The Guyana Japan Karate Association (GJKA) for the 35th year will be graced with the presence of 9th Dan Black Belt Master Teruyuki Okazaki who will conduct the grading exam of the 4th-1st Kyu at the YMCA today from 5pm.
Chief Instructor of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) Okazaki told Stabroek Sport that over the years he has seen a lot of improvement with students and was very pleased with their performance.
The organization has a large number of member countries, each with different clubs.
Giving an insight into the history of martial arts organization, Okazaki explained that it dated back to the period during the World War and was the oldest such body in the Caribbean area.
“Before the war we could not practise martial arts because many other countries like the USA were afraid of Japan and their practices and wanted it to stop because they thought it was based on fighting and violence,” Okazaki said.
“However, martial arts experts approached the courts explaining the concept of the real martial arts which gave them the grant to continue their practices,” he explained.
Okazaki said that the general public had the wrong concept of karate and what it was all about. He noted that real martial arts teaches peace of mind and other techniques rather than just fighting and violence. He added that the main goal of the JKA/ISKF was not war but peace of mind.
Okazaki said that he endured much hardship in his training to become an instructor. He started his karate training at the age of 16 because at that time, karate could only be studied at the university level.
Okazaki said that his performance was generally good but his master kept failing him because he wasn’t focused, mentally which frustrated him and drove him to the contemplate quitting. He, however, made up his mind to continue and finally achieved his ultimate goal of becoming an instructor at the age of 26.
Okazaki assisted a few instructors in teaching the art of karate before he moved to the US in 1961. He has even published books with the collaboration of medical doctors and senior high ranking instructors, which sought to educate members about the importance of martial arts.
One of his books, “Perfection by characters” gives guidelines and instructions on how to be a good citizen.
Okazaki said that the Dojo Kun teaches students to seek perfection of character, to be faithful, respect others and to refrain from violent behaviour.
