2024  New black belts and new ranked black belts

2024 mid-year has been great for the Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR) in helping nine students pass their black belt exam (shodan level) and helping six senior black belts obtain their new elevated dan rank.  Also, in 2023, Sensei Al Kotula, chief instructor at SKM successfully passed his 6^th dan (Rokudan) examination as well as Sensei Trung Le obtaining his 5^th dan (Godan).

NCR continues to grow both in new students and seeing returning students. The new students have been successful in passing their kyu examination.  Our returning students, who have been away for decades, rededicated themselves to the martial arts and budo spirit to successfully obtained their shodan.

The student’s perseverance and strong training ethics along with excellent teaching by the club senseis are making our region a highly successful organization. Our national organization American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) is benefiting from our region’s growth and success which resulted in AAKF becoming a stronger organization.

Below is a list of the students and their new dan rank. Congratulations! to everyone passing their dan examination.

Shotokan Karate of MN

1. Art Rillo……………….Yondan
2. Joe Geshick  III…..Sandan
3. Joe Geshick IV……Sandan
4. Mike Winter………..Nidan
5. Lisa Lindemann…Shodan
6. Abdi Omar………….Shodan
7. Samari Lloyd……..Shodan

Midwest Karate St. Paul

1. Laurie Elliott………Godan
2. Steve Tan……………Godan
3. Scott Olson……….Sandan
4. Barbara Peham…Shodan
5. Anne Elias………….Shodan
6. David Miller……….Shodan

Traditional Karate-do Academy at UMN

1. Julianna Kimmel….Shodan
2. Jasmine Beldin…….Shodan
3. Alexander Ulate……Shodan

Photos of the students who passed their dan examination

2024 June 21 AAKF dan examination

2024 May Midwest Karate St Paul dan examination – three new shodans.

2024 May Traditional Karate-do Academy at UMN dan examination – three new shodans.

2024 May SKM dan examination – two new shodans

2024 AAKF National Championships – Highlights

The NCR successfully hosted the 2024 AAKF International Camp and National Championships in Bloomington, MN from June 19-22.  Representatives from the Mid Atlantic, Western, South Atlantic, and Southwest Regions joined the host North Central Region in participating in the 61st AAKF National Championship. It was great to see karateka from around the country train together, renew friendships, and meet new friends. 

The International Camp ran for the first three days and featured seminars on kata (Wednesday), kumite (Thursday), and tournament scoring and judging (Friday). Senseis Mahmoud Tabassi, Alex Tong, Richard Kageyama, and Albert Cheah from the AAKF Technical Committee were the featured instructors. In addition, many other regional senseis taught portions of the International Camp. Among those chosen to teach were Senseis Al Kotula (Minneapolis), Trung Le (UMN), Laurie Elliott (St. Paul), Vassil Peytchev (Madison), John Hyatt (South Carolina), Brian Hayes (Washington, DC), and Tom Meagher (Northfield). 

The International Camp concluded with model matches to train both competitors and judges, then Dan exams. Congratulations to those receiving promotions:

• 3rd dans: Joseph Geshick  III, Joseph Geshick IV, and Scott Olsen
• 4th dans: Art Rillo and Vassil Peytchev
• 5th dans: Laurie Elliott and Steve Tan

The National Championships took place on Saturday, starting with spirited competition in kata and kumite among the youth and adult kyu ranks in 3 rings. Following their medal ceremonies, the competition moved to the center ring for the adult black belt division which featured women’s kata, men’s kata, team kata, women’s kumite, men’s kumite, and fukugo. 

The day culminated with a dinner at the host Best Western Plus Bloomington hotel where judges, competitors,volunteers, and family members socialized and made plans to meet up next summer for the 2025 AAKF National Championships in Madison.

Special thanks go to Tournament Coordinator Laurie Elliott, NCR Director Art Wong, and special assistant Keith Sullivan.

Photos/videos from Michael Ching from the 2024 AAKF National Championships: (note: you should be able to view the below Facebook photos/videos without a Facebook account. Photos/videos are made public)

• Day One kata seminar: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pXno8HWC9UibnSqE/
• Day Two kumite semiinar: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wfgNrNcfqsWkVqQZ/
• Day Three model matches and judging seminar: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/TzKWyANnjzvVnzd5/
• Day Three dan exams: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/oqMEM9rZVXjYfFSC/
• Tournament Opening Ceremony and warm ups: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pxSHe2ZV63mQFKfj/
• Tournament Youth and Adult kyu: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/91yrJUd9rXDi7v8b/
• AAKF National Championships: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yt2Roc61RKPkJ7GZ/
• Tournament Dinner: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mSX8jCo316FJDxW4/
• More photos from Mark Abeln – click here

2024 AAKF National Championships – results

Below are the final results from 2024 AAKF National Championships. Congratualations to the athletes and their hard work you put in to make this a successful tournament.

Results:

Gerry Ramaker October 19, 1944 – May 17, 2024

It is with great sadness to report the passing of Gerry Ramaker, Godan, an instructor at Shotokan Karate Minnesota club. Gerry was looking forward to participate as a judge at the 2024 AAKF National Championships. Click here to read more about Gerry Ramaker’s life.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

2024 NCR Spring Shiai – Highlights

The Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR) held their annual spring shiai at the Shotokan Karate Minnesota (SKM) dojo on Saturday March 23, 2024. We had athletes/judges from SKM, Traditional Karate-Do Academy at UMN, Madison Japanese Karate Club and Midwest Karate Association St. Paul. The athletes had a good time getting feedback on their kata and kumite from the judges. The judges were able to sharpen their skills to get ready for the 2024 AAKF National Championships that will be held in Bloomington, MN in June, see below for more details. Below are some photos from Mark Abeln and Trung Le from the shiai.

Click here for more photos from the 2024 NCR Spring shiai

2024 AAKF National Championships and

International Camp

June 19-22, 2024 Bloomington, MN

The 2024 National Championships and International Camp is less than 3 months away.

The AAKF North Central Region welcomes you to the AAKF 61st National Championships and International Camp to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota from June 19 – 22, 2024. The venue location is Cedar Valley Church 8600 Bloomington Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55425

Join us for this longstanding competition to uphold the budo spirit and the high standards of traditional karate through top caliber competition. The event will feature six individual and five team competition categories along with the ever thriving Junior National and Adult Kyu Championships.

There will be exams conducted for dan rank, judges qualifications, ranking examiner, and coaching qualifications on Friday June 21, 2024. All examinees are required to take part in all three days of training.

Camp participation is open to all karateka and all ranks are invited to attend. If you are not a member of the AAKF, you will be charged an additional $40. Click here for more details.

2024 AAKF Seminar Highlights

AAKF held a seminar in Madison, WI on April 12-14, 2024. Tong and Chiai senseis conducted the seminar.

The seminar covered bunkai and oyo with several katas like Jion. The students had a good time with partner drills. Tong and Chiai senseis discussed and demonstrated many kata application techniques with the students on how to use leverage verses strength. In a self defense situation, time and space are very limited. Use technques that are simple and works rather than something fancy and complex. Use proper posture alignment and transmitting power from the floor through the legs to the technique instead of using only upper body and arm tension to generate power. Here is link on a brief explaination of bunkai and oyo. Here is a gallary of photos from the seminar:

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

2024 NCR Shiai – Noon Saturday March 23

The 2024 NCR shiai will be held at the SKM dojo. We expect the tournament to be well attended by adults and kids from all the surrounding dojos in our region. The shiai will have certified AAKF/WTKF judges in both kumite and kata.

The NCR judges come with years of judging experience at the national and international level and most have competed nationally and/or internationally. The tournament will provide a comfortable environment where athletes can test their skills against fellow karatekas. The event will help the athletes prepare for their next kyu test or dan examination by receiving feedback from the judges on their performance that will help improve their karate skills and knowledge. The judges will use the shiai to sharpen their skills and performance in preparation for the 2024 AAKF National Championships that will be held in the Twin Cities in June of this year.

Details to follow regarding the 2024 AAKF Nationals.

Click here for online registration link or download the PDF Registration form.

AAKF Annual Membership Renewal – March 31 Deadline

The new AAKF registration system is still a work-in-progress. For 2024, the AAKF club and individual membership registration will be done manually with your club sensei. If you are a current AAKF member the cost is $25. For a new AAKF membership the cost is $35. For club renewal, the cost is $170.00. Check this out ->  Benefits of an AAKF membership.

Please provide your name to your club’s sensei and make your check payable to your club. Club owners have the detailed instructions for mailing in their club’s AAKF membership roster and payment instructions to the AAKF office.

2024 AAKF Spring Seminar, April 12-14, Madison, WI

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

2024 NCR Seminar – Highlights

NCR recently held a noon kumite seminar at the SKM on January 27, 2024. The seminar covered reaction timing and distance principles. The drills involved partner work. The seminar was taught by Sensei Art Wong (St. Paul) and Sensei Tom Meagher (Northfield). Students were given feedback by both the senseis and their training partners. Participants had fun and learned new techniques and training drills to better their kumite.

Below are some photos from the kumite seminar working on reaction timing. Click here to see additional photos from the kumite seminar.

2024 NCR Shiai – Noon Saturday March 23

The 2024 NCR shiai will be held at the SKM dojo. The shiai is always well attended by adults and kids from all the surrounding dojos in our region. The shiai will have certified AAKF/WTKF judges in both kumite and kata. The NCR judges come with many years of national and international experience in judging as well as competing nationally and/or internationally. The shiai will provide the students an event that will test their skills against fellow karatekas, provide an environment for comradery of like minds, and have fun. The shiai will prepare students for their next kyu test or dan examination. The students will receive feedback from the judges so they can improve their skills and knowledge of karate. The shiai will sharpen the judge’s skills and performance in preparation for the 2024 AAKF National Championships that will be held in the twin cities in June of this year. More details to follow regarding the 2024 AAKF Nationals.

Click here for online registration link or download the PDF Registration form.

AAKF Website Redesign Status

The AAKF national organization, which Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR) is a member of as well as the regional clubs and students, is redesigning their website. At this time, static information have been posted on the new AAKF website with more changes to come that will provide a better online entry experience for registering clubs, student’s memberships, student’s kyu ranks and dan ranks, and examiner and judge’s certification. Click here to view the latest AAKF website. Also, click here to view the AAKF Facebook site.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays to everyone as we wind down 2023. This fall we had a lot of karate competition events:

• 2023 NCR fall shiai at the SKM dojo in Mpls,
• 2023 Pan-Am championships in Buenos Aires,
• 2023 Traditional Karate-do Academy UofMn Tournament, and
• 2023 Fall Great Lakes Region Madison tournament.

Below are the highlights from those events. Have a happy holiday and happy new year.

NCR Fall Shiai – October 14, 2023 – Highlights

The 2023 NCR Fall Shiai held at the SKM dojo was a huge success. We had more competitors participating than last year and more judges helping out in the two rings. The students had a good time and received valuable feedback from the judges on their kata performance.

Below are a few photos from the 2023 Fall Shiai. Additional photos links on NCR Facebook site and UofMn Facebook

WTKF 2023 Pan-Am Tournament – Highlights

The World Traditional Karate Federation (WTKF) held the 2023 Pan-Am championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Al Kotula, Laurie Elliott, and Mark Abeln represented the Traditional Karate North Central Regions as USA judges at the Pan-Am tournament. A karate seminar and judging seminar was held prior to the tournament. This allow the judges and participants to review and train on traditional karate principles, and WTKF tournament rules and procedures.

NCR Judges Travel to Pan-Am Games in Argentina

Laurie Elliott

The 2-day judging seminar was held on Wednesday/Thursday with the Championships on Friday.

Sensei Tabassi reviewed 5 judging concepts including 1) Ethics, 2) Physical ability, 3) Know the rules, 4) Know the principles, and 5) Budo. An analogy was made between a) knowing the rules, and b) knowing the principles. Knowing the rules is like knowing the driver’s manual for the rules of the road. Knowing the principles is like actually driving a car. Both are important and interrelated, but they are very different in practice.

Some (very) brief highlights from the seminar include:

Posture: Must have good posture for correct breathing and connection to the floor in order to get energy from the floor. Every stance starts with the skeletal structure (bones). The spine directs the movement.

Body dynamics: Use body dynamics to increase energy.

Power: Use pressure to create sharp action.

Transition: Transition means you’re not giving your opponent an opening.

Keep eyes soft. Think of looking at a mountain, but only focus on a small rock on the mountain. The eyes carry a lot of power over the body.

Below are some photos from the 2023 Pan-Am Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More photos and videos on the Pan-Am Championships can be found on NCR’s Facebook, click here.

Traditional Karate-do Academy at UMN

Tournament Highlights November 18, 2023

The annual Fall Traditional Karate-do Academy at UMN tournament was held near the UMN campus on November 18, 2023 at the Van Cleve Park Gym 901 15th Ave SE, Mpls. MN. The competitors came and tested their skills with fellow karatekas at this fun filled event. The event helped prepare them for their next kyu or dan examination. For senior black belts, they came and helped judge, coach, and provide feedback to the students.

Click here to see posted photos from the Traditional Karate-do Academy at University of Minnesota

The UofMn tournament helped the competitors and judges prepare for next year’s annual 2024 AAKF National Championships hosted by Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR), more details to follow on date and location in Mpls, MN.

Click here to view more posted photos from NCR.

Great Lakes Region Madison Japanese Karate Club

Tournament Highlights

The Great Lakes Region Madison Japanese Karate Club is one of the oldest Martial Arts clubs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison held their annual fall tournament Nov 4, 2023.

Click here for NCR’s posted photos of the event. Post two click here. Post three click here. Post four photos/videos click here.

New Black Belts at Shotokan Karate MN

On November 11, 2023 Mike Winter achieved the black belt rank of Nidan, and Abdi Omar achieved the black belt rank of Shodan. Both students are from Shotokan Karate Minnesota dojo. CONGRATULATIONS! Mike and Abdi on your achievement.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

NCR Fall Shiai – October 14, 2023

NCR is holding its annual fall shiai hosted at the SKM dojo on October 14, 2023 from noon-3pm

This is your opportunity test your skills with fellow karatekas form our region.  Use the fall shiai as a precursor to testing for your next kyu rank or dan rank.  You will get feedback, assess your skills, and it will help develop your karate way of life roadmap.

NCR judges will use the fall shiai event to help test and hone their judging skills for future regional, national and international tournaments.

Come and participate at the fall shiai and have fun cheering on your fellow karatekas.

WTKF 2023 PanAm Tournament

The WTKF 2023 Pan American Tournament which covers North America, South America and Central America will be held in Buenos Airess, Argentina on October 4 to 7, 2023.  NCR will sending three judges from our region – Al Kotula, Laurie, Elliott, and Mark Abeln will represent USA as one of the certified international judges. The event will include an international camp, judging seminar, youth competition and adult black belt PanAm championships.  Help support our fellow karatekas by donating to NCR to help offset their travel expenses. Click here for more details on the 2023 Pan-Am tournament.

Highlights from the Japanese Obon Festival at St. Paul

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Sensei Trung Le and his Traditional Karate-Do Academy at UMN Club gave two demonstrations at the Sunday Obon Festival on August 20, 2023.

Click here for more photos from the UofMn club Facebook site.  Click here for the Star Tribune article and photos.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

2023 60th Annual AAKF National Championships – Highlights

The 2023 60th Annual American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) National Championships was held in Washington, DC June 21-24, 2023. NCR athletes that attended the championships were: Jason Briscoe, Jethro Harding, Jasmine Beldin, Kara Winter, Eve Wandering, Joseph Harding, and Emil Perez-Lauterbach. NCR judges who attended were: Al Kotula, Art Wong, Trung Le, Laurie Elliott, Mark Abeln, and Michael Ching. NCR athletes were very successful. The NCR judges used their skills in assessing the athlete’s performance doing kata and kumite. The weather in DC was cooler than normal with an occasional rain. The karate seminar, conducted by the AAKF senior technical council members, was held prior to the championships. The seminar helped sharpen everyone’s skills and knowledge in kata, kumite and judging.

The NCR group had a good time in the evening eating at numerous local restaurants. Many of us did a lot of sightseeing around the Washington DC mall area, Air and space museum, International Spy museum, botanical garden, etc.

Congratulations to all the athletes who attended the championships and their placement in their group.

Click here for additional NCR Facebook posting of the 2023 AAKF National Championships’ photos.

WTKF Dan Certificates Arrived

The World Traditional karate-do Federation (WTKF) dan rank certificates have arrived. The WTKF dan certificates were handed out at the recent 2023 June AAKF National Championships to the AAKF regional directors. If you registered your dan rank with WTKF in the last few years, contact your club’s sensei to see if your WTKF dan rank certificates arrived.

2023 Pan Am Tournament

The 2023 WTKF Pan Am tournment is scheduled for October 4-7, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Click here for more details. Contact Art Wong if you are interested in representing AAKF/NCR as a judge or as a competitor.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Traditional Karate North Central Region Newsletter

2023 AAKF Spring Seminar – Highlights.

The AAKF organization held their 2023 Spring Seminar at the Van Cleve Recreation Center in Minneapolis, MN from April 21-23, 2023.  Over 60 participants attended this fantastic seminar conducted by Tabassi Sensei (Mid-Atlantic region) and Cheah Sensei (Western region). The students learned new concepts and training drills and how to apply kata basics with their kumite and self-defense situations. The seminar brought together a community interested in learning and elevating the art of Shotokan karate.  The student’s new found knowledge and drills they performed helped raise their karate skills. The local club instructors learned new information and training drills and developed a deeper understanding of karate.

The next seminar will be an International Training Camp as part of the 2023 AAKF Nationals (June 21-24) in Herndon, Virginia.

Click the following photo and video links from the seminar (more photos/videos are still coming in):

• NCR Facebook photos
• NCR Facebook videos
• Traditional Karate-do Academy at UMN

Thank you to Mark Abeln, Mike Ching, Trung Le for the photos and videos.

Successful Dan Examination April 22, 2023

On April 22, 2023, the AAKF Technical board members (Tabassi Sensei and Cheah Sensei) conducted a dan examinations during the 2023 AAKF Spring seminar at the Van Cleve Rec Center in Mpls.  The people testing all did very well during their dan examination. The Traditional Karate North Central Region now has two new elevated black belts:  Al Kotula SKM dojo – Rokudan (6^th dan) and Trung Le UofMn club –  Godan (5^th dan), and a new black belt Jason Briscoe – UofMn club – Shodan (1^st dan).  Also, a Madison club student (Alex Ulate ) tested for 2^nd kyu and passed as well.

Congratulations to everyone on a very successful test.

2023 AAKF National Championships

June 21-24 Washington, DC

The 2023 AAKF National Championships will be held in Washington, DC June 21-24, 2023. Whether you are a black belt or kyu level, you will be able to compete in either the adult or youth division. You must be an AAKF member to compete. Senior black belts wanting to judge at the National Championships must be an AAKF qualified judge. AAKF registration will be due May 30, 2023 with more details to follow.

• Click here for detail information packet on travel, lodging, costs, schedule, youth rules
• Click here for detail athletes registration form and seminar registration form

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Traditional Karate North Central Region Newsletter

NCR 2023 Winter Shiai Highlights

The Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR) recently held a shiai on March 25, 2023 at the SKM dojo in Mpls, MN. There were 30 participants at the event. The athletes had a good time and received feedback from the judges. The judges were able to tune-up on their kata and kumite judging skills. For some of the athletes and judges, the shiai gave them the opportunity to prepare for the June 2023 AAKF Nationals in Washington, DC.

Click here to view the NCR Facebook photos from the shiai event. Click here for the UofMN Facebook photos.

AAKF 2023 Spring Seminar (reminder)

April 21-23, 2023 – Mpls, MN

The 2023 American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) seminar will be held at the Van Cleve Recreation Center in Minneapolis Friday April 21 to Sunday April 23. There will be a dan and certification examinations Saturday afternoon. Click here for the online seminar registration link, schedule information, and hotel recommendation. Early registration discount by midnight April 14, 2023. Click here for the flyer. QR code to the registration link:

2023 AAKF National Championships

June 21-24 Washington, DC

The 2023 AAKF National Championships will be held in Washington, DC June 21-24, 2023. Whether you are a black belt or kyu level, you will be able to compete in either the adult or youth division. You must be an AAKF member to compete. Senior black belts wanting to judge at the National Championships must be an AAKF qualified judge. AAKF registration will be due May 30, 2023 with more details to follow.

• Click here for detail information packet on travel, lodging, costs, schedule, youth rules
• Click here for detail athletes registration form and seminar registration form

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here

Traditional Karate North Central Region Newsletter

NCR Winter Shiai

March 25, 2023

The Traditional Karate North Central Region (NCR) is having a winter shiai on Saturday March 25, 2023 from noon-3:00pm hosted at the SKM dojo. This is your opportunity to test your kumite and kata skills with fellow katatekas and get feedback from the NCR judges.  Come to the winter shiai for fun and excitement, and support your fellow karatekas as they test their skills against their fellow athletes. Athletes and certified AAKF judges who are going to the 2023 AAKF National Championships in Washington, DC can use this shiai in preparation for the 2023 AAKF Nationals. Click here for more details on the shiai.

AAKF 2023 Seminar

April 21-23, 2023 – Mpls, MN

The 2023 American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) seminar will be held at the Van Cleve Recreation Center in Minneapolis Friday April 21 to Sunday April 23. There will be a dan and certifcation examinations Saturday afternoon. Click here for the online seminar registration link, schedule information, and hotel recommendation. Click here for the flyer. QR code to the registration link:

AAKF Annual Membership Renewal – March 31 Deadline

Final Reminder

The annual AAKF Membership Renewal deadline has been extended to March 31, 2023. Individual AAKF memberships expire March 31. If you renew your current membership before March 31, the cost is only $25. After March 31, your AAKF individual membership renewal is $35. For club renewal, the cost is $170.00. Check this out ->  Benefits of an AAKF membership.

Click here to access the AAKF registration form. Write a check following the instructions from your club’s sensei. Deliver your payment and registration form to your club’s sensei – he/she will then mail the documents to the AAKF organization. For club registration form, click here.

2023 AAKF National Championships

June 21-24 Washington, DC

The 2023 AAKF National Championships will be held in Washington, DC June 21-24, 2023. Whether you are a black belt or kyu level, you will be able to compete in either the adult or youth division. You must be an AAKF member to compete. Senior black belts wanting to judge at the National Championships must be an AAKF qualified judge. AAKF registration will be due May 30, 2023 with more details to follow. Click here for more details on the AAKF National Championships.

Upcoming Calendar of Events and Registration

• Upcoming events
  • tbd

• NCR 2024 plans
  • October 19 NCR/SKM fall Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • October 26 NCR/SKM Kumite seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • November 2nd Madison Tournament. More details to follow.
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP – see below
  • November 16th U of M Tournament. More details to follow.
• NCR 2025 plans
  • January 25, 2025 NCR/SKM winter Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 1, 2025 NCR/SKM kata seminar at SKM. More details to follow.
  • March 29, 2025 NCR/SKM spring Shiai at SKM. More details to follow.
• AAKF upcoming events:
  • 2025 – AAKF National Champtionships and International camp. Madison, WI More details to follow.

• WTKF Events
  • November 6-9 – WORLD TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CHAMPIONSHIP in Lima,Peru.
    • Click here for poster/information
    • WTKF championships packet
    • Childrens packet
    • Open cup packet
  • 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
  • tbd
• Dan examination testing requirements shodan-sandan – click here
• Dan rank registration required when you pass your dan exam – click here