Sensei Ashley Deal, a 3rd Dan Black Belt and Sensei Robert Baison, a 2nd Dan Black Belt and both Branch Chiefs of Ashihara Karate Kaikan Japan, recently represented the United Kingdom at the prestigious 40th Anniversary Celebration and International Seminar presented by the Director of Ashihara Karate Kaikan, Kancho Hidenori Ashihara, in Brasov, Romania. The event took place from 9–12 July 2026 and brought together karate practitioners from numerous countries around the world.
Sensei Ashley and Sensei Robert, who has dedicated a combined of 67 years to Ashihara Karate Kaikan in South Africa / Romania / United Kingdom, attended the seminar. The event provided an exceptional opportunity to train with some of the world’s leading Ashihara instructors while strengthening international friendships within the Ashihara family.
One of the highlights of the visit was the celebration of the organisation’s 40th Anniversary, commemorating four decades of excellence in Ashihara Karate under the host Shihandai Nicu Dascalu (Romania). During the celebrations, Sensei Ashley and Sensei Robert was honored with a Special Recognition Award in appreciation of their unwavering commitment to the organisation. The award, presented by Kancho Hidenori Ashihara, was inscribed:
“With gratitude and appreciation for your presence and support.”
Throughout the seminar, Kancho Ashihara personally conducted several training sessions, sharing advanced techniques, combinations, and a deeper understanding of the Sabaki methodology. Sabaki, the foundation of Ashihara Karate, focuses on movement, body positioning, timing, control, and the ability to redirect an opponent’s attack to gain a tactical advantage.
Participants also benefited from specialised self-defense and close-combat instruction presented by Shihan Kim of Denmark, a highly respected martial artist with more than 50 years of karate experience. His practical approach and wealth of knowledge provided valuable insights into realistic defensive applications.
The host of the event, Shihandai Nicu Dascalu of Romania, extended exceptional hospitality to the United Kingdom delegation. They felt welcome through out their stay and spent additional time refining technical aspects of their training, particularly focusing on improving timing, balance, and the effective execution of kicking techniques.
The international seminar attracted participants from numerous countries, creating an environment of shared learning, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among martial artists from around the world.
Sensei Ashley & Sensei Robert remains committed to the continual growth and development of Ashihara Karate Kaikan in United Kingdom. By attending international seminars and training with senior instructors, they continue to bring home new knowledge, technical skills, and modern training methods that will benefit students across the country. Their commitment to lifelong learning has also seen them attend a similar international Ashihara seminar in Poland, further strengthening United Kingdom’s connection with the global Ashihara Karate community.
Karate implemented at Early Childhood and Primary school, fosters significant growth. It develops motor skills and creates a strong foundation that translates well into other sports, creating more structure and discipline. Karate students are high achievers and have goal settings and self-control.
Students of Ashihara Karate Kaikan have participated in several tournaments and have achieved podium positions.
All internationals’ seminars and travelling attended are paid for by the individuals attending.
Ashihara Karate Kaikan in United Kingdom continues to promote discipline, respect, self-defence, physical fitness, and personal development for students of all ages and abilities.
Individuals interested in joining Ashihara Karate Kaikan in London and Liverpool or learning more about its training programmes are welcome to contact: –
Sensei Ashley Deal
Ashihara Karate London
Email: adkaratekid@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 079 0876 1215
Sensei Robert Basian
Ashihara Karate (The Athletic Kingdom) – Liverpool
Email: theathlectickingdom@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: 074 3849 1017
“The pursuit of knowledge never ends. Every seminar attended is another opportunity to learn, improve, and share that knowledge with the next generation of martial artists.”
