:: du Prée Kyokushin ::

November 2007 - Just like 4 years ago we decided to go to Japan and witness the World Championships live during the event itself. We travelled to multiple cities in Japan, but were most excited about our visit to our beloved Kyoto to hopefully reunite ourselves with Shihan Kawabata, who runs the Kyoto Shibu.

Ten years ago Maurice lived and studied in Kyoto, Japan. During his half year stay in Japan, Maurice found himself extremley fortunate to one day walk into the dojo of Shihan Kawabata.

Back then, Maurice trained in Rotterdam, under supervision of Shihan Peter Voogt and was 4kyu rank (green belt). The Kyoto shibu was a strong dojo and Maurice found himself training with the likes of Ito Shin, Honma senpai and then youth champion Yoshiaki Uchida.

The warmth and hospitality of Kawabata Shihan has touched our Kyokushin spirits forever. His wisdom, talent and Kyokushin teachings changed our personal karate styles and contributed to the karatekas that we (Maurice & Vincent du Pree) are today.

We met with Shihan during the afternoon in the new dojo. It was joyful and a really great experience. We remembered those times together and got introduced to Uchida senpai, who unfortunately lost early in the World tournament, but is a very young talented fighter, with a big load of responsibility on his shoulders, but many years ahead to grow even more. 4 years from now will be his time. We are confident.

KYOTO SHIBU under supervision of Shihan Kouichi Kawabata

'The wednesday night class'

Unfortunately Shihan had to leave today to teach in another Kyoto location, but he invited us to take part in the evening class, which we did.

One of Kyoto shibus current instructors started of the class with warming up and kihon. The kihon was fast and all students anwered with loud techniques and loud kiais. The 'mood' was good!

Although the class wasn't too big -apparently Wednesday is not the busiest day- the spirit was good. The younger students showed real hunger to learn and trained hard, with discipline and undivided attention. The more senior students looked tough, so we couldn't wait to test eachother and communicate with the international language of kyokushin: fists, kicks and respect.

After kihon we practiced idou-training and go-hon geri on the pads. We practised techniques and practised our stamina and perseverance against eachother.
After kihon and ido-training we finished with some sparring matches to eventually help one of the junior students who was currently preparing himself for a tournament.

Eventually we ended by giving speeches to the class in which we explained our relationship with Shihan Kawabata and gave the class our thoughts of their training and potential. We were happy to have made it back to Kyoto and being able to train with you. Osu thank you!

After the class we took some memorial pictures with everyone. Sempai insisted we put a picture of Sosai in our midst so the true spirit of kyokushin would be captured in the picture.

When we were about to say our goodbyes to everyone, Shihan walked in from teaching at the other Kyoto location. He explained to all students our history once more and we took one more picture with Kawabata Shihan.

We presented Shihan with some Dutch Kyokushin t-shirts for the students and through this report want to thank Shihan Kawabata once more for being such a truly kind person, devoted Karateka, teacher and your hospitality.

We have trained with many people, took classes of many instructors, met many kyokushin pillars, but our respect for Shihan Kawabata is one that stands out forever.

Thank you Shihan Osu. hisashiburi desu ne?! Great to see you again. We will come back soon! OSU!

Reunited with Shihan Kawabata after 10 years!
L to R: Vincent, Shihan Kawabata, Maurice

Want to get refreshed with a Kyokushin drink?

Kyoto Tower, recognizable, but definitely not Kyoto's
most precious sight to see