The first weekend of May saw Oxford University host the 2025 International University Karate Meeting. Sensei Spiros Ventouras, chief instructor of Oxford University Karate Club, was joined by Sensei Yoshinobu Ohta, chief instructor of JKA England, along with Sensei Masao Watanabe and Sensei Yoshiyuki Osada, chairman and president respectively of the Japan University Karatedo Federation. Despite the busy exam season, students from seven universities across the UK gathered to train together, including CUKC president Lukas and vice-president Alex.
Day one
The first day was led by Spiros-sensei, who primarily covered kihon. His instruction explored principles applicable to all movements and suitable for the many karate styles represented, though they were by no means easy to internalise. Drills focused on stepping efficiently and controlling the body’s centre of gravity.
Partner work put these movement skills into practice, focusing on countering immediately after blocking. The most memorable drill used the bent leg of a deep side lunge to drive forward over a great distance into a straight punch - an exercise that would not look out of place in a Karate Kid film.
Day two
Osada-sensei began the second day with a forward-stepping exercise, demonstrating how to slide naturally while maintaining the body’s centreline. Watanabe-sensei then joined for partner drills focused on tai sabaki - whole-body movement - and receiving an opponent’s attack rather than simply blocking it.
Finally, Ohta-sensei taught the Shotokan kata Gankaku, with particular emphasis on the hips and the image of forming a tulip with the hands for the final turn. Watanabe-sensei contrasted it with Wado-ryu’s Chinto and explained how its stances and techniques reflect the founder’s connection with kendo.
University karate
The seminars provided plenty of technical material to reflect on, but the collective spirit of training together - and the friendships formed while exploring Oxford - made the weekend unforgettable. Thanks go to Johanna Hoffmann, outgoing president of Oxford University Karate Club, for organising such an excellent event. We hope gatherings like this continue long into the future.