The Kikai camp wrapped up on Saturday, July 27. We hope that you all enjoyed the training, got ‘tuned-up’ a bit, learned some things, and gained new insight into Uechi-Ryu Karate. Remember, ‘Kikai’ means ‘opportunity,’ so don’t miss this chance to learn and grow in your Karate journey!
The training covered a variety of topics including Hojo Undo, Sanchin, Kata, Bunkai, Yakusoku Kumite, Kote-Kashi Kitae and more.  Kikai 2024 was co-hosted by two long established Dojos in Massachusetts.  ZenQuest hosted the Berkshire portion of the camp on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23. After a day of rest, the Masters continued in North Attleboro from Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27. 
The Dan testing and banquet were held on Sunday, July 28. Huge congratulations to Senseis Ed and Jean on their dojo’s 50th anniversary! To an outside observer, it can be difficult to understand all that is involved in running a martial arts school, and it is no small accomplishment to endure all of the challenges that 50 years can bring. Also, congratulations to the individuals who successfully met the challenge and passed their Dan tests.
The visiting Masters said that they thoroughly enjoyed their time visiting New England and providing instruction at the camp. Despite the initial travel difficulties and delays, they were able to experience some of the beauty and culture of the area and, of course, the people in attendance. Unlike their travel to the U.S., the return flights went exactly as scheduled without any issues.
Thanks to all of you who supported the camp, and special thanks to the Okinawan Masters for all of their help and inspiration. This was likely Sensei Nakahodo’s last visit to the U.S., and we are especially grateful to him for making the trip to share his vast knowledge of the art.

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Update 7/30/24: The Kikai camp wrapped up on Saturday, July 27. We hope that you all enjoyed the training, got ‘tuned-up’ a bit, learned some things, and gained new insight into Uechi-Ryu Karate. Remember, ‘Kikai’ means ‘opportunity,’ so don’t miss this chance to learn and grow in your Karate journey!
The dan testing and banquet were held on Sunday, July 28. Huge congratulations to Senseis Ed and Jean on their dojo’s 50th anniversary! To an outside observer, it can be difficult to understand all that is involved in running a martial arts school, and it is no small accomplishment to endure all of the challenges that 50 years can bring. Also, congratulations to the individuals who successfully passed their Dan tests, including: Chip Quimby - 8th Dan, Carl Quilitzsch - 9th Dan, Bob Otto - 9th Dan, and Joe Montanino - 9th Dan.
The Okinawans said that they thoroughly enjoyed their time visiting New England and providing instruction at the camp. Despite the initial travel difficulties and delays, they were able to experience some of the beauty and culture of the area and, of course, the people in attendance. Like yourselves, they were able to train and have fun with old friends and make some new friends. They arrived safely back in Okinawa at 9:30 AM EST today (10:30 PM Okinawa time). Unlike their travel to the U.S., the return flights went exactly as scheduled without any issues.
Now, to address a more unfortunate aspect of the camp. As you may know by now, the camp coincided with a spike in COVID cases. We have had numerous positive cases reported from participants at this point. It is difficult to believe that we are still dealing with COVID-19 on this level more than four years after it first appeared. Fortunately, the current strain seems to result in relatively minor symptoms for most people. Given that we had a large group working together in close proximity for several days, the risk of exposure is high for anyone who attended the camp. Please take any necessary precautions to minimize risks for yourself and the people close to you.
Thanks to all of you who supported the camp, and special thanks to the Okinawan Masters for all of their help and inspiration. This was likely Sensei Nakahodo’s last visit to the U.S., and we are especially grateful to him for making the trip to share his vast knowledge of the art.

Update 7/19/24: As most of you know, there was a global software problem last evening causing flights around the world to be delayed or cancelled. Some of you have been affected directly by this and our Okinawan guests have, too.
As it stands right now, our guests will be arriving a day later than had been planned. Under the circumstances, this will result in having to cancel the Sunday am training. If all goes smoothly going forward all of the other trainings will be held as planned. 
We hope that the remainder of your own travel plans go well and that you are able to join us for training on Monday morning.

Update 7/16/24: Only days now before the Kikai camp begins!! You can find some general information about the training HERE, and a copy of the training schedule HERE. Please note that the first training on Sunday, July 21 will be at the ZenQuest dojo at: 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. The rest of the sessions in the Berkshires will be held at the ‘Miss Hall’s School’ gym at: 492 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA. Training in North Attleboro will be at the Bristol Mason Lodge: 46 S. Washington St., North Attleboro, MA.  For more information on the training there contact Sensei Jean at [email protected].
Originally, all of the Berkshire training was going to be held at ZenQuest, but with the response being what it was we decided to arrange for the bigger space for the majority of the training. The first session will still be held at ZenQuest for two reasons: to make sure that everyone has a chance to get the address for the new location, and because Sensei Nakahodo requested to spend some time there. Since we have two large training rooms, we shouldn’t have a problem with space, based on the way that we’ve planned things out. 
We’re looking forward to an amazing camp with you all. Gambate and Chibariyo!!
 
Update 4/25/24: July is fast approaching! For those attending the Berkshire portion of the Kikai camp, the training session on Sunday, July 21 will be at the ZenQuest dojo at 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA. The Monday and Tuesday sessions will be held at the Miss Halls School gym at 492 Holmes Road, Pittsfield, MA. These locations are not far from each other and there are several hotel choices nearby. 
We recently had a spot open up for the camp. Please contact us ASAP if you or someone you know is interested. Also, if you haven’t already contacted Sensei Jean about the banquet at the end of the camp on July 28, please do so at [email protected].

Update 2/7/24:  Due to the incredible response for the Kikai camp another Okinawan Master to the instructors.  Sensei Atsushi Hamada is a Rokkudan (6th Dan) and Director of the Awase dojo in Okinawa under Grandmaster Keicho Toburu.  Hamada San is also a two-time Kata Champion in the All Okinawa Karatedo Tournament and a Physical Therapist by trade.

Update 1/22/24:  At this point we are starting a waiting list for the Kikai camp. We have had a surprising number of early registrations and have reached the upper limit for attendance. If you are still interested in going but haven't registered, please send an email to [email protected] and we will place you on the waiting list. Thanks! ​

Update 1/3/24:  We now have an online link for preregistration!  Click HERE to preregister this way. Once your payment is complete a registration sheet and additional information will be sent to you.

Update 12/19/23:  Thanks to everyone who has preregistered for this already.  Please note that payments for the camp are not being processed until after January 1st to avoid problems with taxes.