On Sunday, November 5, 2023, dan and kyuu examinations were held at the Komatsubashi Sub-branch.

Two students from Fukagawa Dojo took the challenge. This was the first examination for Mr. Murozumi.
The examination was held jointly with Tokyo Horinouchi Dojo members who came from Hachioji.

This time, since there were many Hachioji dojo members to be judged, Fukagawa dojo members actively supported them in kumite and kata decomposition. The test was held over a long period of time in an atmosphere different from that of daily practice, but everyone passed the test without a hitch. They worked hard and did not lose their concentration until the end. Congratulations to everyone who passed!

・Shoichiro Murozumi 5kyu
・Anna Kudo, 1kyu

The 21st Uechi-ryu Karate-do Kyokai Tokyo Tournament was held on November 3, 2023 (national holiday) at the Ogikubo Gymnasium. The following 15 competitors from the Tokyo Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo participated in the tournament, showing the results of the training they have been accumulating.

2nd grade elementary school division
・Seki Tosei　3rd
・Doi Soshiro

3rd grade elementary school division
・Arai Naru　Second Place
・Saito Takumi
・Wakabashi Ritsuki

5th grade elementary school division
・Kudo Anna
・Arai Naru

Junior High School 
・Kudo Rena
・Shibuya Shogo

High School
・Endo Shoei

Men’s Dan
・Nirasawa Hideto　2nd
・Hashimoto Hideki 3rd
・Đurić Maruko

Women’s Dan
・Kudo Naoko
・Suzuki Mayumi

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, we held a joint training with Tokyo Horinouchi Dojo members at Komatsubashi Branch Office. About 30 people from Horinouchi Dojo and Fukagawa Arakaki Dojo gathered to practice together.

With the goal of the upcoming competitions and judging sessions, the students performed in front of everyone so that they could make big movements without being conscious of it, and they had time to get used to the tension of being paired up with opponents they do not usually practice with.

We have had several joint training sessions in the past, and I believe that as the number of exchanges has increased, it has led to the improvement of both dojos’ abilities as well as their individual skills. The spirited shouts of “kiai” spread throughout the practice hall, and we had a very meaningful time.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Kazama Sensei of Hachioji Dojo and all dojo students for suggesting the joint training. Let’s continue to work hard together.

On Friday, September 1st, a promotion examination was held at Hirano Jidokan.

This time, five students took the test.
Everyone was impressed by their step-by-step improvement.

The students looked anxious at first, but their expressions changed drastically when Shozen Arakaki-sensei announced that they had been accepted! They returned to their usual energetic faces to enjoy the practice. The students were back to enjoying their regular training and their energetic faces.

Congratulations to everyone who passed!

・Arai Naru　４Kyu
・Saito Takumi　8Kyu
・Seki Tosei　8Kyu
・Wakabayashi Ritsuki　8Kyu
・Doi Soshiro　9Kyu

As a result of their long study in Uechi-Ryu Karate, Kenji Komura received Shihan, Hideki Hashimoto and Yoko Ito received Jun-Shihan, and the award ceremony and commemorative photo were held the other day. We are very happy that all of the instructors who have supported Fukagawa Dojo have reached another milestone in their careers.

Kenji Komura is one of the instructors who has supported Fukagawa Dojo for a long time. He has traveled with me to many parts of the world to promote Uechi-ryu Karate. He has a lot of experience and knowledge not only about karate but also about various martial arts, and he teaches us from basics to application, capturing the characteristics of each individual.

Hideki Hashimoto has been well versed in karate-do since his student days, and he teaches not only the basics but also etiquette to each individual. His desire to share the appeal of karate with as many people as possible, and his disciplined approach to training, have made him a highly respected instructor for children.

Yoko Ito has been training at the Fukagawa Dojo since 2019, after having trained at the Hachioji Dojo. Her calm, calm, and attentive teaching is reassuring, and her soft manner makes the atmosphere of the dojo bright and cheerful.

I hope that he will continue to make Fukagawa Dojo exciting together with us. Congratulations to all of you on this achievement.

Shozen Arakaki

【Message from Kenji Komura】
I am surprised to realize that I have been with Fukagawa Dojo for such a long time.
I believe that it is because I was able to join Fukagawa Dojo that I was able to have the precious experience of teaching beyond national borders. I am looking forward to applying the interesting bonds that deepen through karate and the broad perspective that I have developed to my future teaching.

【Message from Hideki Hashimoto】
I am grateful for the support of Sensei Shozen Arakaki, the many seniors, and the dojo members that I have been able to train with. I would like to continue to share the fun and excitement of Uechi-ryu Karate with others.

【Message from Yoko Ito】
Shozen Arakaki Sensei has always given me warm guidance and has created an environment where I can train with ease. The number of new members is gradually increasing, and I would like to continue to practice together with everyone so that we can improve the morale of the vibrant Fukagawa Dojo.

The certificates for the dan promotion examinations held in April 2023 have been received by Shozen Arakaki-Sensei, and the awarding ceremony was held in the dojo.

Obtaining a dan requires technical training, of course, but it can also be attained through steady effort. It is also one of the main goals to keep oneself motivated.

I hope that you will continue to enjoy your daily training and devote yourselves to it, without putting a lid on your own potential, and that you will also focus on supporting the training of younger students to make the dojo more vibrant.

Congratulations to all of you!