06/09/2026
*GASSHUKU ANNOUNCEMENT — 14 to 19 September 2026*
We are honoured to continue to announce that *Hanshi Roy Hobbs*, one of the most respected figures in traditional martial arts, will be leading the upcoming *Budo Association of Zambia Gasshuku* at NASDEC Sports Complex, Lusaka.
Hanshi Hobbs began his mentorship journey with Zambia in the *early 1980s*, shaping generations of karateka with his technical precision, discipline, and unwavering commitment to self‑reliance. Over four decades, he has mentored numerous senior practitioners, including *Hanshi Raymond Mbazima (9th Dan)*, and is credited with guiding *multiple karateka above 5th Dan* across several styles.
His mentorship in Zambia began through the *Dentokan*, which he founded. He continues today under *Kenshinkan*, the organisation under which the *Budo Arts Association* proudly operates. Hanshi Hobbs remains a *wealth of knowledge*, always ready to mentor, support, and share with humility and generosity.
This year’s Gasshuku will be historic:
1. *Introduction of Uechi‑ryu** — taught formally in Zambia for the *first time*, directly under Hanshi Hobbs.
2. *Focused Iaido tuition* — dedicated sword‑discipline sessions to refine posture, breathing, and mental composure.
3. *Train‑the‑Trainers programme* — strengthening instructor capacity and teaching standards across dojos.
4. *Five‑day Motobu‑ha Kuniba‑kai Sh*to‑ryu mentorship* — intensive technical refinement rooted in Kuniba‑kai tradition.
5. *Senior mentorship* — guidance for senior practitioners to deepen leadership, technique, and dojo management.
*Sh*to‑ryu Support & Technical Refinement*
In his quest for building local self reliance Hanshi Hobbs will be assisted in Sh*to‑ryu by:
- *Renshi Lytton Zulu — Sh*to‑ryu support only*
- *Hanshi Raymond Mbazima — Sh*to‑ryu and possibly other systems*
Both Raymond and Lytton continue to receive *direct Sh*to‑ryu mentorship* from Hanshi Hobbs, ensuring continuity of lineage, technical accuracy, and correct interpretation of Kuniba‑kai principles.
Hanshi Hobbs will also conduct *intensive technical refinement supervision* for his senior Sh*to‑ryu practitioners, focusing on precision, kata interpretation, and advanced application.
*Testing Opportunities*
Hanshi Hobbs will conduct grading in:
1. *Shorin‑ryu**
2. *Goju‑ryu*
3. *Iaido**
4. *Kobujutsu*
He may also invite selected practitioners to test in *Sh*to‑ryu*, based on performance and observation during the Gasshuku.
Hanshi Hobbs will be supported by *Hanshi Raymond Mbazima (possibly beyond sh*to-ryu) * and Renshi Lytton Zulu (Sh*to‑ryu only)*, ensuring a strong technical foundation and a rich learning experience for all participants.
*Dates:* 14–19 September 2026
*Venue:** NASDEC Sports Complex, Lusaka
*Time:* 08:00 hrs daily
This is a rare opportunity to learn from world‑class instructors and strengthen the future of karate in Zambia.
*Oss.*
