What is Original Okinawa Karate?

Karate is an ancient form of self defense, which originated in Okinawa, Japan. In our style, Original Okinawa Karate, the focus is to preserve the original teachings of open handed martial arts. This is done through the utilization of blocks, strikes, joint manipulation, offsetting the opponent’s center of balance, and using the aggressor’s momentum against them.  

At the very center of our training is self-control of both the mind and body. Individual character development is held in high regard within our dojo and association. Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan often reminds us that the cornerstone is friendship and cooperation. Iha Sensei lives this motto and it is apparent in the way he interacts with each of us. He is world renowned and described as a “teacher of teachers.” It is a great honor for our dojo to help contribute to his legacy.

Kata

Kata is at the center of our training. It is a series of self-defense moves that are practiced individually to promote muscle memory, control, balance, and strength. Because kata is practiced individually, the rhythm is often altered to facilitate various skill development. It is well understood that the more you do something the more proficient your body becomes. For this reason, we continually practice kata so that our bodies will efficiently remember and execute the necessary self defense technique during our time of need. 

In addition to the primary self defense component, there is an internal balance that comes with traditional martial arts. For many martial arts practitioners, performing kata is calming and invigorating. For this reason, karate is often referred to as walking meditation. Not only does the kata improve skill set, but it also helps the practitioner find inner calm and balance.

Kumite

Kumite is a series of moves designed to be practiced with a training partner. The different kumite is an expansion of partner drills that are learned in the early stages of training. As the student progresses, additional skills are introduced and practiced. Kumite is like sparring, but choreographed to ensure development of specific skills. As skill is developed, the partner interaction is expanded. This is an area of karate that is easy to see the motto, “if you can’t do it slow, then you can’t do it fast” comes to light. 

This area of training is one of the components of karate that friendship and cooperation is heavily emphasized. As a karate family, we understand that intending to harm our training partner is not productive for learning. Respect for our training partner is a priority. We work at the level of ability for the lowest rank. In this way both individuals learn and grow. The higher rank learns control and valuable teaching skills, and the lower rank becomes more proficient with the new skill set.