31st Easter Seminar of the DTSKF with guest instructors Sensei Takeshi Kitagawa from the USA/Japan and Sensei Enver Cakiqi from Albania.
Sensei Enver Cakiqi, Sensei Takeshi Kitagawa, Sensei Michael Bock
Berlin once again became the meeting place for the international karate scene on the weekend of March 21st and 22nd, 2026. Welcomed the international grandmasters of Shotokan karate
On Friday evening, 30 participants from Berlin and Brandenburg, including brown and black belts, welcomed the aforementioned international grandmasters of Shotokan karate. After a brief round of introductions and a dynamic warm-up, the focus for this advanced level was on the principles of the moment: precision, posture, timing, technique, and above all, the spirit – and how these can be vividly implemented in practice.
Throughout the weekend, intensive training sessions followed with Sensei Takeshi Kitagawa, 9th Dan from the USA/Japan, and Sensei Enver Cakiqi, 9th Dan from Albania. Over 260 karateka from various clubs and German states trained side by side and learned directly from the grandmasters.
Meet the grandmasters in person.
On Saturday and Sunday, intermediate and beginner karate students, along with numerous other practitioners, joined the group to meet the grandmasters in person. The program included Kihon, the precise execution of basic techniques from stances and punches to kicks; Kata, prescribed sequences of movements for training timing and concentration; Kumite, partner exercises and sparring for the practical application of techniques; technical combinations to improve agility, speed, and coordination; and the core principles of Shotokan karate, including posture, distance control, reaction time, and the sense for the right moment to strike – all taught practically by the international masters. The principle of “one moment” in Japanese, “Ichigo-Ichi e” was also discussed in detail and then practiced.
A particular highlight was the belt examination, in which 193 candidates – including numerous children, teenagers, and adults from DTSKF clubs – took on the challenge. Under the expert eyes of six DTSKF master examiners, they demonstrated their skills and received new ranks. Of particular note was the examination of Tabea Schulz, who successfully passed her 1st Dan exam.
Berlin became an international meeting place for Shotokan Karate
This weekend, Berlin became an international meeting place for Shotokan Karate. In Müggelheim, on Monday evening, Sensei Takeshi Kitagawa, 9th Dan, came to the Berlin-Müggelheim sports hall for a farewell training session, inspiring the students one last time. Technique, tradition, community, and pride in personal achievements merged into an experience that will remain in the memories of all the karate practitioners for a long time. Osu!
Michael Bock
Chief Instructor of the DTSKF
Please check back here on the website for information about the 2027 Traditional Karate Easter Camp.
See you in 2027.