Dear Branch Chiefs and Contacts,

I hope that you all are doing fine, and as always, I would like to thank you for your dedication and hard work for our organization. Here in Japan, the record setting hot summer made us once again notice the environmental change occurring in our world. The hot summer has finally ended, and now we are enjoying the start of autumn. I assume that you are also experiencing changes in the climate of your countries.

There is now only a year left until the 10th World Championship. We have officially started the preparatory work for this tournament. Please confirm the attachment to this Newsletter, which is a list of the number of fighters from each country for the tournament. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of affiliated countries, as well as additions to the number of branches in certain countries. This will naturally reflect upon the number of fighters for certain countries, in which it will not be possible for them to have the same number of fighters they had in the previous event. In order to solve this problem, we have increased the number of fighters in the men’s division by 16 (Total of 144 competitors). However, as to these 16 competitors, please note that the organizer will not cover their transportation costs. We are happy for the recent growth of our organization, but at the same time, the worldwide economic downturn has given us difficulties in securing the tournament budget. However, in our organization which is built on democratic ideals, it is important that we share both happiness and hardships, and I hope for your understanding regarding this matter.

The other day, Sensei Dolph Lundgren, who also will perform a special demonstration at the World Championship, visited Japan. The purpose of his visit was the promotion of his new movie, “The Expandables”, and he performed many duties, despite of his short time in Japan. During his stay, he managed to arrange his tight schedule in order to take part in some promotional work for WKO. We are all very grateful to him for making the time for us after his promotional duties for the movie, and to his cooperation with the interviews for the magazines and TV programs directed to feature the upcoming World Championship, despite of his fatigue. I felt a true Budoka (man of Budo) in his sincere, humble approach in not forgetting the spirit of a Karateka, despite of his great achievements as an international movie star. No matter how busy he is, he never shows any signs of fatigue, and we very much appreciate his constant consideration of WKO’s development.

I would like to thank Sosai Oyama from the bottom of my heart, for giving us this precious gift of Kyokushin Karate, through which we get the chance to create wonderful friendships that cannot be bought by money.

I hope that all fighters who are aiming to participate in the World Championship will understand the cooperation and emotions that lie behind an event of this size, and that you will focus on your training in preparation for the tournament. Here in Japan, the selection of competitors will soon start, and I assume that you all will start with selection tournaments in your countries as well. To earn the honor of representing your country, you must focus on each day, and concentrate on your training, in which every moment is important.

Lastly, the movement towards our dream, to have Karate enter the Olympic Games, is continuing at a steady pace. We are increasing our cooperation with the JOC and receiving valuable advice from their senior members, in order to realize our dream by the year 2020 or 2024. Please keep in mind that the cooperation by all WKO members, is vital in making this miracle, this dream come true.

OSU

Kenji Midori
President
WKO