Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chapel Hill Dojo, with a great sense of regret and inevitability, has had to cancel Spring in the South 2020, the first time in the event’s history.
On a more positive note, Mark Kohagura has already committed to instead come lead Spring in the South 2021. So consider it a one-year postponement, not a cancellation.
The information below will remain up for some time in case prospective attendees misplaced hotel and other information for canceling their arrangements. Refunds of registration fees are underway for those who have already paid.
This will be the 41st annual Spring in the South, and it will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 2020. We are honored to have godan Mark Kohagura coming to lead.
Spring in the South not only brings SKA members together to practice with an exceptional senior, but also represents a major fundraising event for the maintenance of the Shotokan Ohshima Dojo.
Practices will be held at the Middle School gymnasium of the Duke School, not far from the Duke University campus: 3716 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705. The gym is the first building on your left as you enter the campus. There is also a downloadable schedule and map.
Accommodations
The 2 hotels listed below are within 0.2 miles of one another. They are about a 10 minute drive from Duke School (where practices are held) and 10 minutes from the Saturday night banquet. Please contact Nora if you need transportation. The Hampton Inn, where many SIS participants have stayed in the past, became the Quality Inn in 2013. Same hotel, better price.
| Name | Address | Rate | Phone Number | Notes |
| Quality Inn | 1740 Fordham Blvd Chapel Hill, NC 27514 | $69.00 /two queen-sized beds | 919.968.3000 | Book by phone before March 17 and mention ”April Karate Event 2020” for discount. Includes breakfast. |
One Europa Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Europa Dr. and Fordham Blvd.) | $139/ two double beds or one king | 919.968.4900 | Book by phone (mention Shotokan Karate) or use this link before March 13 to get discount. Rate includes full buffet breakfast in Carolina 1663 for up to 2 guests per room. Complimentary WIFI. |
Other options include: the AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown (a new hotel a few minutes walk from our banquet venue and Franklin Street’s nightlife), Hampton Inn and Suites Chapel Hill/Carrboro; Comfort Inn Medical Park is 3.3 miles from Duke School (1-919-471-6100); Red Roof Inn is 5.4 miles from Duke School (1-919-489-9421). Reserve rooms early due to other events in the area on that weekend.
Registration
To register, fill out the registration form and follow payment instructions below. The cost of Spring in the South 2020 is as follows (all amounts in USD):
- $150 per person before April 4
- $175 per person starting April 5
- $60 for practicing children (12 and under)
- $40 for (non-practicing) adult Saturday banquet guests
- $15 for non-practicing banquet guests 12 and under
- $15 for box lunches for non-practicing guests joining us for Saturday lunch
- $100 for Friday night senior dinner with Mark Kohagura (this event is limited to yodans and godans and their guests)
- Payment can be made via Paypal to , or by check (in USD). Canadians who do not have a USD account please use Paypal. Checks made out to Shotokan Karate of America can be mailed to:
Nora Favorov 100 Village Lane Chapel Hill, NC 27514-1426
Please Note: For early-bird rate, payment must be postmarked by April 4. Registration is not valid until payment is received. Full refunds will be made to those who cancel before April 12 (by contacting the registration desk) or who are prevented from attending by circumstances beyond their control.
