Excerpted
from the program of the Wa no Kizuna Invitational Karate Tournament (April 29,
1995).
Excerpted
from the program of the Wa no Kizuna Invitational Karate Tournament (April 29,
1995).
I first came to Colorado in March of 1970 to promote cultural exchange. I will never forget the first karate class I instructed at the Denver Buddhist Temple. There was a big spring snow storm, and only three students attended. Following this rather sparse beginning, membership increased to 100. And, although it was my intent to return to a family business in Japan after one year, this beautiful state and the kindness and faith of my new American friends and students resulted in extending that year, with family permission, to three.
In the years that followed, with the support and urging of students and friends, I avoided deportation and in 1973 and opened Denwakan's (at that time - Denver Japanese Karate Center) first permanent training facility on W. 38th Street. The faith and dedication shown by my students during those early years was so overwhelming that I dared not leave as previously planned. Drawing on a dedication to the highest technique instilled in me by Master Hironori Otsuka and Nihon University's "never give up" attitude, I was determined to pass on that proud tradition to my students.
In 1975, Master Mano, my Onshi, paid his first visit to Denver, and we celebrated. Before he left Colorado, he said "try another five years." And, in 1977, Mr. Hiroyuki Tanabe, now of Wado-kai Shudokan in Longmont, arrived to graciously assist in instruction. By 1978, I decided to stay in the U.S. a little longer and start a family. Going home to Japan and my family's business was more and more a distant dream.
1981 was, perhaps, my year of decision. Master Mano, who was studying at Columbia University in New York, honored us with another visit, words of encouragement, and spiritual guidance. That same year, with much effort and back-breaking work provided by DJKC students, a new dojo on W. 16th Avenue in Lakewood was renovated and occupied. Later, my daughter Jun was born. The ties to this country and its people were getting stronger. I was slowly, but surely, becoming Americanized.
Since 1981, my goal has been to expand the teaching of karate to include more Japanese culture and tradition. Toward that end, many students and instructors have traveled to Japan in 1984, 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1999. With the continued support of Master Mano and the Japan Karate-do Federation, U. S. Wado Students have benefited from international cultural and technical exchange.