The 2017 GRAND WINNER of the Male Kumite -84kg category is RYUTARO ARAGA. The Japanese karateka has been one of the most successful karatekas of the season of Karate 1-Premier League and epitomises the passion and tradition of Karate in the birth nation of the sport. 

The 2017 GRAND WINNER of the Male Kumite -84kg category is RYUTARO ARAGA. The Japanese karateka has been one of the most successful karatekas of the season of Karate 1-Premier League and epitomises the passion and tradition of Karate in the birth nation of the sport. 

In Japan, Karate is an art that is transmitted from parents to children. The ancient modality is so deeply rooted in society that Karate teachings become part of family traditions, and learning the sport is a major element of the heritage that goes from generation to generation. 

Ryutaro Araga is one of the greatest exponents of family tradition in high-level Karate. Son of Karate instructors and brother of another champion of the sport, the 26-year-old World champion is the last successful representative of a long lineage of first-class karatekas. 

“I really appreciate all the help that I have received throughout the years. I am very thankful to have the support of all those who have helped me to be where I am now,” said Araga after winning the Grand Winner award. 

TAKING THE FAMILY NAME TO THE TOP 

It has not been an easy path for Ryutaro Araga. The Kyoto-native learned to overcome disappointments to become one of the stars of Karate in Japan and one of the front-runners to represent the birth nation of the sport in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

The 1st-dan Goju Ryu karateka is the son of Karate masters and started practising the discipline at age three; in fact, he began in the sport “ever since I can remember”, as he puts it. His sister Tomoko was one the biggest stars of the sport and won the World Championships titles in 2004 and 2006. 

However, the youngest of the Araga clan had to fight hard to continue the family lineage and took a few let-downs along the way. The fierce competitor, who runs the family dojo in Kyoto, had to overcome two shocking defeats in the finals of the 2012 and 2014 World Championships before being able to succeed at Karate’s biggest stage in 2016. 

IMPRESSIVE WINNING STREAK 

His victory in the World Championships in Linz was the culmination of an outstanding season with three golds in three events. Araga would manage to maintain his winning streak for nearly two years before losing in Dubai this season. 

“I could keep the good form for quite a long time but in the end, I lost my condition. Now I have to keep on working hard to get back on top form again,” said Araga who before failing to reach the finals in Dubai and Halle/Leipzig took gold in his two previous Karate 1-Premier League appearances in Paris and Rotterdam thus securing the Grand Winner award. 

“I always try to give my best in every tournament, so for me, it is an honour to receive this award. The level of competition is very high so I feel very appreciated with this recognition,” added the current World champion and 2015 Asian title-holder. 

As top karatekas are getting ready to fight for the Olympic qualification, World Ranking leader Araga will continue holding the flags of Japanese Karate and Karate tradition in the quest to glory.