Journey to the Birthplace of Karate with GKR Karate’s Okinawa Experience
Since 2001, GKR Karate has been organising biennial trips to Okinawa, the homeland of Karate. Initially exclusive to Senior Instructors, the invitation has been extended to all students since 2016 due to the overwhelming success and popularity of these visits.
Our previous trip, held before the Covid-19 pandemic, welcomed over 70 students and featured seminars with prominent Okinawan Masters. This year, we have arranged for a new line-up of Masters to conduct our sessions. Stay tuned to our Okinawa Facebook page for more details as we confirm the full schedule.
The karate seminars will take place at the Kaikan, a popular venue hosting numerous martial arts events.
Why We Conduct These Trips
Okinawa is home to numerous karate-related historic sites, memorials, and the world’s only Karate Museum. These trips provide students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge while immersing themselves in the culture and customs of karate’s true birthplace.
Okinawa Experience Schedule
- Monday, August 21st – Kaikan Dojo
- Seminar 1: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Seminar 2: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- Tuesday, August 22nd – Kaikan Dojo
- Seminar 3: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Seminar 4: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- Wednesday, August 23rd
- Free time (optional day trips available)
- Thursday, August 24th
- Free time (optional day trips available)
- Friday, August 25th – Kaikan Dojo
- Seminar 5: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Seminar 6: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- Farewell dinner (venue TBA)
Karate Festival Add-On
We’ve timed our itinerary to begin on August 21st, enabling early arrivals to participate in the Budo no Bugei Karate festival. All GKR students are welcome to join these seminars, held from August 14th to 20th at the Kaikan. 10th Dan Master Kenyu Chinen will oversee the festival, as well as conduct a seminar for GKR Karate.
Additional Training Opportunities
These trips include three official training days (18 hours of training), with ample opportunities for extra training. Contact the Okinawa Karate Information Centre via email at info@okic.okinawa to arrange additional classes before or during your stay.
Travel and accommodation
To ensure attendees have the flexibility to choose their preferred travel and accommodation options, please note that participants in the Okinawa Experience are responsible for organising their own travel and lodging.
Okinawa is a tropical paradise, perfect for exploration. Domestic airlines offer affordable airfares to nearby islands, while car rentals make it easy to discover Okinawa’s mainland attractions. An International Driver’s License is required for car rentals.
RSVP
Please email your RSVP to okinawa23@gkrkarate.com by Sunday, July 23rd, and let us know if you plan to attend GKR Karate’s Okinawa Experience as a student or spectator/parent. Your RSVP helps us arrange social events and provide local masters with an idea of class sizes.
As we embark on this exciting journey to the birthplace of Karate, we look forward to creating unforgettable memories and fostering deeper connections within the GKR Karate community. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to broaden your understanding of the art, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Okinawa, and forge lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts.
Download the 2023 Okinawa Experience flyer
