滝本 匠 
August 4, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Shuugo Asato
The 1st Okinawa Karate World Junior Tournament (hosted by the tournaments’ executive committee, Okinawa Prefecture, and the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai), finished their final competition on August 3, after which they held their award ceremony and closing ceremony. During the days of the tournament, which took place in the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan in Naha and the Okinawa Karate Hall in Tomigusuku, there were 15 events for three disciplines of Okinawan Karate, Shuri/Tomari-te, Naha-te, and Uechi-ryu, and 4 events for traditional martial arts (using a staff). The event welcomed 1,355 participants (according to the registration) ages 6-14, who enthusiastically put on display all of their hard work and training, 19 of whom were awarded championships.
Mireisa Tobaru, who won the Girls’ Shuri/Tomari-te I at the Budokan said smiling, “I’m glad I worked so hard leading up to this day.”
The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament starts August 4. There will be a preliminary round on August 4 and 5 at the Budokan and Karate Hall, comprising eight events for each of the 5 disciplines: Shuri/Tomari-te, Naha-te, Uechi-ryu, and two traditional martial arts disciplines (staff and sai). The main events take place thereafter on August 6 and 7.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
