Last weekend's kata seminar was more than just training — it was a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Kyokushin from one of its most knowledgeable masters: Shihan Sotodate from Japan, a long-standing member of the WKO Shinkyokushin technical committee.
We've had the honour of meeting Shihan Sotodate on several occasions throughout our Kyokushin journey — at training camps, seminars and tournaments — and each time, it's a pleasure to reconnect and feel the energy he brings.
The art of teaching
What stood out wasn't just his technical expertise — although his command of kata is nothing short of inspiring — but the gentle precision and care with which he teaches.
With a calm demeanour, sharp eye for detail and subtle humour, Shihan Sotodate made even the most complex corrections feel intuitive and respectful.
His ability to teach with patience and clarity reflects a lifetime dedicated not only to karate but also to the art of teaching itself.
Culture, tradition and identity
One of the most enlightening aspects of the seminar was observing the subtle differences in kata interpretation between Japan and Europe.
Movements that share the same roots carry different nuances — a mirror of the broader cultural perspectives that shape them. Even within Europe, various countries bring their own flavour and expression to kata. These variations are not mistakes, but reflections of how deeply kata is intertwined with identity, tradition and evolving interpretation.
Shihan Sotodate reminded us that while the kihon may be universal, the spirit behind each kata is personal — shaped by lineage, philosophy and character.
That's what makes Kyokushin so rich and alive: rooted in tradition yet open to refinement.
In the dojo, kata may be about perfection — but in seminars like this, it's about connection and exchange.
Between cultures. Between generations. Between teacher and student. Between Kyokushin enthusiasts.
Pictures: EKO Black Belt Seminar 2024, European Karate Organisation
May 6, 2025