🌍 Newsletter Obi – 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

🥋 Okinawan Bushikan International
– POK is Back

We are excited to bring back POK (Project OBI Karate), a program designed for schools in the United States, with affordable costs and a curriculum specially created for students.

Over 14 weeks, participants will learn:

• Basic and advanced Karate

• Kata (forms)

• Kumite (controlled sparring)

The program will take place within each school, and in week 12, students will take a test to earn their yellow belt, preparing them for future seminars and national competitions. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to represent their school in a future Inter-School Tournament held in Orlando, promoting school pride, discipline, and teamwork.

This program aims to teach discipline, ethics, values, and technique, all in a safe and fun environment.

🇺🇸 United States

🥋 International Championship
“Casa del Guerrero BUSHIKAN”

On April 18–19, Bushikan Honduras, through its representative Shiroganseki, will host one of the most important and popular karate championships in the region. The International Championship “Casa del Guerrero BUSHIKAN” will bring together some of the best karatekas from Latin America in an atmosphere of competition, respect, and martial spirit, showcasing skill, discipline, and passion for karate. Delegations from Argentina, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, the United States, and Honduras will participate, making this a truly international event.

A historic achievement for Honduras will be the inclusion of Kobudo and inclusive categories, opening the doors for all budokas and reaffirming the spirit of Budo: respect, discipline, and unity.

🔥 Event Highlights:

• Two days of competition, technique, and martial spirit.

• International delegations invited.

• A gathering of true Karate warriors.
  
  

📅 Date: April 18–19
📍 Location: Peña Blanca, Yojoa Lake, Honduras
📩 Contact: shirogansekidojo@gmail.com
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: (504) 9737-0746

🇭🇳 Honduras