10/25 Karate Day

Ryukyu traditions of Okinawa-te (沖縄手) or Kara-te (唐手) were officially recognized as Karate(空手) in October 25th, 1936.October 25th became the designated ” Karate Day” to pray for the expansion of traditional Karate, world peace and happiness since 2005. This year, the first Memorial Karate Demonstration Ceremony was held in a plaza in front of Palette Kumoji, Naha City. Approximately 50 people representing 4 groups showing kata (型) such as seisan and saichen. We pray that Okinawa’s traditional karate will continuously contribute to world peace and happiness.

Okinawan Karate and Kobudo

Okinawa KarateOkinawa is known as the birthplace of Karate. While karate means "empty hand", kobudo is the practice of using classical weapons such as bo (staff), sai (short trident), tonfa (handled club), kama (sickle), and nunchaku.
Th lineage of Okinawa Karate includes a number of schools including Naha-te, Shuri-te, and Tomari-te and various styles including Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Uechi-ryu.
The Okinawa Karatedo Kobudo Support Center is the Okinawa based non-profit organization. They publish a monthly newsletter and are very helpful to people who want to visit Okinawa to train.

Okinawa.com has a list of karate web sites under the Links section.
If you have a web site about Okinawan Karate you can contact us to submit a link.

Photos of the 2007 22nd Okinawa Prefecture Karate Kobudo Enbu Taikai can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

If you are visiting Okinawa to do karate training, you should visit the Shureido martial arts supply store in Naha. The equipment is expensive but it’s the best.

All Okinawa Karate Kobudo event

Okinawa Karate breaking tilesPhotos of this event are now posted in the Photo Gallery.
March 4, 2007 22nd Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Kobudo Youth Demonstration at the Okinawa Prefecture Hall of Martial Arts in Naha sponsored by the Okinawa Prefecture Karatedo Federation. While karate means "empty hand", kobudo is the practice of using classical weapons such as bo (staff), sai (short trident), tonfa (handled club), kama (sickle), and nunchaku.