by Peter Hill  (5th September 2009)

I have just returned home from Japan, along with several other members of the Devon Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Kai. We were part of a larger contingent from all over the U.K as members of the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy, who where travelling to Japan to participate in both the All-Japan Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Championships and the World Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Championships. After a few days relaxing in Tokyo, training took place at Meikai University and the infamous Nihon University. Training naturally was geared towards competing and the young members of the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy showed tremendous spirit in not hesitating to face Karate-Ka who are among some of the best fighters in Japan. In contrast to this and at the kind invitation of Sensei M.Shiomitsu 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan I went with him to train at the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do main dojo on the outskirts of Tokyo. It was good to spend time again with Sensei H.Ohtsuka II 10th Dan Saiko Shihan my late instructor Sensei T.Takamizawa 7th Dan Kyoshi teacher. Also there was his son Kazutaka Sensei who I have had the pleasure and honour of training with quite a bit in recent years. Kazutaka Sensei has visited Devon a number of times for the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy Summer Course and enjoys the area very much, especially the fish and chips and cream teas! I could write so much more about this visit to Japan, but space is naturally limited and I want to if I may recognize the efforts of those who went to Japan with me from Devon.
First to mention is Matthew Soanes 3rd Dan from Torrington, this was his third visit to Japan and saw him compete for the last time after an incredibly successful twenty year record of competing at the highest level. From Barnstaple Andy Kilby 2nd Dan who officiated at both championships and conducted himself with great dignity and calmness under immense pressure. 1st Dan Paul Hedden from Torrington who trains so hard and I thought it was the best I have seen him fight to date. My youngest son Craig Hill 1st Dan also from Torrington who got to the individual Kata final (16 - 18yrs) at the All-Japan Championship and along with Matthew and Paul finished in the last sixteen of the individual Kata event at the World Championships. Thanks go to Matthew’s wife Theresa 1st Dan, their daughter Abbey and Paul’s girlfriend Leanne for travelling with us and for their support. Also to all the family, friends and members who supported, encouraged and helped in making this trip possible. Finally a big and heart felt thank you goes to Shiomitsu Sensei because without Sensei this trip and experience would not have been possible. Also to Sensei Arthur Meek for all his help in organising various parts of the trip and for making the week leading up to the tournaments run so smoothly.

There is a short film currently on YouTube about this visit to Japan by the Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy, click here to see it.

Devon Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Kai members Matthew Soanes 3rd Dan, Peter Hill 6th Dan, Andy Kilby 2nd Dan, Craig Hill 1st Dan, Theresa Soanes 1st Dan and Paul Hedden 1st Dan at the grave stone of Lord Asano at the Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo the resting place of the famous and revered Forty Seven Ronin. Lord Asano was an ancestor of the late Sensei T.Takamizawa 7th Dan Kyoshi the founder of our group.