Workshops
At the end of each training day we will host workshops on different subjects. You can book these workshops in advance by buying a ticket at the bottom of this page.
Would you like to enjoy a shiatsu chair massage? You can book this during the training week.
Women's karate training
Karate workshop for women
We are pleased to invite you to a special Karate Workshop for Women, focusing on both traditional practice and a strong sense of connection and support among participants.
Instructor: Sensei Linda Marchant, 8th Dan
Topic: Women’s Karate Training
This class is exclusively for women and offers a unique opportunity to train in a respectful and encouraging environment, while staying true to the values and discipline of traditional karate.
Under the guidance of Sensei Linda Marchant, participants will explore fundamental techniques, posture, and movement, with attention to precision, control, and personal development. At the same time, the workshop emphasizes togetherness, mutual support, and the shared experience of training as women in martial arts.
This balance of tradition and community creates a space where participants can grow in confidence, skill, and connection.
What to wear:
Participants should wear a karate-gi.
All levels are welcome. Join us for a meaningful and empowering training experience rooted in tradition and unity.
Day and time:
Thursday, Juli 30
15.00 – 16.30U
Shiatsu
Learn shiatsu massage on a regular chair
We are delighted to invite you to a relaxing and practical
workshop introducing Shiatsu Massage on a Regular Chair.
Instructor: Jaana Siltasalmi
Topic: Introduction to Shiatsu
In this workshop, you will be introduced to shiatsu in a
hands-on and accessible way, based on Taoist principles. Participants will
learn how to give a simple yet effective shiatsu treatment over clothing, with
the receiver comfortably seated on a regular chair.
While receiving shiatsu is a deeply enjoyable experience,
giving it can be just as rewarding. A key focus of the workshop is your own
posture and presence—cultivating relaxation, attention, and attunement. You
will learn how to make contact from a place of calm awareness, allowing your
touch to naturally adapt to what is needed in the moment.
This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in bodywork,
mindfulness, and developing a deeper sense of connection through touch. No
prior experience is required.
Discover the essence of shiatsu in a welcoming and
supportive atmosphere—you are warmly invited to join us!
Day and time:
Thursday, July 30
15.00 – 16.30h
Daily massages
Enjoy a short massage after training!
Treat yourself to a relaxing shiatsu chair massage during the karate training week!
The practitioners from Hands on Tao Shiatsu Institute offer short shiatsu sessions in the afternoons, using a special massage chair. Treatments are given fully clothed.
These sessions are both deeply relaxing and supportive for physical complaints and are tailored to your individual needs and situation.
Sessions take place in the restaurant of De Bongert at the following times:
Monday, July 27: 14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday, July 28: 14:30 – 16:30
Wednesday, July 29: 14:00 – 16:00
Thursday, July 30: 14:30 – 16:30
Several sessions are available each hour.
You can sign up on the list at the venue.
A session costs €10 / appr.12 minutes.
Payment can be made in cash or (for Dutch people) via Tikkie. If paying via Tikkie, please send a WhatsApp message in advance to the practitioner’s phone number (you will find the number at the massage chair).
Subscribing takes place at the venue.
Groundwork in karate
Quick takedown to submission and defense from being locked in a dominant position
We are
excited to invite you to a specialized workshop focused on Groundwork in
Karate, designed for practitioners who want to expand their skills beyond
standing techniques.
Instructor: Sensei Gerd Richter, 7th Dan &
Sensei Jan Stolz, 7th Dan
Topic: Quick Takedown to Submission and
Defense from Being Locked in a Dominant Position
This
workshop will explore practical and effective strategies for transitioning from
standing to ground control. Participants will learn how to execute quick
takedowns, apply efficient submission techniques, and, importantly, how to
defend themselves when caught in a dominant ground position.
The session
is suitable for karateka of all levels who are interested in improving their
adaptability, control, and confidence in close-contact situations. Emphasis
will be placed on safety, technical precision, and real-world applicability.
What to bring:
Participants should be dressed with karate pants or shorts and a T-shirt.
Please ensure your clothing allows free movement and is suitable for ground
training.
Join us for
an engaging and dynamic workshop that will deepen your understanding of karate
as a complete martial art.
Day and time:
Tuesday, July 28
15.00 – 17.00h
Self defence for women
Aspects and principles of (teaching) self-defense for women
We are pleased to invite you to a practical and empowering workshop focused on Self-Defense for Women, combining technical skills with awareness and teaching principles.
Instructors: Luna Heider, 3rd Dan and Arantxa Ferre Leza, 5th Dan
Topic: Aspects and Principles of (Teaching) Self-Defense for Women
This course is open to all women and offers a supportive environment to explore effective self-defense strategies. Participants will work with a selection of techniques from different martial arts, applying them to both uncomfortable everyday situations and more serious threats to personal safety.
Strong fundamental principles and short theoretical insights will be integrated into practical exercises. These include training in awareness, voice use, and body language, as well as escapes from common grappling situations and efficient counter techniques.
Within a safe and respectful space, participants will exchange experiences and experiment with realistic scenarios, discovering personal and adaptable solutions.
In addition, the workshop will regularly reflect on didactics and the role of teaching self-defense, making it especially valuable for those interested in instructing others.
What to wear:
Participants are advised to wear any loose, comfortable clothing that allows free movement.
Join us for an engaging and meaningful session focused on confidence, skill, and awareness.
Day and time:
Tuesday, July 28
15.00 – 17.00h
Introduction to Zazen
Zen and Martial Arts, by Paolo Spongia
We are pleased to invite you to a unique workshop offering an Introduction to Zazen, exploring the practice of Zazen and the connection between Zen practice and martial arts.
Instructor: Sensei Paolo Taigō Spongia, 8th Dan, Zen monk and Zen master
Topic: Zen and Martial Arts
This workshop will offer an introduction to Zazen (Zen sitting meditation) and Kinhin (Zen walking meditation).
After the Zazen practice, participants will attend a lecture on Zen and Martial Arts.
This session is open to all who are interested in making a direct experience of Zazen, stillness, and the philosophical foundations of Zen and explore its connection with the martial arts.
What to wear:
Participants can wear clean clothing of a dark color or a cleaned karategi without a belt. If wearing a karategi, it is important that it is freshly cleaned and not used for training. Please make sure to freshen up after your karate training.
Day and time:
Monday, July 27
16.00 – 18.00h
History Tour of Wageningen, City of Liberation
We are pleased to invite you to a special guided tour through Wageningen, internationally known as the City of Liberation.
Guide:
Ed Dumrese
Topic: Liberation, remembrance, and peace
During this walk, participants will learn about the role of Wageningen at the end of the Second World War, today’s traditions of remembrance, and the historical connection with Japan’s capitulation.
The guide was involved in the commemorations and celebrations in Wageningen for more than twenty years, including thirteen years as director, and has also visited the commemorations in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The program also includes a short English-language film (16 minutes) about the Second World War around Wageningen, shown at Visum Mundi at the 5 Mei Plein.
Join us for an inspiring journey through the history of liberation, remembrance, and peace.
Day and time:
Wednesday, July 29
Tour start at 15.ooh and at 16.00h.
Starting location:
Monument Gevallenen 1940-1945, crossing Costerweg and Nudestraat.
Google maps link.
Judo in Gojy-Ryu
Throws, Balance Breaking and Close-Range Control
We are excited to invite you to a specialized workshop focused on Judo in Goju Ryu Karate, designed for practitioners who want to expand their skills by integrating effective grappling and throwing principles into their karate.
Instructor:
Sensei Margit de Voogd, Dutch Judo Champion
Sensei Rudi van Hemert, 4th Dan
Topic: Throws, Balance Breaking and Close-Range Control
This workshop will explore practical and effective strategies for combining Judo principles with Goju Ryu Karate. Participants will learn how to create kuzushi (off-balancing), apply quick and efficient takedowns, improve grip awareness, and develop control in close-contact situations.
The session is suitable for karateka of all levels who are interested in improving their adaptability, timing, coordination, and confidence. Emphasis will be placed on safety, technical precision, and practical application.
What to bring:
Participants should be dressed in karate gi or sportswear suitable for training. Please ensure your clothing allows free movement and safe practice.
Join us for an engaging and dynamic workshop that will deepen your understanding of Goju Ryu Karate as a complete martial art.
Day and time:
Monday, July 27
14.30 – 16.00h