Mumon Karate’s two week Budo Tour of Japan (June 15 to June 29 2025) was just as eventful as the previous two visits The first week was spend in Tokyo and started with a Monday practice with Mr. Arakawa of Wado Ryu, followed by exchange practices the rest of the week at the Nippon Budokan Martial Arts hall with masters of Naginata, Shorinji Kempo, Jōdō, Judo, Aikido, Karate and Kendo. On Saturday, the group practiced at Waseda University with the karate club. During the second week the group stayed in Takatsuki City and toured the Himeji and Osaka Castles as well as various shrines and temples in the Kyoto, Nara, Osaka area. The week ended with lunch in Kobe with Mr. Kawaguchi, who at 101 years is the oldest alumni of Waseda’s Karate Club. Lunch consisted of fresh Kobe beef (Yummy). A thank you to Mr. Kojima and Mr. Ueshima former Wasada karateka who guided us during the second week. And of course, a thank you to Mr. Honda for arranging a first class trip. (fb)

Five adults tested for Kyu ranks at the Mt. Lebanon Dojo in Pittsburgh on June 4, 2025. Conducting the test were Shihan Paul Kovacs, Yodan Doug Gilbert, and Nidan David Resto. Congratulations to the following: Robert Ambrosini (8th Kyu), Peter Naulls (7th Kyu), Clark Jamison (5th Kyu), Florin Toader (1st Kyu) and Noah Tan (1st Kyu) Lead by Mr. Honda, Paul, Doug and David are among the group visiting Japan the last two weeks of June. (fb)