Okinawan martial arts refers to the martial arts, such as karate, tegumi and kobudō, which originated among the indigenous people of Okinawa Island.

Although several kobudo (weapon) systems also exist in Okinawa, using, for instance, nunchaku – the deadly articulated club made famous by the legendary Bruce Lee – the bare essence of Okinawan …

Feb 15, 2025 · Discover the true history of Okinawan karate and how it differs from modern martial arts. Learn how traditional training focuses on real-world self-defense, discipline, and ancient techniques …

Compiled here is a brief history of these martial traditions with a particular focus on the fighting art of karatedo. Okinawa, or the Ryukyu Islands as it is also known, is actually composed of a long stretch …

Aside from overt migration and conquest, the ongoing flow of trade contributed to the evolution of Okinawan martial arts. Merchants from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia brought goods and …

Jun 20, 2025 · Each trip has been a unique chapter in a remarkable journey, filled with training, learning, and personal growth within the rich tapestry of Okinawan Bujutsu.

Feb 18, 2025 · Things took a serious turn in the 17th century when the Satsuma clan from Japan invaded Okinawa. They banned weapons, forcing the Okinawans to refine their empty-handed …

This guide will explore some of the best dojos where you can train in traditional Okinawan Karate, under the guidance of masters who have inherited and continue to preserve these ancient practices.

What many people may not realize is that Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and that the martial art is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the islands.

Uechi-Ryu (上地流) represents a time-honored Okinawan karate style known as the “Style of Uechi”. Originally referred to as Pangai-noon, translating to “half-hard, half-soft”, this martial art underwent a …