Earlier this week, we had the incredible honour of welcoming Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa to Ireland as part of his week-long visit across the country, bringing seminars and instruction to dojos from Dublin all the way to Cork. For students from white belt to black belt, the two-day seminar was an unforgettable experience and a true privilege to train under one of the most respected names in Shotokan karate today.
There is always a special sense of excitement whenever our Japanese Senseis visit Ireland. It is far more than just training — it is a connection to the birthplace of karate itself. These seminars are an opportunity to challenge your body, sharpen your mind, strengthen your spirit, and absorb every piece of knowledge and wisdom shared by masters who have dedicated their lives to the art of karate.
Karate is founded on respect, and you could feel that respect from the very moment Kancho Kanazawa Sensei walked through the dojo doors. Across the two days, the sessions were perfectly balanced and packed with learning. Students experienced strong fundamentals, technical detail, practical application, kata, kumite, timing, movement, and the deeper principles behind each technique.
One of the most impressive aspects of the seminar was the way Kancho Kanazawa Sensei could break techniques down so clearly that everyone — regardless of age or grade — could understand, improve, and enjoy the process. Through a mixture of English, Japanese, demonstration, and pure presence, communication became effortless. It reminded everyone that karate itself is a universal language.
We were also proud to have our own Sensei Seamus leading and supporting throughout the seminar, demonstrating alongside Kancho Kanazawa Sensei and proudly watching his students give their absolute best on the floor. You could clearly see the pride, respect, and connection between teacher and student throughout the sessions, something that is at the very heart of a strong dojo and karate community.
The atmosphere across both days was exceptional. There were moments of intensity, focus, sweat, laughter, and determination. Students trained alongside karateka from other dojos, strengthening not only their own skills but also the wider karate community across Ireland. Events like these remind us that while we may come from different clubs and backgrounds, we all share the same goal: to learn, improve, and make the most of every opportunity we are given.
A special congratulations goes to the students from Stamullen Martial Arts who had the honour of grading under Kancho Kanazawa Sensei during the seminar. Grading under such a highly respected instructor is an experience in itself and one that will stay with them for many years. Every student gave their all on the floor through kihon, kata, and kumite, showing determination, spirit, and perseverance. They should all be extremely proud of their efforts as they move forward into the next stage of their karate journey, one step closer to black belt and beyond.
Karate teaches us many things beyond punches and kicks. Personally, one of the greatest lessons I continue to discover through training is how deeply karate strengthens the connection between the mind and the body. As we get older, that connection becomes even more important. Precision, awareness, coordination, discipline, and mental focus become just as demanding as the physical training itself. Beyond belts and gradings, these are lifelong benefits that continue to grow year after year, both inside and outside the dojo.
We would like to sincerely thank Kancho Kanazawa Sensei for his time, patience, kindness, and willingness to share a lifetime of knowledge and experience with us all. It was a truly inspiring seminar, and we are already looking forward to welcoming him back to Ireland again in the future.
Arigatō gozaimashita, Kancho Kanazawa Sensei, and safe travels across our beautiful green island of Ireland.
Go raibh míle maith agat — a thousand thanks from all of us at Stamullen Martial Arts.
Stamullen Martial Arts 