At a glittering function, former Indian Olympic Association president B Sivanthi Adityan presented a memento to the 67-year-old Japanese Karate exponent after he enthralled the audience with ''Kata'' demonstration. For hundreds of Black belt masters, it was an unique experience as they got a chance to learn the nuances of latest techniques from the renowned Martial art exponent. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Adityan lauded the efforts of AIKF President ''Karate'' R Thiagarajan for carrying on the legacy left by late karate exponent Sensei R V T Mani. While appreciating Mr Thiagarajan for reviving the sport at the all India level, he also highlighted how consistent work would bring in rewards. AIKF Chief Patron Karti P Chidambaram said karate was not a sport. ''It's a way of life,'' he said and stressed the need to make karate a compulsory subject in schools. The function was preceded by a demonstration of the art of kata and kumite featuring karate exponents from Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Earlier, talking to UNI ''Karate'' Thiagarajan said during the conference that would conclude tomorrow, Sensei Tomoki Kishi would provide training on individual Kumute techniques and on Katas. About 100 senior black belt instructors would be benefitted by the training, he said and added that the main aim of this international conference was to create an awareness among the youth on the importance of this sport. ''Karate is a sport being practiced in all villages and it is a source of employment and self defence,'' he added.
