Ryamizard calls for unity in karate

Ryamizard calls for unity in karate

JAKARTA: Ryamizard Ryacudu, the new chairman of the Indonesian
Karate-Do Institute (Inkai), pleaded with karatekas to put their
differences behind them and to work together for a better future.

"If we can't work together, we should all forget about it and
go about our own business," the three-star Army general said in a
speech during the official unveiling of the new Inka board at the
Crowne Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

Ryamizard, who is chief of the Army Strategic Reserves Command
(Kostrad), was referring to the recent internal conflict in the
organization, which prompted the establishment of a breakaway
Indonesian Traditional Karate-Do Federation (FKTI), led by Sabet
Muchsin, in 2000.

Succeeding Adam Damiri, Ryamizard was elected the chairman at
Inkai's national congress in Palembang, South Sumatra, last
November. He is assisted by secretary-general Mahfudin Nigara, a
boxing commentator. --JP