TEHRAN The first ever kendo demonstration was held by the President of Classical Kendo Federation of Ohio, U.S., Shihan Sadao Kotaka, and Iranian kendo students here on Sunday, being organized by Iran Kendo Committee (IKC).
A number of sports officials, police commanders and cultural personalities attended the function.
Mr. Sadao Kotaka, 67, holds dan 7 in kendo and was invited by IKC to make kendo more popular in Iran.
Kotaka said, "Kendo should be taught to the police and I am ready to train the Iranian police kendo, as the most effective martial art necessary for police." Addressing the opening ceremony, IKC President Karamyar thanked Mr. Kotaka for accepting the IKC invitation and expressed hope that coordination will be made with the police here to undergo kendo training under the guidance of Sensei Kotaka.
Kotaka and his wife told the TEHRAN TIMES that their visit to Tehran was wonderful particularly their visit to Isfahan 15th Film Festival in which we met with a number of leading Iranian actors and cinematic officials.
"Iranian people were very kind, generous and hospitable and we wish to visit Iran again," Sadao Kotaka said.
The president of Ohio Classical Kendo Federation expressed hope that the visit would be an opening for further visits between the two kendo organizations and contributing to solidification of friendly relations between the peoples of Iran and the U.S.