From April 28 to May 5, 2024, special training and international seminars for Ryukyu Kobudo Kenryoryu Association and Uechiryu Karate were held in Belgrade, Serbia and Milan, Italy.

Four members, Takashi Arakaki, Nakasone, and Fukuchi from Okinawa, and Shozen Arakaki from our dojo, visited and practiced with the international competitors. This was their first overseas visit in a long time, and the first time they have visited Europe in 7 years since 2017.
Many players participated in the seminar. All of them practiced very hard and enthusiastically.

It is a great learning experience to interact with athletes from many countries through karate and kobudo. It is also an opportunity to share values and learn the importance of globalization and acceptance of diversity. I would like to continue to focus on training many more athletes, both domestic and international.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers, Mr. Vladimir Popovic of Okikukai Serbia Hombu and Mr. Palumbo Gaetano of Kuro Obi Kai Dojo, for providing us with such a wonderful opportunity.

Date: April 28 – May 5, 2024
Location: Belgrade, Serbia; Milan, Italy
Organizers: Vladimir Popovic (Okikukai Serbia Hombu), Palumbo Gaetano (Kuro Obi Kai Dojo)

Gaetano-Sensei from Italy was invited for a special training session.He teaches karate in Milan, Italy.He has visited Japan several times before.

He has a very gentle nature and carefully instructed each student.We do not often have the opportunity to receive direct instruction from a foreign Shihan.
This is a very rare opportunity and we thank him for it.
Thank you very much for the wonderful memories.

［Palumbo Gaetano］
He is an associate master, 4Dan, and a master of Kuro Obi Kai Dojo.

On Friday, March 8, a special training session was held at Hirano Jidokan with Jose, who is visiting Japan from Brazil.

It was the first time for some of the students to practice with a foreign instructor, and there were some tense moments. However, I think it was a good experience that led to new discoveries and learning for each student.
The day was a great opportunity for the students to fully experience the appeal of karate, which is known throughout the world.

［Jose Carlos Amaral］
3Dan. Studied under Sensei-Cielo at the Okinawa Dojo in Brazil.

On Sunday, January 7th, the first practice of 2024 was held at the Komatsubashi Community Center. I am very happy that we were able to gather together again this year and celebrate the first training in this way.

Looking back on last year, we were filled with regret and disbelief at the passing of Yonamine Kosuke-sensei, who had supported the dojo for so long. However, I believe that we were able to train hard despite this, thanks to the students who worked so hard in practice and to the many people who supported us.

The year 2024, the year of the dragon in Japan, is said to be the year in which all our efforts to date will come to fruition and our dreams will more easily come true. I wish you all a year of taking on new challenges and wish you all the best in the New Year. Thank you for your continued support this year.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the earthquake and tsunami that occurred at the beginning of this year. We pray for your safety and the earliest possible recovery of the afflicted areas.

Shozen Arakaki

Sunday, December 24 marked the end of training at Fukagawa Dojo, where Christmas presents were handed out to the children on December 22 to celebrate their hard work over the past year. Many new students joined Fukagawa Dojo this year, and many of them took their first promotion exams and matches, gaining experience that they had never had before.

We learn from our past selves and apply those lessons to the present. It was a year of learning from the past and applying those lessons to the present, and it was a year of seeing them continue to grow and develop. I can truly say that 2023 was a year of leaps and bounds.

I would like to start the New Year with a renewed spirit so that 2024 will be an even more fulfilling year. Thank you very much for your support this year. I look forward to working with you again next year.

 Shozen Arakaki

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, dan and kyuu examinations were held at the Komatsubashi Sub-branch.

Two students from Fukagawa Dojo took the challenge. This was the first examination for Mr. Murozumi.
The examination was held jointly with Tokyo Horinouchi Dojo members who came from Hachioji.

This time, since there were many Hachioji dojo members to be judged, Fukagawa dojo members actively supported them in kumite and kata decomposition. The test was held over a long period of time in an atmosphere different from that of daily practice, but everyone passed the test without a hitch. They worked hard and did not lose their concentration until the end. Congratulations to everyone who passed!

・Shoichiro Murozumi 5kyu
・Anna Kudo, 1kyu