滝本 匠 
August 2, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Shuugo Asato
On August 1, over 2,000 people from 27 countries gathered at the birthplace of karate for the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament and 1st Okinawa Karate World Junior Tournament (hosted by the tournaments’ executive committee, Okinawa Prefecture, and the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai). At the opening ceremony, which took place at the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan in Naha, four karate-ka trained in Shuri/Tomari-te, Naha-te, Uechi-te, and traditional martial arts (staff) gave an oath stating to, “Compete fair and square, while never forgetting to respect your opponent and the spirit of Okinawan Karate,” and pledged to continue the “martial arts of peace” and developing closer relationships with their karate peers all over the world.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, a member of the event’s executive committee and a black belt in Uechi-ryu karate commented, “I want you all to deepen your bonds of friendship while displaying the results of all of your training.”
The general and junior tournaments finish their preliminary rounds at the same time. The competition stars form 9:30 a.m. on August 2 at the Okinawa Karate Hall in Tomigusuku with the preliminary round for the junior Uechi-ryu international, non-Okinawan Japanese, and Okinawan outlying island junior competition. The event runs through August 7, with the general competition hosting 40 events in 5 categories, and the junior tournament hosting 19 events in 4 categories.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
