2025 JKA England Spring Gasshuku
Posted on 28th April 2025
A Record-Breaking Event
The 2025 JKA England Spring Gasshuku was held from 25–27 April at the K2 Centre in Crawley and marked the biggest event in our history. With a record-breaking 700 participants from 21 countries, the atmosphere throughout the weekend was electric and the spirit was outstanding.
We were honoured to welcome HQ instructors Ogura Shihan and Naka Shihan, who arrived in the UK a few days ahead of the main event. As the Gasshuku had sold out months in advance, we were fortunate to arrange additional training sessions during their stay. Ogura Shihan visited two clubs in London, while Naka Shihan taught at dojos in Essex and Buckinghamshire—providing invaluable instruction to members across the association.


Also joining us were Sawada Shihan from Belgium and Ohta Shihan, Chief Instructor of JKA England. The main instructors were assisted by the JKA England Technical Committee: Sensei's Gary Stewart, Adel Ismail, Giuseppe D’Onofrio, and Dave Paulus. With such a strong line-up, participants were treated to world-class karate throughout the weekend.
The event offered more than just training: Kyu and Dan examinations were conducted up to 6th Dan, and attendees also had the opportunity to take the national coaching licence test. In addition, JKA international qualifications were available for Instructor (B, C, D), Judge (B, C, D), and Examiner (C, D). Congratulations to those who were successful—and to those who were not this time, your continued efforts are part of the JKA spirit. JKA England remains committed to maintaining the highest standards.
To mark the occasion, a party was held on Saturday night featuring food, drinks, music, and the chance to spend time together with fellow karateka and our guest instructors. It was a great way to relax and share in the success of the event.
The Gasshuku concluded on Sunday with a very special moment: Ogura Shihan formally presented Ohta Shihan with his 8th Dan diploma, awarded by the JKA Shihankai in February. The presentation was met with warm applause and deep respect from all in attendance.
JKA England thanks everyone who helped make the event such a success and looks forward to welcoming you again soon.





Many congratulations to JKA members who passed their Dan test and International Qualifications at the JKA England Spring International Course.
Dan Grade Passes
Nidan
Viktor Baksai - Budokwai
Emma Causer - Looe SKC
John Dowling - JKA Orpington
Thibaut Drai - Budokwai
Jasmine Hoey - Looe SKC
Leo Moghul - Reading SKC
Shion Nakamura Crilly - Kyoushinkai
Jonathan Poole - Newark SKC
Luis Felipe Rodriguez - Oasis SKC
Shodan
Sandra Easterbrook - JKA Portsmouth
Taylor Hampton - Budokwai
Rebecca Hemsley - Kazokudai Karate
Leo Humberstone - JKA Orpington
Katya Jarvis - Yushikai Karate Academy
Yasemin Makarac - Ipswich SKC
Emily Masters-Clark - Harpenden JKA
Len Mechika - Westminster SKC
Lila Belle Payind Sexton - Westminster SKC
Dylan Pereja - Abergavenny Shotokan Karate
Gina Regan - East London JKA Karate Club
Francisca Rios Durkin - Beckenham SKC
Katsuhisa Takada - Shiranamikai
Maggie Mei Wells - Beckenham SKC
International Qualification Passes
Judge B
John Deans - Scotland
Instructor B
Martyn King - Oxford City SKC
John Deans - Scotland
Examiner C
Bianca Webb - Kazokudai Karate
Bjarke Frellesvig - Oxford University Karate Club
David Burns - Northamptonshire Karate
Edward Broomes - Tilehurst SKC
Jason Ramsay - Budokwai
John Deans - Scotland
Rowland Costin - Saikyou Karate Club
Trevor Byrne - JKA Weston-super-mare
Judge C
Janette Hansen - Norway
Instructor C
Joseph Do - Ethos SKC
Examiner D
Graham Richardson - JKA Orpington
Matthew Spanswick - JKA Orpington
Instructor D
Jasen De Roos - Kyoushinkai
Cyrielle Maroteau - Oxford City SKC
Mimae Parker - HighWave Karate Club
Marek Wozniak - Bournemouth JKA
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