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2026 Knoxville Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan SeminarJoin us in Knoxville, Tennessee, November 6–7, 2026, for two days of traditional martial arts training with Sensei John Kerker, exploring Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan and the important relationship between kobudo and empty-hand practice.
The seminar will be held at North Acres Church on Millertown Pike in Knoxville and is open to any serious martial arts practitioner, regardless of style or organizational affiliation.
Featured Instructor — Sensei John Kerker
Sensei John Kerker is an 8th Dan in Isshin-ryu Karate and the senior student of the late Sensei Sherman Harrill, whose approach to Isshin-ryu emphasized the practical application and underlying principles contained within kata.
Sensei Kerker is also a student of Sensei Hiroshi Akamine, 9th Dan, President of the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan, from whom he received his Hanshi certification.
Drawing upon decades of training in both empty-hand karate and traditional Okinawan kobudo, Sensei Kerker brings a perspective that emphasizes not only technique, but the principles that connect weapons and empty-hand practice.
Friday, November 6 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Friday evening will focus on Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan kihon and kata, emphasizing proper technique, movement, structure, and the fundamentals that underpin effective kobudo practice.
Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Morning Session | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Saturday morning will focus on empty-hand training, examining movement, body mechanics, technique, and practical principles that carry across traditional martial arts.
Lunch | 12:00–1:00 PM — On Your Own
Afternoon Session | 1:00–4:00 PM
Saturday afternoon returns to kobudo, with particular emphasis on the relationship between weapons and empty-hand practice. Participants will explore how properly practiced kobudo can reinforce body mechanics, movement, distancing, power generation, and other principles that strengthen empty-hand training.
Throughout the day, Sensei Kerker will demonstrate how kobudo and empty-hand training can complement one another—not simply as separate areas of study, but as interconnected parts of a deeper martial arts practice.
What to Bring
Kobudo training will focus primarily on bo and sai. Participants who own these weapons should bring them to the seminar.
We will make every effort to have a limited number of extra bo and sai available for participants who do not have their own, so don't let a lack of weapons keep you from attending.
Registration
Pre-registration: $75 — through November 1
At the door: $90
Pre-register here:
https://myas-df.com/product/knoxville-ryukyu-kobudo-shimbukan-seminar/
The 2026 Knoxville Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Seminar is open to serious martial artists of all styles and affiliations. Whether your primary interest is self-defense, karate, kobudo, or all three, this seminar offers an opportunity to train with an accomplished instructor while exploring principles that can be carried directly back into your own martial arts practice.
November 6–7, 2026
North Acres Church | Millertown Pike | Knoxville, Tennessee
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Event venue
North Acres Baptist Church, 5803 Millertown Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924-1542, United States
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