If I were to conside of kata practice as a puzzle, I would analyze each piece, imagine the whole picture as I connect them one by one, and ponder the true meaning of the completed picture. There aren’t many basic techniques, but if you continue to research them and add knowledge and experience, they can be applied, and the techniques that can be derived from them seem endless. I will continue my quest to “pursue the basics, never neglect training, and prove that Kihon Kumite is practical” In March of this year, I underwent my first-ever hospitalization and surgery, which made me keenly aware of the importance of good health. Thanks to excellent doctors and advanced medical technology, I was able to make a quick recovery and complete all of the events I had planned and prepared for last year. However, I will not become overconfident or complacent, and will continue to study and practice. Thank you for watching this year.
『引き手と突きそして順突きは何に繋がりどのように応用出来るか稽える』 “Considering what HIKITE, TSUKI and JUNZUKI are connected to and how they can be applied”
Creating something new is important and wonderful,but I think it’s much more important to accumulate daily efforts to get in touch with the true meaning of the basics that are necessary for everyone and everything.
The promotion examination, which had been taking place for my 61 students at five locations over the course of 11 days last month. In addition to training at the dojo, the children participated in seminars, international exchange training sessions, exchange competitions, training camps, and demonstrations, and competed in official and national tournaments, gaining experience and striving to improve. I can see my students’ growth when I see them taking deep breaths to calm their hands, which are shaking with nervousness, before and during the exam, and scalling loudly with their stomachs tight. I can’t change them, but they have the power to change themselves. I think it’s important for us adults to believe that.
The aim is for beginners and advanced level practitioners to have meaningful training together and deepen their understanding of basic and Kihon Kumite. I find great joy and meaning in exploring the fundamentals.
↑『表面的な稽古にならぬよう本来の性質や要素に関わる稽古を探求 continue to explore the true nature and elements of practice』
A young man studying Kenjutsu in the UK wanted to practice with me and joined my Sunday morning class. I am happy that the videos I continue to post on social media have led to new encounters, and that people have become interested in me, my teammates, and our training and come to see us.
↑『自由組手で基本組手を実用するための稽古を考える』
表面的な稽古にならぬよう本来の性質や要素に関わる稽古を探求し続けます。
We will continue to explore the true nature and elements of practice, so as not to become superficial.
In the Wado-ryu monasticism system, there is a “Kihon Kumite.” I place great importance on this Kihon Kumite, and I think that using Kihon Kumite in Jiyuu Kumite is one of the best ways to express the techniques and movements of Wado-ryu.
↑The YouTube channel “Karate On Demand,” run by a company called “Karate Press,” featured the “Jukuren Kumite Division Final” of the “61st Wado-ryu Karate Federation National Tournament.”
『Karate Press』という企業が配信しているyoutubeチャンネルの『Karate On Demand』で『第61回和道流空手道連盟全国大会』の『Jukuren Kumite Divisionの決勝』が紹介されました。
On the second and third days of the summer training camp I organized for three days and two nights from August 8th, the 61st Wado-ryu Karate Federation National Tournament was held at the Tokyo Budokan. It wasn’t easy traveling back and forth between the summer training camp and the national tournament venue every day with 21 students, but once again we created some wonderful summer memories this year. Two of our students won prizes in the kata division, and I competed in the kihon kumite division as a pair with my training partner, Takeshita Sensei, and won a bronze medal. Just like last year, I fought under the theme of “harmony” in the Jukuren Kumite division, hoping to win a black medal, but I wasn’t able to surpass my performance from last year and didn’t get the black medal. However, for me, the best bout was the semi-final against my trusted Takeshita Sensei. Not only was I suffering from pain in my right Achilles tendon, but my right side body had been numb for the past two weeks and I was completely exhausted, but for the first time in my life I want to praise myself for having led more than 21 students through the summer training camp and national tournament.
On August 3rd, I hosted an event to celebrate the 100th birthday of my great teacher, Hiromasa Setamatsu Sensei. I will never forget what Setamatsu Sensei did for me. I have been given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of children every day. I believe that the best way I can repay my teacher is to continue creating opportunities for children to have encounters and experiences that will help them live with hope, making them think, “I want to become this kind of person!” and “I want to live this kind of life!”
“100th Anniversary of Master Hiromasa Setamatsu Sensei’s Birth” Opening ceremony demonstration by Katsuhisa Tomitaka