September 3–11, 2026
Shihan-dai Eishiro Akiyoshi: Indonesia Karate Seminar Journey
Pembinaan Mental Karate Kyokushinkai Indonesia (PMKKI) helped lay the foundation of Kyokushin Karate in Indonesia. Shihan-dai Eishiro Akiyoshi was invited as one of the instructors for a seminar hosted by the organization. The following is his personal account of the journey.
With participants from across Indonesia. Taken at the karate seminar held in Surabaya.
September 3 — Good Fortune and the Journey to Surabaya
To be honest, this trip became possible through a series of fortunate circumstances. Being away from Japan for more than a week made it difficult to adjust my teaching schedule. I teach six regular classes each week at a sports club. At first, I had almost given up on making the trip.
Then, just at that time, I received notice of major renovation work at the sports club. The closure period matched the seminar schedule perfectly. It felt as though a path had opened before me.
This was also my first time traveling overseas alone to teach. Naturally, I felt some tension and uncertainty about the instruction itself. However, as someone with a poor sense of direction, I had an even more practical concern. I wondered whether I would actually make it to the destination safely.
However, another unexpected encounter awaited me after leaving Narita Airport. The passenger seated beside me was Indonesian and spoke Japanese very fluently. He kindly shared useful information about Indonesia during the flight.
He also helped me at Hong Kong International Airport. Thanks to his guidance, I made my connection without getting lost. The anxiety I had been carrying quickly changed into relief and gratitude.
After leaving Hong Kong, the aircraft gradually began its descent at night. A dazzling cityscape spread across the view outside the window. I was captivated by the sea of lights as we arrived in Surabaya.
Surabaya is the capital of East Java. It is also the second-largest city in Indonesia. It is a vibrant commercial and port city with a population of around three million. Because of its history in the struggle for independence, it is also known as the “City of Heroes.”
When I entered the airport, local members welcomed me warmly. Their reception seemed to make the fatigue of the long journey disappear. With a deep sense of gratitude, I took the first step of the expedition.
September 4 — Headquarters Visit and Memorial Prayer
The next morning, I had breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, we headed to the huge Tunjungan Plaza shopping mall. There, I received a rather intense local “welcome.”
I saw local people casually eating raw green chili peppers. They seemed to be eating them like snacks. I decided to imitate them and took a bite myself.
The intense heat struck immediately. My throat became painfully numb. Sweat poured from my head and back all at once.
Still feeling the effects of that fiery experience, we drove toward Batu. The PMKKI headquarters dojo is located there. The trip from Surabaya took about two hours by car.
Batu lies at an altitude of about 700 to 1,100 meters. It is a mountain resort city with a pleasantly cool climate. The air felt refreshing compared with the tropical heat.
Visiting the History of Kyokushin Karate in Indonesia
At the headquarters dojo of Pembinaan Mental Karate Kyokushinkai Indonesia (PMKKI).
PMKKI was founded on May 7, 1967. Its founder was the late Nardi T. Nirwanto Hanshi. Nardi Hanshi was a pioneer of Kyokushin Karate in Indonesia.
Nardi Hanshi was also a direct student of Mas Oyama. His spirit and organization continue to this day. Today, his daughter, President Liliana Herawati, carries on that legacy.
Nardi Hanshi and the “Karateka Heroes of Compassion”
At the grave of the late Nardi T. Nirwanto Hanshi. We offered our prayers together with local members.
After visiting the headquarters dojo, we went to the grave of Nardi Hanshi. He passed away in 2009. We quietly offered our respects and remembered his achievements.
We also visited a memorial for eight students. They lost their lives while trying to save companions during a seaside training camp. They are remembered as the “Karateka Heroes of Compassion.”
Their self-sacrifice and martial spirit deeply moved me. We quietly offered our prayers at the memorial. The visit gave me a renewed sense of responsibility before the following day’s seminar.
September 5 — First Seminar in Batu
The first seminar in Batu. A commemorative photo with the participants.
At last, the first seminar day arrived. The venue was DOJO WARUNG WAREG. It is a large and impressive training facility set in the clear mountain air of Batu.
A commemorative plaque for Shihan Akira Masuda is displayed there. Shihan Masuda took part in the opening ceremony in May 2024. The record of that occasion remains at the dojo today.
The previous night, however, I suddenly became ill. I woke several times during the night. It was a difficult situation just before an important seminar.
After returning to bed once again, I looked out the window. A breathtaking sunrise was spreading across the sky. The sight helped calm my mind.
I thought, “If I was able to see this beautiful sunrise, perhaps I can even be grateful for this trouble.” With that thought, I quietly prayed for the success of the seminar.
Morning Session — Shihan-dai Eishiro Akiyoshi
I taught the two-hour morning session. We began with Kyokushin basics and moving drills. I also explained the importance of awareness and body mechanics in detail.
We then moved on to pad work. After that, we practiced several structured sparring drills. The participants watched with complete seriousness.
Explaining body mechanics and technical points to individual participants.
Their enthusiasm and concentration were remarkable. A high level of discipline could be felt throughout the dojo. That atmosphere also left a strong impression on me.
For me as an instructor, it was also a refreshing experience. The two hours became a very fulfilling period of training.
Afternoon Session — Noa Sakai
After a short break and light meal, the afternoon session began. It was led by Noa Sakai of Nihon Jissen Karatedo Shichishukai. She had been invited as a fellow seminar instructor.
Sakai is only 18 years old. Despite her young age, she has already won many competitions. She is one of Japan’s leading female karate competitors.
Sakai shared the techniques she had developed without hesitation. Her explanations were clear and easy to understand. The participants watched every movement very closely.
Participants practicing technique and distance through partner work.
The participants showed a strong desire to absorb every technique. The session later moved into sparring, where many energetic exchanges followed. The two-hour afternoon session passed very quickly.
The day included a total of four hours of training. Even so, the participants remained focused until the very end. I was deeply moved by the passion that filled the dojo.
Traveling Back to Surabaya
After the seminar, we headed for the next venue. Our destination was once again the large city of Surabaya. Outside the car, countless cars and motorcycles filled the roads.
The traffic looked almost like a huge school of fish. Vehicles passed through very narrow gaps without touching one another. Their timing and coordination were astonishing.
I thought to myself, “I could never drive here.” Two people on one motorcycle seemed completely normal. I also saw three people riding together, and even what appeared to be a family of five.
Indonesia has a population of around 280 million. Its average age is about 29. I could feel the tremendous energy of the country. The journey gave me a direct sense of a young and rapidly developing nation.
September 6 — Second Seminar in Surabaya
A commemorative photo with the seminar instructors and local leadership.
The second seminar was held in Surabaya. We moved from the mountain city of Batu to a new venue. The seminar took place at a hotel in the city.
When we entered the room, it was already filled with energy. About 70 participants had gathered from across Indonesia. Their expectations could be felt throughout the venue.
By then, I had fully recovered. I renewed my focus and prepared to teach. My session was scheduled first.
From Basics to Structured Sparring
As on the previous day, we began with basics and moving drills. We then progressed to structured sparring practice. The training remained intense throughout the session.
Many participants had traveled from far away. I wanted to respond to their expectations. I tried to put care and meaning into every movement I taught.
Demonstrating key points of technique and body mechanics.
Communicating Through Direct Practice
The second half was led by Noa Sakai. She taught how to generate power in a strong punch. Her explanations focused carefully on practical power generation.
The participants repeated the technique many times. Their determination and concentration were impressive. I also joined the sparring session.
I exchanged techniques directly with the participants. There was communication beyond spoken language. It became a natural and enjoyable form of exchange.
The four hours passed surprisingly quickly. Once again, I was deeply impressed by their discipline and passion. I also offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the preparation and organization.
Bonds with the People of Indonesia
The training hall was filled with smiles and friendship across generations.
During the trip, I spent a great deal of time with local people. We traveled together and shared our meals. I also had many opportunities to interact with instructors and their families.
Perhaps it is part of the national character. Everyone I met seemed gentle and calm. They were always smiling and extremely friendly.
They also loved conversation. Our cars and dining tables were often filled with laughter. One thing that especially impressed me was the closeness of many married couples.
They taught us an important phrase with a smile. It was, “Happy wife, happy life.” In other words, if the wife is happy, life itself will be happy.
We all looked at one another and laughed. In the dojo, they showed a serious and disciplined martial spirit. Away from training, they showed deep affection for their families.
Being able to see both sides of their character was meaningful. It became one of the great treasures of this journey. It is something I will always remember.
On to Bali
After the seminars ended successfully, we were invited to Bali. This was made possible by the exceptional kindness of our hosts. It became a memorable final stage of the trip.
The tables were filled with fresh seafood. We also enjoyed authentic Balinese cuisine. The generous portions and flavors made each meal memorable.
We also experienced Bali’s beautiful natural scenery. We saw sunsets that painted the sky and sea in deep red. We also visited temples filled with a solemn atmosphere.
One instructor also showed us his villa. It was breathtakingly luxurious. I was simply overwhelmed by its scale.
We enjoyed refreshing tropical fruit juices as well. Balinese coffee also left a strong impression on me. Its deep and rich flavor added to the experience.
In Closing — Bonds Created Through Budo
A new bond created through budo during the Indonesia visit.
Through a series of fortunate circumstances, this Indonesia trip became a reality. It began with the pressure of teaching overseas for the first time. I also carried uncertainty about the journey itself.
Looking back, however, the trip was filled with warm encounters. I was blessed with many wonderful connections. Those experiences repeatedly filled me with gratitude.
The trip became an important experience for me as a martial artist. It was equally meaningful to me as a person. It became something that cannot be replaced.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Shihan Masuda. He gave me this wonderful opportunity. He also supported and encouraged my participation.
I also offer my sincere thanks to everyone in Indonesia. Even though I was in a foreign country, you welcomed me like family. You supported us with genuine warmth and kindness.
We trained together and shared many smiles and conversations. Those days will never fade from my memory. Thank you very much for these wonderful bonds and experiences.
Eishiro Akiyoshi — Osu
