Bhutan Karate Association Hosted Special Training Seminar with Shihan Eliyaha Cohen

Thimphu, March 28, 2025 – The Bhutan Karate Association held a special training session for students featuring esteemed international karate masters Shihan Eliyaha Cohen from Israel and Kamiya Haruki from Japan. Dasho Ugyen Tsechup along with Dawa Lham President of the Bhutan Karate Association, and other officials from the association, warmly welcomed the distinguished instructor.The session was specifically provided to student members of the association.

The seminar commenced with welcome remarks from the president of the Bhutan Karate Association Dawa Lham, who expressed gratitude to Shihan Cohen and other guests for their invaluable time and contribution. Shihan Cohen led the session, providing Bhutanese karate practitioners with in-depth insights into Shotokan karate. The training focused on key elements such as kata, stances, and forms. As part of the session, Shihan Cohen demonstrated two traditional Shotokan kata—Jion and Empi—emphasizing their technical precision and significance.

During the seminar, Shihan Cohen also demonstrated effective blocking and striking techniques applicable in real-world self-defense situations. He commended the students for their dedication, stating, “The students are moving in the right direction, but they need proper guidance and support to enhance and equip themselves with the right skills and knowledge.” Additionally, he elaborated on the deeper philosophy of karate, emphasizing its significance beyond physical combat—highlighting discipline, respect, and personal growth as core tenets of the martial art.

The seminar proved to be an invaluable learning experience for student members, who also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from esteemed masters, equipping them with essential skills, deeper insights, and a renewed appreciation for Shotokan karate. It strengthened their technical abilities and emphasized the core values of respect, discipline, and perseverance that define the martial arts. Such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering the growth of karate in Bhutan, inspiring the next generation of practitioners to uphold its rich traditions and philosophy.