For the martial arts student, the spirit of Bushido, the traditional code of the Japanese samurai, stressing honor, self-discipline, bravery, and simple living, often begins before even setting foot in the dojo or school. The Budo spirit is developed and refined through continuous, often austere martial arts training. This training promotes etiquette, skillful technique, physical strength, and the unity of mind and body. Today, Budo has been diffused throughout the world and has attracted strong interest internationally. However, infatuation with mere technical training, and undue concern with winning is a severe threat to the essence of budo. To prevent this perversion of the art, students must continually examine themselves and endeavor to perfect and preserve the true meaning Budo.


The U. S. Capitol Sabaki Challenge is a unique event to the Washington Metro Area. The U. S. Capitol Sabaki Challenge is the area’s only full contact, no pads, no gloves martial arts tournament. This style of martial arts tournament provides the opportunity for local, national, and international competitors from all styles to truly challenge their technique, enhance their character, and strengthen their Budo spirit.


The Enshin Sabaki Challenge was established by Kancho Joko Ninomiya. In an effort to bring authentic fighting Karate to the United States, Kancho Ninomiya established the Sabaki Challenge, which has become a world renowned Karate tournament. Training for these events helps martial arts students grow stronger both physically and mentally, enhancing the Budo spirit and fostering a positive personal perspective on life.


The U. S. Capitol Sabaki Challenge matches are not purely a physical confrontation. Unfortunately, it is far too easy to harm another person. Although the Sabaki Challenges offers the best full-contact competition, participants understand the meaning of Budo and while exerting themselves to the utmost, will win with modesty, accept defeat gracefully, and constantly exhibit temperate attitudes. Events that glorify the more base human emotions to inflict injury outside of this context having no redeeming qualities and are not in the spirit of Budo. U. S. Capitol fighters have spent countless hours refining their technique, strengthening their bodies, and searching for the spiritual meaning of the martial arts. The time spent developing these aspects has enabled each student to go beyond the physical aspects of kicks, punches and fighting. Each artist is on their own path to the true meaning of martial arts and Budo. This journey, although different for each individual, shares a common sense of discipline, dedication, and the struggle for perfection. Amongst martial artists this journey creates a bond based upon the knowledge that each has gone through the similar training, punishing physical exertion, and mental challenges. The bond ensures an enduring mutual respect that transcends the short time that they will face each other on the mat. Although, at times, the matches may appear very physical, the competitors have a strong sense of honor and a true strength of character, making it possible for them to leave the physical aspects full contact karate where is belongs, on the mat.


This years event, open to all styles, will consist of three men’s full contact divisions, a women’s division, and several children’s semi-contact divisions utilizing protective gear. On Saturday, January 29th 2005, the Washington Metropolitan Area will once again have the great opportunity to witness local, national and international fighters put to the test in the areas only bare-knuckle, no pads, no gloves, full-contact tournament.