By: Rich Rodriguez
A karate master from Japan is back in Fresno doing what he does best. Hirokazu Kanazawa is 80 years old but he still has the drive to teach.
Kanazawa is a tenth degree black belt who is currently on a world tour. This is his second consecutive year back in Fresno. So far he likes what he sees. "Fresno has pure soul so it's great for karate."
Kanazawa held seminars at St. Anthony's School in Fresno Saturday. On the floor were mainly black belts. Some came as far away as Hawaii and New York.
Tonya Nichols of Japan Ways helped bring him here. "Yeah it's so exciting and were very very honored to have him here visiting us. It means a lot to these guys who have trained many many years. Our black belts have 35 years plus experience."
Aleena Habib is the daughter of a black belt who has been working on her moves since she was a toddler. Aleena says meeting Kanazawa is a thrill. "It's really a once in a lifetime chance to be able to come see Kanazawa. It is really neat."
Master Kanazawa applauds parents for getting their children involved in karate. "Nowadays lifestyle is so easy and we are kind of physically weak and mentally weak."
Kanazawa also brought his son Nobuaki to help teach the seminars. He is a sixth degree black belt.
