100th Anniversary Celebration
Master Meitatsu Yagi, and his family, would like to express their deepest appreciation for all those attending and making possible the Grand Master Meitoku Yagi's 100th Anniversary Event March 2012. It was a huge success with credit to the Hombu dojo members who worked tirelessly before and during the event and to each and every one of the participants who travelled from around the world to pay tribute to Grand Master Meitoku Yagi. Credit needs to be given to those who couldn't attend but supported by paying for their dojo advertisement, fundraisers, and in whatever manner they could!
Thank You!
Sincerely,
Meitatsu Yagi
Chairman IMGKA
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100th Anniversary Celebration YAGI, Meitoku Sensei - Hanshi Judan
Overview
I think we can all agree we had a very quick winter, one filled with many memories that will last a life time.
Before I go any further, I would like to express deepest thanks to the YAGI family and to all IMGKA members, busy behind the scenes, for all the hard work and the many hours set aside to make last March's mega event a great success Nihei debiru!
March 1st, brought us the opening of the festival with a set of 4 seminars conducted at the Budokan. It should be noted that these seminars were the first time the Global Meibukai Family share the same dojo floor under the guidance of our Chairman, Master YAGI, Meitatsu. I must admit after meeting many of the other Meibukan students from around the world, I began to fully understand the meaning of the famous Okinawa proverb, Ichariba choo-dee, which translates Once we meet and talk, we become brothers and sisters.
Saturday March 3rd, was the World Tournament again thanks to all volunteers, refs and judges! It was a great day being witness to so many examples of good sportsmanship, this was such a wonderful way to honour Meitoku Sensei's spirit during this 100th anniversary celebration.
The highlight of the week for many was preparing for the demonstration which marked the occasion. Over 35 different performances entertained a pack house with YAGI, Akihito Sensei and special guest NAKA, Tatsuya Sensei from Tokyo closing the show with the final scenes of KURO OBI. We also were witness to a beautiful performance of Tensho from none other then our Master, YAGI, Meitatsu. To close out the day, a banquet (Okinawan style) was held for everyone.
On Monday the 5th, many choose to go golfing with YAGI, Sensei. Others took a day of much needed rest.
Tuesday the 6th, was a very spiritual day for us as this was the actual anniversary of Meitoku Sensei's birth. This was commemorated with a trip to the YAGI Family HAKA (Grave sight). All Dojo teachers were able to visit and pay respects. Later in the day an IMGKA directors meeting was held, a first the IMGKA to have that many countries present, followed by a Karate Symposium, lecture session on various Karate-do topics.
During a three week period, the Hombu dojo under the guidance of Master YAGI, Meitatsu, conducted nightly lessons, which all Meibukan facets were covered. Let me be the first to congratulate all who received promotions during their stay in Okinawa.
In the coming months, a professional grade DVD will be released for us detailing the complete Celebration from beginning to end. Let us support this project, as it will make a great keepsake!
In closing, please lets keep the Meibukai Spirit strong in our respective Dojo and keep training hard towards our next trip to Okinawa in 5 years to honour our Master YAGI, Meitatsu's 73rd birthday on July 7th. 2017.