Date: January 30 to February 1, 2026
Place: Chania, Pelion
Organizer: Greece branch
The Greek Shinkyokushinkai Association, celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, organized its 14th Winter Camp in Chania, Pelion, from January 30 to February 1.
Participants enjoyed intense training sessions on the snowy Mountain of the Centaurs, specifically at the “Manthos Hotel & Spa Resort.” Approximately 60 instructors and athletes took part in the camp.
The official instructors present were Shihan George Kosmidis, Chief Representative and WKO Branch Chiefs, Shihan Otario Melikiadis and Sensei Evdoxia Kosmidou.
The morning training sessions took place outdoors at the hotel, beginning with a run in the snowy landscape under harsh cold conditions. The afternoon sessions were held in the hotel’s indoor basketball court, where a tatami area had been set up by the Greek Shinkyokushinkai, as planned.
On Saturday evening, following the afternoon training, the established annual event took place.
Sensei Vicky Kosmidou, WKO Branch Chief and General Secretary of the Greek Shinkyokushinkai and the Body Contact sports branch, presented the Association’s competitive report, highlighting its successes, distinctions, and participations. Together with both Shihan, she proceeded with the awarding of Dan certificates issued by the WKO Japan to instructors who had passed their examinations at the 27th Summer Camp.
The official dinner program was led by Shihan George Kosmidis, with the assistance of Sensei Evdoxia Kosmidou, who presented a review of events and achievements accompanied by photographic material.
On Sunday morning, training once again took place outdoors, as befits athletes and instructors of the toughest full-contact style, Shinkyokushinkai – Body Contact. Immediately afterward, the 1st Dan and kyu examinations began for six athletes and instructors, including Kihon, Kata, Ido, and concluded at noon with Kumite.
All participants were successfully promoted to the next level.
Since its first organization in 2012 in Zagora, Pelion, the Association’s Winter Camp has been held in Chania, Pelion, with only one interruption in 2021 due to COVID-19. This enduring tradition embodies the resilience and unity of the Greek Shinkyokushinkai community.
