Blog

Photos by Miyuki Kuroha.

Photos by Michael McBay

Kangeiko morning classes completed, some of us took Sensei Shiroma on an excursion to Hollywood.

We got close the Hollywood sign, visited an exhibition on food replica culture at the Japan House Los Angeles.

We walked along Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame – where Shiroma Sensei paid tribute at the star of one of his heroes.

And of course, we concluded the evening with a meal … and more toasts.

The first part of Saturday’s 6 AM morning class of Kangeiko 2026 was taught by Sensei Shiroma, concluding with our own Sempai Jeffrey French leading the class.

Saturday’s Kangeiko morning class traditionally marks the beginning of the new year of training at Santa Monica Dojo.

Below: Sensei Shiroma and the group of dedicated students who participated in every 6 AM class throughout the week.

This class is traditionally followed by sake toasts, speeches and acknowledgements, and (in the last few years), breakfast at the dojo.

In the 6 AM morning class, Shiroma Sensei taught kihon and Bassai Dai.

After a quick breakfast with Sensei Shiroma and a brief rest period, some of us took Sensei Field and Sensei Shiroma to lunch.

Then we returned to the dojo for more training. Miyuki Kuroha taught a special class on Bassai Sho (one of her competition katas).

In the evening classes, Sensei Shiroma taught Jion, Empi, and Kanku Dai.

We concluded the evening with sushi, sashimi, chicken karaage, and drinks, at the dojo.

On Thursday, Shiroma Sensei taught three classes in total, beginning at 6 AM in the morning.

The focus was on basics, using the hips, anchoring both feet on the ground, and starting each technique directly and without any unnecessary “giveaway” movements.

After the 6 AM morning class.

After the 2nd evening class.

In the evening, we went through all Heian Katas and Tekki Shodan, followed by a quick meal at the dojo.

On Wednesday, a group of students picked up Shiroma Sensei from the airport and took him to his hotel. In the evening, some students had dinner with Sensei Field and Shiroma Sensei.

Shiroma Sensei gifted Field Sensei with a Shureido karate-gi made in Okinawa, the birthplace of both Shiroma Sensei as well Master Funakoshi, the founder of the Shotokan school of karate-do.

Santa Monica Dojo is abuzz with preparations for welcoming you to Kangeiko 2026!

During the holiday closure, our students and volunteers have been busy cleaning up the place, and we’ve brought in electricians and professional cleaners. We are also getting estimates for the coming floor refurbishment, for which we are currently raising funds.

Meanwhile, all CKF board members have been working over the holidays to coordinate the event, create a promotion campaign, a schedule of classes and activities, and even a dedicated web site.

Our senior guest instructor will be flying 2,500 miles each way to teach, and we are doing our best to be good hosts.

Join us! January 5 -11, 2026

Details and sign up: kangeikosantamonica.com