Hirayama Camp 2026 | JKA NorCal

7th Dan, JKA Headquarters1st Place Kumite, 45th All Japan2nd Place Kata, 48th All Japan3rd Place Kata, 50th All Japan2nd Place Kata, 44th All Japan3rd Place Kata, 47th All Japan7th Dan, JKA Headquarters1st Place Kumite, 45th All Japan2nd Place Kata, 48th All Japan3rd Place Kata, 50th All Japan2nd Place Kata, 44th All Japan3rd Place Kata, 47th All Japan

Hirayama Sensei, 7th Dan

World Renowned JKA Hombu Dojo Instruction comes to the Bay Area

Hirayama Sensei demonstrating a technique to students

Yuko Hirayama Sensei (7th Dan), as the highest-ranking female among JKA’s instructors, stands today as one of the most respected female leaders in the Shotokan world. Over years of intensive training and teaching, she has built a reputation not only for technical precision but for inspirational leadership—particularly in an era when female competitors were rare in high-level karate. In addition to her technical prowess, her competitive successes had her named Best Competitor at the 45th All Japan Championship, with titles in both kumite and kata.

Hirayama’s academic background at Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education, known for being one of Japan’s leading institutions for women’s athletics, added a formal athletic education uncommon among karate instructors of her generation. She has since translated that into a robust teaching presence: whether in domestic or overseas seminars, she is sought after for her ability to balance rigorous technique with motivating support. Her presence as a senior female instructor at JKA Honbu has symbolized opportunity for women in karate, helping break barriers and offering a visible model of achievement in a domain historically dominated by men.

Read her interview →

Early bird through Jul 30

Full Camp

$200

Every session, Friday through Sunday.

Single Day

$125Per day

All sessions on the day you choose.

Pick a day to register

Sep 11, Fri Sep 12, Sat Sep 13, Sun

Full camp prices increase to $250 on Aug 1, then $300 on Sep 2.

Questions? Email us · Follow on Instagram

Download Camp Packet ↓

Schedule

Sep 11Friday

JKA NorCal Dojo356 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066

8:00 to 10:00 AM

Morning Open Mat

With JKA-USA team members.
5:00 to 6:30 PM

Hirayama Seminar 1
7:00 to 8:00 PM

Competitor's Training

US Team Coaches. Kata and kumite ahead of Nationals.

Sep 12Saturday

Japanese Cultural & Community Center1840 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115

9:00 to 10:30 AM

Hirayama Seminar 2
12:30 to 1:30 PM

Hirayama Seminar 3
5:00 to 6:30 PM

Hirayama Seminar 4
7:30 PM to Finish

Camp Banquet Off-site

Bangkok Street Thai Street Food, 1826 Buchanan St.

Sep 13Sunday

Japanese Cultural & Community Center1840 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115

9:00 to 10:30 AM

Hirayama Seminar 5
12:30 to 2:00 PM

Seminar 6A

Competition-focused training with US Team Coaches
12:30 to 2:00 PM

Seminar 6B

Referee and Judging seminar with Hirayama Sensei
2:30 to 5:00 PM

Competition & Performance Clinics

Seminars 6A and 6B run at the same time. Please choose one to attend.

What you can expect

Scenes from last year's camp

October 24-26, 2025

Sensei Hirayama with two fellow black-belt instructors at the camp

Direct Instruction from a JKA Headquarters master

Hirayama Sensei leads large group sessions focusing on Kata, Kihon, and Kumite where everyone can receive world class training.

Sensei Hirayama leading a session in front of the dojo calligraphy wall

Training for All levels Novice to Champion

With up to nine sessions over three days, every karate-ka can build the weekend that fits their goals, from foundational drills to competition prep and refereeing instruction

Sensei Hirayama teaching a group of students

Specialized Sessions for Referees and Competitors

Open the weekend with a workshop-style open mat alongside current and former JKA-USA National Team members and close the weekend with live matches to test your judging and competition skills.

The full camp group photographed together on the dojo floor

One community Training Together

JKA NorCal welcomes all karate-ka who want to see the highest levels of traditional shotokan. See old friends and make new ones in the west coast karate community.