Happy New Year! In 2020 (Reiwa 2), I trust that all members of the International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA) and the Japan Karatedo Gojukai Association (JKGA) will greet the New Year in good health. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of JKGA and the 55th anniversary of the founding of IKGA. Our founder, Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei, passed away in 1989, and one year later in 1990 I became the President of the International and All Japan Karate-do Gojukai Associations. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of my becoming President. I would like to thank all members, officers, leaders and instructors who have been long-time supporters of IKGA and JKGA. Last year, on November 18, I travelled to Okinawa with my eldest son, Gohei Yamaguchi, and visited the graves of Goju-ryu founder Chojun Miyagi Sensei, and his most senior student, Meitoku Yagi Sensei, as well as the memorial to all those who died in the Battle of Okinawa during the Pacific War. We offered silent prayers at the monument to the many war dead (the Cornerstone of Peace). Karate spread and developed from Okinawa to the mainland of Japan, then to every corner of the world, and will finally be held this year as an official Olympic event at the Nippon Budokan from August 6 to 8, 2020 . Now that karate has become an Olympic event, competitors all around the world aiming to become top athletes in karate competition have their eye on the Tokyo Olympics. Karate enthusiasts who seek to maintain health, self-discipline and mental training should review their areas of practice and the results thereof, aiming to improve and advance step by step. Karate is also great way to spend your leisure time and for those who enjoy exercising, as well as for making friendships in the dojo. Through the spirit and techniques of karate you will naturally train your mind and core while building your strength, as well as acquiring self-defense techniques. Being mindful of self-defense will increase your attention, concentration, awareness and compassion. I think that you all continue to practice karate for different reasons, but please do not quit too early. No sport, or martial art, or other work will produce immediate results. I believe that the happy day will come when you find change within yourself. Goju-ryu Karatedo’s most important source of energy comes from breathing. I hope that you make your daily breathing stronger to have the power to get over the difficult and painful things in life. Karatedo Gojukai IKGA and JKGA will host the 8thGlobal Championships in Tokyo in 2021. Once the details are decided we will post them on our website and so forth, so please join us. Although this event will be a competition, it is also a gathering of our family who value the teachings of the founder, Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei. We hope to improve each other’s skills through international exchange of karate, to deepen friendship and understanding, and to find peace and comfort. I sincerely hope that 2020 will be a wonderful year for you and that your health and karate will continue to improve even further. Goshi Yamaguchi President International Karatedo Gojukai Association Japan Karatedo Gojukai Association
2020 (Reiwa 2) Resolution
Being mindful, Being ever vigilantPersonal safety With the spirit of harmony, being informed and prepared A feeling of calm Think of peacefulness, think of tranquility, A wish for peace Goshi Yamaguchi