Karatedo instruction in Republic of Djibouti in Africa.　ジブチ共和国空手道指導

I, Hiroyuki Nakamura and Mr. Yoshihiro Ogami who are the instructors of Minami Soma branch of Japan Karatedo Itosu-kai, visited Republic of Djibouti to instruct karatedo from February 11th till February 14th 2018.

Republic of Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa and it is bordered by Ethiopia, Eritria and Somalia. The relationship between Djibouti and my hometown, Minami Soma city in Fukushima, started because our town received a lot of donation from them after the damage of the great Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. This time we visited them to report about the recovery from the damage and to return the favor. They also had a strong request to bring karatedo instructors from Japan. Then, we were invited to the country this time.

For our communication, we did not need any word. “Karate” was our mutual language. Their physical ability was much higher than Japanese one but their skill must be still improved. I believe if they have a right support of karate from Japan, their level will be much much higher. Most of the students were children. I thought their basics were quite solid.

I instructed at the “Dojo Kanano” which was instructed by Mr. Kanano. I had three sessions and each class was 1 hour. The first was for 7- 8 years old. The second was for 9-10 years old, and the third group was for 11 years old and above. I also taught at Fukuzawa Middle School which was financially supported by Japanese government. I taught Pinan 2dan and also had demonstration of Katas. Finally, I taught about 300 karate-kas from youth to adults at Hassan Stadium. I found that they loved Japan and Karatedo. I taught basics and sparring.

In this opportunity, the officers of Japanese and Djibouti governments requested Itosu-kai to help 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo and many events after the games. I hope our mission will be a huge bridge between both countries.

By the way, I was surprised to see that shower in a hotel was salt water and it was cold…. but I had great experience in Republic of Djibouti and I would like to visit the country again.

Thank you

Hiroyuki Nakamura

The chief instructor of Minami Soma Branch, Ara-dojo, Fukushima Japan.

(Itosu-kai Japan)

日本空手道糸洲会荒道場南相馬支部 in ジブチ共和国

気温マイナス2度の福島から30度のアフリカ・ジブチ共和国に空手の交流に行って参りました。

ジブチ共和国は、アフリカ北東部に位置し、エチオピアやソマリアと隣接する他、紅海に面する共和制国家である。アフリカのジブチ共和国と私が在住する福島県南相馬市の交流は東日本大震災の時に多くの寄付をいただいた事からスタートした。今回はその恩返しとして南相馬から復興の報告と震災時の御礼、現地からの強い要望で空手指導者2名の派遣交流が実現した。

　今回派遣されたのは糸洲会福島荒道場南相馬支部で代表の私、中村博之、そして指導員の尾上佳宏の2名。現地の指導では言葉の必要は無く、KARATEでお互いの心が通じ合ったと確信しています。

現地の方々の身体能力は日本人の比にならないほどズバ抜けていましたが、空手の技術に関しては町道場の延長と言った程度で、まだまだ向上する余地があります。指導は子供たちが中心で、基本的動作はシッカリしてました。

私が指導したのはKANANOさんが指導するKANANO道場で1時間を3回、7〜8才と9〜10才と11才から上の3グループ。日本が支援しているフクザワ学校の中学2年生に2時間、形の演武とピンアン二段の指導。ハッサンスタジアムでは300人を超える大人から子供までの空手愛好家に2時間。追い突きや払い受けの基本的動作。ミットを使っての撃ち込みのやり方などを指導してきました。