Ichariba chōdē
Phrase from the Uchināguchi dialect of Okinawa Ichariba chōdē – Once we meet, we are family. Origins and Meaning While visiting Okinawa I came across the phrase “Ichariba chōdē” which …
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Author: Gert Corfitzen Jürgensen
Meaning of Martial Arts
Origin and Meaning of “Martial” The word “martial” comes from the Latin word “Mārtiālis,” meaning “related to Mars”. Mars was the Roman god of war and also an agricultural guardian, …
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Pressure Points in Martial Arts
What Are Pressure Points? Many people associate pressure points with acupuncture and meridian lines, as acupuncture uses these points to promote healing and restore energy balance. In martial arts, pressure …
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The worn-out word Karate
Today, the word “Karate” is thrown around so loosely that it barely means anything anymore. For some, it means kids in white uniforms yelling while earning participation trophies. Others picture …
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Ishidatami Michi (Stone-paved Road)
Ishidatami Michi (石畳道) – Stone-Paved Road in Kinjo-cho, Shuri The Shuri Kinjo-cho Stone-Paved Path is a preserved section of an old road located in Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Okinawa, Japan. This stone …
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Realistic Self-Defense
How to Adapt Classic Karate Techniques to Realistic Self-Defense Situations Karate, a martial art with deep roots in tradition and discipline, is often associated with its iconic stances, punches, and …
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Fukushuen Garden
Historical Background Fukushuen Garden was built in 1992 to mark two events: the 70th anniversary of Naha City’s founding and the 10th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Fuzhou …
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Realistic Kihon
Kihon is the foundation of Karate. It builds technique, power, and control. However, if kihon is practiced in a rigid and unrealistic way, it becomes useless in real combat. To …
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Tetsuhiro Hokama
A Life in Martial Arts While visiting Okinawa, I had the honor of meeting Tetsuhiro Hokama. He welcomed me warmly and took the time to share his deep knowledge of …
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Okinawa Karate Kaikan and Museum
The Okinawa Karate Kaikan in Tomigusuku, near Naha Airport, is a large facility dedicated to the practice, education, and preservation of Okinawan karate. It serves both experienced practitioners and beginners, …
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