On January 27 and 28, 2024, the Kyokushin Hamai Group held a training camp at the former Ikebukuro Headquarters. This camp also served as a memorial training camp for Chairman Noriyasu Hamai, who passed away in December 2023.
On the first day, Shihan Satoshi Yui, a former uchi-deshi of the old Headquarters, led a seminar on kihon (basics), ido geiko (moving basics), kata, and kumite as practiced in the era of Sosai Oyama, making for spirited training. Shihan Yui said, "In this day and age, many people think they have learned something from training at other dojos or watching YouTube. I want you to keep learning without forgetting that your own home, your dojo, is your starting point."
The second day opened with a kumite seminar by Branch Chief Nakashima of Ishikawa. The kumite incorporated Chairman Noriyasu Hamai's techniques involving face strikes, making for an intense session. In the afternoon, President Mika Hamai led a kata seminar. She lectured on how to use the body and on fine points of technique, and the session was lively, with participants who do not usually see one another checking each other's movements. Finally, Branch Chief Nemoto of Chiba led a sparring seminar using Dragloves (conceived by Chairman Noriyasu Hamai). He also told the story of how Chairman Noriyasu Hamai created the Kyokushin Goshin rules, bringing the memorial training camp to a fitting close.
President Mika Hamai concluded: "These days, there is a growing tendency not to scold, even in education. In every branch, starting with everyday training, I want you to properly counsel and scold students about their conduct and their mistakes. It is fine if people say, 'Instruction at the Kyokushin Hamai Group is strict.' That will be one role we can play for society." She added, "I hope this camp was not just 'fun,' but that you will take home to your dojos even one or two things you learned, and pass them on to your branches."
