President of the World Shotokan Union Dr. Mohammad Khaled Al-Buqai Receives President of the Arab Syrian Karate Federation Ma’moun Kharbout and Accompanying Delegation

Jordan – Irbid – Hanshi Dr. Mohammad Khaled Al-Buqai, also known as the “Body Engineer” and President of the World Shotokan Union, welcomed Mr. Ma’moun Kharbout, President of the Arab Syrian Karate Federation, at the headquarters of the World Shotokan Union in Irbid, Jordan. Mr. Kharbout was accompanied by a Syrian sports delegation that included Mr. Ammar Al-Sabsebi, Vice President of the Arab Syrian Karate Federation, along with Syrian national team coaches Captains Ma’moun Al-Hamwi, Nours Al-Hamwi, and Raji Raji, in addition to Asian referees Hafez Qazmeh and Ahmad Nidal Dahneen.

The cordial meeting focused on exploring avenues of cooperation between both sides in ways that contribute to the development of Karate and Shotokan in Jordan and Syria, while enhancing their presence at the Arab and international levels. The two parties agreed to establish a Supreme Shotokan Committee tasked with organizing refereeing and training courses, conducting black belt examinations, and hosting specialized Shotokan championships in coordination between the Arab Syrian Federation and the Supreme Shotokan Committee.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Buqai presented Mr. Ma’moun Kharbout, President of the Arab Syrian Karate Federation, with the 8th Dan certificate from the World Shotokan Union in recognition of his long career and distinguished contributions to Karate. He also awarded Mr. Ammar Al-Sabsebi, Vice President of the Federation, the 7th Dan certificate in appreciation of his technical and administrative excellence within the Syrian Karate movement.

This meeting marks a new phase in the activities of the World Shotokan Union on both the Arab and international stages, with Syria serving as the starting point. It reflects the depth of sporting and fraternal ties between the two countries and underscores the belief in the role of sports in strengthening Arab cooperation.

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