The 3rd JKA Philippines Gasshuku and Tournament 2026

 

 

SUMMARY REPORT
 A Historic Gathering in Davao City
 

3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship 2026:
August 27 to 30, 2026
 

 


The 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship 2026 brought four memorable days of world-class instruction, disciplined competition and international friendship to the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City from August 27 to 30, 2026.

From its early planning and international promotion to the final championship matches and emotional Sayonara Party, the event represented an important milestone for JKA Philippines and the development of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do in the country.

 

World-Class Instruction from Japan
 

One of the event’s greatest distinctions was the participation of three respected instructors from the Japan Karate Association Headquarters in Tokyo:

  • Koichiro Okuma, Shihan
  • Tatsuya Naka, Shihan
  • Koji Chubachi, Sensei
     

During the first two days, participants received intensive instruction in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. The sessions also focused on body mechanics, timing, distance, mental discipline, competition strategy and the deeper principles of traditional JKA Karate-Do.

For many Filipino and international participants—particularly the younger karateka—the opportunity to train directly under senior Japanese instructors became one of the most valuable and unforgettable parts of the gathering.

 

 

 

 





 

Davao Becomes an International Karate Center
 

The gathering welcomed competitors, instructors, senior black belts and delegates from the Philippines and abroad. The participation of Indonesia and Mongolia added international strength to the competition and allowed Filipino athletes to test their skills against karateka trained in different competitive environments.
 

The event also attracted interest from karate and business circles connected with Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Spain, creating possibilities for broader European participation in future JKA Philippines competitions.
 

For four days, Davao City became an important international meeting place where karate practitioners could learn, compete and build friendships across national boundaries.



From Training to Championship Competition
 

Following two days of intensive Gasshuku training, the gathering shifted into tournament competition.

The third day featured elimination rounds in Kata and Kumite across children’s, cadet, junior, youth and adult divisions. Competitors were tested not only in physical strength and technical skill, but also in concentration, timing, distance, strategy and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
 

The fourth and final day presented the championship contests in:

  • Individual Kata
  • Individual Kumite
  • Team Kata
  • Team Kumite
  • Advanced Adult male and female divisions
     

In Kata, competitors were evaluated according to precision, balance, rhythm, power, focus and execution. In Kumite, victory depended on speed, judgment, controlled technique and the ability to anticipate an opponent’s movement.
 

After four days of training and competition, the 2026 JKA Philippines International Champions were crowned. Every medal represented years of preparation, discipline, sacrifice and commitment—not simply one successful weekend on the tatami.
 

 

 

 

Diplomacy, Sports Development and Public Support

 

Ono Hirotaka, Consul-General of Japan in Davao, addressed the karate community with a message highlighting the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and the role of Karate-Do in strengthening cultural and people-to-people relations.

 

Michael Denton P. Aportadera, Head of the Davao City Sports Development Division, was also among the sports leaders supporting the gathering.

The championship received support from the Kadayawan Festival, the Philippine Sports Commission and the University of Southeastern Philippines. Their participation brought together international cooperation, education, government and sports development while demonstrating Davao City’s capability to host major international sporting events.

 

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalized the partnership among JKA Philippines, the USeP Davao Chapter, and the Consulate General of Japan in Davao. The Consulate participated in JKA Philippines’ Gasshuku, examinations, and championship tournament at the USeP Davao Dojo, including activities connected with the annual Kadayawan Festival. The agreement strengthened the implementation of the official JKA curriculum and training programs at the USeP Dojo.

 

Leadership, Organization and Security

 

The successful staging of the gathering reflected the combined work of JKA Philippines officials, chapter leaders, instructors, volunteers, technical personnel and public-safety teams.

 

The organization was led by Chairman Gilieto A. Luaque, Shihan, and Chief Executive Officer Emeliano T. Murillo. Ysmael Yu, Sensei—a Philippine Military Academy graduate and retired Police Brigadier General—supported the organization as Consultant to the Chairman.

Security and public-safety coordination remained a priority throughout the gathering because of the presence of foreign delegates, Japanese masters, athletes, officials and spectators.

 

Rodeno L. Dilag, Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, helped oversee safety coordination with Engr. Romeo Chavez, the JKA Philippines public-safety team, Davao security components, military personnel and USeP security officers.

 

The coordinated effort provided an orderly and secure environment throughout the international event.

 

 

 

A Filipino Farewell to International Friends

After the final champions were crowned, the gathering concluded with a warm and joyful Sayonara Party celebrating friendship, cultural exchange and Filipino hospitality with a BIG TOSS!

A Cebu lechon specially brought in for the occasion became the centerpiece of the celebration. Music soon filled the evening as Ysmael Yu, Sensei, performed a Filipino song, followed by Shalie Secuya’s rendition of a Japanese song honoring the visiting delegation.

Koji Chubachi, Sensei, surprised the guests with his own musical performance, earning enthusiastic applause. Karate black belt and fashion model Daichi Inomoto later performed a Filipino song that developed into a lively international sing-along.

Japanese, Indonesian, Mongolian and Filipino guests who had trained and competed against one another were no longer opponents. They shared food, music, laughter, photographs and memories as one international Karate-Do family.

 

 


More Than a Tournament

The 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship 2026 was more than a sporting competition.
 

It provided Filipino practitioners with direct access to Japanese masters, gave young karateka an international platform, strengthened friendships among participating nations and increased global interest in the future of Philippine Karate-Do.
 

The tournament produced champions. The Gasshuku developed stronger and more disciplined karateka. The Sayonara Party demonstrated that the true legacy of Karate-Do extends beyond medals and trophies.
 

The final bow may have ended the competition, but the knowledge, discipline, friendships and international connections created in Davao will continue.

The 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku did not simply mark the conclusion of another tournament. It opened a new international chapter for JKA Philippines.
 

OSS!

Media Coverages

https://www.jkaphilippines.net/News/

 

 

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