Dear Branch Chiefs and Contacts,
First of all, I would like to start my message by expressing my appreciation to all of you for your warm support for our organization. August in Japan is midsummer, and the weather has been quite hot. The Karate Dream Cup 2013 National Championship, the mega event of this summer, is scheduled to be held in the middle of the month, and we are seeing a heightened level of enthusiasm and motivation towards Karate. Since this year’s tournament is a national tournament, overseas competitors will not be able to participate in the event, but I have high expectations for many competitors to participate in the Karate Dream Cup 2014 International Championship that will be held next year. I hope the overseas competitors will continue to train very hard to prepare for this event.
In July, I was invited to the Hungary Camp, and I very much enjoyed training with the organizer, Shihan Furko Kalman and Shihan Jozsef Kaloczi, and all of the participants in the camp. Hungary is a Branch with great history and tradition, with a very high technique level, and I was able to sense the heavy importance of this history and tradition, in the actions, approach, and manners of the participants in the trainings. Honesty and modesty are vital points, for the mental attitude of one pursuing Budo. To be reserved in their own words and actions, to respect and have an honest approach towards others, is very important. To accept everything as part of a learning experience, while making no excuses. I was able to sense this mental approach from everyone. It is my wish, for this great history and tradition to be passed on to the next generation. Shihan Gyorgy Karmazin and his members also participated in the camp, and although it was not the full schedule, training together in the bright sunshine was one of the great moments of the camp. Since the Hungary Branch is one of the biggest Branches in the world, I hope the Branch Chiefs will unite, and with honesty and modesty, form a harmonious national organization.
During this stay in Hungary, I had the opportunity to have a meeting with Mr. Marius Vizer, the new President of SportAccord, where various International Sports Federations, regardless of Olympic or non-Olympic competitions, are affiliated to. Mr. Vizer, also being the President of the International Judo Federation, has a deep understanding of Budo, and he expressed his deep understanding and warm support towards Kyokushin Karate as well. During this meeting, I explained the current international situation of Full Contact Karate, exchanged opinions on the possibility of our great dream of joining the Olympic Games and affiliation into SportAccord, and was able to receive beneficial advice from him.
As I have mentioned before, efforts towards the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games need to be made continuously, with perseverance. Although a harsh path, I would like for us to realize our dream, by uniting the passion and resources of the Branch Chiefs and Contacts around the world. I would also like to add that this meeting with Mr. Vizer was realized due to the kind arrangement of Shihan Furko Kalman, who has a close, long relationship with him. I would like to express my deep appreciation, for arranging the building of this wonderful connection.
OSU
Kenji Midori
WKO President