Kosho School of Karate

06/03/2026

A few images from the 122nd All Japan Enbu Taikai, held in Kyoto on May 2nd-5th. This is a massive demonstration that includes jodo, iaido, kendo, kenjutsu, naginata, spear, kusari gama, and other Japanese weapon martial arts. Participation in the demonstrations is limited to the very top practitioners of these arts, with a minimum rank of 6th Dan Renshi required for application.
The demonstrations are held inside the Butokuden, a traditional Japanese wooden building constructed in 1895.
Fukuhara Sensei of Okinawa & Ueno Sensei from Fukuoka (both of whom visited Cincinnati last summer) participated in several of the demonstrations.
Nakaima Sensei and several members of the Okinawan Iaido group participated as well.

06/01/2026

Had a great visit from James McLain's Kosho School of Karate in April. Thanks to Ezra Scott, Neil Stinson, and Chris Baldwin for a great weekend of training!

05/25/2026

Did you know that Kosho also offers classes in Jodo? Jodo is the Japanese martial art of the short staff, and it teaches striking and blocking against an opponent with a sword. Come and check out a class sometime!

05/24/2026

Congratulations to Michael Dasenbrock, Kosho's first Judo Yellow Belt! Michael met all the requirements for promotion through USA Judo, and received excellent scores on both the physical and written tests. Thanks to Sensei Dominick Backowski from Dayton for his help in making this happen.
Looking forward to having a few more yellow belts at Kosho in the near future!

05/23/2026

Kosho Instructor, Nate England, would like to thanks to Takara Sensei (the younger one!) and fellow members of the Shidokan Dojo for 4 weeks of great training! This was his "Home Dojo" when he lived in Okinawa from 2007-2010.
Located in Naha's Kokuba neighborhood, this was the dojo of Katsuya Miyahara, and has been considered the worldwide Honbu Dojo of Shidokan Shorin Ryu for over 40 years. After Miyahira's death in 2010, it continued operating under the direction of his students.
The training was bittersweet as this dojo is set close. It will have its final class on May 26th. This is truly the end of an era. But not the end of Shidokan! The local members will move their training to Maeshiro Sensei's Musei Juku Dojo a few neighborhoods over. All of the members will carry the lessons learned here in their hearts, wherever they go.
England was likely the last person promoted to black belt by Miyahira Sensei before his death. He says, "I truly appreciate the knowledge shared, and generosity shown, by all of the instructors and members over the years. Glad I was able to train there one last time!"

05/23/2026

No matter what style of karate you practice, and no matter what rank you are, you won't want to miss this unique event! There's something for everyone at the United States Karate-Do Kai Karate Symposium, which is set for July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event takes place at the Mt. Washington Rec Center.

Hanshi Bruce Heilman will lead sessions alongside other experienced instructors (including our Sensei, David Hamann) from a range of traditional karate styles. You can attend one, two, or all three days.
Cost before June 1:
One day is $100
Two days is $125
All three days is $150

After June 1, the prices increase.
See the flyer for the full schedule, topics, and registration form.

What style do you practice? Who do you want to train with? This is a chance to train with leaders from several traditions and connect with others in the USKK.

See you there! We can't wait to work out with you!

05/22/2026

We're very pleased to announce the recent promotions of Dilnura, Lucas, Rami, and Tatiana, all of whom received their Yellow Belt.
Dilnura and Rami, two of our teen students, were given their adult ranks.

Congratulations everyone! You worked hard and did well!

05/17/2026

Full house at Kosho last Friday!

02/12/2026