Our Town Inagi 2017: Airi Sekizawa

Martial artists active in the world united as a family

Airi Sekizawa, a first-year student at Inagi Dai 3 Junior High School, won first place in both the 60th All Japan Karate Championships for Elementary and Junior High School Students (Junior High School Girls' Kata) and the 14th World Karate Championships for Youth (13-Year-Old Girls' Kata) held in August 2017.
She has participated in the national tournament every year since she was in the third grade of elementary school. She surpassed her personal best of reaching the top four last year and achieved her first victory.
The world championship, which she participated in for the first time, is held every three years and features about 30 countries, taking place in Ireland, Europe. During the match, she faced a formidable opponent and felt nervous, but she focused on her usual practice. What she paid particular attention to was being aware of the key points in kata (strength, sharpness, and the rhythm of movements).

The key to victory was the unity of the entire family in studying the matches together. We repeatedly watched videos and discussed ways to strengthen our core, maintain our axis, and lower our center of gravity. Conversations within the family mainly revolve around karate.
Mr. Sekizawa was influenced by his older brother, who started karate earlier, and began practicing at the age of 5. Now, he is captivated by karate and continues to practice at the dojo six days a week. Regarding the future, he said, "Training is tough, but winning matches is fun, and I want to continue doing it."
He aims to win the world championship in three years and is undergoing rigorous training every day. Let's support Mr. Sekizawa as he shines on the world stage.