Hoitsugan: dojo, seminars, book, way of life

General Information:

The Hoitsugan Dojo and dormitory (six small rooms, no longer being used as dormitory) were set up in 1972 by the late JKA Chief Instructor Nakayama Sensei (with the help of Kanazawa Sensei, now head of SKIF) for people coming to Tokyo from around the world to train. It is located just around the corner from where the Honbu Dojo had been for 2+ decades, in Ebisu-Nishi. The Nakayama residence is at the top of this 6-story apartment building. The building was basically built around the dojo and not the other way around, according to Kanazawa Sensei (interview by Jon Keeling, 2003).

Please also see link to the official dojo website of the Hoitsugan Dojo: www.hoitsugandojo.com

Kawawada Sensei

Keeping the teachings of Nakayama Sensei alive at the Hoitsugan is Kawawada Sensei.  He has many tournament wins to his credit, including 1st place in both kata and kumite at the first world Shoto Cup tournament in 1985.  More than simply a world-class competitor, Kawawada Sensei is one of the world's finest Karate instructors.  His technical knowledge of Shotokan is extremely advanced and his classes provide a challenging workout for the body, while stimulating the mind.  Kawawada Sensei is a nanadan (7th degree black belt) and continues his training in the instructors' class at the JKA Honbu Dojo. Kawawada Sensei generally teaches at the Hoitsugan 2-3 times/week, presently in the evenings (M/W/F).  Other days, senior students (often those with 25+ years of experience themselves) usually lead the class.

T'ai Chi

There have also been T'ai Chi classes at the Hoitsugan Dojo since the early 1970's. Nakayama Sensei, Kanazawa Sensei and other senior instructors have practiced regularly with this group over the years.

For an additional view of the Hoitsugan Dojo, please click here.

Hoitsugan, the book

If you have spent time training at the Hoitsugan, please let me know. I am compiling a list of former members and have been asking many of them (mostly those who have spent at least six months at the Hoitsugan) to contribute to a book to be published about non-Japanese who travelled to Tokyo to practice JKA Karate at the source.

Shotokan Legacy Seminars

Please see the following page for details on the Shotokan Legacy Seminars (AKA "Hoitsugan Seminars"):

Shotokan Legacy Seminars main page
2004: Seminar set 1
2005: Seminar set 2
2008: Seminar set 3

Jon@jkasv.com