Dear WKO Branch Chiefs and Contacts,
As this year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have continued to challenge themselves under the name of Shinkyokushinkai—our athletes, instructors, and everyone who supports the daily operation of our dojos around the world. The steady efforts of each and every one of you have shaped the progress we have made this year.
Our athletes, in particular, have given their all—not only at world championships, but also in the demanding tournaments held in each region. Since the passing of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the world of fullcontact karate has gone through repeated divisions and reorganizations. In Japan, however, many organizations—large and small—have continued to cooperate, and numerous competitions have been held, sometimes jointly and sometimes independently. These opportunities for serious competition, fought with pride for one’s organization, have further elevated the level of our athletes and accelerated their growth.
In recent years, national and world champions have emerged even from relatively small dojos. We have truly entered an era of intense competition. This trend is not limited to fullcontact karate alone; with the expansion of various martial arts and sporting events, athletes now have more choices than ever before. In such an environment, I would like to express my deepest respect and appreciation to those athletes who continue to love fullcontact karate, compete with the spirit of “lifelong devotion,” and proudly carry the banner of Shinkyokushinkai.
This year, we successfully hosted the 1st WFKO World Championships at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, marking a historic moment in which the global fullcontact karate community came together as one. In addition, for the first time in the more than 50-year history of the All Japan Karate Championship, a non-Japanese athlete claimed the title. I believe this year clearly demonstrated that the internationalization of fullcontact karate has entered a new and tangible phase.
Global activities are supported by the daily, steady efforts made in each dojo—by training, by nurturing people, and by cultivating strong athletes. Today, approximately 400 branch chiefs and dojo leaders around the world devote themselves each day, each moment, to their students. These accumulated efforts will continue to expand into a powerful network, strengthening the global foundation of fullcontact karate.
We are also receiving reports from many regions about new groups and individuals wishing to join Shinkyokushinkai as fellow members. I sincerely ask our existing national federations and branches to welcome these new colleagues with open hearts. By easing hesitation through dialogue and mutual understanding, and by respecting different cultures and environments, we can gradually build new and stronger organizational forms together.
This requires understanding and respecting one another’s positions, setting aside personal interests, and never losing sight of our greater purpose. In a reorganized and renewed structure, I hope that both existing members and newcomers will participate together in management, openly exchange ideas, and build constructive relationships that will carry us into the future.
It has now been a quarter of a century since I was appointed as the representative of Shinkyokushinkai. Throughout this time, I have continued to ask myself what true “strength” means, while witnessing changes in society, values, and human connections. In this era of artificial intelligence, I believe it is more important than ever to reconsider the role of human beings, the significance of martial arts in developing people, and the mission that Shinkyokushinkai must fulfill.
Looking around the world, we see that international conflicts and many serious challenges still remain. While what we, as martial artists, can do may be limited, I firmly believe that fostering respect for others, engaging in dialogue, and teaching the proper use of strength will surely contribute to society in meaningful ways. I sincerely hope that these issues will move toward resolution as soon as possible, and that children everywhere will be able to envision their futures with peace of mind.
The coming year will begin with our traditional Kagami-biraki training session on January 11 at Zojoji Temple in Minato Ward, Tokyo. We are also honored to welcome Shihan Remigiusz Karpinski, Chairman of the European Region, on this occasion. As WKO, we aim to move forward together into the next phase of fullcontact karate, with Japan and Europe maintaining a strong partnership while walking in step with all other regions.
With deep gratitude for the past year, I wish each of you a fruitful and fulfilling year ahead.
Merry Christmas, and my best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Osu
Kenji Midori, WKO President
