Goju-Ryu Kenwakai 2026 Seminar with Hanshi Akio Takahashi
Last month, our Goju‑Ryu Kenwakai group completed our 2026 training — a remarkable nine‑day immersion in Japan under the guidance of Takahashi Hanshi. This year’s trip was the most intensive schedule I have ever experienced: eight hours of training each day, with two special days extending to twelve hours of practice. Even with the long hours, the time passed quickly. The extended training days revealed their value immediately, sharpening our technique, conditioning, and focus in ways that shorter sessions simply cannot match.
Training inside Hanshi’s dojos was an honor in itself. His students are disciplined, humble, and technically excellent — a true reflection of the Kenwakai spirit. Throughout the nine days, we worked deeply on Kihon, Kihon‑Ido, Kumi‑waza, and Kumite, reinforcing the fundamentals that define Goju‑Ryu Kenwakai method.
Beyond the physical training, we were reminded once again of Takahashi Hanshi’s kindness, generosity, and sincere care for every student who walks through his doors. After many years in karate, I can say without hesitation that this was the most meaningful and enriching training experience I have ever had.
Our timing in Japan could not have been more perfect. We arrived during the cherry blossom season, when the entire country feels alive with color and tradition. It added a sense of beauty and renewal to each day of training.
I was proud to have two of my students with me on this journey. At the conclusion of the seminar:
- Brittany Beechinor earned her Sho‑Dan
- David Diaz earned his San‑Dan
Both were promoted directly by Takahashi Hanshi, a testament to their dedication and the hard work they put into every hour of training.
As we look ahead, I am already excited for our 2027 training — another opportunity to reunite with our Kenwakai family, continue our growth, and carry the teachings of Hanshi back to our dojo and our students.
Goju-Ryu Kenwakai 2025 Seminar with Hanshi Akio Takahashi
At the end of April 2025, we successfully completed another Goju-Ryu Kenwakai Karate seminar — five intense days of seven-hour training sessions. This seminar was particularly special to me, as it took place in my hometown, Visalia, California. Together with Shihan Des Tuck and Shihan Cyntia Martinez, I had the honor of co-planning and organizing this event. It marked a significant milestone — the first-ever Kenwakai seminar held in the United States, and also the first time in many years that Hanshi Akio Takahashi returned to the U.S. to lead such a seminar.
For some of my younger students, it was their first time experiencing traditional Goju-Ryu training at this level. I’m incredibly proud of every single participant — from the UK, France, Mexico, and the United States. The training was physically demanding, as it should be. Many of us wrapped the soles of our feet to ease the pain from cracked skin. One day, I used my Apple Watch to track our karate training session. Over the course of 7 hours, we covered a total of 7.4 miles moving back and forth, and I burned 725 active calories during that time.
What we gained was priceless: a deeper understanding of how to train our bodies properly — with care, discipline, and longevity in mind. We emphasized stretching, foundational movement, and correct execution of the basics. In Karate, the fundamentals are everything. Without strong basics, there can be no proper Kihon Ido, Kata, or Kumite. Kenwakai, the style of Goju-Ryu developed by Hanshi Takahashi, is tailored for practical self-defense while placing great importance on preserving the body for long-term training. It’s a thoughtful, structured system that balances intensity with sustainability.
One of the things I love most about Kenwakai is its global family. Practitioners from all over the world come together through shared values — character, dedication, and a strong work ethic. If you give 100%, show progress, and demonstrate heart, most likely you are welcomed by Hanshi Takahashi as part of this close-knit community.
I was fortunate to be graded during this seminar and can now proudly say: I belong to Kenwakai.
But the experience didn’t end there. I received a gift I will treasure for the rest of my life — Hanshi Takahashi’s own black belt. It’s hard to put into words how much this meant to me. I felt like a child again, overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. To be seen by Hanshi as worthy of this honor is deeply humbling. Now, I carry the responsibility to live up to that trust — to work harder, to represent Hanshi and the Kenwakai name with integrity, and to continue growing every day.
This seminar was more than just training. It was a milestone. A memory. And a promise for the future.
