The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi hosted Karate Workshop 2019 on Wednesday at the Japan Information and Culture Centre in cooperation with the Japan Karate Association (JKA).
One of the internationally recognized martial arts, karate that will now be included in the Olympic event from the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, originated from Japan and has become widely acclaimed in Pakistan as well with reports suggesting over 40,000 karate players being in the country.
In such a historic moment, the workshop, with the presence of Katsutoshi Shiina, a leading Karate player from Japan and JKA official instructor, seventh Dan [The levels are divided into “Kyu” and “Dan”, and the levels start from Kyu (10 to 1) to Dan (1 to 10)] will offer opportunities not only for the participants to enhance their martial arts skills but also for Pakistanis to discover the exhilaration and excitement of Karate. It will also promote the recognition of the game as a new Olympic sport in Pakistan and further enrich the cultural relationship between Japan and Pakistan.
During the two-day workshop, around 50 Pakistani Karate players participated in the training sessions challenging for Kyu or Dan promotion tests.
The Consulate General of Japan considers it important to establish relationships between Japan and Pakistan in various fields. The Karate Workshop 2019 will contribute to develop and strengthen ties through the Japanese traditional martial arts and enhance cooperation in the sports sector towards the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.