2016.12.28
Here are the major karate related events planned in Okinawa in January 2017.
International karatedo seminar
Date: January 6
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Kyudokan Higa-te Italy Dojo
Start of the Martial Year and Opening of the Budokan
Date: January 8
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Okinawa Prefecture Budo Coordination Council
Karate seminar
Dates: January 19
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Kyokushin Kaikan, Okinawa Prefecture Branch
4th Kyokushin Rengo Cup – World Tournament
Dates: January 21-22
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Kyokushin Kaikan, Okinawa Prefecture Branch
21st Ryuei-ryu Karate and Kobudo Tournament
Dates: January 21-22
Venue: Ginoza Village Gymnasium, Ginoza Village
Organizer: Okinawa Ryuei-ryu Karate Kobudo Ryuho-kai
Fusion of Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Crafts Symposium
Dates: January 26
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Museum, Naha City
Organizer: Okinawa prefecture industrial arts cooperation center
Note that the karate bureau doesn't endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to add an event, please let us know.
(Source: Okinawa Karate News)
2016.12.14
This declaration is now available online in 5 languages.
Japanese: http://www.gikai.city.naha.okinawa.jp/…/2012-…/ketugi02.html
English: http://www.gikai.city.naha.okinawa.jp/…/Town%20of%20Karate_…
Spanish:http://www.gikai.city.naha.okinawa.jp/…/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9A%…
French: http://www.gikai.city.naha.okinawa.jp/…/%E3%83%95%E3%83%A9%…
Portuguese: http://www.gikai.city.naha.okinawa.jp/…/%E3%83%9D%E3%83%AB%…
2016.12.01
The Karate promotion division organized a symposium on November 15th at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum. It was titled “Okinawa karate symposium – The charms of Okinawa traditional karate and kobudo and its cultural values”. Some 80 people came to listen to a lecture and a panel discussion.
During the first part, karate hanshi and former president of the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts Miyagi Tokumasa sensei gave a 50 minutes speech on the movement of the karate world in Okinawa prior to and after WWII. He supported his thoughts by displaying many newspaper articles and important documents that he has collected during a life dedicated to karate research. He reviewed many historical facts touching various topics like the organizations’ progresses, alliances and ruptures, the issue of titles and ranks, etc. One article published in the Ryukyu Shimpo June 25, 1965 and signed by late Miyazato Eiichi sensei was particularly interesting. Titled ‘Martial arts grades and titles’, the author wrote “Martial arts will rise with ranks and will be destroyed by ranks.” This was certainly a stimulus to many people in the audience. Ending his lecture, Miyagi sensei who also stands as advisor to the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai (ODKS) declared that “the Shinkokai must promote uniting all Okinawa” sending a strong message so that non-members could participate in today’s movement.
(The 1965 article signed by late Miyazato Eiichi sensei)
During the second part of the event, 4 experts were asked to give their thoughts, with Yamakawa Testuo, head of the Karate promotion division serving as host of the panel discussion. Dana Masayuki, head of the Prefectural Museum started by reaffirming that in the past, “karate was practiced in towns and was not present in the countryside”. Regarding historical value, he continued declaring that many more documents dating of the 1700ies are still to be found in China and Satsuma (former clan in Kagoshima Prefecture) and thus further research is essential. The chairman of the boards of directors of the ODKS, Kiyuna Choko sensei followed introducing the goals of the organization, also mentioning the needs of putting in place ranks.
The third panelist was Shinjo Kiyohide sensei, chairman of the boards of directors of the Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation and head of the Uechi-ryu Karatedo Kenyukai. Asked by Mr. Yamakawa about the relation between traditional karate and sport karate, he started speaking about his young years in karate asserting that “I was able to continue karate because there was kumite”. Today, as a teacher of the youth, and also as the head of an international organization with more than 20 branches in the world, he stressed the importance to meet the needs of our time by answering with both Dento (tradition) and Kakushin (innovation).
At that moment, Mr. Yamakawa reflected on this year’s great results: the establishment of the Karate promotion division within the OPG*, the Guinness world record, the wins of Kiyuna Ryo and his teammates at the recent WKF world tournament. He continued proposing for an event in 2022 in which both traditional karate and sport karate could meet. He explained the choice of 2022 as the 50th commemoration of the return of Okinawa to Japan in 1972 and the 100th anniversary of the demonstration by Funakoshi Gichin sensei at the 1st Physical education exhibition organized by the Ministry of Education in 1922. To this, Shinjo sensei vigorously answered that rather than touching sport karate, many issues must be addressed: the reexamination of the standards of tradition, research on technique based on history, per styles analysis of points of agreement on a technical aspects, etc. There are a lot of issues. However, aiming at Genten Kaiki – return to the origin, and solving the previous homework assignments, the course of action of Okinawa traditional karate will become clear.
Finally, the four panelists were asked to give their opinions on how they envision karate in 30 years. Miyagi sensei warned the audience that Todi and karate are two different things. Also, quoting late Kinjo Hiroshi sensei’s remark “Karate started with its introduction into school education”, he once again emphasized the importance of Onko Chishin or learning from the past. Kiyuna sensei foresaw the introduction of karate in all schools from elementary to senior high schools. Shinjo sensei reiterated the need of returning to the roots in traditional karate adding the importance of the starting point that is Ippon in kumite.
The final words were from Mr. Dana. About karate, he recommended, “It is undeniable that the influence of China is big. However, China is a country that values reforms over tradition. Today, for Okinawa karate, it is important to research how the many overseas influences were digested in Okinawa. In that matter, it is necessary to look again at the history of the Meiji era** and its people.” “A changing tradition is a proof of an energetic society. But karate is Okinawa’s tradition” concluded the only non-karateka of the panel, ending a successful 1st symposium by the Karate promotion division.
* Okinawa Prefecture Government
** 1868-1912
Article courtesy of Okinawa Karate News
Photos source: Okinawa Prefecture Karate promotion division and Okinawa Karate News
2016.11.06
Here are the major karate related events planned in Okinawa for the November 2016.
Kishimotodi seminar
Date: November 2
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan
Organizer: Challenge Okinawa
12th Taishinkan Youth Tournament
Date: November 6
Venue: Urasoe Municipal Gymnasium
Organizer: Okinawa Karatedo Shorin-ryu Taishinkan Association
2nd Shorinji-ryu Renshinkan Tournament
Date: November 12
Venue: Mekaru Elementary School, Naha City
Organizer: Renshinkan Okinawa Hdqrs.
Okinawa Special Seminar
Dates: November 12-13
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Karatedo Musokai
14th Seibukan-Shubukan combined tournament
Dates: November 20
Venue: Takushi Elementary School, Uraose City
Organizers: Seibukan & Shubukan
43rd Okinawa Shorinji-ryu Tournament
Date: November 20
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Shorinji-ryu Karatedo Federation
68th Okinawa Athletic Meet - Karate tournament
Date: November 26
Venue: Nanbu Norin SHS, Tomigusuku City
Organizer: Okinawa Amateur Sports Association
International Seminar in Russia
Date: November 25-27
Venue: Moscow, Russia
Organizers: Okinawa Prefecture
Info: Mr. Valeriy Maistrovoy http://www.okinawakarate.com/
Note that the karate bureau doesn't endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to ad an event, please let us know.
(Source: Okinawa Karate News)
2016.09.12
October 2016 promises to be a great month for karate enthusiasts in Okinawa. In addition to the Naha Festival and its Great Tug of War and the yearly commemorative events in relation with the Karate Day, officially established on October 25th, many karate manifestations are scheduled this year.
Here is the list, which will be updated along the way.
Premier League 2016 Okinawa Tournament
Dates: October 1-2
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: WKF
http://www.jkf.ne.jp/karate1-okinawa/
CFA seminars
Dates: October 3-7
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Karate Kenkyūkai
http://www.karatekenkyukai.org/
Naha Festival and Great Tug of War
Dates: October 8-10
Venue: Kokusai Street, Route 58 Kumoji crossing, Onoyama Park, Naha City
Organizer: Naha City & Conservation Society of Naha Giant Tug of War
http://www.naha-otsunahiki.org/en/index.html
21st All Okinawa Champs
Dates: October 16
Venue: Tamagusuku Gymnasium, Nanjo City
Organizer: Zen Okinawa Karatedo Federation
3rd 100 Kata for Karate Day challenge
Dates: October 22 (9AM Start)
Venue: Chura Sun Beach, Tomigusuku City
Organizer: Challenge Okinawa
Dedicatory demonstration for the victims of the war
Dates: October 23, starts at AM 6:00
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Peace Memorial Park, Itoman City
Organizer: Uechi-ryu-kei Rengokai
Karate Day’s demonstration 2016 & Guinness world record challenge
Date: October 23
Venue: Kokusai Street and in front of Naha Tenbusu, Naha City
Organizers: Okinawa Prefecture Government, etc.
WUF Karate kobudo exchange demonstration
Date: October 25
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Okinawa Prefecture Government, etc.
The 6th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival
October 26-30
More at http://wuf2016.com/en/
Symposium “Karate and kobudo town, Naha” 2016
Dates: October 26, starts at PM6:00
Venue: Palette Civic Theater, Naha City
Organizers: Naha City Karatedo Federation, Naha City
2nd Okinawa Kenpo International Seminar
Dates: October 29-30
Venue: Ginowan City employees sport center
Organizer: Okinawan Kenpō Karatedō Association
19th Junior HS Champs
Dates: October 29
Venue: Gushikawa Comprehensive Gymnasium, Uruma City
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. JHS Athletic Federation
All Okinawa Karatedo Tournament
Dates: October 30
Venue: Okinawa City Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Karate-Do Association
(Courtesy of Okinawa Karate News)
Note that the karate bureau doesn’t endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to ad an event, please let us know.
2016.09.05
Our report about the "Karate Expansion Forum" project was posted on the Okinawa Bank website.
Sorry, in Japanese only. An English version is on its way.
http://www.okinawa-bank.co.jp/opf/
More on this project on this page.
The actual website of the forum is
2016.09.02
Here are the events in Okinawa for the month of September 2016.
2nd Uechi-ryu Kata Tournament
Date: September 3
Venue: Kadena Dome
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. Uechi-ryu Karatedo Federation
Abo Toru & Hokama Tetsuhiro Debate and discussion
Date: September 4
Venue: Tomigusuku Central Public Hall
Organizer: Healthy Karate Project
Naha City Karatedo Championships
Date: September 4
Venue: Naha Civic Gymnasium
Organizer: Naha City Karatedo Federation
Uruma Karatedo Kobudo Tournament
Date: September 4
Venue: Uruma City Comprehensive Gymnasium
Organizer: Uruma City Karatedo Federation
Youth Karatedo Tournament
Dates: September 4
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Okinawa Karatedo Gojukai
Okinawa Pref. SHS Championships
Dates: September 10
Venue: Futenma SHS
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. SHS Federation
7th Anniversary of the passing of Nakazato Joen sensei
Date: September 24
Venue: Sugar Hall, Nanjo City
Organizer: Nakazato Joen sensei wo Shinobukai
3rd Kobudo Champs
Dates: September 25
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan, Naha City
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. Karatedo Federation
(Courtesy of Okinawa Karate News)
Note that the karate bureau doesn't endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to ad an event, please let us know.
2016.08.26
One of the last eminences of Okinawa karate, Nakazato Shugoro sensei passed away on August 24, 2016. He was 97 years old.
Born in 1920, he was a direct student of Chibana Choshin sensei and founded the famous Shorin-ryu Shorinkan Nakazato Dojo in 1953. Hanshi 10th dan in 1980, he was recognized as an intangible cultural asset holder for “Okinawa karate and kobujutsu” by the Okinawa Prefecture in 2000. Among the many awards he received during his life devoted to Okinawan martial arts was the "Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Rays", awarded by the government of Japan on November 4, 2007.
Our sincere condolences to his family and his many pupils.
2016.08.08
Here are the major karate related events planned in Okinawa in August 2016.
2016 Oshukai Summer Seminar
Dates: August 9-14
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Educational Sport Hall
Organizer: World Oshukai Federation
Charity Demonstration for Kumamoto
Date: August 21
Venue: Ie Island “Noson Kankyo Kaizen Center”
Organizer: Abe Dojo – Goju-ryu Karate Ryuzen-kai
49th Karatedo Championship Tournament
Dates: August 21
Venue: Okinawa City Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Karate Kyokai
4th Okinawa Traditional Karate and Kobudo World Seminar
Dates: July 24-28
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
Organizers: Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa Dento Karate Shinkokai
Note that the karate bureau doesn't endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to ad an event, please let us know.
(Source: Okinawa Karate News)
2016.07.01
Here are the major karate related events planned in Okinawa in July 2016.
19th Junior High School Tournament
Dates: July 2-3
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. JHS Federation
28th Okinawa Times Tournament
Date: July 17
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Times Newspaper
Youth Rensei Tournament
Date: July 24
Venue: Okinawa Pref. Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Pref. Karatedo Federation
7th World Budosai
Date: July 26-31
Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
Organizer: IOGKF
37th Youth Tournament
Dates: July 31
Venue: Okinawa City Budokan
Organizer: Okinawa Karatedo Kyokai
Note that the karate bureau doesn't endorse these events.
They are announced as a source of information only.
According to the event, there might be or not an entrance fee.
For more details, please contact directly the organizers.
If you wish to ad an event, please let us know.
(Source: Okinawa Karate News)