Interviews with 16 high-ranking masters from each style of Okinawa karate and kobudō have been released. https://www.okinawakarate.work/
In this 9th episode of OKIC’s WA series, Uema Yasuhiro sensei, head of the Shuri Karate Kobudō Preservation Society and Shōrin-ryū Shūbukan demonstrates the beginning of Itosu no Passai (also known as Passai Dai).
View the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNNlp0IfcNU
In the reference room of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, there is a board introducing the Okinawa Prefecture designated intangible cultural asset holders for “Okinawa Karate & Kobujutsu”.
Today, a ceremony was held in front of the entrance of the museum to issue certificates to the new displayed masters. Recognized as asset holders in May 2020, Iha Kōtarō sensei, Iha Seikichi (represented by his brother), Takara Shintoku sensei, Kikugawa Masanari sensei, Nakahodo Tsutomu sensei and Maeshiro Morinobu sensei (from the right on the photo) received their certificates from Toguchi Kazuhiro, director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Department of the prefecture government. The 6 names were then unveiled on the board.
The official torch relay schedule has been released.
The relay, which will start on March 25th, will be held in Okinawa from May 1st to 2nd.
The route on the first day of the prefecture is Naha City, Ginowan City, Ishigaki City, Okinawa City, Uruma City, Nago City, Motobu Town and Nago City.
The second day’s route will start from the “Okinawa Karate Kaikan” in Tomigusuku City and will go through Urasoe City, Zamami Village, Chatan Town, Miyakojima City, Nanjo City and Itoman City.
For details:
The Okinawa Prefecture secretariat page (in Japanese)
Website of the Tokyo tournament executive committee
In the 8th episode of the Okinawa Karate “WA” series, Kobudō master Iha Kōtarō sensei introduces some Bō (staff) fighting techniques.
The video is at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s29GlmTJkG4
