WMKA News

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New Year’s Greeting from the President

News from Okinawa                                                            January 1,2023 Dear WMKA members around the world,   Aratama nu tushi ni simi tu ku-bu kajyati kukuru kara shigata wakaku naimi sochi ii-sho-guwachi de-biru!   I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for the glorious and hopeful New Year! In August last year, as Okinawa marked the 50th anniversary since its reversion to Japan from U.S. rule, “The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament” and “The 1st Okinawa Karate Boys and Girls World Tournament” were grandly held by Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa karate enthusiasts from 24 countries around the world gathered in Okinawa. WMKA Okinawa Headquarters welcomed participants from Australia, India and the mainland of Japan and deepened our bonds & friendship for future. The mass media in Okinawa also published many special featured articles about the Karate events, and anticipation & potential of Okinawa karate’s future was greatly felt.  The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament 2022 Farewell Party was originally planned at a hotel but the event was changed to a Farewell Ceremony at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan to prevent the spread of Covid-19 corona virus infection. My closing address at the Farewell Ceremony on behalf of all Okinawa karate & Kobudo organizations is shown below. The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament Farwell Ceremony Closing Address:“Gusu-yo chu- uganabira!  Good evening, fellow Karate fans. We were able […]

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David Troup’s Visit to Okinawa

From November 7 through the 20th, and after years of delays due to Covid-19 restrictions, I had the chance to visit Okinawa once again. This was my third trip to the island, and I was grateful for another opportunity to explore some of the key karate-related sites in Naha, partake in my favorite delicious and traditional foods, and most importantly, to train with Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei, Tome Iwao Sensei, and Makishi Tetsuo Sensei. I stayed near the Tsubogama monorail station, and because I was in walking distance to the central Naha Bus Station, I enjoyed exploring the city through public transportation which also allowed me to try and practice my extremely poor Japanese. With training sessions each morning at 10 am, and each evening at 8 pm, I not only took the bus, but often walked across the city to the various dojos, getting to know the city much better in that way. Each day, for lunch, I tried to find a new Soba, Ramen, or Sushi restaurant, while also exploring the many shops and markets on my way. In the second week, I was joined by four European members of the WMKA, Steve and Sally Woolston, Heinz Tessner, and Joel Castasus. We all trained together at the dojos of Taira Sensei, Arakaki Sensei, Tome Sensei and Makishi Sensei in the mornings and evenings. Together, we explored the Karate Kaikan, the Budokan, and the recently unveiled memorial monument to Osensei Shoshin Nagamine. The training was fascinating, and […]

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My visit to the land of Karate in 2022

by Joel Castasus In October 2022, Japan opened its border to tourists. This was fantastic news for anyone who wanted to visit Japan. To me as a karate practitioner, it was a chance to visit and train in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Thus in November 2022, this is what did, plus more… There were a few amusing incidents along the way, such as missed flights, but the extremely helpful Japan Airlines staff quickly resolved these minor issues, and I arrived in Okinawa that afternoon. Perfect timing, as I had a few hours to sort out my hotel, have a bit of food, shower, and rest. I was then ready for my first training session at the Makishi Dojo. At the Makishi Dojo, I joined the group of Steve Woolston Sensei, Sally Woolston Sensei, (both from Eastbourne, England Dojo), David Troup Sensei (Maine, USA), and Heinz Tessner Sensei (Grossefehn, Germany). We all trained together with  Tetsuo Makishi Sensei, 6th Dan, and his own students. Although I was tired from a long flight, this had not affected my experience at all. I still remember how much I enjoyed Makishi Sensei’s teaching, and his innovative approach to Kihon and this is something I planned on taking back to Bristol to share.    Training Sessions:The days that followed were a routine of three training sessions per day. Typically, a morning session began with Iwao Tome Sensei, 9th Dan, then an afternoon session with Masao Shinzato Sensei, 8th Dan, and finally an evening with either […]

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Heinz Tessner Visit to Okinawa

After waiting a long time for the opportunity to finally go back to Okinawa,  at the end of November 2022 I had the chance to do so. My trip started from the airport in Amsterdam on November 13, 2022 via Munich thenTokyo (Haneda) with the final destination of Naha, Okinawa.  The journey was to once again polish the detailed parts of Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-Do under the guidance of the leading authorities. Upon, meeting up with friends from England (Steve Woolsten Sensei, Sally Wollsten Sensei and Joel Castasus Sensei) and from the US (David Troup Sensei of Maine),  once again was the realization of Ichariba Choodee行逢りば兄弟 – meaning we know each other for years and each time we meet it is like we last met only few days ago, even if it might be month. The warm weather, the friendly Okinawan people, the food and the whole atmosphere, immediately made me feel welcome, maybe like being home again. We had the chance to participate with keiko under watchful eyes of Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei and Tome Iwao Sensei in particular. We also had the chance to train under guidance of Shinzato Masao Sensei and Makishi Tetsuo Sensei. The possibility to train under these Sensei up to 3 times a day during the upcoming week was amazing. On Saturday, November the 19th, there was the final preparation for the exam which was scheduled for the next day.  Seventeen participants from mainland Japan, England, the US and Germany presented to the […]

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Annual Autumn Dan Evaluation test 2022

News from Okinawa                                                                   December 10, 2022 Annual Autumn Dan Evaluation test 2022 Dear WMKA members around the world,   I hope you are staying healthy in your everyday life where you live. The Covid-19 is still actively troubling many people around the world. However, it seems the people and their societies have started moving forward to overcome the damage by it.  We had “The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament” from August 1st to 9th. We also hosted “The 7th World Uchinanchu Festival”, which is scheduled to be held once every five years, from October 30th to November 3rd. Both World Events were very successful and many thousands of visitors from around the world came to Okinawa.   We had the Annual Autumn Dan Evaluation test for 2022 on November 20th in Okinawa. We were surprised to see 17 participants because we had very few in 2020 and 2021 due to the influence of Covid-19. Unfortunately, we had none from Okinawa this time. We had five participants from overseas, three from England, one from Germany and one from USA.  Mr. Steven Woolston received Rensh 6th dan, Ms. Sally Woolston, Mr. David Troup and Mr. Karl-Heintz Tessner received 5th dan. Although Mr. Joel Castasus could have received his 3rd dan within the EMKA, he came to Okinawa and we welcomed him willingly because […]

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A welcome return to the birthplace of Karate

A welcome return to the birthplace of Karate From 29 July to 11 August 2022 a delegation of 15 adults and 1 child from the Kodokan Cummings Karate Dojo, travelled to represent Australia at the 1st Junior and 2nd [Senior] Okinawa Karate World Tournament, along with more than 2,000 participants from around the world. With Japan remaining strict on COVID-19 regulations, entry into Japan was permitted only with an invitation letter from the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament Executive Committee. This year’s tournament was the second seniors tournament (with the first in 2018), and the inaugural juniors tournament. It is designed for karate practitioners across Okinawa, Japan and overseas to come together to showcase the results of their daily training and promote Okinawan karate. Of the delegation, three karate practitioners competed. Reece Cummings placed in the Top 16 in the Male I Shuri/Tomari Division (increasing his world ranking from the Top 32 in 2018). Tom Smithson, age 9, also travelled to Okinawa to compete and placed in the Top 16 of the Boys and Girls II Shuri/Tomari Division. Black belt dojo member, Sean Wallace, also placed in the Top 32 in the Male I Shuri/Tomari Division. The tournament was not the only purpose of the trip, though; the delegation engaged in various cultural and physical education activities while in Okinawa, including visiting prominent landmarks and participating in daily karate training at Taira Dojo, Arakaki Dojo, and Makishi Dojo. The training was particularly rewarding and every student walked away with not […]

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The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament

News from Okinawa                                                                        November 15, 2022 The 2nd OKINAWA KARATE WORLD TOURNAMENT Report Dear WMKA members around the World,We want to inform you about the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament. The following statement was made by the governor of Okinawa (prior to the event) and is borrowed from in the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament 2022 catalog:“This year Okinawa marks the 50th year anniversary since its reversion to Japan from U.S. rule, and we believe that this tournament, held at such a milestone, will attract a general deal of attention from both within and outside of Japan.  About 800 karate enthusiasts from 27 countries and regions around the world will participate in general tournament, along with about 1,400 boys and girls in the 1st OKINAWA KARATE WORLD JUNIOR TOURNAMENT.” In addition, about 800 individuals will participate in Okinawa Karate Seminars.” The participants in the “The 2nd OKINAWA KARATE WORLD TOURNAMENT 2022” were fewer compared to “The 1st OKINAWA KARATE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT 2018” because of the Covid-19 Pandemic throughout the world. WMKA Okinawa Headquarters sent 12 personnel including president Taira and vice president Arakaki to the “Expert Committees” as seminar instructors and judges or staff. WMKA members participated in the opening ceremony, a group demonstration and in the kata tournament. WMKA participants included 30 members from Okinawa, 5 from mainland Japan, 15 from Australia (as led by Mr. Reece Cummings) and Mr. Kugan Sundarmurthy from India. We performed Fukyugata 1 & Wankan for the group demonstration. Mr. Reece Cummings also demonstrated […]

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WMKA Seminar in Belleville, Illinois USA with WMKA Vice President Toshimitsu Arakaki

More than seventy Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioners attended the 2022 WMKA Belleville, Illinois USA seminar on September 9th and 10th, 2022. The seminar featured WMKA Vice President Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi,10th Dan and was hosted by Ed French 6th Dan and members of the Nagamine Lineage Dojo in Swansea Illinois. The seminar included over twenty dojo owner’s as well as ten six dan ranks and above as well as their yudansha, mudansha. and several guests from the WSKF from around the USA attended.  The seminar was held in gym belonging to the Belleville Union United Methodist Church. The agenda included an opening on Friday evening with attendees singing “Karate-Do Sanka” written by Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine. A summary of the seminar was given by Ed French indicating that the seminar will center on katas and bunkai as suggested by some of the senior ranks. Participants enjoyed a social gathering after the Friday training and Saturday’s training was followed by the banquet.  A short welcoming and opening address was made by Arakaki Sensei. On Friday night as well as throughout the day on Saturday, Arakaki Sensei gave instruction to participants on Kihon drills, kata and kata bunkai practice. He was assisted by various dojo owners in the demonstration of techniques as well as instruction of the general group.   Participants were able to practice partner drills and bunkai while developing connections and renewing friendships with other Matsubayashi practitioners from around the USA.  A special thanks to Scott Schnell Sensei who translated for both Arakaki […]

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Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Annual Memorial Weekend

The annual memorial Matsubayashi karate weekend to remember and honor Soke Takayoshi Nagamine was held August 12th (Soke’s birthday) and 13th at the WMKA Cocoa Beach Karate Dojo. Karate practitioners came form all over to honor Soke T. Nagaminre and train together for the weekend. There was also a dan testing for Cocoa Beach Karate yudansha Lisa Miller who earned her 2nd dan. The WMKA Board of judges were: Angel Mazza, Kyoshi 7th Dan, Curtis Anderson Renshi 6th Dan, Des Chaskelson Renshi 6th Dan and Marsha Lauka 5th Dan. Soke held several seminars in Florida, the last one at Cocoa Beach Karate Dojo on 2011. The memorial in his honor has been held every year since then.

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WMKA/EMKA September, 2022 Seminar Featuring Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi, 10th Dan

We are pleased to announce a WMKA/EMKA seminar With Arakaki Sensei, 10th Dan, Hanshi on September 9th and 10th, 2022 in Belleville, Illinois, USA. The seminar will begin on the evening of Friday, September 9th and will continue as a full day event on September 10th. On Saturday evening, September 10th, there will be a Banquet and on Sunday morning, September 11 a breakfast meal. Registration for the seminar is open to WMKA and EMKA members. Options for days of attendance and for the banquet food choices as well as attendance for breakfast can be found on the registration forms below.Several hotel options and suggestions are also listed on the registrations, but there are many hotels to choose from in the area. Please register soon as attendance numbers are limited.(Note: Prior notification of this seminar was sent to all dojo owners in May and the registration form became available on June 5, 2022.)Please click on the link below to open the registration form:https://matsubayashi-ryu.com/220605-sept22-seminar-registration-final/ *For more information, please contact Ed French, 6th Dan of the Nagamine Matsubayashi-Ryu Lineage Dojo and host of the seminar by email at edfrench@pobox.com, or by phone at (618) 830-8192. Thank you and we look forward to seeing many WMKA/EMKA members at the seminar!

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