Tokyo-born Rika Usami began her karate career at just 10 years old when she joined a local dojo. Progressing through a number of minor competitions during her teenage years, she soon began winning medals in tournaments in multiple countries, ultimately becoming one of the most well-known female karateka in the world and officially recognised as female kata world champion.
When it comes to kata – the performance of choreographed routines intended to demonstrate proficiency in the execution of learned movements – Rika is simply unmatched, and is admired the world over for her dazzling skills. As you can see in the following video taken during her performance at the 21st WKF World Karate Championships in France last year, her movements are fast, powerful and starlingly accurate.
Prepare to be blown away as Rika performs kata “Chatanyara Kusanku”.
Okay, our minds are officially blown.
▼ That, ladies and gentlemen, is true focus
▼ And here’s Rika performing the kata at a local dojo overseas
Sources: YouTube WKFKarateWorldChamps via Kotaku US, Karate by Jesse
Additional video via YouTube Jesse EnKamp
Japan’s nine-year-old karate champion returns—in Australian singer Sia’s new music video【Video】
5 Japanese women who can kick your ass (in martial arts)【Women in Japan Series】
This Tokyo event is like a real-world Dragon Ball World Martial Arts Tournament
Mini karate-chop roof tiles you can actually destroy are Japan’s newest capsule toy【Videos】
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
Survey finds that one in five high schoolers don’t know who music legend Masaharu Fukuyama is
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Sakura shine at beautiful art installation at Tokyo Sky Tree’s Solamachi complex
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
This Tokyo ramen restaurant is the first to ever receive a Michelin dining guide star
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Power up like Godzilla with new limited-edition Godzilla Energy Drink
Pretty pink coffins to sleep in now on sale in Japan, made by local Tokyo craftsmen【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says