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

The 21st Uechi-ryu Karate-do Kyokai Tokyo Tournament was held on November 3, 2023 (national holiday) at the Ogikubo Gymnasium. The following 15 competitors from the Tokyo Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo participated in the tournament, showing the results of the training they have been accumulating.

2nd grade elementary school division
・Seki Tosei　3rd
・Doi Soshiro

3rd grade elementary school division
・Arai Naru　Second Place
・Saito Takumi
・Wakabashi Ritsuki

5th grade elementary school division
・Kudo Anna
・Arai Naru

Junior High School 
・Kudo Rena
・Shibuya Shogo

High School
・Endo Shoei

Men’s Dan
・Nirasawa Hideto　2nd
・Hashimoto Hideki 3rd
・Đurić Maruko

Women’s Dan
・Kudo Naoko
・Suzuki Mayumi

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, we held a joint training with Tokyo Horinouchi Dojo members at Komatsubashi Branch Office. About 30 people from Horinouchi Dojo and Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo gathered to practice together.

With the goal of the upcoming competitions and judging sessions, the students performed in front of everyone so that they could make big movements without being conscious of it, and they had time to get used to the tension of being paired up with opponents they do not usually practice with.

We have had several joint training sessions in the past, and I believe that as the number of exchanges has increased, it has led to the improvement of both dojos’ abilities as well as their individual skills. The spirited shouts of “kiai” spread throughout the practice hall, and we had a very meaningful time.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Kazama Sensei of Hachioji Dojo and all dojo students for suggesting the joint training. Let’s continue to work hard together.

On Friday, September 1st, a promotion examination was held at Hirano Jidokan.

This time, five students took the test.
Everyone was impressed by their step-by-step improvement.

The students looked anxious at first, but their expressions changed drastically when Shozen Arakaki-sensei announced that they had been accepted! They returned to their usual energetic faces to enjoy the practice. The students were back to enjoying their regular training and their energetic faces.

Congratulations to everyone who passed!

・Arai Naru　４Kyu
・Saito Takumi　8Kyu
・Seki Tosei　8Kyu
・Wakabayashi Ritsuki　8Kyu
・Doi Soshiro　9Kyu

As a result of their long study in Uechi-Ryu Karate, Kenji Komura received Shihan, Hideki Hashimoto and Yoko Ito received Jun-Shihan, and the award ceremony and commemorative photo were held the other day. We are very happy that all of the instructors who have supported Fukagawa Dojo have reached another milestone in their careers.

Kenji Komura is one of the instructors who has supported Fukagawa Dojo for a long time. He has traveled with me to many parts of the world to promote Uechi-ryu Karate. He has a lot of experience and knowledge not only about karate but also about various martial arts, and he teaches us from basics to application, capturing the characteristics of each individual.

Hideki Hashimoto has been well versed in karate-do since his student days, and he teaches not only the basics but also etiquette to each individual. His desire to share the appeal of karate with as many people as possible, and his disciplined approach to training, have made him a highly respected instructor for children.

Yoko Ito has been training at the Fukagawa Dojo since 2019, after having trained at the Hachioji Dojo. Her calm, calm, and attentive teaching is reassuring, and her soft manner makes the atmosphere of the dojo bright and cheerful.

I hope that he will continue to make Fukagawa Dojo exciting together with us. Congratulations to all of you on this achievement.

Shozen Arakaki

【Message from Kenji Komura】
I am surprised to realize that I have been with Fukagawa Dojo for such a long time.
I believe that it is because I was able to join Fukagawa Dojo that I was able to have the precious experience of teaching beyond national borders. I am looking forward to applying the interesting bonds that deepen through karate and the broad perspective that I have developed to my future teaching.

【Message from Hideki Hashimoto】
I am grateful for the support of Sensei Shozen Arakaki, the many seniors, and the dojo members that I have been able to train with. I would like to continue to share the fun and excitement of Uechi-ryu Karate with others.

【Message from Yoko Ito】
Shozen Arakaki Sensei has always given me warm guidance and has created an environment where I can train with ease. The number of new members is gradually increasing, and I would like to continue to practice together with everyone so that we can improve the morale of the vibrant Fukagawa Dojo.

The certificates for the dan promotion examinations held in April 2023 have been received by Shozen Arakaki-Sensei, and the awarding ceremony was held in the dojo.

Obtaining a dan requires technical training, of course, but it can also be attained through steady effort. It is also one of the main goals to keep oneself motivated.

I hope that you will continue to enjoy your daily training and devote yourselves to it, without putting a lid on your own potential, and that you will also focus on supporting the training of younger students to make the dojo more vibrant.

Congratulations to all of you!

On Sunday, April 23, a dan promotion examination was held at the Komatsubashi Branch Office.

This time, 14 dojo students took the test. After deciding to take the exam and before the day of the exam, the students practiced kata, reviewed flow, etiquette, and kiai, and practiced with the aim of achieving crisp and clear movements.After correcting the areas that needed improvement, the students performed their kata with a mixture of speed and dynamism, while maintaining their composure at the actual judging. Everyone was relieved to hear that they had passed.

Congratulations to everyone who passed!

・Haga Nobuyuki 2Dan
・Aso Mayuko 2Dan
・Kudo Naoko 2Dan
・Nitahara Hironori 2Dan
・Suzuki Mayumi 2Dan
・Haga Mikiko 1Dan
・Kudo Rena Jun1Dan
・Kudo Anna 2Kyu
・Arai Naru 5Kyu
・Arai Kano 6Kyu
・Saito Takumi 9Kyu
・Seki Tosei 9Kyu
・Wakabayashi Ritsuki 9Kyu
・Doi Soshiro 10Kyu

The 5th All Japan Okinawa Traditional Uechi-ryu Karate-do Tournament was held in Maihama, Urayasu City on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Eight students from Fukagawa Dojo participated in the tournament, and Shoei Endo won the Kata high school boys division.

In the kata division, he showed a spirited performance with an awareness of “decisiveness,” and in the kumite division, his powerful kicks and thrusts aimed at the blind spots of his opponents excited the audience. Although there were glimpses of nervousness, the contestants performed with dignity and spontaneity. We hope that they will make the most of this experience in their daily training and continue to grow!

・ Arai Naru (Kata,  2nd grade elementary school section )
・ Kudo Anna　(Kata, 4th grade elementary school section)
・ Kudo Rena (Kata, junior high school girl section)
・ Shibuya Togo (Kata / Kumite, Junior High School Boys section)
・ Kimura Tao (Kata/Kumite, Junior High School Boys section)
・ Endo Shoei (Kata, High School Boys section)
・ Nitahara Hironori (Kata, General Men’s Dan section)
・ Hashimoto Hideki (Kata/Kumite, General Men’s Dan section)

On Sunday, March 16, 2023, a special training session was held at Komatsubashi Community Center with Gaetano Sensei, who is visiting Japan from Italy. Many dojo students were inspired by his warm and attentive instruction, which transcended language barriers, as he spoke warmly to each student.

This special training was made possible by Gaetano Sensei’s teacher,Vladimir Sensei.

This kind of international exchange through karate is one of the best things about Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo. I would like to thank Vladimir Sensei for giving us this opportunity and Gaetano Sensei for his enthusiastic guidance.

［Palumbo Gaetano］
Jyun‐Shihan, 4dan. He is the owner of Kuro Obi Kai Dojo in Milan, Italy, and a student of Popovic Vladimir Sensei. He is dedicated to the promotion of karate and the training of future karate practitioners.

On Sunday, March 12, 2023, we held a joint training with Tokyo Horinouchi Dojo members at Komatsubashi Branch Office. About 30 people from Horinouchi Dojo and Fukagawa Dojo gathered　to practice basic training, kata, and kumite.

In kumite practice, we repeatedly practiced quick counterattacks. I felt a sense of tension in practicing with a different opponent than usual. The four hours of practice ended in no time, but I think it was a good opportunity for the dojo members to interact and be stimulated.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Kazama Sensei of Hachioji Dojo and all the dojo students for offering such a valuable opportunity. Let’s continue to work hard together.

As we pass the middle of February, we can gradually feel the arrival of spring. And it has also become easier to be physically active.

At today’s practice, there was a talk about the 3rd All Japan Okinawa Traditional Uechi-ryu Karate-do Tournament to be held on Sunday, March 26th in Maihama, Urayasu City. It was a more productive day of practice than usual because of the announcement of the tournament, which will be held for the first time in a long time.

We hope that all dojo students will work together to make the tournament a great success so that all participants will be able to fully demonstrate the results of their daily activities.

As we welcome the new year, many of you will start school or work this week. At Tokyo Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo, we held our first training session today, January 6, and held the awarding ceremony for last December’s promotion examination.

Now, Tokyo Fukagawa Aragaki Dojo was able to celebrate its 25th anniversary last May 2022. We are deeply grateful for the understanding and cooperation of the Okikukai and all the parents, the instructors who support us daily with their guidance, and the growth of the dojo students who practice diligently over the past 25 years.

We hope that 2023 will be a year in which each of you will work even harder to achieve your own goals and practice even more fully.Best wishes for successful and rewarding year.

Tokyo
On Sunday, December 11th, the grade test was held for eight students.
They demonstrated the results of their daily practice and displayed their growth through wonderful performances and passed the test.
Congratulations!

・Haga Kimiko　1Kyu
・Kudo Rena　1Kyu
・Kudo Anna　3Kyu
・Kazama Yu　6Kyu
・Arai Kano　7Kyu
・Arai Naru　7Kyu
・Kazama Hiro　9Kyu
・Saito Takumi　10Kyu
・Seki Tosei　10Kyu
・Wakabayashi Ritsuki　10Kyu

On Friday, November 4th, 2022, a special training session was held at the Fukagawa Elderly Welfare Center, inviting Takashi Arakaki-Sensei, who came from OKINAWA.

All participants were fascinated by the way he explained in detail and that each technique has its own meaning in detail and in an easy-to understand manner.

At the end of the session, he also taught us a special KATA. All the participants had a fulfilling to receive the direct instruction that showed his very kind personality.

As a result of the promotion exam held in May 2022, Mr. Hideto Nirasawa passed the Shidoin-2 Dan.We hope that he will continue to work hard and improve his skills!
Congratulations!!

From August 1st to 9th, 2022, the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament was held at two venues, the Okinawa Karate Kaikan and the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan. Despite Covid, 2,200 people from 27 countries around the world participated.

From our dojo, the following members participated in the competition.

・Arakaki Shozen（Uechi-ryu　Adults II Male Quater finals）
・Arishima Naruho（Uechi-ryu　Adults I Female Last 16）
・Nirasawa Hideto（Uechi-ryu　Adults II Male Last 16）
・Endo Shoei（Uechi-ryu Juniors Male Quater finals）

7 月 8 日深川小学校にて、初段以上対象の第一回目の「黒帯会」を行いました。

Visit of the president Sensei Yonamine

06/10/06 Members of the Dojo Miyagi with Sensei Yonamine and Takashi Arakaki.

06/10/06 Members of the Dojo Miyagi with Sensei Yonamine.

Between September and October 2006 , Okikukai Argentina , an association chaired by Sensei Miyagi Kaoru (Kyoshi 8 Dan) ,had an enjoyable visit of Mr president of Okikukai International , Sensei Yonamine Kousuke (Hanshi 9Dan), the Sensei Arakaki Takashi (Renshi 6Dan) and the Sensei Arakaki Shozen (shihan 5 Dan).

Sensei Yonamine Kosuke,Miyagi Kaoru, Arakaki Takashi y Arakaki Shozen

06/10/06 Dojo Miyagi

The main objectives of the seminar of Okikukai Argentina were:echnical upgrading.Cultural approchement.And the possibility of sharing with Sensei Yonamine its rich history in the path of karate.

In pursuit of these objectives , from the day 29th of September daily classes were conducted in the Headquarters (Dojo Miyagi) at theDojo San Pedro and at the Dojo Tonan, with students of all ranks , both adults and children .

06/10/06 Children of the Dojo Miyagi alongside Yonamine Sensei.

06/10/06 Dojo Tonan

The visit of the Sensei from Okinawa concluded with the realization of a seminar on Sunday 8th of October at the facilities of the Club of Personal of the Central Bank of Republic Argentina, whith involved around 60 people . 
These include participants from other styles as Goyu Ryu and other disciplines of Okikukai Brasil , the Karate Do Association of Argentina Okinawense (AKAO- Shohei Ryu ), the Republic of Uruguay , other provinces of Argentina (Santa Fe , Mendoza and Chubut ) and from the interior of the province of Buenos Aires ( San Pedro and Villa Gessell ) .

06/10/06 Seminar at the Club Personal of BCRA.

06/10/06 From left to right , Yonamine Kosuke ,Miyagi Kaoru, Arakaki Takashi and Arakaki Shozen

The agenda of the seminar consisted of the realization of basic exercises of that style , strengthening arms and legs, Sanchin Kata , Seisan Kata (for Dan ) and Kanshiwa Kata ( for kyus ).

Also they did a demo of Sanchin Kitae and a technique for wood breking ( with the collaboration of Sensei Arakaki Shozen and Mr Miyagi Fernando).

06/10/06 Sanchin Kitae and wood breaking. Miyagi Kaoru Sensei and Miyagi Fernando