September 15, 2024 (Sunday)
30th Tokyo Karate-do Invitational Tournament was hosted by the federation.
Selected athletes from various districts in Tokyo gathered and engaged in fierce competition.
During the opening ceremony, after congratulatory speeches from distinguished guests, a video message from overseas branches was shown. It featured passionate messages from leaders of the Dominican Republic headquarters, the New York headquarters, the Iran headquarters, and the Puerto Rico headquarters.
The demonstration section in front of the guests began with a magnificent BUKEMAI performed by four senior female black belts. This was followed by board-breaking using various KUMITE techniques and spectacular kawara-breaking, creating an exciting opening for the upcoming matches.
The representative KATA demonstrations by black belts in each category featured direct teachings (JIKIDEN) from SOKE NAKAZAKI, including BASSAI, CHINTO, GOJUSHIHO, and KUSHANKU by INABA 3rd dan, which was especially impressive. Additionally, the winner of the men's division and the runner-up of the women's division from this year's BO-JUTSU tournament showcased their skills, followed by SHIHAN Ono's TOKUMINE-NO-KON.
The structure for this year's elementary school KATA matches designated ANANKU and WANSHU for the lower grades, and SEISAN and CHINTO for the higher grades. Each tournaments featured 25 selected participants, with one or two representatives from each district in Tokyo.
The Outstanding Player Award for this tournament went to Yoshida Taketo from the men's general division, while the Special Award was given to Endo Togo from the middle school division.
Additionally, during the demonstration section before the finals, SOKE performed a special IAI demonstration for the first time in three years, using a real katana.
Opening Ceremony
Entrance of SOKE NAKAZAKI
Greetings from SOKE NAKAZAKI
Yushinmon Representative Advisor Ms. Otsu Hiroko
Shibuya Ward Council Member Mr. Suda Ken
Tokyo Metropolitan Council Member Mr. Saito Yasuhiro
Suginami Ward Council Member Ms. Kuramoto Mika (Suginami Branch Trainee)
Athlete's Oath: Representative Athlete Yoshida Taketo
Messages from Overseas
Samaná Las Terrenas Dojo: SHIHAN Bienvenido (Renshi 4th Dan)
Iran Headquarters
Iran Headquarters: SHIHAN Ali Tabatabay (Renshi 5th Dan)
Demonstrations
Group Demonstration
BUKEMAI Demonstration
KUSHANKU
Beginner Group Demonstration
KATA Matches
Lower Grade Division
Higher Grade Division
Middle School Black Belt Division
High School/General Black Belt Division, Masters Division
KUMITE Matches
Middle School Division
High School/General Women's Division, High School/General Men's Division
Special Demonstration
SOKE NAKAZAKI Special Demonstration
Finals
KATA Matches
By coincidence, the finals were between two second-grade middle school students.
KUMITE Matches
Middle School Division Finals included attacks on the head, so special protective gear was worn.
