British Karate Federation News

Okinawa

May 29, 2012

After a 22 hour journey I arrived in my hotel in Okinawa and a few hours later was up and out for the WKF Technical Meeting to be held at the Okinawa Prefectural College of Arts (of which the WKF Technical Chairman, Mr Tsuguo Sakumoto, is Principal.)

The meeting was attended by myself, and representatives from Japan, Turkey, Spain, New Zealand, Tai Pei, and the USA. It was very intense and a number of issues were discussed, the results of which will be released at a later date.

We were privileged to be able to visit the Shuri Mon (Gate) a historic landmark, leading to the Shuri Castle. Fortunately this was only a five minute walk from the college.

During the evening we were treated to dinner at one of the best Okinawan restaurants, and entertained with a traditional dance (Ryukyu dance)

The next day the meeting was resumed, and later we were taken to a nearby dojo where some of the top instructors in Okinawa did a demonstration of Kata, Bunkai, Weapons, and breaking. This meeting was also attended by the President and Vice-President of the JKF (Japan Karate Federation)That evening we attended an informal buffet where various speeches were made and we got to know the members of the federation on a more personal basis.

Fitting everything in around the meetings was very intense, but extremely worthwhile. The highlight of the trip was when we were taken to visit the shrines of the Masters who introduced modern day karate to the world, Itosu, Matsumora, and Matsumura. For all of us it was indeed a privilege to visit these historic shrines.

With a beachside BBQ, and a visit to the largest Aquarium in that part of the world also on the agenda we were thoroughly entertained and looked after, and our thanks go out to Mr Sakumoto and his staff for all their efforts.

Click here to see pictures from the visit.

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