Tuesday, September 27, 2016

A Great Success for the 31st IKGA European Seminar in Italy

Hanshi Ingo Dejong with the 3 new Shihan from IKGA Italy - Ignazio Costaarelli, Luciano Masci and Mario Laurini, 

Every year Europe has been hosting IKGA Seminars between the months of July and August. This past summer, the 1st to the 6th of August, the 31st IKGA Europe Seminar was organized and arranged in Italy, on the splendid and remote Island of Sardinia, at Quartu S. Elena (Cagliari). 200 participants from fifteen (15) nations attended this prestigious traditional Karate event. We were honored with the presence of representatives from Japan as well as members from Australia. Numerous supporters and family members also came along, not only contributing and assisting with the various training, but also enjoying the splendor of Sardinia’s beaches and crystal clear sea that has always been an attraction to tourists worldwide.

The teachings were directed and conducted under the guidance of Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, President of World IKGA, and by Hanshi Ingo De Jong, President of IKGA Europe. It is the second time that these two great leaders of IKGA have come to Italy after previously attending a very successful IKGA Seminar held in Norcia in 2010. Also assisting in the various teachings, were, Kyoshi Shigeki Yamada (Japan), Conny Ferm, (Sweden), Ghulam Mughal, (Sweden), Jan Van den Dries, (Holland), and many other prominent European Shihan. Last but not least, for the first time at an Italy IKGA Seminar, we pay gratitude also to the son of Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, Renshi Shihan Gohei Yamaguchi for his assistance throughout the seminar. Gohei Shihan is also responsible for IKGA Asia.

The impeccable organization done by the three IKGA Italia Shibucho, namely, Luciano Masci, Mario Laurini, Ignazio Costarelli, was highly appreciated and praised by not only Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi and Hanshi Ingo De Jong, but by all the participants that took part. Special appreciation from all was given for the arrangements made regarding the training sessions. There was also ample free time during the afternoon for sightseeing and enjoying the splendid and rich beauty of the Italian territory. 

During the Seminar, the three Italian Shibucho, Masci, Laurini and Costarelli, were awarded the prestigious title of Renshi Shihan. Special mention also goes to our friends from Belgium and Holland, namely Joachim Van Opstal and Mark Van Diem, who were also awarded the title rank of Renshi Shihan. Also a special recognition to Mark Adams Shihan for having obtained and passed to 6th Dan.

The excellent collaboration between the three and newly appointed Shihan has made the IKGA Italia organization extremely efficient so as to ensure the best possible outcome of the Seminar and at the same time letting it become an unforgettable experience for all.

IKGA ITALIA SALUTES YOU ALL,

IGNAZIO COSTARELLI
LUCIANO MASCI
MARIO LAURINI