051109 - Inquiary from Armenia

Armenian National Den To Fudokan Shotokan Karate-Do Federation is a member of World Traditional Den To Fudokan Shotokan Karate-Do Federation. According to the International Traditional Karate Federation Statute Fudokan is a style national educational organization and is solely involved in propagation and education of the Fudokan traditional Karate.

Since 1995 in Lori Region and since 2000 in Tavoush region (towns Dilijan and Ijevan) of the Republic of Armenia Fudokan Karate schools have been founded under the supervision of Sensei Suren Ochinyan (Black Belt 3rd Dan, Judge of international Rank), that now has more than 200 students, more than 15 are already black belts. This is a philosophical system, it creates a complete man of free spirit and will, educated and moral, ready to take a stand and fight for the true human values. Lori Regional Federation has its radio program by the local “MIG FM” TV-Radio Station called “Fudokan is a Martial Art, Philosophy, Psychology and Science”, also a monthly newspaper “Fudokan Martial Art” which is distributed among the students. Every year Regional Federation organizes 5-10 day summer camping for students, for conducting open-air trainings; also introduce children with the nature and ecology.

Each year Suren Ochinyan’s students participate in republican championships organized by the National Den To Fudokan Shotokan Karate-Do Federation and always win first, second or third prizes. In 2001 the international championship was held in xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" / Moscow, Russia and 4 of Suren Ochinyan’s students participated in the competition. These four students came back with 6 medals.

Unfortunately not every year these students can afford to participate in international competitions because of travel expenses. Armenia is a developing country and moreover Lori region has suffered a lot during the great earthquake of 1988.

This year we also received an invitation to World Fudokan Karate Championship-2005 which will be held in Italy, from 22-27 November 2005. Suren Ochinyan is invited as a judge (referee) to the championship, and his students as participants.

Thus, I would like to ask if we may apply to you for the travel support and participation in the Championship.
I sincerely hope that you will be interested in assisting us with this issue and will provide you with any kind of information required.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of my inquiry.
Respectfully,Hripsime Meliksetyanhripsimemeliksetyan@yahoo.com

V.V