E.S.K.K Okinawa Trip 2024

Our chief instructor, Chris Denwood, along with 7 of our dedicated members, recently travelled to Okinawa (the birthplace of karate). The purpose of their visit was to undertake specialist training at the Kyudokan Honbu Dojo, under the leadership of Higa Minoru 10th Dan Hanshi. 

As well as daily karate training (and some wonderful sightseeing during their rest periods), the group also had the opportunity to practice and hone their bo-jutsu skills with James Pankiewicz Sensei from the Asato Dojo.

Furthermore, Chris was asked to deliver an international seminar in Naha, to a wonderful group of karate practitioners, both living in Okinawa and visiting from abroad. The topic of the seminar was Naihanchi Kata Analysis and Application, which was very well received.

To end what was already a wonderful trip, Chris was honoured to have his Renshi 6th Dan Rank ratified by Kyudokan and awarded by Higa Minoru Hanshi. This was further endorsed by panel examination with senior masters of the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Federation. We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate our chief instructor on what is such a well deserved recognition.

​You can read the associated Facebook Post Here >

​We have been travelling to karate's birthplace for the past 15 years and it was wonderful to make this year's trip to coincide with our 20th Anniversary! We feel very fortunate to belong to such an esteemed dojo on Okinawa and honoured to be able to share such a unique and authentic form of Karate here in West Cumbria!

Our sincere thanks to Kaicho and fellow members at Kyudokan for their kind support and friendship. Also, big thanks to James Pankiewicz Sensei for his valuable bo-jutsu teachings and the kind invitation for Chris to teach again at his wonderful dojo.

Finally, a huge well done to our students who accompanied Sensei, supported our event and trained their hearts out to show the quality and dedication we have for Okinawan Karate here in our humble dojo.

Until the next time...we can't wait!