Seminar Week with Arimoto Sensei – A Celebration of Karate, Learning, and Friendship

We’ve had an incredible start to our Seminar Week with the legendary Arimoto Sensei from Japan, a 4-time World Champion whose presence has brought energy, precision, and inspiration to every session.

Day 1: Power, Precision & Kata Mastery

From the very first techniques, it was clear why Sensei is a world-class practitioner. His precision and power, even in the basics, set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

• 🐯 Little Tigers began with strong fundamentals, then stepped up to the challenge of Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan — and they rose beautifully to the occasion!
• 👊 Our older students dove into dynamic Kihon drills, including powerful kicks like Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, and Mawashi Geri. The energy was electric!
• 🥋 We wrapped up with a full run-through of the Heian Kata series, reinforcing rhythm, technique, and confidence.
• 🎓 The final class was a masterclass for our senior belts, focusing on Kayuoko Shodan. Sensei guided us through the intricacies of this advanced kata, highlighting subtle details and deeper applications — a true lesson in flow and precision.

Day 2: Bonding, Junro Series & Koten Kata Challenge

Day 2 brought a perfect balance of relaxation, camaraderie, and high-level training.

• 🌊 We kicked off with a walk along Takapuna Beach, followed by a fun clay pigeon shooting session — a refreshing break from the dojo and a great way to connect off the mats.
• 🐯 Back in training, Sensei worked closely with our Little Tigers, guiding them through solid Kihon and introducing them to Jo No Kata — a fantastic way to build coordination and focus.
• 🥋 The second class focused on Kihon drills that connect with the Junro series, covering Junro Shodan and Junro Nidan. Students sharpened their techniques and deepened their understanding.
• 🌟 The final session was dedicated to Kakyuoko Nidan, a classic Koten Kata that demands full-body coordination and flow. It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding — a true test of focus and control.

Gratitude & Excitement Ahead

We’re deeply grateful to Sensei Arimoto for sharing his expertise, spirit, and warmth with our dojo. His teachings have already made a lasting impact, and we’re excited for the rest of the week.

Great vibes, great learning, and great company. Osu!