The Okinawa Village Karate Association (OVKA) is excited to release the official schedule for the 2026 East Coast Symposium, taking place August 28–30, 2026, at the Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida.
This year’s symposium offers three full days of traditional Okinawan karate, kobudo, Ryukyu martial arts, meditation, kata application, and fellowship with some of the most respected instructors in the Matsumura traditions.
Whether you’re attending to sharpen your technical skills, deepen your understanding of kata, or simply enjoy training alongside fellow martial artists, this weekend promises something for everyone.
Friday – August 28, 2026
Morning Beach Training
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Start the symposium with an energizing beach workout led by Mrs. Wall, featuring:
- Sticks & Blades on the Beach
- Morning Conditioning
- Outdoor Training
After a short break to change and prepare, the symposium moves indoors.
Hotel Sessions (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Welcome Ceremony
- Bow-In
- Introductions
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Hanshi Rick Hall
- Meditations on Waza Application
- Training Drills & Skills
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Hanshi Jeff Ader
- Kobudo (Bo)
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Hanshi Jeff Ader
- Kobudo (Tonfa)
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Hanshi John Hutchcroft
- Naihanchi Kata
- Drills
- Soft Blocking
Saturday – August 29, 2026
Beach Training
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Mrs. Wall returns to the beach for another morning session featuring:
- Sticks & Blades
- Morning Workout
Hotel Sessions (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hanshi John Hutchcroft
- Naihanchi Kata
- Drills
- Soft Blocking
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Hanshi Jeff Ader
- White Crane
- Tuite
12:15 PM
- Official Group Photograph
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- Lunch
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Hanshi Mike Wall
- Ryukyu Kenpo
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Hanshi John Hutchcroft
- Symposium Review
- OVKA Board Meeting
Special Youth Session
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Mrs. Wall will also conduct a two-hour “Introduction to Kali for Kids” class, offering younger martial artists an opportunity to experience Filipino martial arts in a fun and educational environment.
Sunday – August 30, 2026
Hotel Sessions (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hanshi Jeff Ader
- Review Session
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Hanshi John Hutchcroft
- Review Session
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
- Question & Answer Session
- Closing Announcements
- Final Remarks from the Presenters
The symposium concludes at 1:00 PM.
Featured Instructors
Participants will train with an outstanding group of senior instructors:
- Hanshi John Hutchcroft – 9th Dan
- Hanshi Jeff Ader – 9th Dan
- Hanshi Rick Hall – 8th Dan
- Hanshi Mike Wall – 9th Dan
- Mrs. Wall, leading the morning beach workouts and youth Kali program
Event Location
Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach
505 S. Gulfview Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33767
A special room block has been reserved for symposium attendees. Be sure to reserve your room early and reference Group Code: OVKA26 when booking.
Train Together. Grow Together. Preserve the Way.
The OVKA East Coast Symposium is more than a weekend of martial arts instruction—it is an opportunity to strengthen friendships, preserve traditional Okinawan karate, and continue learning from some of the most experienced instructors in our organization.
From early morning beach training to advanced kata, kobudo, White Crane, Ryukyu Kenpo, and open discussions with the presenters, attendees will leave inspired and equipped with new knowledge to bring back to their own dojos.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Clearwater Beach, Florida, for another outstanding OVKA East Coast Symposium!