Recommended half-day experience of "see", "eat" and "learn" Okinawa traditional karate

The literature describing the birth and development of Okinawa Karate exists only in fragments, but since ancient times there has been fighting techniques called "hands" in Okinawa, which have evolved into "Shuri hand", "Naha hand" and "headwater of Okinawa Karate.

It is thought that the foundation of Okinawa Karate was laid under the influence of the martial arts gained through exchanges with China and neighboring countries in its original and creative martial arts. Currently, it has spread to 1.34 million karate enthusiasts in 169 countries and regions, but the reasons why it has spread so far are "war," "migrants," and "karate families who have worked hard to spread."
U.S. military personnel who studied karate in Okinawa and immigrants who moved from Okinawa to Hawaii and Brazil opened dojos in their respective countries, and karate instructors from Japan have been dispatched to Europe since the 1960s. Thanks to the efforts of karate families who have been actively promoting activities in Japan and overseas, karate has become popular worldwide.

Located about 14 minutes by car from Naha Airport, "Okinawa Karate Kaikan" was born as a cultural transmission facility where you can convey the origin of karate and learn the essence of it. Information about Okinawa Karate is displayed in various ways in the archives on the premises. A theater where you can see the history of Okinawa karate and the types of main techniques on a large screen in about 10 minutes of video, an exhibition area with introductions of karate houses that contributed to the development of karate, an exhibition area with historical materials, and an iron clogs with 5 kg per foot There is a corner where you can experience the training of karate, such as the challenge to extinguish the candle on the screen with the "thrust", which is the basis of karate, so you can know Okinawa karate throughout the body if you go around. Leaflets in the library are available in 9 languages.

If you are a high school student or older, we also recommend "Tile splitting experience"! It is not a real tile used, but a plastic eco tile that is perfect for trial splitting, so even beginners can challenge with confidence. I will move quickly to karate clothes. Listen to the explanation and precautions of how to split from the staff, and go live.

When you shake your hand with "Yes!", It will break unexpectedly. It is also very refreshing to be able to release stress! If you shake your hand without hesitation, it will break clean.

You can challenge up to 3 times at a time, so you don't have to break in one time. At the end of the experience, you can get the Karate Kaikan original "Kawa split certificate".

There are twice a day (from 11:00 to 14:00), so please check the availability by contacting the Karate Kaikan website or directly.

At the restaurant "Karate Cafe AGARI" attached to the Karate Kaikan, the specialty "Karate soba" is popular. Okinawa soba is very satisfying in appearance and taste, with bonito and kelp broth on homemade handmade noodles with strong elasticity. The point is that the boiled kelp resembles a black belt!

Also, we recommend "cream soda" that can blow away the heat with a colorful look and stimulation. There are four flavors: Blue Hawaii, strawberry, melon and mango. All colors go well with the blue sky of Okinawa.

In addition, there are various types, such as Patafly pea honey lemon tea, Shekwasha honey soda, and the nostalgic Okinawa Karate Kaikan Original Ramune. The food is available only during the day, so don't forget to check in advance for business hours! 

And when it comes to karate, tiles ... tile split crackers! This is secretly popular among foreign tourists visiting the hall, and it is said that it may be sold out at the shops inside the hall. You can purchase Karate Kaikan original goods and books, so please drop in before returning. 

How was it? Not only those who are interested in martial arts, but also those who have no experience in karate will surely be able to experience memorable experiences. Please visit the Okinawa Karate Kaikan when you travel to Okinawa. I would be happy if you were interested in Okinawa Karate.