Karate practitioners found new strength in Iceland

For 15 years, the training stay in Iceland has been a fixed tradition for Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do.

Every year the club sends a group out to refine their technical skills and strengthen unity across ages and levels.

This year's trip was no exception – in fact, it became even stronger proof of how important this trip is for the club's development.

Intensive training with Sensei Amos

When Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do comes to Iceland, there are always plenty of highlights – but this year it was the training with Sensei Richard Amos, one of the most recognized and experienced in Shotokan karate, that stood out. Sensei Amos, who has an international reputation as an expert in the discipline, led the practitioners through several days of intensive training, where both basic techniques and mental strength were put to the test.

The basic techniques, called kihon (基本), are the foundation of all karate systems and were trained intensively. At the same time, the participants were challenged in kata (形), a series of predetermined movements that simulate a fight against multiple opponents. Through kata, the techniques are trained in a coherent flow that strengthens both precision and mental concentration. For Mikkel Bendixen, who teaches both children and adults in karate on a daily basis, the trip was a unique opportunity to develop his own technique.

- My focus has been on the technical details – timing, balance and body control at a higher level. It has given me a greater technical understanding that I can take with me in my work with the club, says Mikkel, who used the trip to gain new knowledge and inspiration.

Stars of the future

The children on the trip have really made an impression. Their discipline, commitment and willingness to learn have been impressive. They not only completed the scheduled training sessions, but also put in longer sessions than usual, which has resulted in clear improvements in both technique and endurance. Mikkel has noticed how the children support and motivate each other, both on and off the training mat – an important step towards creating a strong and cohesive community.

- This year the level of commitment has been higher than ever, and it is especially among the children that the will to focus and develop has been clear. There has been a clear will to work purposefully and take responsibility for their own development, Mikkel says proudly.

Community and cultural experiences

A training stay like this is not only about refining technique – it is also an opportunity to experience new sides of the world and strengthen community. Among the highlights were the impressive Lava Show, excursions to the iconic Golden Circle and the relaxing stay in the geothermal Secret Lagoon. Mikkel Bendixen emphasizes that the stay gives the participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in karate in a completely different way than in everyday life. At the same time, it provides new experiences and inspiration that they can take with them both in their training and personal development.

- A training stay like this gives participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in karate in a completely different way than in everyday life. At the same time, it provides new experiences that can inspire both in training and in personal development, he explains.

The community has also been strengthened off the training mat. Mikkel notes that the respect, support and collaboration that characterizes the training continues through shared activities and experiences.

"The community is really strong throughout the stay. On the training mat there is respect and support across ages and levels, and outside of training this continues through shared activities that strengthen the bond," says Mikkel with a smile.

A tradition that continues

With this year's stay, Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do maintains a strong tradition of international training stays. The experiences and skills the participants have acquired extend far beyond the training mat – they also contribute significantly to the personal growth of the individual practitioner.

- We want to maintain the Iceland trip as a permanent part of the club's activities and continue the collaboration with the instructors we have trained with, says Mikkel Bendixen, who sees great value in the continued tradition.

With this year's success and the many positive experiences under its belt, Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do looks forward to continuing the Iceland Tour as an indispensable part of the club's calendar. For both young and adult practitioners, the tour has become a symbol of the club's focus on both technical perfection and personal development - a tradition that is here to stay.