(KPL) The 19th  Japanese Martial Arts (Budo) Demonstration was held by the Embassy of Japan at the Lao–Japan Budo Center in Vientiane on Jan 23 in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Practitioners of varying ages and experience levels affiliated with the Lao National Judo Federation, the Lao National Karatedo Federation, the Lao National Aikido Club and the Lao Kendo Club made their presence felt with well-practiced demonstrations of Budo skills and techniques on show in front of a large audience.

The event was one of the final in a series organized to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Japan-Laos Diplomatic Relations in 2020.

This year saw the introduction of a trial session for audience members to learn basic Judo, Karatedo, Aikido and Kendo skills with instructors.

The new programme is expected to inspire more Lao people to practice Budo in the years ahead.

Currently, there are approximately 600 active practitioners of Budo across the country.

“Due to the global outbreak of Covid-19, I shared some concerns that conducting the tests for Budo levels and the practice with instructors could be difficult,” Japanese Ambassador to the Lao PDR Keizo Takewaka addressed the opening ceremony at the event.

“So, I would like to thank Lao high ranking officials who have been supporting Budo and also our Lao Budo instructors,” said Ambassador Keizo Takewaka.

“I also expect that these instructors will continue to be important figures in promoting Japan-Laos relations to further success in years ahead,” said the ambassador.

Former President of the Lao–Japan Friendship Association Ponemek Dalaloy, President of National Karatedo Federation and Former Minister to the President’s Office Phongsavath Boupha, and Vice Minister of Education and Sports Khanthaly Siriphongphanh attended the event.

KPL