This is really happening and I’m so excited to finally see the best in the world compete in the Nippon Budokan in Kumite and Kata starting August 5, 2021. One reason I’m so excited is partly due to the rich history of the Nippon Budokan. The Budokan was originally built for the inaugural judo competition at the 1964 Summer Olympics but it was also the venue for The Beatles in 1966, Muhammad Ali in 1972, and Diana Ross in 1991. Since 1964, the Budokan hosts the national championships of the different major martial arts such as judo, karate, kendo, aikido, etc. Another historical fact due to Tokyo 2020, is that Tokyo is the first city in Asia to hold the Summer Games twice and the Budokan is included in that distinction. So when we are watching the karate competitions in the Budokan, let’s remember that the karate athletes are adding to it’s rich history and this time we aren’t missing it!
Another reason that I am excited to see karate in Tokyo 2020 is because martial arts have always been a part of me. As a young boy, I remember going to judo competitions and watching my uncle Ricardo Valdés coach his students. Judo competitions always impressed me and my uncle’s passion for the art extended until his last breath. Below he is shown receiving his 9th Dan by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation on January 30, 2016 in Miami, FL. In addition he had already received his 8th Dan in Judo. Unfortunately he passed away on July 4, 2017 but I’m sure he would have loved to watch Tokyo 2020. So when we are watching Judo competitions let’s think about Ricardo ‘El Loco’ Valdés and let his passion inspire you to Ippon your partner!
Let’s talk about Kata! I was fortunate enough to have the ‘Best’ teacher in Karate. Mike Best was my Sensei from 1996 to 2001 in Orlando, FL. He taught his students more than just stances, punches, blocks, and kicks. He taught them the traditional style of Isshin-ryu Karate-do along with its philosophy and history. We had to learn empty hand as well as weapons Kata and I found these choreographed patterns of movement the toughest part of the training. I even ended up needing stitches in my head because I fumbled the bo in Tokumine No Kun (Bo Kata) and “hit myself in the head”; but that is a story for another time and for the record, the Bo hit me!
Finally, let’s look at a Kata that I performed for my Shodan “beginning degree” testing. This is Sunsu Kata which took me 3 years to learn to perform with power and speed! These 90 seconds should give you an idea of what a novice looks like performing these choreographed patterns. So when you watch the best in the world on August 5, 2021; I hope you can appreciate the countless years of training that it took them to master their Kata. Enjoy the games!