Our Town Inagi 2017: Fuma Yamashita

Aiming for the Trophy at the National Karate Tournament!

Yamashita Fuma, a second grader from Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School, won the championship at the 3rd Sōgokushin Kanto Karate Championship held in February 2017. He also won this tournament last year, achieving a V2.

The tournament was held in a tournament format, with six matches lasting one minute each. Mr. Yamashita felt a sense of achievement with his victory in the first round and was confident that he could win the championship. During the match, he first used a downward thrust to stun his opponent and proceeded with his signature attack.

Mr. Yamashita joined the International Comprehensive Martial Arts Federation on the recommendation of his grandmother, and it has been about a year and a half. Before competitions, he attends the dojo four times a week, practicing sparring and hitting the mitts, sweating it out. Additionally, at home, he practices independently with a dedicated sandbag, using his father and brother as partners. When asked if the high volume of practice is difficult, he replied, "It's fun, so I don't get tired. I can keep doing it forever," indicating that even after a year and a half of practicing karate, he has not forgotten the joy of it.

Their special techniques that have been effective in matches are the "lower punch" and the "front kick," which their teacher praised for having strong leg power. They are currently practicing a new technique called "roundhouse kick," and since no one in the same weight class is using it in matches, they expressed a desire to master it so it can become their special technique.

Regarding the future, they mentioned their goal: "I want to win and receive many trophies. If I can continue to win in various competitions, I would like to participate in larger tournaments such as the national championships."

Let's support Mr. Yamashita, who has another match coming up in June, to advance in that tournament, win the trophy, and one day showcase his skills at the national and world championships.