News June 2026.

Latest news on Dojos affiliated with Okinawan Bushikan International (OBI) and CNKI USA International, Karatedo tips, traditional Kobudo and more. News about Project Obi Karate (POK).

NEWSLETTER

Team Obi

6/13/2026

◎ Newsletter Obi /June Quarterly Edition

This month, at OBI USA, we want to highlight “The Art of War”, Sun Tzu’s classic, which goes beyond military strategy and offers profound lessons on discipline, patience, and self-control. In the path of karate and kobudo, we apply similar principles: knowing our strengths and weaknesses, anticipating movements, and acting with precision and calm. Every kata and weapons practice is an opportunity to internalize these lessons and apply them in daily life, not just in the dojo, but in every challenge we face. Victory is not always in strength, but in strategy and preparation. As Sun Tzu said:

“Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.”

✺ Philosophy of the Month:
The Art of War

Hanshi Gijin Hiramatsu was born in 1937 in Nagano, Japan, and began training in martial arts at just 5 years old. By age 8, he started formal training at the Shudokan dojo under Master Kanken Toyama. He earned his first Dan at 11, showing exceptional discipline and commitment from a young age. After his teacher’s passing, he shared his knowledge across Europe, Mexico, and Venezuela.

In 1977, he settled in Venezuela, where he played a key role in developing Okinawa Kobudo. He founded organizations, created his own style, Okigikukendo, and mastered many traditional weapons. He passed away in 1997, leaving a legacy of over 50 years in karate and kobudo through his unique style.

✺ Master of the Month:
Hanshi Gijin Hiramatsu.

Discipline is one of the fundamental pillars of karate and personal development. It is not just about following rules, but about building habits that help us grow every day. Through consistent practice, students learn to be responsible, punctual, and to give their best in every class. Discipline in the dojo also reflects in school, at home, and in daily life.

At Project OBI Karate, we teach that true progress does not come from talent, but from consistency and continuous effort.

✺ Human, Ethical and Moral Values:
Discipline.

Sodas, while refreshing, can be very harmful to your health if consumed regularly. They contain high amounts of sugar and additives that affect the body in several ways:

- Increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Contribute to cavities and dental problems.
- Can cause inflammation and digestive discomfort.
- Replacing them with water, natural infusions, or sugar-free juices is a much healthier option.

To teach children and students to choose natural beverages. Small daily changes make a big difference in long-term health.

✺ Health & Wellness:
Why to Avoid Sodas.

◎ Obi News/Update by Country

✺ New Yellow Belts in Project Obi Karate.

We would like to congratulate all students of Project Obi Karate who recently successfully completed their promotion exam and advanced in their journey in Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.

The following students were promoted to the rank of 9th Kyu (Yellow Belt):

⭐ Dylan Moreno
⭐ Milena García
⭐ Alana Morales
⭐ Elías González

We also extend our congratulations to:

⭐ Herlin López

for being promoted to 9th Kyu Yellow Belt with Black Stripes, demonstrating an outstanding level of performance, discipline, and dedication.

During the examination, students were evaluated on dojo etiquette, discipline, Sanchin Dachi, basic techniques (Kihon), and Fukyugata Dai Ichi Kata. All students showed strong martial spirit and commitment to the values of Karate-Do.

We sincerely thank the parents and guardians for their continuous support, which plays a vital role in the growth and development of our students.

We would like to remind families that the program will continue operating regularly throughout the year, with classes held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Potter’s House Academy. The only scheduled break will be in December, with classes resuming in January.

Congratulations to all newly promoted students! This achievement represents an important step in their martial arts and personal development.

🇺🇸 United States

✺ Okinawa Kobudo Continues Its Growth in Honduras.

The traditional art of Okinawan weapons continues to expand throughout Honduras thanks to the effort and dedication of the Shiroganseki Dojo, led by Sensei Franklin Rosales, and the Shinkitai Dojo, led by Sensei Roberto Laínez, both representatives of Okinawan Bushikan International (OBI).

Sensei Franklin Rosales serves as the National Technical Director for Honduras and Technical Director for Central America of Okinawan Bushikan International, while Sensei Roberto Laínez serves as the Technical Coordinator for the city of San Pedro Sula.

Registration for Bushikan Koryu Kobudo Organization classes is now open in their respective cities, offering children, youth, and adults the opportunity to learn and earn certification in traditional Okinawan Kobudo. This ancient martial art complements the practice of Traditional Karate-Do through the study of Okinawa's classical weapons, promoting discipline, coordination, respect, and the preservation of a valuable martial and cultural heritage.

🇭🇳 Honduras

The official announcement of these classes was made during the most recent Karate-Do tournament held in the Lake Yojoa region, where Okinawan Bushikan International officially introduced its Bushikan Kobudo program. The event featured Kobudo technical demonstrations and competitions, with the participation of distinguished martial arts leaders and practitioners from various regions of Honduras.

The demonstrations generated great interest among competitors, instructors, and spectators alike, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Okinawan Kobudo in Honduras and throughout Central America.

This initiative represents an important step in preserving and promoting Okinawa’s martial traditions, providing Honduran practitioners with the opportunity to receive high-quality technical instruction, participate in international certification programs, and become part of an organization dedicated to keeping the legacy of traditional Karate-Do and Kobudo alive.

Information and Registration:

Shiroganseki Dojo
Peña Blanca, Cortés, Honduras
Director: Sensei Franklin Rosales
☎ +504 9737-0746

Shinkitai SPS Dojo
San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras
Director: Sensei Roberto Laínez
☎ +504 9762-2674

Students from the Shiroganseki Karate-Do schools of Peña Blanca, Santa Cruz de Yojoa, and Las Vegas, Santa Bárbara, demonstrated an excellent level of technical skill and competitive spirit during their participation in the Bushikan Championship, held on April 19 at El Granero de Nelo.

Our young karate practitioners proudly represented their dojos, achieving outstanding results and earning medals in most of the categories in which they competed. Their performance reflected the hard work, discipline, and dedication they demonstrated throughout their training and preparation.

The participation of these students reaffirms Shiroganseki Karate-Do's commitment to the comprehensive development of its members, promoting values such as respect, perseverance, teamwork, and martial excellence.

We extend our congratulations to all competitors, instructors, parents, and supporters who contributed to this important achievement. Every medal earned represents the result of consistent effort and the spirit of self-improvement that defines our organization.

Let us continue training with enthusiasm and determination as we strive toward new goals and accomplishments.

Shiroganseki Karate-Do
OBI HONDURAS