Back in Japan – Kyo­kus­hin, Kama­kura & Fighter Spirit

My personal report from Tokyo, April/May 2025

By Senpai Son Le – Shinzen Dojo Berlin

Back to the roots – and a little further

Japan – für mich kein fremdes Land mehr. Es war bereits meine vierte Reise dorthin, aber diesmal stand alles unter einem besonderen Stern. Als offizieller Vertreter Deutschlands für die International Karate Organization World Zen-Kyokushin hatte ich nicht nur organisatorische Aufgaben zu erledigen, sondern auch die Gelegenheit, bekannte Gesichter wiederzusehen, neue Eindrücke zu sammeln – und mich selbst wieder ein Stück zu finden.

My first trip to Japan – 2015

Green belt, thirst for adventure and the fascination of Kyokushin

2015 was my first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. The occasion at that time was the IKO 1 World Open Championship, which I travelled to with Sensei Yoshihiko Nakahata. Zahari Damyanov became world champion back then – an intense, formative time.

Back then, I was a student, curious and free. I travelled alone through the country: from Tokyo via Kyoto to Nagasaki and Kumamoto.

Without an official association hat on my head. Simply as a karateka and a human being. And that was good.

Japan was different back then: less digitised than today, but still more modern than Germany – a contradiction that fascinates. Supermarkets with talking tills and displays, next to shops that looked like they were from the Samurai era. This mix of technology and tradition is for me the embodiment of Japan.

2025 – Reunion with respon­si­bi­lity

In an official capacity for Kyokushin Europe

Diesmal war ich nicht mehr nur Besucher, sondern kam als Landesvertreter der IKO World Zen-Kyokushin Deutschland. Unser Verband wird von Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa (9. Dan) geleitet – einem der ältesten Schüler von Sosai Mas Oyama.

My mission? To pick up the official association seals for kyu certificates and Budo passports. Sounds simple – but is symbolically important for the growing structure of our association in Europe.

Kama­kura with Shihan Niitsu

Between temples, mountains and Google Translate

An unexpected highlight: Shihan Shigeo Niitsu (6th Dan), whom I had met in person for the first time in 2023, took the opportunity and took Yusuf and me on a day trip to Kamakura.

Temples, viewpoints, small shops – everything shown with a lot of heart. The car ride was long, but educational. Even though we had to communicate via Google Translate (yes, I still can't speak Japanese – shame on me!), we got on well.

"A karateka does not have to be loud – but clear." – Shihan Niitsu (in conversation during the drive)

Spon­ta­neously to the tour­na­ment: Full-contact up close

As a German guest among 60 Japanese organisations

During the return trip, Shihan Niitsu mentioned that he had to go to a tournament in Ikebukuro the next day. I spontaneously asked if I could come along. "Of course," was his answer.

The next day, I was sitting – in my association tie – suddenly at the table of the guests of honour. Shihan introduced me to countless other representatives. And yes, I was embarrassed not to be able to introduce myself in Japanese. Nevertheless, I tried to answer politely.

The tournament was impressive: over 500 participants, organised by JKJO with more than 60 invited organisations – exclusively full-contact karate.

What particularly impressed me: The children. They fought hard, with low kicks, without chest protection. Unthinkable in Germany. But here, part of the reality.

"Whoever prepares for real combat must be ready to fall and get back up again." – Tournament referee during the opening speech

Shop­ping, mar­vel­ling, tuning

Tokyo shows its many faces

I used the remaining days to explore Tokyo with Yusuf. We visited sights, went shopping (not entirely voluntarily) – in Tokyo, you are literally overwhelmed by impressions and consumerism.

A real highlight: A night-time tuning meet outside the city. Yusuf, a car fan through and through, drove us there. The cars? JDM dreams on four wheels. Photos can be found in our gallery.

Closing trai­ning at the Hachioji Dojo

Discipline, fighting spirit and children who bite back

The grand finale of our week: The closing training with Shihan Niitsu in Hachioji.

The location was like 2023: a converted primary school classroom. The chairs and tables were pushed aside – that is Japanese discipline that I admire.

The training started with stretching, led by a black belt. Afterwards, we were allowed to introduce ourselves – me as a representative from Berlin, Senpai Paul Kniep from Leipzig, and Yusuf from Berlin.

Followed by:

• Kihon with light repetition
• Kata in reverse (Pinan to Ura!)
• Pad training (2 minutes that felt like 5)
• Kumite rounds against black belts

The children were mercilessly good – many of them have already competed in dozens of tournaments. Yusuf was allowed to spar against Anju, one of the best fighters in the dojo. Respect to both of them!

Fare­wells and final tasks

Food, stamps, conversations – and then off home

After training, we handed out German chocolate to the students – as a sign of friendship. Shihan also invited us for a quick meal at “Danny’s” – an American-style diner in Japan.

There, he handed us the official association stamps, we discussed final matters – and then everything happened quickly.

Back to the hotel at 2:30 AM, alarm clock at 5:30 AM. Taxi. Airport. 16-hour flight. And then: Berlin.

Con­clu­sion: Gra­teful and tired – but ful­fil­led

A personal retrospective

This week was intense. Not only physically, but also mentally. I am grateful for the experiences, the conversations, the fights – but also for what happened behind the scenes.

Kyokushin is more than karate. It is a community, a connection beyond language, borders, and titles.

“We are not many, but we are honest.” – Senpai Son Le

Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible. I look forward to the next chapter – in the dojo, in the association, and perhaps soon back in Japan.

押忍 – Osu!

Senpai Son