Rao strikes a pose. File picture

Jamshedpur, July 26: A karate expert of Jamshedpur would soon land up in the birthplace of karate — Japan.

Top karateka, sensei L. Nageshwar Rao would be off to Osaka, Japan to learn more about the intricacies of karate and judo.

The 37-year-old Rao, an employee of Tata Steel sports department, is the only person from the country to have received invitation from Japan Karate Federation (JKF) to attend a training-cum seminar.

He is also scheduled to take part in a championship on August 26.

Very few Indian karatekas get an opportunity to attend training sessions and seminars abroad.

Rao’s track record, vast experience and his overall performance in karate and judo have helped him to get a rare chance to rub shoulders with the who’s who of martial art.

“Its an honour to get an invitation from the JKF. But frankly, I was expecting it,” Rao, a sixth-degree black belt, told The Telegraph.

He added that the invitation had been sent by K. Takasaki, assistant secretary of JKF.

“Every teacher needs to grow and learn. The stint in Osaka will help me learn various forms of martial art. I am looking forward to my visit,” Rao said.

Shedding light on the training-cum-seminar, he said it would an enriching experience as he would be exposed to world-class training.

“Top exponents of martial arts will not only address the seminar but also conduct the training session. Besides karate and judo, they will also impart training on kobudo, which is a martial art involving nunchaku, shiyan chaku and other forms of Japanese defence skills. One rarely gets to see these here in India,” Rao said.

Rao, also the director of Jharkhand Judo Association, said he would be judged closely by the trainers and would also have to come out with different poses in karate and judo.

“In my performance at the championship, I will concentrate on kata or choreographed movement patterns. These involve communication, power, speed and perfection. The championship would take place before the training-cum-seminar. The seminar will stretch for five days,” he added.

Depending upon his performance, Rao said he would get a certificate after the training.

Senior karatekas of Jamshedpur expressed enthusiasm about Rao’s visit.

“He would be back with rich experiences to share with everyone involved with karate in Jamshedpur. Emerging karatekas would benefit by working under him,” said a karateka.

In the past, Rao has visited several countries to participate in karate championships.

Before Japan, he would be going to Malaysia for a similar exercise.