With Okinawa being instrumental in the development of modern karate, we took a 1.5 hour bus north 🚌 for a lesson in traditional Okinawan karate.
The dojo wasn’t exactly easy to get to, or even locate in the vast farmland, but that was probably in the spirit of karate: being determined.
Once we found the dojo and got into our gi (uniform), the fun began. Our sensei taught us some traditional karate moves, as well as introductory weapons training–among others: bo (Donatello) and sai (Raphael).
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Watch Harold’s practice kick
Watch Jennifer’s practice kick
Some of our weapons were scattered on the floor near the end 😅.
Us with our sensei and the dojo founders.
By the end, we were ready for a friendly sparring match (and possibly a black belt 😜).
After training, we relaxed a bit on the beaches of Okinawa, before getting an extra kick in at the Dojo Bar, popular with Okinawan karate practioners.
I wonder if you would have any energy after 3.5 more months but for sure you are having fun. If it a shame that so few people know about this. It is great. Congrats!
Looks like you’re both having a blast! What an adventure of a lifetime!! We miss you at the office, Harold, but love seeing what you’ve been up to on this amazing trip.
Thanks, Carrie! I miss you guys! I hope these posts are entertaining. The travel so far feels like I’m recharging my “creativity” batteries, and I can’t wait to be back better than ever!
My Ninja turtles glad to see you got to learn the original karate steps from where it originated from. Which one is Donatello and which one is Raphael? Nice stands guys. Now you know some of what Ronnie learned from his Kung Fu lessons. By the way Harold looks like the guy on the poster near the Dojo Bar. Enjoy love ya God bless