Daishi Jorge Sosa Sr. with Prince Takamatsu
in Japan -1970

As a dignitary and ambassador of Japanese Martial Arts, Daishi Jorge Sosa Sr. was honored with a personal visit with Prince Takamatsu, third in succession to the Japanese throne and his wife Princess Kikuko. This meeting took place at the Kotani Hotel in Tokyo in 1970.
The meeting was attended by the great masters of Japan and the delegations attending the First World Championship held in that country. Likewise, commemorative medals and diplomas were given to each attendee, being Daishi Sosa the Representative for Guatemala; as well as the Referee Diplomas for the participants who achieved this recognition for their work in the championship.
Daishi Sosa had the honor of receiving this diploma, becoming the first world referee from the continent of America. The remaining group was made up of 53 Japanese, one South African, one French and one Belgian.
Japan had a very intense desire to support and propagate the different martial arts around the world. Daishi Jorge Sosa being the precursor of Shito Ryu Karatedo in Latin America was a key piece in that effort, achieving unexpected triumphs in this event.

About the author

This article was written by Ligia Sosa, one of our in-house Budo historians dedicated to research and document the different ways Japanese Martial Arts came to America.