The first Championships were held in the Asian Block and hosted by Japan, the second was held in the South American block, hosted by Brasil and the third was held in the Oceanian block, hosted by Australia. The fourth was held in the European Block hosted by Holland, and the fifth was held in the African block hosted by South Africa. The 6th World Championships will once again come back to the Asian Block and will be held in Mumbai, India.
Chojun Miyagi Sensei started Gojuryu and his teachings were continued by Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei, who expanded these teachings to include members of all nationalities and races. This year is the 60th anniversary of Chojun Miyagi's passing. In memory of Miyagi Sensei, IKGA members will come together with the hope that it will contribute to the development of our future.
Competition is not the only purpose of these World Championships. That Gojukai members come together with the aim of world peace, to interact with each other through karate, and to develop mutual understanding and brotherhood is most important.
This year, IKGA India's Shibucho, and IKGA Asia Block Co-ordinator Vispy Kapadia Shihan and his staff are working to plan and prepare for the tournament in India.
There is a very big difference that the results from an International competition compared with participation in domestic competitions in each country. It is a tournament where members compete under their national flag, and act with consciousness and responsibility to gain power by surpassing victory or defeat.
At an International competition through exchanges of goodwill the International group consciousness and understanding of Shuren (discipline) deepens.
This event will have categories for children, adults and seniors, and the competition would not be possible without the help and support of each country's referees and officials.
IKGA members should check the World Championship bulletin on the Internet, and my wish is that many members of IKGA will come to participate.
Some countries' participants will not be able to come, but we should still represent them with their countries' flag and I will look forward to meeting you all in December.
Thank you to IKGA India branch for all your hard work hosting and organizing this competition.
Goshi Yamaguchi
Saiko Shihan
President Japan Karatedo Gojukai Association
President International Karatedo Gojukai Association
