Announcement of Special Shinto Memorial Service for the Spirits of All Who Have Contributed to the Development of JKA

JKA HQ would like to inform all members of JKA and JKA WF that on Sunday, April 20, 2008, the last day of the spring gasshuku, JKA HQ will hold a special Shinto memorial service to pay our respects to and offer our deep gratitude to the spirits of all JKA karate-ka, especially high-ranking masters, who have passed from this world. As dedicated JKA members, all of them contributed to the dramatic, worldwide development and growth of JKA since its inception more than fifty years ago, and it is fitting that we honor them with such a service, which we are holding for the first time. All JKA and JKA WF members are invited to participate in the service, which will be held at the JKA HQ Sohonbu Dojo in Tokyo. In accordance with tradition, after the service there will be a small, formal Shinto reception. Subsequent to that, starting around noon or soon thereafter, the customary farewell party to mark the end of the gasshuku will be held.