Over the weekend of 18-20 July 2025, the annual KIMAA seminar was held for a weekend of quality learning in the martial arts. This year it was hosted by Taree Dojo, at the nearby town of Harrington. For the weekend, KIMAA hired the house at Riverlodge at Harrington Waters. Instructors and students of Turramurra and Taree dojos gathered for a weekend of training together.
On the Friday night, Sensei Ben Ng led an evening class focusing on Kyokushin Karate basics, moving in stance and some bunkai relating to basic block forms.
The next morning, Sensei Ben led a 7am run along the shoreline to the marina and back.
Training resumed at 9.30am. The first part of the class focused on renraku (ippon kumite), led by Shihan James Sidwell. The rest of the morning focused on Kobudo, led by Renshi Mark Shelmerdine. The group practised the Bo staff.
After breaking for lunch, training resumed. Shihan James led a kata class. The group practised Pinan sono Ni, with an extensive breakdown of bunkai (self-defence applications) pulled out from the pattern.
Masumi Lipman attended the seminar to oversee the running of the weekend, take training photos, walk the dogs and be Group Mum. We thank Masumi for her ongoing support of and involvement with KIMAA.
When afternoon training was complete, the group broke for free time and enjoyed dinner at the adjacent tavern.
The next morning, Sensei Alex Lloyd led a fitness class at 7.00am.
A portion of the group left after breakfast due to family and other commitments for the Sunday. The group recovered over breakfast, then regathered for the final training session of the day. Sensei Mark Long led a fight training class, going through fighting basics, combinations and then kumite (sparring). Shihan Mark Shelmerdine also showed some fight drills and pressure points.
After many rounds of Kumite, the group packed up then broke for lunch.
Special thanks go to Shihan James and Sensei Mark for organising the weekend. With the exception of Saturday night dinner, all catering was managed by Sensei Mark’s partner Ken and their friends. We’re grateful for all the assistance in feeding us over the weekend, and for the support of parents who came along with their Little Lions students.
We look forward to the 2026 KIMAA seminar. Osu!
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 