A famous Japanese Karate instructor, Hidekazu Mizutani, arrived in Rwanda, on Saturday, for a week-long training session aimed at helping improve the country’s performance in the martial arts sport.

On Monday, the visiting senseï (Japanese for teacher) started evening sessions with local instructors and players at Amahoro stadium.

The 5th dan (rank) black belt professional is a member of the Wado kai, an organisation within the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) which practices the Wadō-ryū style of karate, one of those practiced in Rwanda.

Before Mizutani’s arrival, another 6th dan French expert, Patrick Dupeux, had been in the country and trained local trainers and players for a week.

Rwanda’s only 5th dans are Tharcise Sinzi and John Sayinzoga, the chairperson of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission.

Rwanda last week moved up 10 places to 83rd in the World Karate Federation (WKF) ranking after a decent showing at the 15th Senior African Karate Championship in Senegal.