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Dear Branch Chiefs and Contacts,

First of all, I would like to start my message, by expressing my appreciation to all of you for your dedication and hard work for our organization.

Here in Japan, one year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred last year in March. During this period, all have given their best to realize a swift reconstruction. However, the road to recovery is long and harsh, and traces of the damage still remain deep in the stricken areas. At 14:46 on March 11th, a silent prayer was offered across Japan to each and every one of the precious lives that were lost in the disaster, and we all prayed for the swift reconstruction of the stricken areas. This was an opportunity to renew our appreciation to the warmth we felt from everyone across the world, which relieved the pain we Japanese sustained from the disaster. The meaning of the word Kizuna (bond), and the support it gives us, has never been this real until now. Everyone, thank you very much.

Last month, the sudden death of Andrey Materov, the Russian Champion, struck the world with deep sadness. Although the brave act of giving his own life to save his mother in the sudden fire, showed us his Kyokushin spirit, it is just too sad. The fierce fight with Tsukamoto at the World Championship and his splendid performance at the Russian Championship afterwards is still very fresh in our memory, and he was one of the strong fighters very close to becoming the next generation of World Champions. He taught us with his life, that the strong need to be brave. His last moment will always be honored in our hearts. I sincerely hope his soul will rest in peace.

Our WKO must not stop our movement forward, regardless of the situation. Our mission is to overcome sadness and suffering, to move forward and further develop.

Since we have the 5th Karate World Cup in Lithuania next year, the selection tournaments for each region will soon begin. I would like for the fighters to give their best in these tournaments, with the goal of reaching the top of the world. The Lithuania Branch, the host of this event, will go through many hardships to create this tournament, but please be assured that the WKO Headquarters will do its best to provide the support necessary to make the event a great success. I would like to ask all WKO Branches to give their full cooperation to the host country. Let this be an opportunity to confirm once again, that our WKO shares all joy, sadness, and hardships.

As you are all aware, the Karate Dream Cup is held every summer in Japan. This is a tournament with numerous categories based on the type of competition, the age and weight of the student, and can be said to be the dream stage for our members. Every two years, this tournament is held as an international tournament, and this year will be the international year. I have high expectations that excellent fighters from around the world will participate in this event.

Lastly, confusion still remains within the international community and economic environment. The environment that surrounds our world of Karate, is also facing a rapid change. 18 years have passed since Sosai Oyama passed away. Based on the teaching of “Ten years on a stone”, the development of the organization must not be rushed, must not be hurried, and there is a need to search carefully, for the path of truth. It is a heavy responsibility, and at times very difficult, to determine the best path for our WKO, which has consultation and democracy as its foundation. When uncertain, the origin to return to, is to listen to everyone’s voice, and to take good care of everyone’s thoughts. To never lose sight of our footsteps, to walk together, slowly but surely towards the future, this path is our truth.

I would like to ask for your continuous support and cooperation.

OSU
Kenji Midori
President
WKO

Dear Branch Chiefs and Contacts,

First of all, I would like to start my message, by expressing my appreciation to all of you for your dedication and hard work for our organization.

January has passed, and we have already entered February. In the Japan Region, we have started our new year in January with the annual Kagami-Biraki training at Gokokuji Temple. Under the sky in the winter sunlight, silent mokuso. Remembering Sosai Oyama when he used to be with us, we once again appreciated the friendship we have all gained through our lives and Kyokushin Karate. I believe Sosai Oyama, now watching over us from heaven, was pleased with our training, and how our Kiai tore through the cold winds, into the clear blue sky.

The activities of WKO for this year, will certainly be the promotion of Karate into the Olympic Games, and the international cooperation towards the next Karate World Cup in Lithuania. In regards to the inclusion into the Olympic Games, it is ideal that we choose the best path for all of us, while keeping innovation in harmony in our thoughts. The change in the international environment surrounding Karate is continuous, and fast. This will at times stimulate innovations to traditional standards, while also demanding harmony with the surrounding environment. I feel there is a need to stabilize the phenomenon which at first glance, seems inconsistent. The inclusion into the Olympic Games, our grand goal, and our pursuit of it is endless, but I would like for all of us to move forward, while listening to all of your viewpoints.

The regional selection tournaments for the World Cup will soon start. With the result of the previous tournament, which symbolized the globalization of Karate, we can expect further development for this upcoming event. I am already looking forward to the fierce rivalry between the very strong fighters of each region, who all will strive to earn the honor of becoming No.1 in the world. Lithuania, the host country of this event, has now developed into one of the major powers in the Karate world. I will be looking forward to the further progress of this movement, which should come with the hosting of this event.
Lastly, we have received news of very high concern.
Andrey Materov, the young Russian fighter and quarterfinalist of the 10th World Championship, was recently hospitalized due to fatal burns he suffered during a fire in his home. We will send out further details at the appropriate timing. Let us all hope and pray for the quick recovery of Materov.

The weather in Japan has recently become quite cold, and I would like to wish you all the best in your health.

OSU
Kenji Midori
President
WKO