Looking back on a year at Shinzen Dojo Berlin
Ein Jahr voller Erlebnisse und Achievements
2025 was not just a year of training, but also a year of growth. We learned a lot, supported each other and grew together as a community. Let us look back on the highlights of the year together!
Januaryy 2025 – A strong start to the new year
Structure, focus and motivation
January was a solid and focused start to the training year. After the winter break, all groups quickly returned to a clear training rhythm. Basics, fitness and mental orientation were in the foreground.
The tone for 2025 was set: continuous work instead of short-term success. We focused on consolidating the basics and taking our training to a new level.
Februaryy 2025 – Strong performances by children and teenagers
Making development visible
In February, many children and teenagers in particular showed clear progress. Technique, discipline and attentiveness improved noticeably.
Trust through regularity
It was in this phase that the importance of consistent training became visible. Even young Karateka increasingly took responsibility for their own learning. It was impressive to see how they motivated and supported each other.
March 2025 – Brandenburg Cup and Kyu grading
Brandenburg Cup of the DKO
In March, Shinzen Dojo Berlin took part in the Brandenburg Cup. The competition offered an important platform, especially for younger and inexperienced fighters from our dojo, to gain first or further tournament experience.
Grading at the end of the month
The next Kyu grading followed at the end of March. Some Karateka were able to directly implement the experiences gained in the competition here – with more calmness, presence and perseverance. These gradings are always an exciting challenge!
April 2025 – Back to the core of training
Alle Facetten des Kyokushin
April was entirely dedicated to training itself. Kihon, Kata, Kumite and fitness were treated equally.
This phase was consciously used to consolidate the foundation and to become more stable both physically and mentally. We focused on integrating all aspects of Kyokushin Karate.
May 2025 – Japan, stamps and personal encounters
Trip to Japan
Im Mai reiste Sensei Son nach Japan. Dort wurden offizielle organisatorische Themen unseres Verbandes „International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan World Zen-Kyokushin“ geklärt, unter anderem wichtige Stempel für Zertifikate und formale Angelegenheiten.
Meeting with Shihan Shigeo Niitsu
The personal meeting with Shihan Niitsu was a special moment. Exchange, training and mutual understanding for Kyokushin sustainably strengthened the connection between Berlin and Japan. These experiences are invaluable and enrich our dojo enormously.
June 2025 – 10-Man-Kumite Challenge
Mental and physical limit experience
In June, Karateka took on the internal 10-Man-Kumite Challenge. This challenge demanded maximum concentration, willpower and perseverance in Kumite.
Kyokushin Karate in its most honest form
Not technique alone, but attitude and character decided. This experience was formative for all participants, as we carry out this format once a year. It was a real highlight for our community!
July 2025 – Visit from Sensei Yoshihiko Nakahata
Learning from experience
Der Besuch von Shihan Yoshihiko Nakahata war eines der Highlights des Jahres. Sein Unterricht verband Tiefe und die direkte Linie des traditionellen Kyokushin Karate von Sosai Mas Oyama, obschon er nun seinen eigenen Karatestil (Daisho Ryu Karate) lehrt.
Inspiration for the entire dojo
Both students and Senpais took away valuable impulses that influenced the teaching long-term. It is always fascinating how much we can learn from each other!
August 2025 – Outdoor training and club founding
Training outside the dojo
August was marked by outdoor units. Exercise in the fresh air, alternative loads and mental relaxation were a meaningful addition to regular training.
The founding of the club
The founding of Shinzen Dojo Berlin e.V. was a historic moment for our dojo. A small signature with a big long-term effect for all members here in Berlin. We are proud to have taken this step!
September 2025 – Kata training with Shihan Roel Wildeboer
Deepening Kata work
In September, Sensei Son took part in intensive Kata training with Shihan Roel. The focus was on technique, Bunkai and standardization of higher Katas.
Carrying knowledge back to the dojo
The insights gained flowed directly into the teaching at Shinzen Dojo Berlin. It is important that we share our knowledge and grow together!
October 2025 – Bavarian Open in Baar-Ebenhausen
High-level competition
At the Bavarian Open, Shinzen Dojo Berlin competed in Kumite once again.
Lennart takes 1st place
We are particularly proud of Lennart, who fought his way to 1st place in Kumite. A strong performance that reflected consistent training and mental maturity. Such successes motivate us all!
November 2025 – 1st Zen-Kyokushin European Cup and gradings
International stage
The 1st Zen-Kyokushin European Cup in Bydgoszcz was one of the biggest milestones of the year, which was also attended by Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa (9th Dan) and Shihan Shigeo Niitsu (6th Dan). It was their first joint visit as the World Zen-Kyokushin Committee.
Personal achievements
In this context, several members achieved significant gradings:
- Sensei Son successfully passed the 3rd Dan examination
- Senpai Yusuf El-Madani achieved the 1st Dan
- Senpai Julya Frolova passed her 1st Kyu examination
These successes represent years of discipline and dedication. We are proud of every single one of them!
December 2025 – Final Kyu examination of the year
Conclusion with responsibility
The last examination of the year provided a calm, dignified end to an intensive year of training.
Looking forward
With gratitude, pride, and clear goals, 2025 has ended – as a stable foundation for everything to come. We look forward to the next year and the challenges it brings!
Conclusion – A year with clear milestones
2025 showed what is possible when training, community, and international connection come together. Shinzen Dojo Berlin has grown – athletically, personally, and structurally.
We thank the Senpais, students, parents, families, and friends who have trained with us this year, grown with us, and supported us continuously!
Together we have achieved a lot and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together in the coming year!
