IKGA South American Championships and Seminar

On October 8th and 9th, 2022, 140 members of the IKGA South American Block met in Argentina for both the IKGA South American Championships and the South American Block Seminar and rank examinations. The event was hosted by Argentina under Kyoshi Andrés Ávila, with participating delegations from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. 

The South American Championships were held on Saturday, October 8, followed by rank examinations on Sunday, October 9. The examination panel was comprised with Kyoshi Andres Avila, Kyoshi Carlos Gonzalez and Hanshi Gonzalo Ramirez.

The South American seminar was also held on October 9, and was held in 3 parts. Part one was taught by Kyoshi Carlos Gonzalez, part two was taught by Hanshi Gonzalo Ramirez and part three was a virtual seminar taught by Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, and assisted by Gohei Yamaguchi Shihan.

This event was the first reunion of the South American Block after the suspension of activities imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The joy of participating and sharing experiences again was enormous. The finishing touch was, as expected, the masterful seminar given by our Saiko Shihan with the assistance of Gohei Shihan.

Members of the South American Block were also able to conduct other business of the Block, including planning future events. 

Opening Ceremony

Gonzalo Ramirez Hanshi with Andres Avila Kyoshi

In-person Seminar

In-person Seminar

Virtual Seminar with Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi

Virtual Seminar with Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi and Gohei Yamaguchi Shihan

First IKGA North American Block Online Seminar, October 8, 2022

On October 8, 2022 IKGA North America was proud to host an online seminar. After over two years of being locked down, we were fortunate to have Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi teach a comprehensive online class for brown and black belt members. He was assisted by Asian Block President Gohei Yamaguchi Shihan and Brent Regan Shihan. 64 members from IKGA Canada and USA affiliated dojos participated in the seminar.

The seminar covered basic techniques including Tachi, Uke, Tsuki and Keri, as well as introducing the new Kata Kenshu and Shoshu. It was just over 2 hours in length and was packed with new information, in addition to being a great review for everyone to take away and practice.

The general seminar was followed immediately by a class for Shihans, which included the new kata Ryoshu, and Tokuteikata Genkaku and Chikaku. Saiko Shihan also took some time to teach theory behind the four Tokuteikata. Although our time together online was short, this was a fantastic training opportunity and a great chance for the Shihans of North America to brush up on their knowledge.

It has been too long since we have been able to get together. Thank you to Saiko Shihan for offering to lead this online seminar, and also a big thank you to all the participating Dojos, Instructors and members. While we weren’t able to meet and train together in person, this was a fantastic opportunity to get together online and share some time together. Being able to practice together again, even online, was fun, challenging and re-invigorating. Let's start looking ahead to our next chance to get together!

Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi with Brent Regan Shihan

Saiko Shihan and Regan Shihan

Details about Kata Kenshu

Kihon practice with Saiko Shihan