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| 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