Category: Azer News

Ramin Mammadzade is an internationally recognized and certified English-speaking martial arts instructor and master.

He holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Aikido and a 2nd Dan black belt in Kyokushinkai Karate (Shin Kyokushin discipline).

Recently, he was awarded 4th Dan black belts in four traditional Japanese sword and weapon arts: Kenjutsu – 4th Dan, Iaijutsu – 4th Dan, Nitojutsu – 4th Dan and Kobujutsu – 4th Dan.

In addition, he is a 3rd Kyu in Judo, a 1st Kyu in Iaido (Shin Kage Ryu style), and a 5th Kyu yellow belt in Nunchaku-Do.

Ramin is the official representative of the World Nunchaku Association and the International Kobudo Association in Azerbaijan. He has also been actively practicing, developing, and promoting Kendo in Azerbaijan for many years.

Dedicated to the path of Budo, he continuously works on his personal growth and strives to expand and strengthen the practice of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

In his interview with AZERNEWS, Ramin Mammadzade opened up about his recent trip to Turkiye, where he had the chance to collaborate with some of the most renowned figures in the martial arts world, including Hanshi Metin Kayar.

During his visit, he participated in a seminar focused on four martial arts disciplines related to swordsmanship: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu. He was also honored to receive direct guidance from Soke Irie Yasuhiro, a 10th Dan master from Japan, as well as Hanshi Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion.

Q: What prompted your recent trips to Turkiye, and what were the key objectives you aimed to achieve?

A: Long time I have been collaborating for with the world-known martial artist such as Hanshi Metin Kayar. He is a 16-time world champion in various disciplines, including karate, kickboxing, and martial arts related to swordsmanship. I am very proud and honored to work with such an outstanding master and remarkable personality.

I have been training and practicing according to his program. Metin Kayar created a unique system called Budo 7, which combines seven directions of Japanese martial arts. I will provide more details about this below.

By invitation of Metin Kayar, I traveled to Istanbul, Turkiye, where I represented Azerbaijan. Masters from Turkiyeey also participated on this event together with Metin Kayar and his Sensei from Japan Soke Irie Yasuhiro, holder of the 10th Dan in Ju Jutsu. Hanshi Mettin Kayar himself also holds the 10th Dan, received from his teacher.

This trip, which took place from September 17 to September 21, 2025, was very interesting and fruitful. We combined intensive training with cultural activities. The seminar included sessions in four directions of martial arts related to swords and weapons: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu

In addition, we visited many attractions and historical sites in Istanbul, which made the trip even more enriching and memorable.

Q: How did you come to be an official representative of international martial arts organizations? What are your responsibilities in this role now?

A: After long and dedicated collaboration with Hanshi Metin Kayar and intensive trainings, I embarked on the trip I had previously mentioned to Turkiye. During this visit, I was officially awarded with 4th Dan grades in four martial arts disciplines, as well as the official representative of the organizations: Kokusai Budokan Renmei and Nihon Bushido Kodokai. I am honored to serve as the representative of these organizations in Azerbaijan and am committed to developing these four disciplines in the country.

Additionally, I would like to introduce the BUDO7 system, a unique martial arts framework created by Hanshi Metin Kayar. This system encompasses seven martial arts, and in the future, I plan to promote all of these disciplines here in Azerbaijan.

It was a great privilege to meet such distinguished masters as Soke Irio Yasohiro, 10th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu from Japan, and Hanshi Mitin Koyar, his student, also a 10th Dan in multiple disciplines and a 16-time champion. The trip was filled with inspiring and positive experiences. I gained invaluable knowledge and returned to Azerbaijan full of energy and motivation to represent these organizations and further develop these martial arts.

I have already begun training sessions, holding two classes in these disciplines. One of the key areas is Budo Kendo, where Hanshi Metin Kayar developed his own style, which include katas/kumite and etc. Foam swords fighting by Metin Kayar is very interesting for children and for adults, with foam swords you do not injure anyone rather that have fights with wooden or metal swords and it is very interesting and takes much energy. The sessions have been met with great enthusiasm, especially from the children. We continue to advance and promote these martial arts across Azerbaijan, fostering growth and passion for BUDO in our community.

THE BUD07 is no ordinary martial arts system. It is the life’s work of Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion in various disciplines – including six titles in karate kumite, three in kenjutsu (weapon forms), two in kobudo (karate weapons), two in karate kata (forms running), and three in kickboxing. From this unique mastery, budo7 was born – a path based on seven traditional Japanese martial arts: Kendo, Ken-Jutsu, Kobu-Jutsu, Karate, Goshin-Jutsu, Aiki-Jutsu and Ju-Jutsu.

But budo7 goes deeper. Each of these disciplines represents an inner line, a principle that transcends technique: Politeness and Appreciation, Recognize and address the good, Confronting the negative with attitude, Maintain balance and equilibrium, Lifelong learning and understanding, Feel the right timing, Concentration and vitality in the here and now. These seven lines connect body, mind, and heart into a harmonious unity. Budo7 is not a rigid style-it is a living path formed from the most valuable elements of traditional Japanese martial arts. Those who do it train not only technique, but also posture.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent both Azerbaijan and Japanese martial arts in such an important way?

A: This is the first time in the history of Azerbaijan and in the history of Japanese martial arts that someone has received a degree in these disciplines. In other words, an Azerbaijani has become a representative of these two major organizations. I believe that I am writing a new chapter in the history of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

For me, it is a great honor and pride to be a representative of these organizations, to develop the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan, and to promote the four martial arts of Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu, as well as, in the future, the other martial arts included in the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan. I will do everything in my power to successfully advance these martial arts in our country.

Q: What are your plans for promoting Aikido and other martial arts in Azerbaijan?

A: Plans for the development of these martial arts in Azerbaijan? Yes, of course, I have plans – big plans. I am already opening a group for children under the BUDO7 system. I am starting classes in Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, and later I will also conduct training in Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu.

Let me explain the difference: Kenjutsu is when the sword is held with both hands. Iaijutsu is performed with one hand on the sword. Nitojutsu is practiced with two swords, one in each hand. Kobujutsu involves training with various types of traditional weapons, such as nunchaku, bokken (wooden sword), jo, bo, tonfa, saya, and many others.

I will be developing these martial arts both in Azerbaijan and on the international level.

The United States has imposed a 10 percent tariff on most softwood lumber and timber imports from New Zealand, a move industry groups say will negatively impact the country’s forestry and wood-processing sectors, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Industry leaders warned Wednesday that the new duty will reduce New Zealand’s competitiveness, squeeze profit margins, and ultimately increase costs for American consumers.

‘These tariffs are highly disruptive to New Zealand’s forestry sector, especially at a time when confidence and stability are crucial,’ said Elizabeth Heeg, chief executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA).

Heeg emphasized that the tariffs pose immediate challenges for both forest growers and wood processors, but noted the industry’s commitment to diversifying and expanding into new markets.

‘This adds uncertainty and risk for exporters who have been working hard to develop long-term, sustainable supply chains that benefit both countries,’ she said.

The tariff, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump following a Section 232 investigation into national security concerns related to timber imports, will come into effect on October 14. Initially, Washington considered tariffs as high as 50 percent but eventually settled on 10 percent.

In 2024, New Zealand exported approximately 370 million NZD (around 215 million USD) worth of radiata pine products to the United States, making the U.S. the third-largest market for New Zealand’s value-added forest products, according to the NZFOA.

Mark Ross, chief executive of the New Zealand Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, noted that the increased costs might either be absorbed by exporters or passed on to U.S. buyers, potentially impacting prices and supply chains.

New Zealand’s forestry industry is one of the country’s largest export sectors and a significant contributor to its economy, employing over 50,000 people and supplying sustainable wood products to more than 130 countries worldwide.

On October 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of a new park established in Baku’s Narimanov district, Azernews reports.

Eldar Azizov, Head of the Baku City Executive Authority, informed the head of state and the First Lady about the park.

The new recreational area is located at the intersection of Ahmad bey Aghaoglu, Tabriz, and Talat Shixaliyev streets, near the Italy-Azerbaijan University. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, the park features gazebos, an amphitheater, a tennis court, entertainment zones for children, and a modern lighting system. All necessary facilities have been created for both quiet relaxation and sports activities.

A one-on-one meeting between President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Italy Sergio Mattarella has kicked off in Baku, Azernews reports.

On September 30, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held an expanded meeting with Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.

Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Dear Mr. President,

Distinguished guests,

I sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan. We attach great importance to your visit. This is a manifestation of the relations of friendship and partnership between Italy and Azerbaijan.

We meet quite often in Rome. At the same time, this is your second official visit to Azerbaijan. During our meeting last year, I invited you to Azerbaijan, so I thank you for accepting my invitation. Today, the development of Italian-Azerbaijani relations is evident. We have already discussed several important issues. Our cooperation is multifaceted. We can state that it covers many areas, from energy to industrial production. Currently, our collaboration, which also covers the education sector, is of truly strategic importance, and I can say that the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed five years ago, is being fully implemented.

Our relations are also crucial for the development of the region in which we are located and have a positive impact on our relations with the European Union. Italy has always supported our efforts to build closer relations with the European Union, and we are grateful to you for that.

Of course, there are many significant results in the energy sector. We have already talked about this. We will now continue this discussion in a broader format. Of course, we can rightly congratulate each other on the results already achieved. But our plans are broader. The implementation of new projects in the energy sector, both in a bilateral format with Italy and with the European Union as a whole, is very important, and we are successfully working on these issues.

Tomorrow there will also be a wonderful event – we will jointly participate in the opening of the new building of the Italy-Azerbaijan University. This is, in fact, our friendship project. Only three years have passed from the start of the project to its implementation. In 2022, I issued a relevant Order, and hundreds of students are already involved in education. Of course, they will become ambassadors of Italian-Azerbaijani friendship. They will both receive a wonderful education and further strengthen the friendship between us.

I greet you once again and say ‘Welcome!”

X X X

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said:

– Thank you, Mr. President. As I mentioned during our meeting, I am pleased to be visiting Baku again. I am truly delighted to see you in Baku again after seven years. This is evidence of the deep friendship that binds our countries together and of the multifaceted strategic partnership between us.

Your visit to Rome is another vivid example of our friendly relations. We attach great importance, in particular, to the strategic partnership between our countries. These relations continue to expand, cover multiple areas and are of great importance for the future.

It is a great honor for me to participate in the opening of the new university campus together with you tomorrow. This once again proves that the partnership between our countries is not limited to the economic sphere. This is also an example of the high level of cultural relations between us and the fact that they will open new horizons for the cooperation between our young people in the future.

Let me express my sincere gratitude to you for your invitation. This is also an occasion for more meetings in the future.

The exchange of experience between media representatives and government communication officials, as well as the networking of influential figures shaping public opinion in both countries, highlights the growing significance of the joint Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan media platform.

Azernews reports that this message was delivered by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his speech at the 2nd Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Media.”

Ismayilov recalled that the first media forum, held in Tashkent last year, was themed “In Search of Truth in the Digital Age: Combating Disinformation.” He emphasized that while technological advancement brings innovation, it also presents cross-border challenges that pollute the information environment.

‘Combating disinformation remains a top priority for both our countries. Last year’s discussions yielded practical recommendations, and this year’s forum continues in the same spirit by addressing one of the most pressing topics on the media agenda – digital transformation,’ he noted.

Ismayilov stressed that digital transformation is not limited to technological upgrades; it is a profound shift that redefines how societies consume information, interpret media content, and envision the future of journalism.

‘Today, news is no longer confined to traditional newspapers or television screens – it’s being shaped on smartphone displays, social media feeds, and AI-powered analytical platforms,’ he said.

He also highlighted a critical shift in media values:

‘While speed of information delivery was once the main priority, today, credibility, fact-checking, and public trust have become the most important values. The future of media depends not only on journalists but on the collaborative efforts of all public institutions.’

Concluding his remarks, Ismayilov emphasized that digital transformation is inevitable and requires active engagement:

‘We have no choice but to be active participants in this process. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we can turn technological progress into a powerful tool for national development and higher-quality information access for our citizens.’

The forum serves as a platform for strengthening media ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and underscores the shared commitment to responsible, forward-looking journalism in the digital age.

‘This is the second visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan. His first official visit took place seven years ago,’ President Ilham Aliyev said during a joint press statement with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The head of state noted: ‘Today’s visit demonstrates that Italy-Azerbaijan relations are developing very successfully, and we are true strategic partners.’

Swimming competitions continue at the Ganja Sports Palace as part of the 3rd CIS Games, Azernews reports.

According to Idman.biz, Azerbaijani swimmers Ogtay Huseynov, Yegor Maynitskiy, Farhad Shirmammadli, and Suleyman Ismayilzade won the bronze medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay.

Athletes from Russia took the gold medal, while swimmers from Kazakhstan earned the silver.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday to denounce the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment from 1987, after submitting a bill to withdraw Russia from the treaty three weeks ago, Azernews reports.

The denunciation follows the Council of Europe’s decision to withdraw Russia’s membership in March 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine.

Russia’s State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin previously condemned the decision and claimed that Moscow’s requests for representation were being ignored, despite the European Convention’s principle of cooperation.

SOCAR Green plans to allocate more than 500 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity under a 240 MW innovative renewable energy project aimed at decarbonizing the Sangachal oil and gas terminal.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Elchin Tarquliyev, solar and wind energy expert at SOCAR Green, during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week 2025.

Tarquliyev explained that the company will feed electricity into the national grid and then draw it from another part of the country specifically to support carbon reduction at the Sangachal terminal. ‘This is a 240 MW project, and over 500 million kWh of electricity will be allocated for the terminal’s decarbonization efforts,’ he noted.

He also highlighted SOCAR Green’s focus on developing small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects, primarily targeting the business sector, including SOCAR itself. These projects are designed to help companies reduce both emissions and electricity costs, with power sold slightly below national tariffs. While the company’s primary focus remains on solar and wind energy, it is also actively exploring the potential of geothermal and biogas resources, which are currently in the assessment phase.