IKGA News: 2018 IKGA Asian Bloc Seminar

The IKGA Asian Bloc Seminar was held in Hong Kong from July 27 – July 31, 2018. From Japan, IKGA President and Saiko Shihan, Goshi Yamaguchi, Asian Bloc President, Gohei Yamagichi Shihan and Asian Bloc Vice-president, Hideki Wakasugi Shihan participated as instructors of the seminar, cooperating with the host country.

The previous IKGA Asian Bloc seminar was held in Thailand, where it was decided that the seminar would be held every year. This year the host was Hong Kong, and attracted about 200 participants from 14 countries.

At the opening ceremony for the seminar, Thai Gojukai member, Thaweesuk, Godan - Jokyo, was awarded the rank of Shihan – Renshi, and was presented with his certificate.

At this seminar, Gojukai curriculum for examinations was reviewed, including, Kihon-dosa, Ohyo-giho, Gojukai Kaiha kata, Kumite-giho and Katabunkaikumite. Instruction was strict and thorough, and zealously adhered to Gojukai standards.

After the seminar, the Asian Bloc dan examinations were held. Two people passed the examination for Godan, one person passed the examination for Yondan and one person passed the examination for Shodan.

In 2019, the Asian Bloc tournament will be held in Philippines. I would like to invite a lot of competitors from the Asian Bloc countries to enhance international exchange with IKGA members and further develop skill and technique.

Finally, at the closing ceremony a moment of prayer was held for Asian Bloc Coordinator, Kazuhiko Nobukane Shihan, who unfortunately passed away this year. Nobukane Shihan was a big help in organizing the previous Asian Bloc seminar, and worked tirelessly to promote IKGA in Thailand.

Nobukane Shihan spent many years in Thailand striving for the popularization of Gojuryu Karatedo. In 2016 he was appointed as Coordinator for the Asian Bloc, and devoted himself in the service of promoting Gojuryu throughout the Asian Bloc. However he learned of his illness and sought treatment in Japan. After a difficult struggle, he passed away on July 18, 2018.

All of IKGA Asian Bloc members pray for Nobukane Shihan's soul.

Participating countries at this year's IKGA Asian Bloc Seminar: Japan, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.