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This is another battle in the newly established “Masters“ category. Itonaga, on the right, was one of the main reasons why the “Masters“ category was established this time. He is an absolute champion who has won the All Japan Senior title four times, and the Kudo Federation needed to create a new stage for him and the further spread and development of Kudo. This time, Asaoka, left, was chosen as Itonaga's opponent. He was once an All-Japan champion, but that was 30(!) years ago. The direct cause of his retirement was a serious knee injury (he now has no anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees). He is now a branch chief and has trained many champions and strong competitors. Having already achieved success and prestige as both a competitor and a sensei, Asaoka would have had no reason to accept this offer. But, he said, “I still train and practice every day, although far from the intense I once was. And as a Budo-ka, I don't want to refuse an offer.“ And indeed, he did be on the Tatami. I commend him from bottom of my heart for his courage and willingness to take on the challenge.
