Master Ozawa Memorial
and 19th Annual Traditional Karate Tournament International

Las Vegas - April 4, 1999

Ozawa Sensei, we have all gathered here again today to attend your annual Traditional Karate Tournament. Although we miss your physical presence, we have felt your spirit throughout the tournament. Mrs Ozawa has made a great effort, on your behalf, in order to make sure that this tournament was conducted well. And, with the cooperation from your fine students and loyal friends, the tournament was again a real success.

You initiated this tournament 19 years ago with the honorable and admirable intention of bringing all martial artist together under the banner of mutual respect and friendship. In the world of martial arts, where division and schism are prevalent, organizing such a large scale tournament is not an easy task, yet with your tremendous drive, determination, and eminent leadership, you have succeeded inmaking it one of the premier martial arts events, attracting many masters, instructors and students from all over the world. Your remarkable creative skill as the producer made this tournament something special... not found in anywhere else in the world. In may ways, this tournament is the reflection of your character, Ozawa Sensei, for you were always generous, broad minded, and serious about maintaining the philosophy and techniques of the traditional martial arts.

Ozawa Sensei, you have taught us many important lessons. Among them is our example of living in peace and harmony with each other. Indeed, you used to go out of your way to meet and shake hands with all types of martial artists. You taught us to practice mutual respect in training and competition regardless of differences in styles and affiliation. This traditional Karate Tournament truly embodies that spirit.

You have also taught us the value of human life and how to live each day with full inner strength, and your contribution to propagation of the Traditional Karate is extraordinary. We now pledge to you, Ozawa Sensei, that we will continue to work for harmony and unity among all martial artists in the world. We further promise that we will continue to train ourselves, mentally and physically, so that we will develop ourselves as marital arts students and become productive citizens of society. By so doing, we know we can honor your spiritual presence, and, at the same time, we can carry your work forward. Ozawa Sensei, we will forever treasure your precious teaching and guidance. May your soul rest in peace and your spirit be with us always.

/s/ Hidy Ochiai

Webmaster's note:
This is reprinted with the kind permission of Las Vegas School of Shotokan Karate