Results from the Traditional Karate-do Academy at University of Minnesota Tournament

The Traditional Karate-do Academy at University of Minnesota held a tournament on November 6, 2021. This was Sensei Le’s first tournament for his club. It was great seeing University of Minnesota and the Wisconsin University clubs once again restart their karate tournaments. The COVID-19 pandemic put many events on hold. Restarting the tournaments and future in-person seminars will reinvigorate the enthusiasm for karate for our students and instructors.

The following are links to videos and photos from the tournament;

•                TKA@UMN club website – click here
•                TKA@UMN Facebook site – click here
•                Additional (16) videos from Mark Abeln – click here

In 2022, we expect more tournaments, shias, seminars from Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR), the American Armature Karate Federation, and the World Traditional Karate-do Federation (WTKF). Go to the NCR events calendar to see upcoming events in 2022.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Reminder

UofM Fall 2021 Traditional Karate-do Tournament

Saturday November 6, 2021 11:30am

Highlights from the 2021 Fall Madison Tournament

The Madison Japanese Karate Club, which is part of the UW-Madison Recreational Sports program, recently held their 38^th Annual Tournament on October 23, 2021. The competitors and judges had a good time at the event. The students received great feedback from the judges to help improve their karate.  Sensei Vassil Peytchev and the club officers did a great job organizing the event. Click here to see photos and videos from the tournament.

Final AAKF Summer Instructor Program

November 13, 2021

The final Zoom AAKF Technical Committee instructor course session is scheduled for November 13, 2021 11:00am to 1:00pm Central Time. The program is only open to instructors and assistant instructors in your club. The teaching topic for this session will be How to Correct Students Part 2: Kata and Kumite.

The following is an email excerpt from Sensei Alex Tong, President of AAKF:

…The Technical Committee will host an online instructor course open to chief instructors and assistant instructors of member-clubs.  The sessions are intended to be interactive in nature.  We look forward to inputs from participating member instructors.  …2-hour Zoom sessions will be held on November 13 at no costs to participants.    

A unified teaching framework on kata, kumite, and kihon will be formulated from these sessions, and made available to all participants.  There will also be a review of Japanese terminologies that are used in international championships.  These specified foundation concepts will stand as guidelines for good karate-do practice, also serving as reference information for candidates for Coach’s and/or Examiner certifications.  As usual, teaching instructors are free to add their personal insights when holding class…

If you are an instructor at your club and interested in attending, please contact Art Wong immediately so we can get you registered.

The St. Paul dojo will be projecting the seminar on a large screen. All NCR instructors are welcome to attend.

Minnesota’s Give to the Max

Interested in participating in Minnesota’s Give to the Max?

Check this out:  http://givemn.org/      Then Four Easy Steps!

Traditional Karate North Central Region:  Our dojos encourage youth and adults to excel.

They are encouraged to excel in discipline, focus, healthy exercise, and in competition. Please help sponsor our competitors! Help send our excellent athletes to tournaments, where a financial situation should not hold an excellent athlete back for lack of equipment or an entry fee. Your donation can help send a very hardworking kid to tournament, and make a big difference in his or her life.

Thank you for helping!

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Reminder

UofM Fall 2021 Traditional Karate-do Tournament

November 6, 2021

AAKF Summer Instructor Program

October 16, 2021 (rescheduled)

The next Zoom AAKF Technical Committee instructor course session is reschuled to October 16, 2021 at 11:00am Central Time. The program is only open to instructors and assistant instructors in your club. The session will cover: How to Correct “Students”.

The following is an email excerpt from Sensei Alex Tong, President of AAKF:

…The Technical Committee will host an online instructor course open to chief instructors and assistant instructors of member-clubs.  The sessions are intended to be interactive in nature.  We look forward to inputs from participating member instructors.  …2-hour Zoom sessions will be held on October 16 and November 13 at no costs to participants.    

A unified teaching framework on kata, kumite, and kihon will be formulated from these sessions, and made available to all participants.  There will also be a review of Japanese terminologies that are used in international championships.  These specified foundation concepts will stand as guidelines for good karate-do practice, also serving as reference information for candidates for Coach’s and/or Examiner certifications.  As usual, teaching instructors are free to add their personal insights when holding class…

If you are an instructor at your club and interested in attending, please contact Art Wong immediately so we can get you registered.

The St. Paul dojo will be projecting the seminar on a large screen. All NCR instructors are welcome to attend.

World Traditional Karate-do Federation Highlights

Staying in touch with World Traditional Karate-do Federation (WTKF) organization is important for maintaining our link with traditional karate-do worldwide. The following are highlights/links to WTKF’s events held this fall:

On September 11, 2021 in Zielona Góra, – Polish Children’s Traditional Karate Championships. Click here

On September 12, 2021 in Zielona Góra, there was a training camp with sensei Włodzimierz Kwieciński 9th Dan, President of the World Traditional Karate-Do Federation. Click here.

September 17 to 19, 2021 – for the second time this year – WTKF hosted sensei Justo Gomez 7th Dan at a traditional karate training camp in Poland. More than 200 people took part in the trainings at the Dojo Stara Wieś and in Lublin. Click here

October 2 in Wrocław, the 14th Master’s Cup will be held in memory of Hidetaka Nishiyama. Click here.

The above links were translated from Polish to English using Google translate. If for some reason it is still in Polish, use Google translate and insert the URL, click here on how to use Google translate.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

UofM Fall 2021 Traditional Karate-do Tournament

November 6, 2021

AAKF Summer Instructor Program Sept 11, 2021

Form and Stance

The next Zoom AAKF Technical Committee instructor course session is September 11, 2021 at 11:00am Central Time. The program is only open to instructors and assistant instructors in your club. The session will cover “Form and Stance”.

The following is an email excerpt from Sensei Alex Tong, President of AAKF:

…The Technical Committee will host an online instructor course open to chief instructors and assistant instructors of member-clubs.  The sessions are intended to be interactive in nature.  We look forward to inputs from participating member instructors.  …2-hour Zoom sessions will be held on Sept 11, October 9 and November 13 at no costs to participants.    

A unified teaching framework on kata, kumite, and kihon will be formulated from these sessions, and made available to all participants.  There will also be a review of Japanese terminologies that are used in international championships.  These specified foundation concepts will stand as guidelines for good karate-do practice, also serving as reference information for candidates for Coach’s and/or Examiner certifications.  As usual, teaching instructors are free to add their personal insights when holding class…

If you are an instructor at your club and interested in attending, please contact Art Wong immediately so we can get you registered.

The St. Paul dojo will be projecting the seminar on a large screen. All NCR instructors are welcome to attend.

Traditional Karate-Do Academy at UMN Fundraiser

Sensei Le is starting his annual fall fundraiser with the sale of club shirts priced at $20.00 each. The shirt sizes are S M L XL XXL. Contact Sensei Le via email at umnkarate@gmail.com with your size(s) and quantity, delivery, and payment instructions.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Summer Shiai Reflections

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

NCR Shiai Mpls Dojo – August 14, 2021

North Central Region (NCR) will be hosting a shiai on August 14, 2021 starting at noon. The event is open to all ages and ranks. We will be following the AAKF competition rules and procedures. Students can register for kata, kumite, team kata, and enbu. Click here for the detail and registration costs.

Apply karate to all things

Bob Young’s article considers the criteria for a successful dojo and how a successful dojo can be a model for a successful small business. A successful dojo helps us bridge the gap between the “outside” and the “inside”, between the world “out there” and the world “in here”. Click here to read more.

NCR Judging Seminar – July 9, 2021

NCR will be conducting a series of tournament judging seminars starting July 9, 2021 at 6:00pm at the St. Paul dojo. The seminar will be held every Friday in July. The seminar is open to qualified AAKF judges and black belts who want to take the AAKF judging qualifications test in the future. We will use this time review and practice the AAKF tournament rules and procedures. The seminar is the preamble for the August NCR shiai as well as the upcoming AAKF summer instructor program. Contact Art Wong for more information and to sign up for the judging seminar.

AAKF 2021 Summer Seminar July 10, 2021

The final AAKF Zoom seminar is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2021. The two 1-hour Zoom seminars will begin at 11:00am central time. The first hour Sensei Hyatt plans to teach a simple Bo kata named Tsue Sho (The Way of The Bo Form or Suekata Sho No Kon). You can use a Jo if you need to work in tight quarters, or a broom stick if you need to improvise.  Click here for more details regarding the Zoom seminar topics, instructors, and dates/times. This is your opportunity to engage with the AAKF organization and fellow karatekas from around the US. Come learn and have fun!

AAKF Summer Instructor Program

The AAKF Technical Committee will be hosting a series of four instructor course sessions this summer via Zoom. The program is only open to instructors and assistant instructors in your club. The following is an email excerpt from Sensei Alex Tong, President of AAKF:

…The Technical Committee will host an online instructor course open to chief instructors and assistant instructors of member-clubs.  The sessions are intended to be interactive in nature.  We look forward to inputs from participating member instructors.  Four 2-hour Zoom sessions will be held on August 7, Sept 11, October 9 and November 13 at no costs to participants.    

A unified teaching framework on kata, kumite, and kihon will be formulated from these sessions, and made available to all participants.  There will also be a review of Japanese terminologies that are used in international championships.  These specified foundation concepts will stand as guidelines for good karate-do practice, also serving as reference information for candidates for Coach’s and/or Examiner certifications.  As usual, teaching instructors are free to add their personal insights when holding class…

If you are an instructor at your club and interested in attending, please contact Art Wong immediately so we can get you registered.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

AAKF 2021 Summer Seminar June 12, 2021

The third AAKF Zoom seminar (kumite) is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2021. The two 1-hour Zoom seminars will focus on kumite and begin at 11:00am central time. Click here for more details regarding the Zoom seminar topics, instructors, and dates/times. This is your opportunity to engage with the AAKF organization and fellow karatekas from around the US. Come learn and have fun! FYI-The final AAKF Zoom seminar is scheduled for July 10 , 2021.

AAKF Summer Instructor Program

The AAKF Technical Committee will be hosting a series of four instructor course sessions this summer via Zoom. The program is only open to instructors and assistant instructors in your club. The following is an email excerpt from Sensei Alex Tong, President of AAKF:

…The Technical Committee will host an online instructor course open to chief instructors and assistant instructors of member-clubs.  The sessions are intended to be interactive in nature.  We look forward to inputs from participating member instructors.  Four 2-hour Zoom sessions will be held on August 7, Sept 11, October 9 and November 13 at no costs to participants.    

A unified teaching framework on kata, kumite, and kihon will be formulated from these sessions, and made available to all participants.  There will also be a review of Japanese terminologies that are used in international championships.  These specified foundation concepts will stand as guidelines for good karate-do practice, also serving as reference information for candidates for Coach’s and/or Examiner certifications.  As usual, teaching instructors are free to add their personal insights when holding class…

If you are an instructor at your club and interested in attending, please contact Art Wong immediately so we can get you registered.

Apply karate to all things

Reflections by Bob Young, Nidan

Last month’s article looked at the Physical Elements of karate—how things are organized or interact. With that structure in mind, one can use the “karate lens” to help find solutions to life’s situations and challenges. The second article in this series will consider the Psychological Aspects of karate and how they can be applied outside of the dojo. Several key psychological karate principles are summarized below. Click here to read more.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Kumite Shiai April 24, 2021 – Results

Traditional Karate North Central Region held a mini-kumite shiai on April 24, 2021 at the Shotokan Karate MN dojo. The participants had a good time testing their reaction speed against a one-step attack while still maintaining a six foot distance between each other. The students demonstrated good agility against an opponent. The judges had the opportunity to recalibrate their judging skills and provide great feedback to the students.

Click here to see the photos and videos. Additional photos from the UMN club click here.

Apply Karate To All Things

AAKF 2021 Spring Seminar May 15, 2021  

A second AAKF Zoom seminar (kata) is also scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021. The two 1-hour Zoom seminar will focus on kata and it begins at 11:00am Central. Click here for more details regarding the Zoom seminar topics, instructors, and dates/times. This is your opportunity to engage with the AAKF organization and fellow karatekas from around the US. Come learn and have fun! FYI-The third AAKF Zoom seminar (kumite) is scheduled for June 12 , 2021.

AAKF Dan Test – May 15, 2021

Reminder – As part of the AAKF 2021 spring seminar, the AAKF Technical Committee will be conducting a Zoom dan test on May 15, 2021 at 1:00pm CDST. Registration for the dan test expired on April 30, 2021. Contact Art Wong at director@ncr-aakf.org if you have any questions.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

New Shodans at Shotokan Karate MN

Congratulations to our newest shodans: Henri Hatch and Cosette Hatch! Both students passed their shodan test on March 24, 2021 at the Shotokan Karate MN dojo in Minneapolis. Their many years of dedicated training under Sensei Kotula and Sensei Gina Frances and their persistent determination paid off when they passed their shodan test. Savor the moment and then help others achieve their goal, like your Senseis helped you achieve your goal. Again, congratulations!!

AAKF 2021 Spring Seminar April 17, 2021  

The AAKF Technical Committee’s Saturday, April 17, 2021, 2-hour Zoom seminar begins at 11:00am Central. Click here for more details regarding the Zoom seminar topics, instructors, and dates/times. This is your opportunity to engage with the AAKF organization and fellow karatekas from around the US. Come learn and have fun! A second AAKF Zoom seminar is scheduled for May 15, 2021

AAKF Dan Test – May 15, 2021

As part of the AAKF 2021 spring seminar, the AAKF Technical Committee will be conducting Zoom dan test on May 15, 2021 at 1:00pm CDST. If you are interested in taking a dan exam, contact Art Wong NCR Director at director@ncr-aakf.org no later than April 30, 2021 to start your dan test registration process. Details on the dan fee, form, dojo location where you will perform your dan test, and date/timeline will be provided by Art Wong.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

COVID-19 – Dojos Can Expand Class Size – April 1, 2021

Minnesota (MN) has been doing a great job in getting more people vaccinated and controlling the spread of COVID-19 virus. Effective March 15, 2021, the state of MN will relax the restrictions for in-person gym and dojo attendance. This is great news for the Traditional Karate North Central Region clubs and students!  Contact your club’s Sensei regarding your dojo’s expanded in-person attendance dates and plans.

Here is an excerpt from the MN Stay Safe Plan:

Beginning March 15, 2021 at 12 p.m.

* Gym capacity is capped at 50%, maximum capacity remains at 250.

* Machines and people should maintain 6 feet of distance.

* Indoor classes are limited to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed.

* Outdoor classes are limited to 50 people.

* Masks required

Beginning April 1, gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, or martial arts spaces with sufficient normal occupant capacity may exceed 250 people per applicable percentage limits and guidance.

For more information on the MN Stay Safe plan click here

AAKF 2021 Spring Seminar April 17 – July10 (update)

The AAKF Technical Committee has organized a series of four 2-hour Zoom seminars from 11:00am-1:00pm CDST on Saturday starting April 17 to July 10, 2021. Click here for more details regarding the Zoom seminar topics, instructor, and dates/times. This is your opportunity to re-engage with the AAKF organization and fellow karatekas. Come learn and have fun!

AAKF Dan Test – May 15, 2021

As part of the AAKF 2021 spring seminar, the AAKF Technical Committee will be conducting Zoom dan test on May 15, 2021 at 1:00pm CDST. If you are interested in taking a dan exam, contact Art Wong NCR Director at director@ncr-aakf.org no later than April 30, 2021 to start your dan test registration process. Details on the dan fee, form, dojo location where you will perform your dan test, and date/timeline will be provided by Art Wong.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• NCR 2024 plans
  • May 18 noon-2pm Preparation for 2024 AAKF National Championships – NCR judging seminar and competitor feedback. St. Paul dojo. More details to follow
  • May 31 Friday Black belt test – Shodan/nidan – MKA St. Paul
  • October 12 NCR SKM Shiai SKM. More details to follow
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2024 June 19-22 – AAKF National Championships and International Camp – Bloomington, MN – Hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region. Click here for more details.

• WTKF Events
  • November – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru. More details to follow
  • 2025 – tbd – TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
  • WTKF calendar  – Click here for more upcoming WTKF events.

Click here to see past event videos and click here for past event photos from the NCR video and photo Library.  Click here for additional photos from the U of Mn club photo library.

Dan Examination Schedule

• NCR and AAKF dan exam schedule
  • Spring 2024
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here