The 5th Okinawa Traditional Karate and Kobudo National Seminar was held on Sunday 28 May, organized by the Okinawa Karate Kenkyukai, in collaboration with the Karate Tradizionale di Okinawa CSEN, and with the patronage of the Municipality of Settimo Torinese. Also this year registrations were limited, to allow a quality experience for all participants, but compared to previous editions, given the growing interest and enthusiasm, it was decided to allow a greater number of people to participate. Sixty participants including karateka from all over Italy, and some Polish and German practitioners, were able to try the various styles, namely Shorin-ryu, Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu, Uechi-ryu and Ryukyu Kobudo. The event took place in a spirit of sharing and friendship, and saw the alternation of the various teachers leading the group of participants. The OKK teachers present during this edition of the national seminar were Emanuel Giordano (Shorin-ryu), Santiago Sacaba (Shorin-ryu), Alberto Doni (Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu), Emanuele Mazzetti (Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu), Gaetano Palumbo (Uechi-ryu) and Stefano Sutti (Ryukyu Kobudo). To represent the Goju-ryu style, with a spirit of openness and collaboration, a master external to the organization was invited, Davide Incarbone, a student of Higaonna Morio sensei, who kindly accepted the invitation. The participants were all impressed by the friendly environment and the good organization, as well as by the support they received also in the various transfers (to hotels, stations, airport), by the quality of the event and by the availability of the various teachers. There was no shortage of moments dedicated to questions, and the family atmosphere allowed the various karatekas to make new friends, making the seminar even more enjoyable. The event then ended with the usual performance of the various teachers and with a little sadness for the end of such a beautiful day. Everyone went home tired but satisfied and smiling, and this is the most important thing of all! Working hard and in a transparent, without ulterior motives, and honest way always pays off in the long run, and this is the proof! Thanks to all the participants, to the teachers, to the students of the Italian Center for Traditional Shorin-ryu Karate (who lent a help in managing the event!), to the Municipality of Settimo Torinese, and to the CSEN.
