Shotokan Karate of America conducts regional special practices known as “Special Trainings” twice a year, usually in the winter and summer. These are the most important events for any karate student, for they allow one to push oneself to one’s limits through intensive training periods from three to four days in duration, with several practices each day. Many students agree that Special Trainings are the most demanding and strenuous mental and physical experiences of their lives.
— Shotokan Karate of America
Kansas City Dojo was host to 2022’s Midwest Winter Special Training over the October 28 through 30 weekend. Twenty-five members from ten different dojos came together in Kansas City to make the first winter special training in nearly three years (due to the pandemic). Brad Kindler, nidan from UNL dojo, provided solid leadership throughout the training.
- 9 from Kansas City, MO/KS
- 4 from UNL (Lincoln, NE)
- 3 from Indianapolis, IL
- 2 from Chicago, IL
- 3 from California (2 from San Jose, 1 from Lake Forest)
- 1 from Austin, TX
- 1 from Boston, MA
- 1 from Chapel Hill, NC
- 1 from Twin Cities, MN
There were 7 white belts, 3 brown belts, 15 black belts. 6 had never attended a special training (WELL DONE, first-timers)! Ages ranged from 23 to 71 and there were 2 women in the group. It was a very strong, very good special training led
Some photos from one of the practices (sanbon gumite):
