The year is not yet halfway over, but many highlights have already occurred in the first months; unfortunately, there have also been a few delays.
My major trip to Japan was planned for January/February. I had the opportunity to train as a guest for one day at the Kōmeikan Dōjō under Miyagi Tōru Sensei and was also able to gain a brief insight into Sanseiru. In addition, I was once again given the opportunity to write a report on this year’s Nihon Kobudō Enbu Taikai, which naturally required attending the demonstration as a guest.
Subsequently, I had the opportunity to train for six days under the personal guidance of Hayasaka Yoshifumi Sensei. After that, I traveled directly to Beppu to train under Ikeda Shigehide Sensei. There, I had the strenuous but rewarding fortune of passing my Shodan examination. After Beppu, I traveled to Kumamoto for three days—there, a reunion between the Sōke of Tō’on-ryū and the grandson of Kyoda Jūhatsu was on the agenda. On that occasion, I had the great honor of viewing Kyoda Sensei’s photo album.
Shortly after returning from Japan, I came across an announcement: the local sports club in my village was seeking a new karate instructor. After sending a brief message to Japan to request permission, I thankfully received a positive response. Following a short interview with the sports club, everything was arranged, and I will begin on May 21.
In the meantime, I was also invited to another seminar and championship, namely the German Judo Championship in Duisburg. The event is held under the theme “100 Years of the German Judo Championship”: everything began in 1926 in Cologne and is now being celebrated 100 years later. I am very pleased to be part of this celebration.
In addition, I had the opportunity to edit two books. One has already been completed and can be ordered—I will report on it later—while the other is not yet fully finished.
My/our translation of the biography of Miyagi Chōjun is still in progress and will hopefully be completed soon. However, another book may be published beforehand—I will present it soon. The Gekkan Hiden series is also continuing, and two further articles have already been submitted. The Ōshiro Toshihiro interview is currently in print and will soon appear in Toshiya.
For now, however, I am focusing on the final preparations for the TOGKF European Gasshuku, where I will deliver a lecture on the history of Gōjū-ryū.
Karate Kenkyū Shitsu 