Date : July 2026
Place : Canada x China
Report by : Branch Chief David Ricci of Canada Branch
In July 2026, WKO CANADA member, Julanne Poissant, from the Shinkyokushinkai Ottawa Dojo under Alexandru Ganea of the David Ricci Branch, had the opportunity to train at Chaoyang Dojo in Beijing under the guidance of Branch Chief Sensei Yu Yang and Senpai Sicong Chen.
What began as a simple visit quickly became a meaningful reminder of what it means to belong to a global karate organization.
Training alongside students from a completely different cultural and linguistic background, Julanne experienced the unspoken language of budo.
Despite communication barriers, the instructors welcomed her with genuine warmth, offering corrections, encouragement, and guidance as if she were one of their own students.
This sense of inclusion, immediate and sincere, reflects the strength of WKO’s worldwide community.
The technical experience was equally eye-opening. Sessions focused on stances, kihon, kata, and especially fighting techniques.
The Beijing Branch’s approach to kumite surprised her: slower tempo basics paired with sharp, powerful strikes that revealed a different rhythm and interpretation of Shinkyokushin fighting.
Observing and practicing these variations expanded her understanding of the art and showed how regional training styles enrich the broader WKO ecosystem.
For Julanne, this exchange was more than a highlight of her travels.
It became a catalyst for personal growth in Kyokushin karate, a reminder that improvement comes not only from training harder, but from learning openly.
Her experience reflects the essence of WKO, a global organization where members can travel anywhere in the world and find a dojo that feels like home.
International exchange strengthens technique, broadens perspective, and deepens appreciation for the worldwide Shinkyokushin family.
Through shared training, we continue to grow together across borders, cultures, and languages.
