Just for fun – Kuro Obi is a Japanese made movie featuring karatedo, which actually looks very good! The trailer can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9-vI4HxRmI
For particular interest to practitioners of Goju Ryu will be the fact that Akihito Yagi (grandson of Meitoku Yagi), plays a starring role. Unfortunately I have no idea when the movie is scheduled for release, but it may be one worth looking out for!
Below is the blurb for the film;
—Set in the early years of the Showa Era in Japan, this story revolves around three men who aspire to receive the ‘kuro-obi’ that can go only to the rightful successor. —
The year is 1932. Three men are zealously engaged in karate training at the dojo of Eiken Shibahara. Their names are Taikan, Choei and Giryu. Eiken suddenly dies, but the ‘kuro-obi’ black belt that will designate his successor has not yet been passed on.
“Karate is not about fighting.” Who will be the one to heed Eiken’s words of wisdom and receive the coveted ‘kuro-obi’ to carry on as his successor? In a related development, the Military Police Headquarters takes note of the exceptional skill of these martial art practitioners, and the three men are commanded to join their forces.
Then, the three that have left the dojo are thrust into a terrible encounter with fate…
Just got back from the Montreal Film festival and I must say I was touched deeply by this Film. Both YAGI Sensei and NAKA Sensei played their respective roles wonderfully!
A must see for all Karate-ka!
Brock S. Vickerson
Part of a movie about karate was recently filmed on Okinawa (maybe last year). The particular scene filmed here (for a movie that was set in Mainland Japan) concerned a young boy training under his Grandfather, I think on a beach.
Did Kuro-Obi have such a scene toward the beginning of the film, or as a short flashback? It may not have lasted more than a few seconds but would be apivotal point in forming the early training philosophy of one of the characters.
Looking forward to seeing it soon!
Regards,
Seizan