Asato Dojo News

A fond memory...

Asato Dojo — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:42:27 GMT

One of my first encounters with Okinawan karate was thanks to Miyahira Katsuya sensei and my mother-in-law who arranged for me to visit. She knew him through her job as a high school administrator. On that day I didn't fully understand his reputation as I didn't know the Okinawan karate scene at all. But I remember he was kind and patient with me. I was wearing my Wado obi back then, probably too proud of my Shodan rank and my karate ability in general. I remember we ran through Fukyukata and Pinan kata, with many corrections. I suspect he kept reminding me to "relax your shoulders".
I was very lucky to get to meet him and visit his dojo which just closed its doors forever a few weeks back. I would have never found it without the kindness of my mother-in-law.
26 years later I feel deeply grateful to still be on the path that has been highlighted by meetings like this and continues to be illuminated by the light that sharing karate practice and Okinawan culture brings to those who experience it. I am indebted to my Okinawa family for the many doors they have opened for me and their kindness and patience with this karatebaka.

Kishimoto-di Naihanchi Seminar: Part 1 (Asato Dojo, Feb 2026)

Asato Dojo — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 02:10:31 GMT

Ulf Karlsson Sensei introduces Tachimura no Naihanchi kata, the main principles and some applications.

SUPARINPEI KATA – Online Seminar with Andrea Klementisova

Asato Dojo — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:27:20 GMT

A highlight of the KIZUNA seminars in Cairns last month was Andrea sensei's masterful presentation on Suparinpei kata. Here is your chance to participate in that session. Don't miss it!

https://asatodojo.com/event/suparinpei/

Tomari Passai kata and applications - 2026 seminar

Asato Dojo — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:23:06 GMT

Tomari Passai (Oyadomari Passai) is a major kata in the Matsubayashiryu system and regarded as a major repository of so-called Tomari-te technique/style. At Asato Dojo during 2025/26 we specifically focussed on examining this kata through solo performance and pair work to attain a better understanding of the material therein.
This is, of course, an unfinished quest and always will be but we have improved our ability to drill and apply techniques and skills evident in this kata.
In the video featured here James Pankiewicz sensei presents the kata as a basis for basic skills development, partner drills and application sequences.
The following notes accompany this video seminar:

Gojushiho kata and applications - exploring the skills and tactics in this classical form

Asato Dojo — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:19:56 GMT

Gojushiho kata dates back to the last years of the royal court in Ryukyu (Okinawa) and our best guess is that it came from Matsumura Sokon, bodyguard to the last 3 kings.
Today there are of course several variations and versions being practiced but these all incorporate common skills and applications derived from the kata, even if the style of execution varies from school to school. Like a classic food recipe, all the essential ingredients are in all the versions, just mixed up a little differently.

I have enjoyed studying this kata over the past 20 years and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to share it with you.

The "100 Kata Challenge" events - born from Karate in Okinawa

Asato Dojo — Mon, 18 May 2026 02:34:58 GMT

The “100 Kata for Karate Day Challenge” is a worldwide karate event connected to World Karate Day on October 25th, celebrating the Okinawan roots of karate. It began in Okinawa and has grown into an international annual tradition involving karateka from many styles and countries.

At its core, the challenge is very simple:

Choose a kata (or several kata)
Perform a total of 100 repetitions
Do it on or around October 25th
Participate individually, with your dojo, or as part of a public event

The challenge is intentionally open to all ages, styles, and experience levels. Participants set their own pace and choose kata appropriate for their ability.

Why October 25th Matters

October 25th is recognized as “Karate Day” because in 1936 leading Okinawan masters formally adopted the term 空手 (“karate”). Masters associated with that historic meeting included figures such as:

Chōjun Miyagi
Chōshin Chibana
Chōtoku Kyan
Chōki Motobu

The modern challenge is meant both as a physical endurance event and as a tribute to Okinawan karate heritage.

Origins of the Challenge

The challenge itself appears to have started around 2014 as a global Okinawa-led event. Early events were held at historically important Okinawan locations such as:

Zakimi Castle
Okinawa Karate Kaikan
Naminoue Shrine

It was created and organized by James Pankiewicz and associated with the Okinawa martial arts community including Asato Dojo and Challenge Okinawa.

How People Usually Do It

There are several common formats:

One Kata Repeated 100 Times

Very common for beginners and large groups.

Examples:

Heian Shodan × 100
Naihanchi Shodan × 100
Pinan Sandan × 100

Rotating Through Multiple Kata

Intermediate and advanced practitioners may rotate through:

10 kata × 10 repetitions
Full syllabus runs
Style-specific kata sequences

Group Events

Many dojo organize:

Outdoor training
Beach sessions
Shrine or park practice
Sunrise training
Charity/community events

Some events attract hundreds of participants globally. One recent Okinawa event reportedly had registrations from 275 locations across 30+ countries.

Physical and Mental Challenge

Doing 100 kata is much harder than it sounds.

Participants commonly report:

Leg fatigue
Hip and stance breakdown
Mental lapses
Timing and breathing issues
Improved focus and endurance

The event becomes less about “perfect kata performance” and more about:

consistency
spirit
perseverance
rhythm
mindfulness under fatigue

That aligns closely with traditional Okinawan training ideas such as repetitive forging practice.

The Kobudo Version

There is also a sister event:

“100 Kobudo Kata Challenge”
Usually held around May 4th

Participants perform weapons kata using:

bo
sai
tonfa
nunchaku
eku
and other Okinawan kobudo weapons.

Global Community Aspect

One of the strongest features is that it is intentionally non-political and cross-style.

You’ll see participation from:

Shotokan
Goju-ryu
Shorin-ryu
Uechi-ryu
Kyokushin
Wado-ryu
Kobudo groups
independent dojo

Many groups post videos and photos using hashtags like:

#100kata
#100KataChallenge

The atmosphere is generally collaborative rather than competitive.

100 Kata for Karate Day 2025 - watch on Youtube

Subscribe now