The excellent interview took place remotely with a warm atmosphere between both the interviewer and the interviewee. Zé Mário Sensei wore his Karate-Gi, on which the IOGKF emblem is displayed on the left side of the chest. In the background, one can see the shomen of the Hombu Dojo (Central Dojo) of IOGKF Brazil, where the image of Chojun Miyagi Sensei stands out.
The session begins with Arnold, the interviewer from the BudoTV channel, asking about Zé Mário's start in martial arts. Sensei then shares a bit of his life journey that brought him to the position of chief instructor of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) in Brazil.
During the interview, Sensei emphasizes the position of IOGKF in the world as the largest international organization for Traditional Goju-Ryu from Okinawa, present in more than 60 countries. Zé Mário then explains what IOGKF is and the current state of the organization here in Terra Brasilis. He talks about the gradual advancement of the organization in Brazil, emphasizing that he has no aim for IOGKF Brazil to grow haphazardly.
I consider a highlight of the interview the moment when Zé Mário Sensei, in response to a question from Arnold, discusses the distinction between Okinawan Karate and the form of Karate developed on the main island of Japan - which has become known worldwide as a competitive sport. He cites hojo undo (a kind of muscular preparation training using traditional equipment) and the practical approach applied to self-defense, with a non-sporting character of Okinawan Goju-Ryu, as points that distinguish and characterize Okinawan Karate. He highlights that, as a consequence of Chinese influences, this is an art that aims for close combat, targeting specific points on the aggressor's body to neutralize their violent intent.
With direct and simple language, the interview is an enlightening starting point for those who want to learn about Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate and IOGKF Brazil. At the end of the interview, Zé Mário Sensei states that IOGKF is open to welcoming interested individuals.
If the interview sparks your desire to start practicing Okinawan Goju-Ryu from IOGKF, contact the organization's Hombu Dojo directly in Brazil, in the states or affiliated dojos mentioned by Sensei in the video, located in the cities of Belo Horizonte (Center for Traditional Goju-Ryu Karate or Fight Studio); Carmo do Rio Claro (in southern Minas Gerais, CT Carmo Fight); in Lavras-MG; and in the city of Rio de Janeiro (CT Dojo).
Kon'nichiwa!
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