Karate Odyssey: RTKA's Journey into the Heart of Goju-Ryu Karate in Okinawa
In December 2023, a dedicated delegation from Rajesh Thakkar’s Karate Academy embarked on a transformative expedition to the birthplace of Karate-do in Okinawa, Japan.
Led by Sensei Rajesh Thakkar, the team, including Sensei Jayesh Somaiya, Sensei Raghuvir Thakkar, Sensei Hersh Sayta, Sensei Dakshesh Shah, Sempai Richa Agarwal, Sempai Preesha Kothari, Sempai Darrshan Mehta, Sempai Manan Parekh, Sempai Shiv Shankar, and Sempai Bhoomika Nisar.
The team underwent an intensive two-week training regimen under the guidance of the revered Grand Master and living legend of Goju-Ryu Karate, Hanshi Morio Higaonna (10th Dan) at the Honbu Dojo of Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (TOGKF).
Hanshi Morio Higaonna has been named by the Okinawan Government as a living cultural treasure for his lifetimes work to spread Okinawan Goju-Ryu to the world as well as preserving it forever in its homeland.
The team trained directly under the Grand Master along with Sensei Yonekazu Uehara (8th Dan) and Sensei Masakazu Kuramoto (8th Dan).
The team had an opportunity to experience traditional Karate-do training including focused sessions on body conditioning (hojo undo), fundamental techniques (kihon), and the meticulous perfection of Goju Ryu Kata, with a special emphasis on Bunkai—the fundamental application of Kata techniques.
We missed Sensei Yoshinori Yonesato (7th Dan) due to his commitments.
Pursuant to the two-week training experience, the team had an extra-ordinary celebration on December 25th, Hanshi Morio Higaonna’s 85th birthday.
Each member of the RTKA team presented Hanshi with unique birthday gifts, creating lasting memories. Sensei Masakazu Kuramoto, Sensei Yonekazu Uehara, and Sensei Shinya joined the celebration, enhancing the camaraderie.
All in all, it was an enriching experience of training in Japan for the team and emphasises the unique significance of this trip for Team RTKA.
This Karate odyssey marks a chapter in the Academy’s commitment to excellence and cultural exchange, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of Rajesh Thakkar’s Karate Academy.
Rajesh Thakkar's Karate Academy 72nd Camp - Karate-Do Camp
A Fusion of Tradition and Excellence Comes to a Close”
Rajesh Thakkar’s Karate Academy (RTKA) has successfully concluded its much-anticipated 72nd Karate-Do Camp, adding another chapter to its enduring legacy of martial arts excellence.
Held at the scenic Khanvel Resorts in Silvassa from the 26th to the 30th of December, 2023, the camp brought together Karate enthusiasts from various cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Surat, and Bhavnagar.
The camp, led by Sensei Rajesh Thakkar, Chief Instructor, 7th Degree Black Belt, showcased decades of experience in Karate. His profound expertise infused the camp with transformative experiences for all participants.
Drawing over 100 participants, the camp’s curriculum covered various facets of Karate and self-defense training, embracing a holistic approach to skill enhancement. Focus areas included Kihon (Basics), Kata (Form), Bunkai (Application of Kata), Ippon Kumite (One Step Sparring), Makiwara (Bagwork), and Shiai Kumite (Sports Karate).
Assisted by seasoned instructors Sensei Jayesh Somaiya, Sensei Bahadur Raval, and Sensei Hersh Sayta, the camp stood out for its comprehensive training program.
What made this camp particularly special was Sensei Thakkar and the RTKA team’s recent journey to Okinawa, Japan, where they had the privilege to train under the legendary Grand Master Hanshi Morio Higaonna. The participants at the camp were able to benefit from this enriching experience, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Karate training.
In conclusion, the 72nd Karate-Do Camp by RTKA was a resounding success, leaving participants enriched and inspired by the fusion of tradition and excellence.
RTKA Gears Up for it’s 43rd Annual Karate Tournament at Iconic PJ Hindu Gymkhana
Rajesh Thakkar’s Karate Academy (RTKA) is poised to host its 43rd Annual Karate Tournament under the leadership of Sensei Rajesh Thakkar, a distinguished 7th Degree Black Belt. Set against the backdrop of the iconic PJ Hindu Gymkhana at Marine Drive, Mumbai, the tournament is scheduled for Saturday, 27th, and Sunday, 28th January 2024.
This highly anticipated event, in association with PJ Hindu Gymkhana, will feature four distinct and focussed performance categories:
1. Kihon (Basics): A study of fundamental techniques. 2. Individual Kata: Showcasing the heart of Karate through structured sequences. 3. Shadow Shiai: Participants engage in simulated combat against imaginary opponents. 4. Shiai Kumite (Sports Combat): Embracing the competitive aspect of Karate.
What sets this tournament apart is the participation of over 300 RTKA students, each seeking to excel in their chosen category. Sensei Rajesh Thakkar has himself innovated one of the events, adding a unique touch to the competition.
The tournament, an internal affair of RTKA, goes beyond the stereotypical perception of Martial Arts as a violent sport. Instead, it emphasises the principles of balance, self-confidence, and peace. RTKA adheres to the mantra: “Do not strike others and do not allow others to strike you. The goal is peace without incident.”
Spanning students from Dojos across South Mumbai, Central, Western Suburbs and Bhavnagar the Academy’s 300 students are gearing up to showcase their skills and compete for top honours at this prestigious event.
Sensei Rajesh Thakkar, along with his experienced team of students and associates, presents this event as a culmination of 44 years of martial arts experience in India and abroad. Sensei Rajesh Thakkar expresses, “Spreading the art and science of Karate, with the right human values, is the mission of my life.”
The tournament promises to be a celebration of skill and discipline, coupled with the true spirit of martial arts.
For more Information call Miss Hanover Wadia on +91 90049 44333
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