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 is often translated as “Once we meet, we are brothers and sisters” or, more broadly, “Once we meet, we are family.” The phrase reflects an important part of Okinawan culture; openness, hospitality, and solidarity.
It goes further than a casual greeting. The idea is that even strangers can form bonds of kinship upon meeting. In traditional Okinawan life, where survival depended on cooperation and community, this outlook helped build trust, mutual support, and respect.
Cultural Significance in Okinawa
In Okinawa’s small villages and island communities, strong social bonds were essential for daily life, and Ichariba chōdē fit naturally into this spirit. It nurtured belonging and reminded people that kinship was not limited to blood relatives but could also grow from respect and shared humanity.
The phrase is still alive today. People in Okinawa and the wider Okinawan community continue to use it, carrying forward a sense of kindness and inclusiveness that has been passed down through generations.
Connection to Okinawan Karate
Even though the phrase comes from daily life and not directly from martial arts, it has a strong link to Okinawan Karate. Respect, cooperation, and community are central values in traditional dojos. These values mirror the spirit of Ichariba chōdē.
Karate in Okinawa is about more than technique. It is also about developing character and acting with integrity. The dojo is not only a training hall; it is a place where students support each other’s growth. Seen this way, Ichariba chōdē becomes more than a cultural phrase; it reminds students that everyone in the dojo is family.
Practical Implications in Training
In practice, Ichariba chōdē shapes how Karateka work together. During partner drills, the aim is not to win but to learn. Safety, trust, and growth take priority. A senior guiding a beginner shows this clearly, offering help and encouragement while respecting the beginner’s level.
Through this, the dojo becomes more than a place to train. It becomes a community where bonds of trust and responsibility grow naturally.
Broader Martial Arts Philosophy
Although the phrase belongs to Okinawa, its values are familiar worldwide. Many martial traditions stress respect, humility, and community as part of training. The meaning of Ichariba chōdē, treating others like family once you meet, fits perfectly with the martial arts goal of building character as well as skill.
By embracing this idea, Karate stays rooted in more than fighting. It becomes a way of life that cultivates discipline, respect, and lasting human connection, while preserving one of Okinawa’s most meaningful cultural lessons.
Thanks for reading, Gert
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