2025 Berlin Seminar

On June 21-22, 2025, Ushiro Sensei held a two-day seminar in Berlin. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the European seminar, attracting over 40 participants from around the world, including Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, the United States, Slovakia, and Japan.

Throughout the two-day seminar, Ushiro Sensei advocated for a shift from a world of consumption to a world of production. He explained through various examples how this translates from consumptive sport karate to productive Ushiro Karate, which generates energy.

Both days of training began with sword work, followed by kata. On the second day, Sanbon Ido and Bunkai were also included. Throughout the two days, Ushiro Sensei repeatedly emphasized the importance of creating a center, tightening the armpits, and maintaining proper breathing and posture. He instructed that these crucial elements can only be truly mastered through the sword training of Ushiro Karate, which is based on Edo period swordsmanship.

Each county practicing sword

Ushiro Sensei showing verification with sword

Ushiro Sensei demonstrating Riai with the sword

Since there were fewer first-time participants this year, Sensei was able to consistently demonstrate the depth of his teaching by adjusting to each person's level. This ensured that every participant could identify and take home their next personal challenge.

Ushiro Sensei always let the students feel by touch

The strike does not hit the target

Ushiro Sensei also paid attention to the children participating. He helped a young German boy, a first-time participant, experience the pure energy that children are capable of. For the Polish children, who were attending for their third time, he not only encouraged them to test their techniques against adults but also had them demonstrate kata in front of all participants. This beautifully showcased the suppleness and energy that adults often lack. Witnessing a 12-year-old girl's extending thrust cause adults to step back prompted everyone to reflect on the differences within themselves.

The girl's strike extends

and makes the adult step back

In conjunction with the practical application and verification, Ushiro Sensei also touched upon the distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning, emphasizing throughout the two days that in Ushiro Karate, facts always come first. He explained that while all humans are born with the same potential, most people use less than 1% of their capabilities, and even that is often used for consumption. With the rapid advancement of AI, he stressed that there is no future in such a state. Through Ushiro Karate, he also taught that we must constantly ask what cannot be replaced by AI.

The two days in Berlin became a seminar where each participant questioned why they practice Ushiro Karate, and they all returned with their individual challenges, promising to reunite next time in Poland.

Group picture

Dinner

---

Impressions

---

● Michael Koethe German Branch Chief

On the 10th anniversary of the European Ushiro Karate Seminars (June 21-22, 2025), Sensei once again demonstrated the incredible depth of Ushiro Karate. Since most of the participants had already attended Sensei's seminars several times, Sensei was able to reveal the depth of his karate and the world of energy. For me, the incredible energy that filled this seminar was a very beautiful and positive experience. A weekend without any negative interpersonal encounters—just harmony. Sensei's teachings have broadened my perspective once again, especially in relation to training children. The importance of finding an entry point into the world of energy (Ki) is immense. Sensei repeatedly showed me the door that leads to this world, but unfortunately I was hesitant and could not yet enter. I will train even harder in kata so that I can walk through the door. I am happy to be able to make this journey and thank Sensei from the bottom of my heart for his teachings, which I will pass on to as many people as possible so that they too can see and enter this world.

Thank you for what was probably the most beautiful, intense, and energetic seminar in Europe.

---

● Emanuele Argentino 　Italy Sub-branch Chief

I've just finished reading the dialogue between Zaha Sensei and Ushiro Sensei. This book condenses the history and tradition of Okinawan karate, and it truly opened up a new world for me. It was incredibly insightful, focusing on the differences between traditional and modern karate and the mindset for more effective training methods.

The book also highlights the incredibly important teacher-student relationship, which was very helpful in understanding how people trained in the past. Zaha Sensei passed on the ancient traditions of karate to Ushiro Sensei, who then elevated it to the highest level. I believe that continuing to learn about history is crucial for a deeper understanding of Ushiro Karate.

Zaha Sensei transmitted his karate to Ushiro Sensei, and now Ushiro Sensei is working to spread his karate throughout the world. This is incredibly significant for the history of karate. After reading this dialogue, when I observe Ushiro Sensei, it feels as though I am tracing the very history of Okinawan karate. We are truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Ushiro Sensei.

We are grateful for everything Ushiro Sensei teaches us. Our own journey is still long, and observing Sensei makes us feel incredibly small in comparison, but it is a great honor to know that there is so much more to learn. We are thankful to Ushiro Sensei for providing us with the opportunity to grow.

---

● Marcin Żyliński　Poland Sub-branch Chief 　

As always, every time I meet Sensei, I gain new insights. This seminar was incredibly interesting, and this time Sensei instructed me on "Shime" (tightening). I learned for the first time that "Shime" doesn't just refer to the underarms, but to the entire body.

Another important lesson I learned was to create a center and make it smaller. I also learned about posture and Iai. The idea that Iai creates a center was particularly fascinating. Sensei has likely spoken about these concepts before, but I believe my previous level of understanding prevented me from grasping what he was saying.

I'm taking these learnings home to foster my own growth, and more importantly, to contribute to the growth of the children I teach. Thank you very much.

---

● Andrzej Wolski　Poland Sub-Branch

We are once again delighted to have participated in a seminar that brought us immense learning. Sensei teaches us so much, but at my current level, much of it remains beyond my comprehension. I'm unsure when I'll be able to fully grasp it, or even be able to execute it myself.

What's truly astonishing, though, is how Ushiro Karate is completely different from any karate I've practiced before. I've been learning Ushiro Karate since 2018, but prior to that, I trained in another style. There's simply no comparison. I'm not sure how to express it, but even when I have questions, I'm unsure if they are appropriate to ask.

While I can't enter into an opponent in the way Sensei does, I can feel that sensation and see how it's done, which I find incredibly interesting. I can do many things in a sport-related context, but what Sensei demonstrates seems unachievable for me. I'm astounded by his speed of reaction to attacks and his ability to remain calm and composed even when taking a strike. I started Kyokushin and kickboxing at 15, and this year marks a total of 40 years of training for me.

---

● Ela Wolak　Poland Sub-Branch

I represent the Polish group, and I'm from Mielec. It's an honor to participate in such a wonderful event, organized for our karate organization.

Each time I attend a seminar, my experience is enriched. I gain new knowledge, which leads to significant personal growth.

---

● Ferenc Fris　Hungary Sub-Branch Chief　

Over the past year and a half, I've learned a great deal. Having the opportunity to learn three times – at last year's Seattle seminar, the Tokyo training camp in November, and this year's Seattle seminar – has given me a new perspective.

The Tokyo training camp, in particular, had a wonderful atmosphere where I resonated with and was greatly stimulated by my fellow learners. I'm glad my son and I could participate together. Thanks to that, I feel my sensitivity has become much higher than before. Having learned so many new things, I'm now able to notice even more subtle details in these two-day seminars than ever before. I'm also working hard to correct my bad habits. At home, my two sons help me by training together, which is a great help.

---

● Gergely Fris　Hungary Sub-Branch　

It was magnificent. We learned to use energy not for consumption, but for creation. And that everyone has the potential to create it. My perspective on kata has changed; I want to focus on making the center smaller. The Tokyo training camp last year profoundly changed both my personality and my karate. In any case, I'm simply filled with a desire to learn more.

I used to often feel anxious when talking to or interacting with people, but now I feel confident and more open. It has greatly helped me with my relationships. The world of energy that Sensei demonstrates is truly captivating. Because of that, I feel a sense of responsibility when I train. Sensei always gives his absolute best. He shows that everyone possesses such amazing energy, and it continuously motivates me. To convey this wonderful energy, I intend to train even more rigorously from now on and apply it to my daily life.

---

● M.I　Italy Sub-Branch

I'm feeling a wonderful atmosphere and energy from this seminar. It's also a great pleasure to meet the other students learning together. This seminar is important to me, allowing me to talk with them and learn more about Ushiro Karate in detail. Ushiro Sensei's teaching to transition from hard (forceful) karate to energy-based karate is a long journey for us, but I believe it's precisely the right path we should be on.

---

● I.D　Italy Sub-Branch

This is my first time participating in Ushiro Sensei's seminar. I'm not currently affiliated with any dojo, but meeting Sensei for the first time was incredibly moving, and I hope it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to joining the dojo of my new friends in Italy. This seminar has been very interesting, and I'm truly glad to have participated.

I own and have watched all of Ushiro Sensei's books and DVDs, but experiencing it firsthand and feeling it with my body is crucial, and I've already learned so much at this seminar. I've been practicing other styles of karate for about five years. Coming from Sardinia, it was difficult to find the dojo I was looking for, but now I'm free to move around and have started a new path by traveling to Japan and Europe. I'm 46 years old, and I'm so grateful to have met Sensei at this age and begun a new way of life. Thank you very much.

---

● S　Italy Sub-Branch

I'm so pleased to be able to participate in this seminar. The family of various branches gathered here in Berlin has grown, and the atmosphere feels different from before, allowing us to connect even more and practice kata together. I feel like I'm learning on a deeper level.

It's also incredibly important that every single person here is connected to Sensei and can learn together. How we apply what we've learned to our lives, that's truly crucial. Being able to learn kata, bunkai, and bokken together is something I'm very grateful for, and I want to thank Sensei Emanuel for creating this opportunity for us to learn.

---

● I.M　German Branch

First and foremost, I'm incredibly happy to be able to participate in this seminar. The family of various branches gathered here in Berlin has grown, and the atmosphere is different than before, allowing us to connect even more and practice kata together. I feel like I'm learning more deeply. It's also important that everyone here is connected to Sensei and can learn together, and I believe how we apply what we've learned to our lives is very crucial. I'm very grateful to be able to learn kata, bunkai, and bokken together like this, and I thank Ushiro Sensei for creating this learning opportunity.

---

● A.　Poland Sub-Branch

I'm 12 years old. I've been practicing karate for four years. This time, too, I was able to learn so much. It's an excellent opportunity, especially for learning new techniques and kata. For example, this time I learned a new Iaido kata. Learning directly from Sensei here makes it easier to practice when I go back to my dojo. It helps us understand the training content. We can also understand how it differs from other karate styles and sport karate. We even learn what not to do. I buy one of Sensei's books at each seminar. This is my third seminar, so I bought my third book. I used to practice Kyokushin Karate before, so I really understand the difference between the two styles.

---

● A.　Poland Sub-Branch　

I'm 12 years old and have been practicing karate for four years. Today, I trained with adults, and it was very stimulating. This experience really boosted my confidence.

---

● P,　Poland Sub-Branch

This seminar was very enriching again. Sensei specifically corrected my Sanchin, and I'll continue to practice it at the dojo. I received many hints from Sensei on how to improve my kata. Thank you very much.

---

● T.　Poland Sub-Branch

Sensei taught us even more than before, and this time, I was able to perceive it better than previously. The path of Ushiro Karate is limitless, yet Sensei told us that while it's challenging to raise our level because the goal is visible, we are also making progress. That truly motivates me. I learned that everything is energy, and thanks to Sensei demonstrating and proving it, I can feel it. I also learned how that influences everything.

---

● C.K　Hungary Sub-Branch

I started Kyokushin Karate at around 34 years old and practiced it for 18 years. I began Ushiro Karate at roughly the same time as Ferencz. This is my third Berlin seminar, and I also attended a Rome seminar. Ushiro Karate is completely different from any karate I've done before.

I'm learning about the changes happening in my body, including my posture. My body is opening up more and more, and I'm discovering how much my joints can move. Having done Kyokushin for so many years, I still tend to rely on force or forget to be soft, but it's a long journey, and I'm enjoying it. I also work as a software developer in a small department at a telecom company.