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- Clubs and Circles
March 2, 2026
Karate Club held victory celebration and retirement ceremony for Master KagawaHachioji Campus
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, a victory celebration for the Teikyo University Karate Club, which achieved brilliant results this year, and a retirement ceremony for Master Kagawa were held in Tokyo. The event was a grand success, with approximately 300 people in attendance, including students, parents, university officials, and alumni.
Despite the decision to retire Masao Kagawa, the club's longtime coach and instructor, this year, the team, led by captains Yuta Chiba (4th year, Faculty of Medical Technology) and Sena Goto (4th year, Faculty of Medical Technology), achieved a remarkable triple crown at the All-Japan University Karate Championships, the national team championship, marking their 50th victory overall. This achievement was a wonderful tribute to Sensei Kagawa, who has led the club for 42 years. The club's new structure was also announced, and new men's captain Kotaro Negishi (3rd year, Faculty of Medical Technology) and new women's captain Ai Ito (3rd year, Faculty of Medical Technology) spoke passionately about their aspirations for the coming year. Fourth-year students and their parents, who will be graduating in March, also took to the stage to reflect on their four years and express their gratitude for the training environment, the university's support, their instructors, alumni, and juniors.
Looking back on his days as a coach, Master Kagawa said, "I have no regrets about the journey to this point. I have been teaching in a wonderful environment, striving to become the best in Japan and the world." He emphasized that overcoming hardships is what leads to the students' growth. He continued, "We are achieving our current results because we were able to build a training camp. We have done everything we needed to do," expressing his deep gratitude to the students and all involved. He also encouraged the coaches, saying, "In order to improve the quality of our students in line with the times, I hope you will value communication and communicate your goals. There are things you can convey only because you trust your students." He also told the students, "Your daily attitude is important, and I want you to become a team that is loved by everyone and a role model for other clubs," expressing his hopes for the improvement of not only their competitive ability but also their personal qualities. Finally, he concluded with a smile, "As honorary coach, I will watch over the new karate club and look forward to seeing the students' future success."
Coach Inada, who will assume the new position of head coach, reflected on his journey so far, saying, "Meeting Master Kagawa was a major turning point in my life," and expressed his deep respect and gratitude. He then stated his determination, saying, "I cannot do it in the same way as Master Kagawa, but I have friends among the students, coaches, and alumni. With everyone's support, I will place emphasis on both competitive ability and human qualities, and create a new karate club." Finally, he concluded by saying, "With the help of university officials, alumni, and parents, the students and instructors will work together as one and do their best."
Teikyo University Chairman and President Yoshihito Okinaga stated, "I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of our students for their outstanding achievements. This achievement is only possible thanks to the understanding and support of our coaches, alumni, and families." He also praised Kagawa's long-standing coaching philosophy, saying, "The university has supported Kagawa's long-standing commitment to a competitive spirit, and his desire for students to develop “One’s way” throughout their lives. Seeing students' hard work inspires us." Regarding new coach Inada, he expressed his expectations, saying, "We will explore new coaching and organizational structures suited to the times, while creating an environment where students can boldly demonstrate their abilities. The university will fully support you." Finally, he paid tribute to Kagawa, saying, "On behalf of Teikyo University, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Kagawa for overcoming obstacles and achieving outstanding results over the years. It would be a great joy for the instructor to see the next generation inherit his spirit and pave the way for the future." He also concluded his speech by saying, "I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the family members who have supported Master Kagawa for many years. Thank you very much."
Our university's Karate Club will inherit the traditions and spirit established by Shihan Kagawa and take a new step under the leadership of new coach Inada. We ask for your continued support for the Karate Club.
- Photography: Seiya Kawamoto