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 dedication and hard work for our organization. Time seems to fly very fast, and there are only two weeks left in the year. I believe everyone is preparing for their busy year-end events, and I hope you are all doing well.
This year, I received many invitations from various countries, and I was blessed with the opportunity to observe your activities. The activities of all Branch Chiefs in all of the countries I visited were very sincere and full of passion. On the other hand, there were countries I could not visit due to my schedule, and I feel very bad about this. I will do my best to visit your country in the future, and I ask for your understanding and support.
In November, as my last overseas trip for the year, I participated in the Karate Seminar held by the Korea Branch. At the seminar, I was able to train, work on techniques, laugh, and enjoy every moment with many participants, including members from other Kyokushin factions. During this memorable trip, I was able to reconfirm our mission as Karateka, which is to contribute to world peace through Karate. I would like to express my sincere respect to Branch Chief Il-Nam Kim, the organizer of the seminar, all of his supporters for their hard efforts, and my appreciation to all of their hospitality during my visit. For the future development of the Asia Region led by Board Member Sujoto, the role of the Korea Branch, as one of the strategic points in the eastern area of the region, will be very important. Branch Chief Kim has strong passion towards Karate, and is very dedicated to training. He is also young, and I have high expectations for his further growth. As he has done so in the past, I would like for him to continue his efforts, to never forget to appreciate his surroundings, and to further develop the Korea Branch.
The 5th Karate World Cup is only 4 months away. WKO Headquarters has received numerous reports of selection results, and the preparation work to have the tournament draw meeting in January 2013 has started. I would like for all competitors to give their best in their daily training, and make their utmost preparation for the battle to decide the world’s top in weight categories. For the members of the Lithuania Branch, I believe now is the peak of their preparation work. Although it is a heavy burden, I hope the cooperation of all WKO countries will help their efforts to make the tournament a great success.
When I look back at the events of this year, the worldwide effects of the prolonged economic depression is very serious, and international disputes still exist in our world today. On the other hand, due to the high level development of communication media, we are filled with information of various countries and regions, and the world has never felt so close. In such international environment, we Karteka are expected to determine the truth. The mind and body we acquire through Karate, and above all, our precious friends. Karateka must have simplicity and fortitude as their foundation. Straightforward and honest, strong-minded and healthy. This state of mind shall be acquired through Karate training, and this shall be our formless treasure. To be precise and not be mislead. To listen with our own ears, and to see with our own eyes. If we are able to determine the truth, I am confident that we will be able to contribute to world peace.
I would like to close my last message of the year, by expressing my sincere appreciation to your efforts and cooperation toward the development of WKO, and my best wishes to all of you for the upcoming 2013. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!
OSU
Kenji Midori
President
WKO