2024 Training Events
Black Belt Convention Feb. 2nd- 6th (Santa Barbara Oshima Dojo)
Keith Kirk is a Co-Chair for the Marketing Growth Committee. At February’s Black Belt Convention the Chairs presented their projects for the growth of their local dojos. Increasing dojo membership and expanding new dojo branches were discussed and actionable items were agreed upon and assigned. It is important for our leaders in SKA to be hands-on in regard to the growth of our organization. Afterwards, Sunday Black Belt Practice was led by Shihan John Teramoto.
East Coast Qualifying Tournament Feb. 9th- 11th (Chapel Hill Dojo)
Keith led a weekend series of practices focused on timing, combination foot work, and sparring. We had over thirty participants from the Midwest and East Coast Dojos. The Chapel Hill North Carolina Dojo hosted the event which concentrated on management of ma, as well as provided opportunities for completing drills with a partner, practice refereeing, and corner judging. Sunday there was a Shobo Ippon clinic and white belts were welcome to participate with their seniors’ approval. The weekend concluded with the East Coast Qualifying Tournament.
Spring Black Belt Practice March 22nd – 24th (Indianapolis Dojo)
Tampa Shotokan had the good fortune for their dojo leader to travel to Indianapolis and practice with Shihan John Teramoto at his home dojo. It was great weekend of strengthening kata, perfecting throws, as well as long-distance kumite.
Sandan Practice May 3rd – 5th (Santa Barbara Oshima Dojo)
The S.O.D. annual training for your current rank is always a lot of fun, sweat, and comradery. Suwari-Geiko, Nagewaza, and Jiyu Kumite Practice with thirty plus peers makes for a great and invigorating weekend! Oshima Sensei and other leaders provide decades worth of knowledge and help you personally to hone your technique and innovation as a martial artist.
Summer Visiting & Black Belt Practice June 21st – 25th (Tampa Dojo)
We had a great instructor come and lead Monday Practice at our Tampa Dojo. Karen Frost, a Sandan from North Carolina, led a great ground fighting practice for our members. Keith worked with Karen and the Tampa black belts for four private practices in preparation for Frost to represent the USA in France for SKA’s International Tournament.
Senior Black Belt Practice Sept. 20th – 22nd (Indianapolis Dojo)
Our organization held a Senior Black Belt Practice Weekend series which John Teramoto led and his dojo graciously hosted. As a group we focused on kata, Nagewaza, and long-distance kumite. In attendance were black belts from Nebraska, Kansas City, Florida, and North Carolina. Practices such as these are invaluable for the life-long practitioner of Shotokan and all forms of martial arts.
2025 S.O.D. Upcoming Events
Please note that these Events are for SKA members in good standing. If you are a member and would like to attend one of these Events contact Keith Kirk before registering at