It is with profound sadness that IJKA Headquarters announces the passing of Rohana Greasman Sensei of IJKA Sri Lanka.

We are still deeply shocked by this sudden and heartbreaking news. It is difficult to find the words to express our sadness.

Rohana Sensei had been a devoted member of the IJKA family for many years. Since the time of our former Chief Instructor, the late Sadashige Kato Sensei, he faithfully supported IJKA and played an important role in building and developing IJKA Sri Lanka.

Only a few months ago, in May 2026, Rohana Sensei came to Japan and joined us for the IJKA Continental Cup 2026 JAPAN and the IJKA seminars. We shared time together, talked together, and welcomed him once again as part of our IJKA family.

We never imagined that those moments in Japan would become our last memories together.  His sudden passing leaves a deep emptiness in our hearts.

Above all, our thoughts are with Rohana Sensei’s family, who are facing an immeasurable loss. We can only imagine the depth of their grief at this time.

On behalf of IJKA Headquarters and the entire IJKA family in Japan, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family. We sincerely hope that they are surrounded by love and support during these extremely difficult days.

At the same time, we believe that Rohana Sensei’s dedication and spirit will continue to live on within IJKA Sri Lanka.

Today, a new generation of young and dedicated members is growing and taking active roles within IJKA Sri Lanka. We are confident that they will honour what Rohana Sensei built and carry his legacy forward with pride and responsibility.

Rohana Sensei, thank you for your many years of dedication to IJKA, for your friendship, and for everything you have given to the IJKA family.  Your contribution, your spirit, and the bonds you created will never be forgotten.

May you rest in peace, Rohana Sensei.

With our deepest respect and heartfelt condolences to his family and all members of IJKA Sri Lanka.

IJKA Headquarters, Japan

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Rohana Sensei

It is still very difficult for me to believe that you are no longer with us. We were together in Japan only a few months ago, and I never imagined that it would be the last time we would meet.

Thank you for your many years of dedication to IJKA and for carrying forward the spirit of Kato Sensei in Sri Lanka.  My heart goes out to your family during this incredibly difficult time.

I also believe that the next generation of IJKA Sri Lanka will carry forward the spirit and dedication you have left behind.

Thank you, Rohana Sensei. You will always remain a part of the IJKA family.

Rest in peace.

Takato UtsumiIJKA Chief Instructor

IJKA UK holds a very special place in the history of IJKA.

It was in the United Kingdom that our late Kato Sensei established his base and, from there, dedicated many years to developing IJKA and spreading his karate throughout the world.

That history lives on today.

Through the dedication of generations of instructors and members, IJKA UK has continued to preserve the spirit, traditions and values passed down by Kato Sensei.

Recently, Takato Sensei visited the UK to conduct an IJKA UK seminar and Dan grading. For us, this was more than simply another international seminar. It was another chapter in the long and important relationship between Japan and IJKA UK.

Today, IJKA UK is led by Keith Sensei, and we would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Steve Sensei and Sharad Sensei for their great efforts in organizing and supporting this seminar.

Our respect and gratitude extend not only to them, but also to all the senior instructors, long-standing members and everyone who has supported IJKA UK throughout its history.

An organization is not built in a day.

Its history is created by people who continue to protect, support and pass it on from one generation to the next.

We are deeply grateful to everyone in IJKA UK who has helped keep this important part of IJKA's history alive.

Our roots connect us.

Our history guides us.

And together, we continue forward.

Thank you, IJKA UK.

Osu!

IJKA Japan is pleased to announce a Special Black Belt Seminar and Dan Grading Examination led by IJKA Chief Instructor, Utsumi Sensei. 

This seminar will provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of traditional karate, technical standards, and the principles required for advancement.

<Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026>

Black Belt Seminar: 13:00 – 15:00

Dan Grading Examination: 15:15 – 16:15

<Venue>

Saint Maur International School (Yokohama, Japan)

<Participation Fee>

¥5,000

<Eligibility>

• Brown Belt (1st Kyu and above)

• Black Belt (Shodan and above)

 *Overseas IJKA members are welcome to participate.

 <For registration and inquiries>

 ijka@karate-japan.org

We look forward to training together in Japan!

The IJKA Continental Cup was more than a tournament.

It brought together karateka, referees, and instructors from different countries to share knowledge, experience, and a common vision for the future.

This event was an important step toward strengthening international cooperation, developing shared standards, and building the foundation for future IJKA world-level events.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this historic event.

Following the referee training seminar, the IJKA Japan Cup provided an opportunity to put that learning into practice.

Referees from different countries worked together on the tatami, applying shared standards and gaining valuable experience through real competition.

The Japan Cup was not only a tournament.

It was also an important step toward building a stronger international referee system and preparing for future IJKA world-level events.

We would like to thank all of the Japanese competitors and families who supported this event and helped create a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Every step brings us closer to the future we are building together.

The second day began with an advanced black belt seminar focusing on Yakusoku Kumite and Jiyu Kumite.

Through practical training, participants shared their understanding of timing, distance, control, and the principles behind kumite.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to referee training.  A strong tournament requires more than good competitors.  It requires shared standards, consistent judging, and a common understanding among referees.  The referee training seminar was an important step toward building a stronger and more unified IJKA competition system.

This was not only preparation for future tournaments.

It was preparation for the future of IJKA.

There are still challenges ahead, but this was an important first step.

The afternoon session on Day 1 focused on examiner training for 1st Dan and 2nd Dan examinations.

Members from different countries shared ideas, standards, and perspectives together.

This was not only about grading. 

It was about building a clearer and stronger future for IJKA together.

At the end of the session, membership certificates for newly joined countries and Dan certificates were also presented.  These moments represented recognition, trust, responsibility, and the continuing growth of the IJKA family.

There is still work to do, but this was an important first step.

The first morning seminar focused on technical training: basics and kata.

This was not only a training session. It was a step toward sharing the IJKA standard more clearly across countries.

By training together, we begin to align our understanding of technique, movement, and teaching direction.

What we created in Japan was more than an event.

From seminars to competition, from friendship to culture, every moment had meaning.

This was an important first step toward the future of IJKA.

To everyone who traveled to Japan, thank you for your trust, your spirit, your patience, and your friendship.

IJKA is not only about technique.

It is also about people, respect, and unity.

We are building the future of IJKA together.

We hope to welcome you again in Japan in a few years.