From August 14 through August 15, a seminar sponsored by the WMKA was held at the Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California USA. The event was highlighted by the presence of WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira (Kaicho), 10th Dan Hanshi, who journeyed from Okinawa to attend. Taira Sensei was accompanied and assisted by his son Mr. Satoru Taira and by the WMKA Overseas director Mr. Daichi Sakamoto.
The event was organized and sponsored by Mr. Art Takashi Ishii, Renshi, 6th Dan of the Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu of Little Tokyo Dojo and assisted by Mr. Erik Matsunaga 4th dan of the Shobu Karatedo (Chicago, Illinois).
The seminar coincided with the opening of the 84th annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo. Participants included many dojo owners from across the United States, along with yudansha and mudansha from the attending dojos.
A wonderful Taiko performance marked the commencement of the seminar on Friday evening, August 14, followed by instruction and practice.
The seminar continued throughout August 15, with Taira Kaicho (WMKA President), Mr. Satoru Taira, and Mr. Daichi Sakamoto explaining and demonstrating techniques.
At the close of the seminar, several WMKA members performed kata demonstrations, both individually and in groups. The event also featured notable guests, including Ms. Sakura Kokumai, the sole U.S. women’s karate competitor at the 2020 Olympics, and actress Ms. Tamlyn Tomita, known for her role as Kumiko in The Karate Kid Part II and for appearing in the television series Cobra Kai. Ms. Kokumai also presented an outstanding Olympic-level kata demonstration. Afterward, attendees enjoyed an outdoor picnic dinner at the Terasaki Budokan.
On Sunday, August 16, many Matsubayashi-Ryu karateka participated in the Nisei Week opening parade through Little Tokyo. During the parade, Taira Kaicho was honored by riding in a convertible at the front of the group, where he was visible to the many spectators. Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate participants marched together, performed kata at several stops along the route, and demonstrated yakusoku kumite for the crowd. Overall, it was a productive and enjoyable seminar weekend, bringing together longtime Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu friends, new acquaintances, and shared camaraderie in Karate-Do.
Preparation for Training
Kihon Drills
From left to right:
Ms. Tamlyn Tomita, Mr. Daichi Sakamoto, Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi, WMKA President,
Mr. Satoru Taira, Ms. Sakura Kokumai
Okinawa Guests with Mr. Art Ishii, seminar host
and Mr. Erik Matsunaga, assistant host.
Seminar Group Photo
Post Seminar Picnic Dinner
WMKA Participation in the 84th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival Parade
