04/08/2026
Kudo Goals -
I turned 64 on August 1.
Looking back on my 63rd year, the biggest regret was not being able to compete in a tournament. In Kudo, tournaments provide a valuable opportunity to objectively measure the results of one’s training, so it’s a bit disappointing that I wasn’t able to take on that challenge. This year, at 64, I hope to return to that arena once again.
Sadly, however, I feel that my body is gradually starting to stop responding the way I want it to.
The most obvious difference is my recovery ability. In my 50s, I could still move around after training. But since entering my 60s, when I train, I find it hard to move on the same day or even the next day due to fatigue and physical pain—even though I’ve significantly reduced both the intensity and volume of my training compared to my previous level. This has become particularly noticeable since I turned 63.
It’s truly lamentable, but simply lamenting won’t change anything. So, while remaining aware of my own aging and decline, I will continue to train—striving for improvement and finding creative ways to adapt. That, I suppose, is the very essence of the Budo.
In that sense, perhaps I can say that I’ve only just reached the starting line of my martial arts journey.
Some people train intensely in their youth and become champions. But as they age and their physical strength wanes, they retire from competition. After that, I coached young athletes and helped nurture champions.
People like that are, of course, wonderful. But that reflects the values of the sports world.
If I identify myself (or wish to identify myself) as a Budoka, I believe I must constantly ask myself, “How well can I fight right now?!” and strive to improve, even if only a little.
If the way lies there, I must keep walking it.
I’ll keep pushing a little longer. Osu.
Watanabe Shinji
Kudo Daido-juku Shihan 7 dan
Yuiga-ryu Karate Renshi