Tsuguo Sakumoto　Okinawa's traditional karate to the world and to the future

Tsuguo Sakumoto received the Martial Arts Distinguished Service Medal, the highest honor for a martial artist. 
He has already distinguished himself as a leader since his days as an active athlete, and since his retirement, he has produced many great athletes. His favorite disciple, Ryo Kiyuna, won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (to be held in 2021). 
Over the years, he has held a number of important positions, including training of the Japan Karatedo Federation National Team, technical committee chairman of the World Karate Federation, vice president of the Okinawa Prefectural Sports Association, and president of Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. Currently, he is a permanent director of the Japan Karatedo Federation. He also continues to promote traditional karate from his hometown Okinawa to the world as the fifth generation of Ryuei-ryu of orthodoxy. 
On receiving this award, he said, "I feel as if I am on a new starting line". He is a genuine martial artist who is eager for more challenges.