The IKO North American Black Belt Conference was held in Banff, Canada from October 5th to 7th, 2012 by IKO Canadian Branch Chief, Shihan Stuart Corrigal. Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt, International Committee Representative and South African Branch Chief, Shihan Koichi Kawabata, Kyoto Branch Chief, and Shihan Katsuhito Gorai, International Committee Representative and International Department Director, were the special guest instructors in attendance. Over 90 students from 7 countries, Canada, USA, Japan, UK, Australia, South Africa, and Russia, participated in this biennial event in the Canadian Rocky Mountains over the three days.

Thank you letter from the member of IKO:
I overlook what might be the most beautiful place in the world. My lungs fill with the crisp clean air created by the natural forest that surrounds me. My kiai and its echo are the only sounds that fill the vast valley in front of me. I feel alone on top of the world, but I am far from alone, standing among some of the best Karateka that Kyokushin has ever produced at the 8th North American Black Belt Conference in Banff Alberta Canada.
On October 5-7 2012 IKO members from all corners of the globe joined together for a weekend of training that was unquestionably the best that Kyokushin had to offer. The instruction team of Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt (South Africa), Shihan Koichi Kawabata (Japan) and Shihan Katsuhito Gorai (USA) brought their best to Banff, and from the first session it was quickly apparent that this weekend was going to be very different from any other conference I had attended.

Shihan Uytenbogaardt and Shihan Kawabata brought us back 30 years with the training they provided over the weekend, and literally put us back in a dojo as it would have been with Sosai teaching. Both instructors trained intensively with Sosai.
In conversation with Shihan Kawabata he refers to Sosai Oyama as his father. Shihan Kawabata was an uchi-deshi (live-in student) of Sosai's in the mid 1970's. His classes concentrate on the basics of Kyokushin and how they relate to kumite (He has produced many champions and himself placed 8th in the 2nd world tournament) He moves with grace, his timing is impeccable, and his display of technique defines the term 'accuracy'.
Shihan Uytenboogardt stresses the importance of the tanden throughout his training; first feeling it, then learning to apply and use it. The tanden is often referred to in Kyokushin, but Shihan Uytenbogaardt believes that few of today's practitioners actually use it effectively. As he demonstrates the use of the tanden, it becomes quickly apparent why he is so passionate about its importance. His training stresses basics, movement, and their application to fighting. He generates power unlike any other. I cannot imagine what his Japanese opponent Takiyama experienced in 1984 when he went 6 extension rounds with Shihan Uytenbogaardt and ended up with a broken femur at the end of the match.
Shihan Gorai once again brought his weapons skills to Banff and demonstrated the various bo and tonfa techniques and kata that he is known for around the world. Shihan Kawabata comments that when he trained with Sosai 35 years ago Sosai taught him some bo techniques. It is a lost art that Shihan Gorai is bringing back to Kyokushin. He also instructs various ways to move in formal stances, always striving to open the minds of his students. In the words of our own Shihans: "don't train mindlessly".

These three individuals provided an atmosphere in their instruction styles that brought the conference to a new level. Truly traditional training methods, blended with modern day thinking, and a passion for Kyokushin and its students made these three instructors the perfect combination for the weekend.

Of course we cannot forget the other components that make this the international "Conference to Attend." The amazing food - created by world renowned chef Paul Dokmanovic - the great accommodations; the guest bags filled with great gifts; the attention to detail and thought in every aspect of the conference (including a professionally developed program with each participants contact information and picture); the natural beauty of the location; and most importantly - the people.

Thank you to Shihan Corrigal and his organization once again for all your time and effort in providing this opportunity for members of IKO. I look forward to 2014.