Unforgettable grading and exchange in Japan
Tokio. Vergangene Woche fand in Japan über mehrere Tage lang das 1. internationale Austauschseminar des Weltverbandes „International Karate Organization World Zen-Kyokushin” statt.
Vom 21. bis zum 26. April gab es verschiedene Events rund um den Gründer des Kyokushin Karate, Sosai Mas Oyama, für die Verbandsmitglieder. Von Willkommens- bis Abschiedsparty bis hin zum Grabbesuch am Berg Mitsumine plus Danprüfung für die beiden Sempais. Als deutscher Repräsentant war auch das internationale Meeting für Sempai Son Le Pflicht, um Organisation sowie Mitglieder zu stärken.
Sempai Paul from Leipzig, our student Yusuf, and Sempai Son from our Shinzen Dojo took part in almost all of the events.
It began with a welcome party in a family atmosphere, which brought members from all over the world together for the 1st time after the pandemic.
In a small group, there was a welcome video and introductory words from the association president Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa (9th Dan). He expressed his gratitude for the participation and promised to continue working and training for his dream of a shared Kyokushin Karate.
Afterwards, there was the traditional group photo.
The next day, we set off early from the Metropolitan Hotel in Ikebukuro to Mount Mitsumine, to train in the legendary training hall of the shrine.
The journey up the mountain took nearly 4 hours as it was a steep climb and the bus had to stop several times because the engine could not handle it anymore, but the trip was worth it in the end.
Once we reached the top, there was a fantastic view and unique moments to experience.
Why was the Mitsumine shrine so special? The founder of Kyokushin Karate, Sosai Mas Oyamatrained there for several months, isolated from Japanese society, to prepare himself mentally for his Kyokushin Karate path.
Grading day at the Honbu Dojo of Mas Oyama
On Sunday, the 23.06., it was time for Sempai Son and Sempai Paul from Leipzig. The black belt exam was coming up, and in the legendary Honbu (headquarters) dojo of the founder in Ikebukuro.
From Europe, Romania, Finland, and Germany participated. Also represented were Australia, India, Indonesia, and Chile.
The Kumite (free sparring) rounds varied depending on the grade.
Here is the number of rounds depending on the black belt:
- 1st Dan = 10 rounds of fighting without a break
- 2nd Dan = 20 rounds of fighting without a break
- 3rd Dan = 30 rounds of fighting without a break
- 4th Dan = 40 rounds of fighting without a break
- 5th Dan = 50 rounds of fighting without a break
- 6th Dan = 60 rounds of fighting without a break
Sempai Son has successfully completed 20 rounds of kumite, which you can watch here on our YouTube channel.
- Part 1: https://youtu.be/q21QT_CrXVs
- Part 2: https://youtu.be/SAX3cKW8GWE
“The 20 rounds were still reasonable and doable. I was baffled to see how some had to endure 40 to 60 rounds!” - Sempai Son after his 20 rounds of kumite
The traditional closing photo at the board looked like this:
However, the black belt exam consisted not only of kumite, but also kata. Here you can see in just under 15 minutes how kata was performed:
After over 8 to 9 hours, the time had come. All participants had passed their black belt exam. The presentation was quick, but memorable.
It was a moment for eternity, as it was not a normal black belt exam, but an exam in the “Mecca” of Kyokushin Karate, the Honbu Dojo in Ikebukuro in Tokyo, Japan.
Where it all began.
After the exam is before the exam: an organizational meeting was on the agenda.
As the German representative of the IKO World Zen-Kyokushin, both Sempais had to attend the World Congress Meeting, where organizational matters were discussed, such as:
- Mission and vision of the International Karate Organization (IKO) World Zen-Kyokushin
- Cooperation with other Kyokushin Karate federations
- Planning and realization of the 1st Open World Championship of the IKO World Zen-Kyokushin
- International Budo Pass
- Website optimization
Afterwards there was an interesting referee training with Shihan Yoneyama, where the rules and procedures were explained once again to all representatives.
Visit to the grave of Sosai Mas Oyama
On the last day of the international exchange, 26 April 2023, we visited the burial site of Mas Oyama in Tokyo and paid him our traditional visit and respects on the anniversary of his death.
It was an honor for us, but at the same time a moment of gratitude. It is through him that we got to know and love Kyokushin Karate.
Worldwide, millions of people from different nations continue to train in this rigorous, hard and uncompromising style of karate.
A big OSU at this point to Sempai Son from the entire Shinzen Dojo; we look forward to the experiences he has brought back with him.
A big thank you to the organization of Shihan Shigeo Niitsu (6th Dan) from Tokyo for his work during the entire exchange.
Only through him were we able to participate in this seminar.
OSU!
