New Year’s Greetings,
As the New Year unfolds like a blossoming flower, I extend my heartfelt greetings with a spirit of joy and gratitude.
May this New Year be filled with happiness and good fortune for each and every one of you.
We are deeply grateful for the success of the Nagamine Shoshin Monument of honor Cerebration held last November. It was made possible by the participation and support of many fellow members. I believe that Nagamine Shoshin O’Sensei and the late Soke Nagamine Takayoshi are also expressing their gratitude from beyond.
The seminar and exchange demonstration at the Okinawa headquarters were the first in 10 years since the Nagamine Takayoshi memorial seminar. Although the unveiling ceremony of the monument was held without the participation of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this memorial ceremony allowed us to see everyone again after a long time, and we strongly felt the continued strength of WMKA.
Currently, when we look at the world, tragic wars are occurring in many places. In times like these, I believe it is our duty as karateka to spread the spirit of “Uchinaa nu Chimugukuru” (Okinawan heart and soul) both domestically and internationally, and to become a bridge between people through the “Heiwa-no-bu” (peaceful warrior) spirit of Karate-do.
This year, I pray for your good health and happiness, and hope to see you all again. I also pray for lasting peace.
Yoshitaka Taira,
President World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association