This Spring in the South, our 41st, marks the Chapel Hill Shotokan Dojo’s 45th anniversary. Please join us to celebrate with a weekend of practices, socializing, good food, Carolina spring weather, and, an opportunity to train under David Lechuga, godan and president of SKA. After missing our usually annual event for three years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to be back.

This year’s event will be held Saturday and Sunday May 6-7 in Durham, NC, at the Duke School, not far from the Duke University campus: 3716 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705. As in past years, it will include two practices Saturday, plus a box lunch, a dinner (at La Residence in downtown Chapel Hill), and a third practice Sunday morning, concluding around noon.

SKA’s Chapel Hill Dojo was founded in 1978 by Larry Lazarus, godan. The first Spring in the South was held in 1980 with the idea of bringing together SKA members in the eastern parts of the U.S. and Canada for karate practices with an exceptional senior in a relaxed atmosphere decidedly different from Special Trainings. It has grown to represent a major fundraising event for the maintenance of the Shotokan Ohshima Dojo and helps to build cohesion among the membership, drawing participants from across North America and beyond.

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels and airbnbs located within a short drive of Duke School (3716 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705) or in Chapel Hill near our Saturday dinner venue (La Residence, 202 W. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). This year, we do not have a discounted room block, but there are many online sites offering hotel discounts. If you are interested in staying with a local member, please contact Nora to explore that possibility or for help finding someone to share a hotel room with. Please note: the Quality Inn where many members stayed in the past no longer exists. We encourage you to book soon.

Registration

To register, fill out the registration form and follow payment instructions below. The cost of Spring in the South 2023 is as follows (all amounts in U.S. dollars). Payment can be made by credit or bank card or via Paypal to If paying by check, make to Shotokan Karate of America and send to Nora Favorov/100 Village Lane/Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Payment must be made in U.S. dollars.

• $175 per person before April 20
• $200 per person starting April 21
• $60 for practicing children (12 and under)
• $75 for (non-practicing) adult Saturday banquet guests
• $25 for non-practicing banquet guests 12 and under
• $15 for box lunches for non-practicing guests joining us for Saturday lunch
• $125 for Friday night senior dinner with David Lechuga (this event is limited to yodans and godans and their guests)

Please Note: For the early-bird rate, payment must be made or postmarked by April 20. Registration is not valid until payment is received. Full refunds will be made to those who cancel before April 24 (by contacting the registration desk) or who are prevented from attending by circumstances beyond their control. SKA dues must be current to participate.