Local Okinawan newspaper The Ryukyu Shimpo has published a fantastic report on our 100 Kobudo Kata event (May 4th) and a great video report along with.
Its so nice to get this local recognition of the 100 Kata event as a bridge across countries and cultures bringing us together in celebration of our community of martial artists.
https://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/entry-5240274.html
The original article is published in Japanese but here is a rough translation into English:
Karate & Kobudo 100 Kata Challenge: Bridging Okinawa and the World [Video] KARATE KOBUDO
Published: 14 May 2026
Karate enthusiasts participating in the Kobudo 100 Kata Challenge = 4th, Asato Dojo, Naha City
Author
Hiroyuki Takatsuji
In the spirit of ‘Ichariba Chode’
On the 4th, the ‘Kobudo 100 Kata Challenge’ was held at the ‘ASATO DOJO International Martial Arts Exchange Hall’ in Asato, Naha City. Participants performed a total of 100 karate and kobudo kata to train both body and mind. Around 20 karate enthusiasts from all over the world devoted themselves to three hours of intensive training, deepening their bonds across national borders. James Pankiewicz (53), representative of the organising dojo, spoke in fluent Okinawan dialect, his face glistening with sweat: “This is an event open to everyone, from beginners to experts. In the spirit of ‘Ichariba Chode’, we want to spread the martial arts of peace from Okinawa to the world.”
The teachings of ‘Hyakuren-gō’
James conceived the event from the term ‘Hyakuren-gō’, which means ‘forged through a hundred repetitions’ and signifies the cultivation of a strong will through repeated practice. Since 2018, he has held the event twice a year: in May focusing on traditional martial arts and in October on karate kata. On the 4th, overseas enthusiasts who support the cause also participated on site. Over 100 participants from a total of 10 countries, including Israel, Argentina and Finland, took part and familiarised themselves with the ancient martial arts. They repeatedly practised kata such as ‘Hakumatsu no Kon’, ‘Maezato no Nunchaku’ and ‘Shu-shi no Kon’. Wielding weapons such as sai and iron armour, they demonstrated training sessions brimming with spirit.
A kata using an oar (eaku) = 4th, ASATO DOJO, Naha City
5th Dan Karate, a ‘Uchina-muko’
James, a British-born ‘Uchina-muko’ (a man married into an Okinawan family), arrived in the prefecture in 2009. He studies under Toshiaki Aragaki, Hanshi 10th Dan (82), Vice-President of the World Shorin-ryu Karate Federation, and with over 35 years of karate experience, he holds a 5th Dan. “I started karate in my home country, so being able to study it here in Okinawa, its birthplace, is something special. Through training, I am cultivating a spirit of respect for others and a sense of gratitude. I am still on a journey,” he says, tightening his belt.
Mr James practising the ‘Shiromatsu no Kon’ kata = 4th, ASATO DOJO, Naha City
The spirit of learning from the past to understand the present
At ASATO DOJO, which is rare even within the prefecture, training in different styles is also conducted. With many visitors from overseas, it has become a venue for international exchange through karate. “There are things one can learn by interacting with people from other schools and nationalities. I hope that by honouring tradition, we can deepen our understanding of karate’s history and roots, as well as the history and culture of Okinawa,” says James, who approaches karate with a spirit of learning from the past to understand the present, serving as a bridge between Okinawa and the wider world.
Toshimitsu Arakaki, 10th Dan Hanshi, instructing children in the ‘Shu-shi no Kon’ kata = 4th, ASATO DOJO, Naha City
A bridge between Okinawa and the world
Enthusiasts practising kata using te-gawa (wrist guards) = 4th, ASATO DOJO, Naha City
Nanshi 10th Dan Toshimitsu Arakaki, who observed the event, said, “Repeating the same kata over and over again cultivates perseverance. Karate, which begins and ends with a bow, spreads the philosophy of peace as it spreads throughout the world.” An 81-year-old man from Sweden smiled radiantly, saying, “Karate refines one’s inner self and makes you kinder.” A man from the United States, currently studying karate in Okinawa, added, “Karate allows you to be natural and teaches harmony and peace. Never forget your beginner’s mind,” he said, his words full of passion.
The ‘Karate 100 Kata Challenge’ is scheduled to take place on 25 October, ‘Karate Day’, at Naminoue Beach in Naha City.