Strengthening the spirit

Japanese martial arts exponents sensis- Morihiro Yagi(L),Hanshi Gibo(R)and below Gamini Soysa

The martial arts is a wonderment world. Ever since the advent of filmdom's Warner Brothers box office Bruce Lee hits enveloped the globe, not the least Sri Lanka in the 1970s, interest has multiplied.

Globally, there are dojos or classes to learn the art. And it is in such a hemisphere that we go to the origin of the martial arts in Okinawa, Japan where most sacred masters or exponents remain unobstrusive. Interestingly, there are 50 million karate practitioners from 150 types, 7 million from 40 types in judo and 1 million in kendo from 44 types.

Enthusiasts in Sri Lanka will be fortunate that two of the world's famous exponents from the home of karate - Hanshi Gibo, 9th Dan red belt in karate and kobudo and his instructor Sensei Morihiro Yagi, 7th degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, 5th degree black belt in Gojo Ryu Matsumura orthodox, will be visiting here from May 1 to 10 when they will share their knowledge and experiences with karatekas here on an invitation by their partner in Sri Lanka Gamini Soysa, Chief Instructor and founder of the Federation Okinawa Karate Shorin Ryu Shorinkan South Asia (OKSSA) and Sri Lanka.

As Sensei Gamini Soysa, 8th Dan black belt emphasises the Japanese art accentuates on the martial arts as a way of life where age does not count.

He said that it was a myth to think that the art is only for the young and not the not so young.

In fact, in Japan like Gibo and Yagi there were grandmasters in ripe old ages going upto past 80 years of age.

"Martial arts is not a theatre or entertainment. It has no victory or defeat. Like in other sports there is no time limit. It is in fact timeless. Importantly, 30 per cent is sports karate which is to develop techniques and 20 per cent is budo (martial arts) which is over a long period of time.

Notably, the old masters in Japan who develop mind and body are far superior than the young," revealed Soysa from his longstanding experience of working abroad, both in Japan and New York and India with his Japanese colleagues.

In master Yagi's words,"It has been said by karate instructors that one important factor for a trainee is not the techniques by means of fighting with other people, but to importantly strengthen one's spirit."

The Japanese duo are expected to team up with Soysa in conducting camps and seminars in Galle, Aluthgama, Dehiwala and Boralesgamuwa. Those interested in meeting them could do so at Okinawa Karate Hombu Dojo, 56/B2, Pirivena Road, Boralesgamuwa or E-mail: [email protected] or phone - 0602151552.

SO