From October 18 to October 24, 2026, a traditional autumn *gasshuku* (training camp) took place in Malá Úpa, Czech Republic. A total of 92 *karateka*, 5 instructors, and 2 support staff gathered at the SKIMU resort in Malá Úpa for the event. Participants traveled to the camp by bus and car from the German states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The primary focus of the training camp was to strengthen the DTSKF—and by extension, the ITKF—while preparing for upcoming events.
Group photo in the sports hall – Mala-Upa 2026
A well-organized team trained the participants, who were divided into five groups, ensuring the application of traditional karate competition rules in preparation for the upcoming *shi-ai* (tournament). Sensei Michael Bock taught the participants not only the curriculum of the HNKI (Hidetaka Nishiyama Karate Institute) but also covered *renzoku-kōgeki-waza* (continuous attack techniques) and tactical aspects of competition. For the younger *dan* holders, he specifically introduced *kōgō-kumite* (a form of structured sparring) and its associated rules. The advanced group focused on the *kata* (forms) *Tekki Shodan*, *Tekki Nidan*, and *Tekki Sandan*, along with their corresponding *bunkai* (practical applications). Sensei Michael Bock also demonstrated the *kata* *Tekki Oi-komi*—the very same form he had presented 25 years earlier during my own 5th *dan* examination.
left: the entire Dan-grade group – standing, from left to right: Eric Schmidt 4th Dan, Jan Bösecke 4th Dan, Michael Bock 8th Dan, Frank Pinnig 7th Dan, Ramona Müller 5th Dan; kneeling, from left to right: Tom Roß 2nd Dan, Lea Böse 1st Dan, Niklas Krieger 2nd Dan; right: the instructors of the Mala-Upa Autumn Camp 2027
The seminar was followed by referee training for national-level referees in categories “D” and “C“ covering table officiating duties and the role of a *fukushin* (corner judge). To ensure focused instruction on refereeing tasks, we divided the participants into four groups.
Beginning of the referee training
Sensei Bock maintained overall supervision and began with an introduction regarding the importance of the process and what distinguishes *shi-ai* (match/bout) from a standard athletic competition. The four specific subject areas covered were:
– Table administration and record-keeping
– *Kata* and scoring
– Flag signals
– Penalties in *kumite*
Sensei Michael Bock demonstrating Bunkai
A Kyu and Dan examination generated a great deal of excitement, with all 58 candidates successfully passing their test for the next Kyu grade. There was particular cause for celebration for Dr. Marcus Storch, who passed his Dan examination; the new *sho-dan* (first-degree black belt) was duly celebrated by the other participants.
We are already looking forward to the next camp in 2028.
Katrin Schmidt
Managing Director of the DTSKF