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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