Saudi Martial Artist Pioneers Kyokushin Karate, Elevating its Presence in the Kingdom
Saudi Martial Artist Pioneers Kyokushin Karate, Elevating its Presence in the Kingdom:
At the age of 18 years, while attending university, Meshari Alharrah came across the Kyokushin style of karate. He is a lawyer now, 27 years old, with a black belt in the martial art. He continues to train and improve and has participated in numerous regional and international tournaments.
Kyokushin Karate: Ultimate Truth
Kyokushin is a type of karate created in the 1960s. It is known for being a very physical form of karate and is said to have a more realistic approach to fighting. The name Kyokushin means “ultimate truth.” Kata is a fundamental aspect of karate and other martial arts, which emphasizes proper form, posture, and movements.
According to Alharrah, he participated in four local championships recently. He won a silver medal in The Elite Kata Championship, a gold medal in the Riyadh Kata Championship, and another gold medal in the Kingdom International Kata Championship. Also, he won a bronze medal in the Riyadh Local Kumite Championship.
He said that, despite being the only Saudi male to win a gold medal in kata at the Riyadh Championship and doing so for the first time, he was denied the opportunity to compete for the Kingdom (in international competitions). He added that after the Kingdom’s International Championship and his achievement in kata by winning first place, he insisted on his right to represent his country on the national team, especially given the lack of practitioners.
Adnan Tarsha, one of the branch’s leaders, selected him to compete when they received an invitation to compete at the World Friendship Championship in Tokyo on April 29 and 30 from the International Organization of Kyokushin Kai Kan in Japan.
He stated that he had always desired to represent his country, Saudi Arabia, abroad one day. On April 29 and 30, he finally participated in a competition and reached the quarterfinals but unfortunately lost. However, he expressed his desire to participate again and win.
His journey into Kyokushin Karate began in 2015 while he was a freshman at university. Alharrah’s main reason for starting karate was to shed some pounds. Within three to four months, he not only shed some weight but also developed a strong passion for karate, especially Kyokushin, which continued to flourish. Karate has its roots in Okinawa, Japan. Kung fu, a Chinese martial art, also influenced it, which itself is influenced by ancient Indian martial arts.
According to Alharrah, Karate has four primary styles that vary in techniques, philosophies, and practices. However, all of them utilize a belt system to assess and quantify progress. He added that his interest is more in Kyokushin than karate. According to him, the self-improvement philosophy of ‘Kyokushin Kaikan,’ which translates to the society of ultimate truth, draws to him.
Takeaways
Meshari Alharrah’s dedication to Kyokushin Karate is fostering its presence in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his exceptional skills and passion for martial art. His accomplishments and dedication serve as an example for aspiring practitioners, encouraging the growth of Kyokushin Karate within the Kingdom and beyond.
Last Updated on 10 months by News Editor
