For years, the Meibukan Hombu Dojo has supported the efforts of the Okinawa Goju-Kai and the All Okinawa Karate-do Association sport Karate events. The Okinawa Goju-Kai has traditionally promoted only kata events while the All Okinawa Karate-do Association would leapfrog between kata and kumite in alternate years. This year however, the Okinawa Goju-Kai (which was co-founded by Meibukan creator Dai-Sensei YAGI Meitoku) broke tradition and agreed to host athletes within its membership to kumite events for the first time. The event was organized in part by YAGI Ippei Sensei (of Yagi Dojo in Naminoue) who is the son of the Meibukan Hombu Dojo’s current president, YAGI Meitetsu Hanshi.
On November 22nd, 2009, the inaugural kumite championships brought together members from all over Okinawa and was open to all ages and belts. The sibling duo of YAGI Ryuhei and Kohei (O Sensei YAGI Meitetsu’s grandsons) represented Meibukan well with Ryuhei earning gold in the kyu belt 9-10 year old division. From the Hombu Dojo, young KAWAKAMI Shuji also earned gold in the high school Black Belt division. Both the Meibukan Hombu Dojo and Naminoue’s YAGI Dojo proudly supported the event with over 30 participants. Many placed within the top 5.
Ippei Sensei’s contribution to the Goju-Kai and this competition was particularly poignant because it marks the third generation of the YAGI family following the footsteps of DAI Sensei YAGI Meitoku. MeibukanHombu.com would like to congratulate all competitors and thank those who contributed to a successful event. Your continued support strengthens Okinawa Goju-Ryu.
