Striking below freezing water without second thought, mid-winter karate training at Yuuhi Waterfall/ Minamiashigara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201090013/

January 9, 2012

Caption: Participants repeatedly punch through the waterfall=TheYuuhi Waterfall of Yagurasawa, Minami Ashigara City

Striking the waterfall without giving in to the cold, they strove to refine their strength of mind and body. Taking place on the 8th at the Yuuhi Waterfall of Yagurasawa, Minamiashigara city, mid-winter Kyokushin Karate training was conducted. A total of 40 participated, from the city gymnasium’s Kyokushin Karate organization and a non-profit body Kyokushin Karate group. 2012 marked the first year where elementary scholars could answer the challenge. According to instructor Setori Ichi (Age 56), "Through focusing the mind, spirit and body, we're aiming to understand our limits," he said.

On that day, the surrounding area's temperature was 3 degrees below freezing. Wrapped in karate gis in the middle of the freezing cold, they faced the 23 meter high waterfall and loudly shouted out together, repeatedly striking it. Mr. Setori said "I think this is good for children to experience. I want them to understand the link between a strong spirit and improving their skills. Ozaki Kaito (Age 14) said: "I suffered in the cold. However, after finishing I saw how enjoyable it was. I wish to aim for both studying in school and practicing karate."

Original Text:

夕日の滝で空手寒げいこ、氷点下に無心の突き/南足柄

2012年1月9日

滝に打たれながら突きを繰り返す参加者＝南足柄市矢倉沢の夕日の滝

滝に打たれ、寒さに負けない心身の強さを磨こうと、南足柄市矢倉沢の夕日の滝で８日、極真空手の寒げいこが行われた。同市体育協会極真空手部とＮＰＯ法人極真会から約40人が参加。今年は初めて小中学生も挑んだ。師範の瀬戸利一さん（56）によると、「精神集中や自らの限界を知るのが狙い」という。

この日の周辺の気温は氷点下３度。空手着に身を包んだ参加者は、いてつくような寒さの中、大きな掛け声とともに、落差約23メートルの滝に向かって一心に突きを繰り返した。「子どもたちにはよい経験になったと思う。精神を高め、技能向上につなげてもらいたい」と瀬戸さん。参加した尾崎快斗君（14）は「寒くて苦しかったけど、終わってみれば楽しかった。勉強と空手の両立を目指したい」と話した。