Slomanski Certificate Translation

Translation Below:

Mr. Koji Translation

# 267 (Top Seal: Kempo Karate)

Certificate

Fifth Dan

Designate to oversee [Commissioner] activities in all states in the U.S.

Henry Slomanski

Person above has became a role model for many people by

dedicating his efforts in training Kempo Karate do, keeping all codes,

and maintaining polite demeanor. Therefore, this certificate is provided

by the recommendation of each master.

August 1st, Showa 31 (= 1956) (Showa is 'date' related).

Tokyo Headquarter of All Japan Kenpo Karatedo Fukyukai

Chairman of Tokyo Headquarter, Shihan Gichin Funakoshi

Shihan Jyuhatsu Kyoda

Headquarter of All Japan Kenpo Karatedo Fukyukai

Kyushu Headquarter of All Japan Karatedo Gojyukai

Kyushu Headquarter, Chairman & Hanshi Gochoku Chitose

All Japan Karatedo Gojyukai, Chairman of Tokyo Headquarter, Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi

(Shihan and Hanshi means instructor)

Mr. Usui Translation

No.267 (Top Mark: Kempo Karate)

Certificate

Degree 5 Certified to be Commissioner in all states of the U.S.A and territories.

Henry Slomanski

The above individual has made tremendous efforts in Martial Arts Karate training, has consistently followed all applicable rules, respected the traditions and manners and has set an example for other peer trainees. Hence with recommendations from each master we herein certify this individual to obtain the above degree level.

August 1, 1956

Japan Martial Arts Karate Promotion Association, Tokyo Headquarters

President, Tokyo Headquarters

Master Teacher Gichin Funakoshi

Master Teacher Juuhatsu Kyoda

(Stamp of Kyushu Headquarters President)

Japan Martial Arts Karate Promotion Association, Association Headquarters

Japan Martial Arts Karate Goju Group, Kyushu Regional Headquarters

Kyushu Regional Headquarters

President Master Tsuyonao Chitose

(Stamp of Tsuyonao Chitose)

Japan Martial Arts Karate Goju Group

President, Eastern Headquarters Gogen Yamaguchi

Translation from Koji with the help of Bob Bethanis: The certificate is read from right side to left. The seal on the top with the fist is the symbol of Kempo Karate Do. We have verification, from the Chito Ryu organization in Japan, of the authenticity of this document. Rune Ingebrigtsen, from Norway, has provided authentication as well.

* One notable remark is that this certificate has all 4 Great Grand Masters on it: Chairman of Tokyo Headquarter Shihan Gichin Funakoshi, Shihan Jyuhatsu Kyoda, Chairman & Hanshi Gochoku Chitose (aka Tsuyoshi in today’s world), and Chairman of Tokyo Headquarter, Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi

*A note from Bob Bethanis: Very similar to the translation you already received. Also, I'd note that Kanji systems are not so much word specific when translated, as they are conceptual. So, the character for something like... hard training, "Shugyo," might be translated into english as "Hard Training," or "Training to fortify the spirit," and other permutations and expressions. I'd say this certificate has been verified!

We are still translating pieces of the certificate namely the seals, which we believe are associated with the Emperor of Japan at that time. *Grand Master John B. Burkhardt and his wife Judy were told this by a Japanese college professor in New York who has since passed away.

*Note: Neither translator has seen the Commissioner card that Henry Slomanski received along with his certificate by us. We know that the round seals in blue are from the International Karate Federation – Japan. We believe the oval seal on the English version of the card is the same seal on his certificate. We are still working on the translation to date in order to affirm our beliefs.

As you can see the translation by Mr. Usui, as a non martial artist, uses the terminology as Master Teacher whereby Mr. Koji, as a martial artist, translates it as Shihan. Both mean the same and fall in the category of conceptual meanings and the difficulty in translating languages from one to another.