JICA Okinawa holds online lessons to teach Karate techniques and the essence of peace to students in south America as it eyes World Heritage List recognition

JICA Okinawa holds online lessons to teach Karate techniques and the essence of peace to students in south America as it eyes World Heritage List recognition

Students from Brazil and Peru performing katas over video conference – February 28


March 7, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Sayaka Yoshida

 

In order to further the study of peace by passing down Okinawan traditional karate, and to strengthen relationships with people of Japanese descent in other countries, JICA Okinawa hosted an online seminar for Japanese descendants abroad titled, “spreading Okinawan traditional karate to help list it on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. The lessons were attended by eight people from Peru and Brazil, and took place over the course of a month from February 4-28. They studied the forms, technique, and spirit of Okinawan traditional karate, and through this passing of knowledge they were also able to exchange points of view.

The participants each watched instructional videos that taught the history, etiquette, breathing techniques and stances of Goju-ryu karate. Then, International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation instructors Masakazu Kuramoto and Yoshinori Yonesato guided them on their forms and technique over video online. Each day, there were Spanish and Portuguese interpreters present to help interpret the instruction.

On the final day, February 28, the students presented the Okinawan traditional karate katas and lessons they had learned during the seminar.

International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation instructors Masakazu Kuramoto and Yoshinori Yonesato providing instruction over video – February 28, Higaonna Karate Dojo in Naha

Jose Mario Tavares Monteiro, who participated from Brazil, said, “The establishment of the Okinawa Karate Hall put Okinawan Karate on a global level, and I support it making the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

Rosa Bertha Chaman Comotto, who joined from Peru, said, “I think it is important to teach children not just the forms and techniques of karate, but also the essence and lifestyle.”

After the kata presentations, the participants provided feedback such as “I learned something I never knew before,” and “I want to visit the Okinawa Karate Hall. I want to practice together in Okinawa.”

One of the instructors, Kuramoto, said, “I am happy with the effort everyone put into the lessons. I want you to remember the pieces of the katas, and keep the spirit of “one more time” to keep practicing. I hope that you spread traditional karate to lots of people in each of your countries, so that it is continued to be passed down.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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