Japanese teacher packs a powerful punch

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Gilbert
  • Detachment 10, Air Force News Agency
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) --  "Hai!"

Sweaty faces, bodies as rigid as trees, and feet rooted firmly. Fists frozen in front of their bodies.

"Hai!"

Feet shift and another punch is thrown, swiftly disturbing the silence around them.

This scene is just one during a free karate class here. Taught by Kazumasa Itaki, a Japanese grand master instructor and 7th degree black belt, the class teaches Americans stationed here the self-discipline, skill and dedication of karate at no cost, except for the time and effort.

"People all over the world, including Americans, enjoy training in the art of karate," Itaki said. "This is a wonderful experience, and I'm proud to help promote international goodwill through karate."

Some of the students in Itaki's class see the physical as well as international benefits.

"This is a great experience for me," said Jody Hasebe, who has studied with Itaki for several years. "It's really enjoyable, it teaches me self-discipline and it makes me strong."

Itaki highlighted why he teaches karate.

"By doing karate, I believe you can discipline and train yourself, strengthen yourself, and make yourself more persevering," he said. "Once a person tries it, (he or she) often finds it's fun for both your body and your brain."

Peace now fills the room. The karate-uniformed, barefooted students calmly stretch, slowly inhaling and exhaling. Before departing, they express their respect and gratitude to their teacher with a bow.

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