Last February 16, 2008 at Emilio Aguinaldo College Sports Center, International Shotokan Karate Federation-Philippines (ISKF-Philippines) hosted for the first time a karate seminar. It was organized by Karate Development Arts and Sports (KDA). The seminar was handled by Master Teryuki Okazaki, a tenth dan blackbelter in Shotokan Karate. Master Teryuki Okazaki is the Founder, Chief Instructor and Chairman of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). He is one of the top students of Master Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan's founder) as well as Masatoshi Nakayama.

Sensei Okazaki with students

For the first session, the seminar was for the blackbelters. It started at 9:00a.m. The second session was the general class, it was for white belters up to blackbelters. Sensei Okazaki taught different  lessons during the seminar, such as different versions of combinations of punches, blocks , and kicks. During the seminar, reviewing of the kata (form) was done, and emphasizing in the hip twist and shift of weight was applied. He also emphasized the importance of having well-established kihon skills to be able to perform excellent katas and execute exceptional kumite skills.

KDA Black Belts with Sensei Jojie Mercado

Sensei Okazaki also reminded every karateka that a kata (form) and kihon (basics) should be practiced for about 15 minutes a day to be able to enhance the skills, and this can also be performed in place. He also said that a good karateka must be able to live out the principles of karate in his or her daily life, improving themselves physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

Sensei Okazaki signing autographs

All in all, those who attended the seminar were able to expand their knowledge and skills in karate.

KDA Black Belts with Sensei Okazaki