“We are experts at babying ourselves; we must look at ourselves with the strictest eyes.” — Tsutomu Ohshima

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.

The beginning student is allowed to attend Special Training with the consent of the instructor, based on physical condition and knowledge of kata, kihon, and kumite. During the longer Special Trainings, closed practices are held for black belts and brown belts in addition to the general practices.

The individual is given the opportunity to train with a large number of members of all ranks from many dojos, who gather to increase their self-awareness through this rigorous training. The event is usually held in a large facility such as a private boarding school where students all share the common experience by living, eating, and training together. Separate facilities are always provided for men and women students. Special Training represents an opportunity for the serious karate student to advance themself both mentally and physically. No drinking, taking of drugs, or sexual activity is tolerated.

In line with the martial arts tradition of “what you begin you must finish,” one may not leave Special Training until it is officially over without the permission of the chief instructor. Any student who breaks this rule automatically loses their membership in SKA, and will never again be allowed to practice with any SKA dojo. There is absolutely no exception to this rule.

Special Training has come down to us from martial artists of the past who sought a way to put their mental and physical powers to a test by calling upon their innermost strengths–strengths that you will realize you also possess after this intensive training experience. Indeed, to put ourselves into hardship, to push ourselves to our physical limits and thereby to strengthen our mentality, and to see ourselves with clearer eyes are the ultimate goals of this practice.

REGISTRATION: Participants must complete and submit SPECIAL TRAINING APPLICATION FORM (available at SKA website: http://ska.org/news/wp-content/uploads/st_form.pdf), along with your payment. For minors, parent or guardian must sign the Parental Waiver of Rights, Consent, and Indemnification Agreement on the back of the Application. Recommending senior should sign the appropriate portion of the form if you have been recommended for Dan grading. ELIGIBILITY

All members of Shotokan Karate of America at least 16 years of age may attend after obtaining the consent of their instructor.REGULATIONS
No smoking. No alcoholic beverages. No drugs. No sexual activity. No one will be permitted to leave. All persons must attend all training sessions for their rank level. All participants are required to have personal Medical and Hospital insurance coverage. Insurance arrangements should be made in advance, insurance will not be available at the site.

WHAT TO BRING: Karate-gis, casual but neat clothing, personal toiletry items, water, sports drinks, energy bars/snacks, fruits, etc.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Hand and mouth protection as well as groin protection for men and breast protection for women are recommended for all participants during sanbon kumite. Senior members wishing to practice jiyu-kumite are required to use hand and mouth protection. Be prepared — protective equipment will NOT be available at the site.