21-24 Oct 2025 International Karate Seminar program
Challenge Okinawa is honoured to once again host and support the third KU World Gasshuku in the birthplace of Karate, the beautiful island of Okinawa. This 4 day international seminar program features the best of KU instruction and practice, led by Patrick McCarthy sensei, to participants from around the globe, along with fully catered social events in unique locations.
HAPV 2025 KU Okinawa
The Habitual Acts of Physical Violence (HAPV-Theory) provides a framework to understand this universality. The foundation of self-defense is grounded in two key categories of violence:
1. Percussive Impact: Often considered the primary mechanism of fighting, striking is not about culture but about physics—body mechanics, motion, and acceleration. Effective striking relies on principles such as leverage, balance, and the ability to generate power through the transfer of energy. The science behind striking makes it functional, regardless of whether it’s taught in a Chinese, Japanese, or any other cultural context.
2. Seizing and Manipulation: Techniques that involve gripping or controlling an opponent also transcend cultural traditions. These techniques rely on biomechanical principles, utilizing the five ancient machines—lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, and screw—to achieve specific objectives such as flexion, extension, rotation, or compression. For example, capturing a limb or garment employs these mechanical principles to manipulate the opponent’s structure, balance, or movement. This understanding is rooted not in cultural origin but in anatomy and physics. By emphasizing the science of motion, mechanics, and functionality, we eliminate the ambiguities often introduced by cultural interpretations. It doesn’t matter whether a technique is labeled as Chinese, Japanese, or Mongolian—the mechanics and principles driving its effectiveness remain the same. This reduction to a fundamental, generic understanding is critical to conveying the universality of the fighting arts.
Ultimately, when reduced to their essence, the fighting arts become a study of mathematics and physics applied to human anatomy. Striking works because of acceleration and energy transfer; seizing works because of mechanical advantage and leverage. These principles are universal, timeless, and accessible to anyone willing to learn them, irrespective of their cultural background or preconceived notions.
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s unforgettable experience fuels our excitement in extending this invitation to you. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner, a devoted student, or embarking on the Karate journey for the first time, all are welcome with open arms – KU or IRKRS membership is not required. In recognition of those who successfully complete the course, a magnificent brushed certificate of completion will be personally presented; tangible reminder of the skills acquired and new friendships forged here in Okinawa.
Come, be part of this extraordinary celebration of Karate, and let’s create memories that will resonate for a lifetime.” – Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 10th Dan Koryu Uchinadi
We are accepting 2025 reservations now – please use the form link below to apply. You will receive information on fees and deadlines for payment to secure your ticket(s) via email.
In 2023 & 2024, at the KU Gasshuku events in Okinawa, we delivered amazing programs for participants including world class martial arts instruction with Patrick sensei and senior KU instructors, cultural and history tours, fully catered dinner events in spectacular locations, exclusive event goods, participation in World Karate Day (Oct 25th) celebration events including the 10th 100 Kata Challenge at Shuri Castle and opportunities to add on more dojo visits or activities such as beach BBQ parties and bus tours of the islands attractions.
The 2025 World Gasshuku will be held from Oct 21st-24th in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Patrick McCarthy Hanshi leads 4 days of world class instruction at the Karate Kaikan, following which all participants are invited to join the World Karate Day celebrations and much more during this very special program of activities.
Use the link above to make your reservation today. Spaces are limited and have filled up fast in the past! Once we have received your online reservation we will email you with detailed information on fees and deadlines to make payment to secure your tickets.
Summary of fees:
Full Package Option – 9 days accommodation with breakfast, Full Pass to 4 day Gasshuku, Dinner Tickets to Welcome and Sayonara parties, Karate History Tour ticket – 255,000 yen (approx $1895 USD)
or,
Gasshuku Full Pass and Welcome Party only option – 70,000 yen (approx $500 USD)
We look forward to welcoming you to Okinawa in 2025.
– Patrick McCarthy and James Pankiewicz (event co-ordinator)
