10/19/2025
Pictured below is a page from a magazine article published by the Nippon Budokan (Japan Martial Arts Hall). Top photo Judo, bottom left Naginata, bottom center Kendo and bottom right Aikido. The page is translated by Mr. Honda as follows:
From June 17th to 20th, the Mumon Karate group from the United States made their third visit to the facility, observing and participating in classes at the Nippon Budokan and Budokan Academy (Judo, Kendo, Karate, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata, Jodo).
Mumon Karate is an organization founded by Mr. Sadaharu Honda, a practitioner of Shōtōkan karate, dedicated to teaching traditional karate in the United States without being bound by specific styles.
Each day of the week at the Budo Academy, the delegation observed and participated in martial arts training with earnest focus. During the kendo experience, their swift footwork after striking the men (face protector) was evident, revealing how their karate experience was being applied.
Additionally, on June 18 (Day 2), a briefing session on American karate was held by Mr. Honda in a conference room within the Nippon Budokan. At the outset, Director and Secretary-General Masanori Kataoka (at the time) delivered words of welcome.
Following this, Mr. Honda gave a one-hour presentation covering the history of karate's spread in the United States, as well as the mindset and characteristics of Americans. After the presentation, a question-and-answer session and exchange of opinions took place.
