On August 23, 2026, Shihan Seyar Azadani participated in the 7th East Japan Kyokushin-kan Karate Championship, held at Ishikawa Town General Gymnasium, Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The event brought together Kyokushin-kan instructors, officials, competitors, and students for an important day of competition, traditional karate, and international fellowship.
Shihan Azadani’s participation represented another meaningful connection between the Kyokushin-kan community in Japan and Azadani Dojo in St. Augustine, Florida. His visit provided an opportunity to compete at a high level, strengthen relationships with senior instructors, exchange experiences, and continue the shared commitment to preserving the values and traditions of Kyokushin karate.
A Strong Achievement for USA Kyokushin-kan
During the championship, Shihan Seyar Azadani competed in the 35+ Kata Division, which featured experienced competitors and a consistently high level of kata performance.
Shihan Azadani won two elimination rounds against Japanese competitors to advance to the final. Following a strong performance throughout the division, he earned third place at the 7th East Japan Kyokushin-kan Karate Championship.
Shihan Nathan Ligo, also representing the United States, competed in the same 35+ Kata Division. He also advanced through two elimination rounds and ultimately earned second place in the final.
Having two U.S. Branch Chiefs compete successfully at a major championship in Japan represents a significant achievement for USA Kyokushin-kan. Both instructors demonstrated skill, discipline, and composure against strong competitors, ultimately securing second- and third-place finishes for the United States.
Their results reflect the strength and technical standard of Kyokushin-kan karate in the USA. Achieving these results in Japan, where Kyokushin karate was founded and continues to maintain its deep traditions, makes the accomplishment especially meaningful.
Strengthening the Connection Between Japan and the United States
One of the most memorable moments of the championship was Shihan Azadani’s conversation with Honbucho Shihan Akio Koyama and Shihan Nathan Ligo.
During their discussion, Honbucho Shihan Koyama reflected warmly on his experience at the 2026 America Open Kyokushin-kan Championships in St. Augustine. Hearing that the event had left such a positive impression was especially meaningful for Shihan Azadani, who hosted the championship and seminar through Azadani Dojo.
The conversation highlighted the growing relationship between the Kyokushin-kan communities in Japan and the United States. Events such as the America Open and the East Japan Championship create valuable opportunities for instructors and students from different countries to learn from one another, maintain strong friendships, and carry the spirit of Kyokushin forward together.
For Azadani Dojo, this international connection also brings the knowledge, standards, and traditions of Kyokushin-kan directly back to students training in St. Augustine.
Honoring the Memory of Kaicho Hatsuo Royama
Before the championship’s opening ceremony, a memorial service was held in remembrance of Kaicho Hatsuo Royama, who passed away on August 3, 2026.
The tribute gave the Kyokushin-kan community an opportunity to come together and honor the life, teachings, and lasting influence of its respected leader. His passing remains a profound loss to Kyokushin-kan and the wider martial arts world.
The championship carried forward the discipline and principles that Kaicho Royama devoted his life to preserving. Through sincere training, strong technique, and commitment to Budo, his legacy continues in instructors and students around the world.
Preserving the Practical Meaning of Kata
The championship was not limited to competition. It also included an important technical demonstration by Shihan Masahide Ishijima, who performed Naihanchin Shodan and demonstrated its practical application.
The presentation showed how the movements within kata connect to functional martial arts techniques. Rather than treating kata as a sequence of movements performed only for appearance, the demonstration revealed the purpose, depth, and fighting principles contained within the form.
This approach reflects an essential part of traditional karate training. Kata preserves knowledge, while its practical application helps students understand how each movement may be used. Together, they connect technical precision with realistic martial understanding.
Shihan Azadani described the presentation as a valuable demonstration of how kata movements relate to practical application while preserving the form’s deeper meaning.
Continuing Along the Way of Budo
During his time in Japan, Shihan Azadani also shared a reflection inspired by Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito-ryu Karate-do:
“In all things, desiring nothing,
I row single-mindedly toward the island of martial virtue,
and in that journey, I find joy.”
The words reflect a principle that extends far beyond tournaments, rankings, or individual achievements. Budo is not simply about reaching a destination. Its value is found in continuing to train, learn, and refine oneself throughout life.
As Shihan Azadani expressed, the journey itself is the practice.
This philosophy was visible throughout his visit, from participating in the championship and observing traditional instruction to training and exchanging knowledge with fellow martial artists. Each experience served as another step in a lifelong commitment to karate and personal development.
Bringing International Experience Back to Azadani Dojo
Shihan Azadani’s participation in the 7th East Japan Kyokushin-kan Championship was both an honor and a significant competitive achievement. His third-place finish, together with Shihan Nathan Ligo’s second-place result, marked a proud moment for USA Kyokushin-kan.
His presence at the event also reflects Azadani Dojo’s commitment to maintaining meaningful relationships with senior Kyokushin-kan leaders in Japan. These relationships help ensure that students in St. Augustine receive instruction shaped by authentic traditions, current knowledge, and direct international experience.
The visit further strengthened the connection established through the 2026 America Open. With positive memories from that event, impressive results from the championship, and continued conversations in Japan, the foundation has been laid for even greater cooperation between the two Kyokushin-kan communities.
Azadani Dojo congratulates Shihan Seyar Azadani and Shihan Nathan Ligo on their outstanding results. We also congratulate all competitors, instructors, officials, and organizers who contributed to the success of the 7th East Japan Kyokushin-kan Karate Championship.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Kyokushin-kan community in Japan for its hospitality, friendship, and dedication to preserving the true spirit of Budo.
Osu!