South African Shotokan karate instructor Shihan San Pillay, a member of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) International Technical Committee, will hold a high-level karate seminar in Kigali on his first visit in Rwanda. Organised by ISKF Rwanda, the seminar—themed International Gasshuku ISKF Rwanda, the second of its kind to be held in Rwanda, will take place from July 18 to 20, at the NPC Gymnasium. It follows the inaugural event held in 2023, which was led by Denis Houde, a Canadian 7th Dan expert in the Shotokan style of karate. Building on its success, this year’s edition aims to further elevate the standard of Shotokan karate in Rwanda through intensive training sessions. ALSO READ: Canadian Grandmaster to hold Shotokan Karate seminar in Kigali During the three-day seminar, Pillay will share his vast expertise with Rwandan karatekas, focusing on core pillars of Shotokan Karate: Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring). In addition to technical instruction, he will also provide valuable insights into karate competition rules, scoring systems, and refereeing standards, all of which are crucial for Rwanda as it seeks to strengthen its position in international karate competitions. ALSO READ: Road to Abuja: 41 Karatekas selected for Rwanda’s national team trials The seminar aims to enhance the technical abilities of athletes, sharpen the skills of coaches and team leaders, and address common mistakes observed during daily practice. Furthermore, it seeks to prepare Rwandan athletes for higher-level international competitions while laying the foundation for the development of a qualified team of referees, a key step in advancing the growth and professionalism of Shotokan Karate in the country. Who is Shihan San Pillay? Eighth Dan holder Shihan San Pillay began practicing karate at the age of 13 in April 1969 at the Raku Judo and Karate Club under Sensei Robby Reddy. In June 1991, he earned his 4th Dan black belt and, together with several senior students, established the World Karate Shotokan Academy – South Africa under the leadership of O’Sensei Taiji Kase (10th Dan). After 13 years, in November 2004, following the passing of O’Sensei Kase, Shihan San Pillay, then a 6th Dan, joined the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). The organisation subsequently changed its name to ISKF South Africa (ISKF-SA).
