorin Ryu Shorin Kan, Santa Rosa
• Sensei Joji Mercado – AMAS (Academy of Martial Arts Shotokan) South San Francisco
• Sensei Michael O’Connor – KUGB (Karate Union of Great Brittan) Chester, England
at Fremont Shotokan Karate, 37428 Centralmont Place, Ste. B, Fremont, CA 94536
Cost is $20 for BBTC Members, or $25 for Non-Members.
Download the flyer and registration form
Please contact Sensei Bernardo Mercado for more information, lbmercado@cpspower.com.
Learn more about Fremont Shotokan Karate.

Registration Now Open for the 2018 ISKA Master's Seminar with Sensei Avi Rokah, 7th Dan - Oct. 20th & 21st in San Bruno, CA

9/30/2018

Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual ISKA Master's Seminar, featuring Sensei Avi Rokah, 7th Dan. This seminar is being held in San Bruno, CA on Saturday, Oct. 20th & Sunday, Oct. 21st, 2018.
Join us in memory of Master Nishiyama and Hanshi Vincent Cruz as we host Sensei Avi Rokah for the 32nd Annual ISKA Master's Seminar.

Seminar Schedule
Saturday, Oct. 20th
General Session - 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM (All Levels)
Advanced Session - 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Black Belts Only, Topic: Kumite)

Sunday, Oct. 21st
General Session - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (All Levels)
Advanced Session - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Black Belts Only, Topic: Kata)

Please note: No Youth Only session this year. Sensei, please use your discretion for permitting mature youth students to join the general session. Recommended minimum age 10+.

Download the Seminar Flyer

AviRokah

Seminar Cost & Registration

Saturday, Oct. 20th
General Session - $70
Advanced Session - $40
Both Sessions $90 (same day)

Sunday, Oct. 21st
General Session - $70
Advanced Session - $40
Both Sessions $90 (same day)

or attend all 4 sessions for $125 (save $55)
both General Sessions only: $100 (save $40)
both Advanced Sessions only: $70 (save $10)

Register Now for the 2018 ISKA Master's Seminar

Participants must also fill out a Waiver of Liability Form: Click here to download
Please bring with you to the seminar.

Please see the ISKA Master's Seminar Info Page for recommended lodging and other information about this annual event. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@santenkarate.com or call Hanshi Rick Llewelyn at (510) 599-0581.

Farewell to Summer Beach Training on Sept. 23rd

9/12/2018

Join us as we say goodbye to summer with a refreshing beach karate workout on Sunday, Sept. 23rd, 2018 from ~9am-1pm at Stinson Beach in Marin County. Following the training, we will have a fun potluck - so please bring something to share! We welcome other karate groups to join us. Training is free. We usually do a brief warmup, kihon drills, kata, and some special water exercises.

Park opens at 9am, arrive a little early for a good parking spot. Training to begin at 9:15am. Lunch around noon. We recommend to bring a change of clothes and a couple of towels and trash bags for after training. Please let us know you are coming by RSVPing to info@santenkarate.com. Thank you in advance. Join the Facebook Event or Download the event flyer.

2018 ISKA Summer Camp Recap

9/1/2018

The 30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp is now behind us. This was the first year in a new location in La Honda, CA and this year's camp featured Sunday Morning Keiko Founder, Sensei Rick Hotton as well as other San Ten Sensei.

2018SumCamp

Students attended the camp from various states (New York, Colorado, Florida, Utah, and Arizona) and all over California. There was a little bit for everyone and Sensei Hotton's teachings shed some insight into a different approach to karate. He is a very charismatic and approachable instructor, very much an artist and philosopher, and if you haven't had a chance yet to train with him in person, we would highly recommend it.

A word of thanks and reflection on this year's camp from Hanshi Rick Llewelyn:

I would like to thank everyone who attended the 2018 30th ISKA Summer Camp this past weekend, especially Laura Lorenz and Robert Stevenson, who collaborate with me to keep the ISKA alive and vibrant. A special thank you to the amazing Sensei Rick Hotton who as our special guest instructor helped to make the 30th ISKA Summer Camp a smashing success. I would like to thank the members of Sunday Morning Keiko and other Dojos who participated in this event. I would like to send a HUGE thank you to the presenting instructors who made this a successful event especially Hanshi Robert Stevenson, Hanshi Justin Butler, Kyoshi Peter Johnson, Sensei Steve Borkowsky, Sensei Dianne Laverne, Sensei David Laverne and Sensei John Leggett. Thank you Sensei Cindy Hellman-Wyllie, Sensei Elizabeth Iparraguirre for your assistance with some of the logistics of the camp and Laura Lorenz for her arduous, meticulous efforts ensuring that every detail was considered in the plans for the camp. This event for me was a rekindling of old friendships, especially with the presence of Kyoshi Dennis Debranche from NY who I have not seen in a couple decades. It was also the start of what I anticipate will be lifelong friendships with Sensei Hotton, Sensei Calderon, Shihan David Gould and many others who I met personally for the first time. Everyone who attended brought something special to our 30th Camp. The energy was high, appetite for learning and sharing was palpable and overall it was an extremely positive experience. Gracias a Sensei Delgado y Frank Ramirez por tu participación. Thank you Sensei Imamura for representing the Fremont Shotokan Karate Dojo.

Sensei Hotton words of wisdom …”Everything is Everything” Dicho en español … “Todo es Todo” y eso es la pura verdad

Videos

Here are some video snippets of some of the training sessions at camp:
We plan to post more on our Youtube channel in a few weeks, stay tuned.

Sensei Rick Hotton - Using momentum of the whole body to generate forward power.

Sensei Rick Hotton - Proper alignment of the wrist and striking surface of the hand, energy transfer through the torso, utilizing the lat muscles.

Sensei Rick Hotton - Fluidity of block (nagashi) and counterpunch movement, building pressure off the floor

Sensei Rick Hotton - Double hand grab from seated position - teaching elbow connection to body, movement created with lower body

Summer Camp Pictures

Next year's ISKA Summer Camp is tentatively scheduled for the second weekend in August, 2019. Stay tuned throughout the year for updates. We will also discuss where we would like to hold next year's camp. If you attended this year's camp and have not yet given us feedback on the experience, we welcome you to do so. Send us an email to info@santenkarate.com.

Check out our upcoming events and local karate events to join us for more training! Osu.

30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp This Weekend!

8/10/2018

We are excited to host Sensei Rick Hotton this weekend, August 10-12th for the 30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp. Registration begins at 3pm on Friday at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch in La Honda, CA.
This year's camp is in a different location from past years. We still have a couple of spots open for last minute attendees, including a couple of Saturday-only spots. If you are interested, please email us at info@santenkarate.com.

For more information about this year's camp, please click here.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday afternoon!

LAST CHANCE TO PRE-REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP

8/1/2018

The deadline to pre-register for the ISKA Summer Camp has been extended by a few hours - Please email us by noon on Thursday, August 2nd, to pre-register for camp. Email us at info@santenkarate.com or if you have a Gmail address you can easily fill out this pre-registration form in 2 minutes.

We are very much looking forward to the gathering of students and instructors, and friends - old and new- next week. We have an exciting lineup of instructors and topics and we look forward to hosting our special guest instructor, Sensei Rick Hotton.

A lot of people have been asking about the specifics of the camp schedule. We are not posting the schedule on the website as it often adjust slightly during camp, but we do have some important details that we can share as well as outline of the schedule:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10TH
• Camp opens at 3pm on Friday. Come complete your registration, fill out the necessary waiver forms, complete payment, and move into bunkhouses, and get familiar with the camp.
• First session from 4:00pm-5:00pm
• Second session to follow from 5:00pm-6:00pm
DINNER from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Please plan your lunch and snacks accordingly.
• Light workout or stretching workshop after dinner, 7:30pm-8:00pm TBD
• Campfire and Get-To-Know-You from 8:00pm-9:00pm, free time after.
Lights out by 10pm so everyone can get a good night's rest for Saturday's training.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11TH
• Spirited Sunrise Workout from 6am-6:45am.
BREAKFAST from 7:00am-8:00am.
• First session will begin at 8:30am-10:00am
• Second session will be from 10:30am-Noon
LUNCH from 12:00PM-1:00PM
• Third session from 1:30pm-3pm
• Fourth session from 3:30pm-5:00pm
• Fifth session from 5:15pm-6:00pm
DINNER from 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Campfire and Ask Sensei Q&A Session from 8:00pm -9:00pm
• Free time after 9:00pm - Lights out by 10pm. ISKA Leadership will have a meeting during this time

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12TH
• Spirited Sunrise Workout from 6am-6:45am.
BREAKFAST from 7:00am-8:00am
• First session will be from 8:30am-9:30am
• Second session will be from 9:30am-10:30am
• Review and Q&A sessions with everyone from 10:30am-11:30am
• Closing Ceremony from 11:30am-12:00pm
LUNCH PICKUP AND CAMP CLEANUP from 12:00pm - 1pm
• We must clear the camp by 1pm.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@santenkarate.com or
call Hanshi Rick Llewelyn at 510) 599-0581.

Summer Camp just ONE MONTH away

7/9/2018

The 30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp is now just a month away!
Friday, Aug. 10th -Sunday, Aug. 12th, 2018!

We will need a headcount no later than Aug. 1st.
PLEASE fill out the online pre-registration form to reserve your spot.
(If you do not fill this out by Aug. 1st, we cannot guarantee your spot at camp)

Please fill out by August 1st:

Fill Out the Online Pre-Registration Form

Optional:

Click here to Pay Online For the ISKA Summer Camp

Email us for more information at info@santenkarate.com
or call Hanshi Rick Llewelyn at (510) 599-0581.

Learn More about the ISKA Summer Camp

Upcoming Summer Events

5/18/2018

Here are a few upcoming events for summer, including our biggest event of the year, the ISKA Summer Camp. We are excited to be hosting special guest instructor, Sensei Rick Hotton, Founder of Sunday Morning Keiko, and inspirational karate teacher. We look forward to a great summer of excellent and enriching training and fellowship! If you have any questions, please email us at info@santenkarate.com.

May 19th-20th

ISKA Spring Seminar
featuring Hanshi Justin Butler
Focusing on Jujutsu Applications
Hosted by Shoto Dojo, Santa Clara, CA

Seminar Schedule & Cost
Saturday Sessions:
Youth Session (10-11:30am) $35
General Session (12:30-4pm) $70
Advanced Session (4:30-5:30pm) $35
Sunday Session:
General Session (9am-1pm) $60
Please note that the Sunday session is in a different location from Saturday.

SpringSem

Download the flyer

June 3rd

Welcome to Summer Beach Training
Hosted by ISKA & Hanshi Rick Llewelyn
Join us for karate training on the beach! Training begins at 9am.
Please bring food for the potluck to follow training.
Click here for the potluck sign up sheet.

View the Facebook Event

June 9th

Black Belt College
Hosted by Sensei James Carter
Saturday, June 9th, 2018, 1-4pm
14910 Camden Ave., San Jose, CA
Cost: $20 for current ISKA Members, $40 for non-members or join ISKA for $35, renewed annually.
Click here for more information...

View the Facebook Event

Aug 10th-12th

ISKA Summer Camp
Featuring special guest instructor, Sensei Rick Hotton
Friday, Aug. 10th- Sunday, Aug. 12th, 2018
at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch, La Honda, CA
Learn more about the 30th Annual ISKA Summer Camp...

View the Facebook Event

Find more information about upcoming ISKA Events here and
about upcoming Bay Area Karate Events here.

If you have any events to add to our list, please email us at info@santenkarate.com.

2018 ISKA Summer Camp Updates

5/13/2018

We have some very exciting news to share about the 2018 ISKA Summer Camp. For the past 29 years we have held the camp at the Jack Boyd Outdoor School in Fish Camp. At the end of March, we received a notice of cancelation of our reservation for the Fish Camp location due to some major repairs being undertaken at the Outdoor School over this summer, namely replacement of the septic tank.

Several of the ISKA Black Belts jumped into action to help identify and secure an alternate location for the 2018 camp. I would like to personally thank Kyoshi Peter Johnson for the recommendation and Master Sensei Carter for physically visiting the location and videoing the site for us to view.

The ISKA 2018 Summer Camp will be held at the YMCA Camp Jones Gulch, 11000 Pescadero Road,
La Honda, CA, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, on the previously announced dates for the Camp,
August 10-12, 2018.

The YMCA Camp has 4 Villages and the ISKA Summer Camp will be held at the Wasiata Village at the YMCA Camp. The logistics of the YMCA camp are similar to the ones at the Fish Camp with bunkhouse accommodations. One major advantage is that the YMCA Camp is located an hour from the San Francisco or San Jose airports, for easy access via Super Shuttle, other airport shuttles or Uber, which is a plus for participants traveling from International and National locations. We will also have a dedicated training hall, the Perkins Lodge, separate from the dining hall. There are many other positive amenities of this location. Click here to visit the Facebook Page for the Camp Jones Gulch.

Another exciting development for the 2018 ISKA Summer Camp is that we will have Sensei Rick Hotton, Founder of Sunday Morning Keiko, join us as a guest instructor. Sensei Hotton’s philosophy on good Karate is consistent with the ISKA Senseis teachings based on basic principles, biomechanics and physics of total body action to generate maximum power. Here are a couple YouTube videos with some of Sensei Hotton’s presentations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqm6kcoKat4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TQCya5RCok

RickHotton

This year there will be a campfire, since the YMCA camp has no fire restrictions! Please mark your calendar for this exciting event and be on the alert for more upcoming information.
Osu!
Hanshi Ricardo Llewelyn
ISKA President

More details about cost, registration options, directions, recommended items to bring,
and training schedule COMING SOON!

Learn More about the ISKA Summer Camp

Reminder: ISKA Black Belt College- Sunday, Apr. 8th, 1-4pm

4/7/2018

Just a reminder that the second session of the ISKA Black Belt College is tomorrow, Sunday, Apr. 8th from 1-4pm at Sensei John Leggett's dojo, Sacramento Traditional Karate, in Gold River, CA, near Sacramento.

Getting to the dojo:
STSK classes are held at the Gold River Racquet Club, located at 2201 Gold Rush Drive, Gold River, CA 95670

Cost:
$20 for ISKA Members (with current ISKA membership)
$40 for Non-Members.
Register ahead of time online or pay in person at the session.

For more information, call Hanshi Rick Llewelyn at (510) 599-0581 or email us at info@santenkarate.com.