From November 7 through the 20th, and after years of delays due to Covid-19 restrictions, I had the chance to visit Okinawa once again. This was my third trip to the island, and I was grateful for another opportunity to explore some of the key karate-related sites in Naha, partake in my favorite delicious and traditional foods, and most importantly, to train with Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei, Tome Iwao Sensei, and Makishi Tetsuo Sensei. I stayed near the Tsubogama monorail station, and because I was in walking distance to the central Naha Bus Station, I enjoyed exploring the city through public transportation which also allowed me to try and practice my extremely poor Japanese. With training sessions each morning at 10 am, and each evening at 8 pm, I not only took the bus, but often walked across the city to the various dojos, getting to know the city much better in that way. Each day, for lunch, I tried to find a new Soba, Ramen, or Sushi restaurant, while also exploring the many shops and markets on my way. In the second week, I was joined by four European members of the WMKA, Steve and Sally Woolston, Heinz Tessner, and Joel Castasus. We all trained together at the dojos of Taira Sensei, Arakaki Sensei, Tome Sensei and Makishi Sensei in the mornings and evenings. Together, we explored the Karate Kaikan, the Budokan, and the recently unveiled memorial monument to Osensei Shoshin Nagamine. The training was fascinating, and […]

by Joel Castasus In October 2022, Japan opened its border to tourists. This was fantastic news for anyone who wanted to visit Japan. To me as a karate practitioner, it was a chance to visit and train in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Thus in November 2022, this is what did, plus more… There were a few amusing incidents along the way, such as missed flights, but the extremely helpful Japan Airlines staff quickly resolved these minor issues, and I arrived in Okinawa that afternoon. Perfect timing, as I had a few hours to sort out my hotel, have a bit of food, shower, and rest. I was then ready for my first training session at the Makishi Dojo. At the Makishi Dojo, I joined the group of Steve Woolston Sensei, Sally Woolston Sensei, (both from Eastbourne, England Dojo), David Troup Sensei (Maine, USA), and Heinz Tessner Sensei (Grossefehn, Germany). We all trained together with  Tetsuo Makishi Sensei, 6th Dan, and his own students. Although I was tired from a long flight, this had not affected my experience at all. I still remember how much I enjoyed Makishi Sensei’s teaching, and his innovative approach to Kihon and this is something I planned on taking back to Bristol to share.    Training Sessions:The days that followed were a routine of three training sessions per day. Typically, a morning session began with Iwao Tome Sensei, 9th Dan, then an afternoon session with Masao Shinzato Sensei, 8th Dan, and finally an evening with either […]

After waiting a long time for the opportunity to finally go back to Okinawa,  at the end of November 2022 I had the chance to do so. My trip started from the airport in Amsterdam on November 13, 2022 via Munich thenTokyo (Haneda) with the final destination of Naha, Okinawa.  The journey was to once again polish the detailed parts of Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-Do under the guidance of the leading authorities. Upon, meeting up with friends from England (Steve Woolsten Sensei, Sally Wollsten Sensei and Joel Castasus Sensei) and from the US (David Troup Sensei of Maine),  once again was the realization of Ichariba Choodee行逢りば兄弟 – meaning we know each other for years and each time we meet it is like we last met only few days ago, even if it might be month. The warm weather, the friendly Okinawan people, the food and the whole atmosphere, immediately made me feel welcome, maybe like being home again. We had the chance to participate with keiko under watchful eyes of Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei and Tome Iwao Sensei in particular. We also had the chance to train under guidance of Shinzato Masao Sensei and Makishi Tetsuo Sensei. The possibility to train under these Sensei up to 3 times a day during the upcoming week was amazing. On Saturday, November the 19th, there was the final preparation for the exam which was scheduled for the next day.  Seventeen participants from mainland Japan, England, the US and Germany presented to the […]

From March 19th to the 29th I had the tremendous joy of training in and around Naha, Okinawa— a trip that not only revealed to me untold new understandings of fundamental kihon, kata, bunkai, and yakusoku kumite, but also brought to life karate history and culture in a fascinating and most unexpected way.

Dear WMKA members from around the world,  A Happy New Year! Shin-nen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! I congratulate you all in welcoming a bright new year wherever you are living now. We are celebrating a wonderful new year with our families, friends and communities here in Okinawa.

On November 8th, 2017 Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi, President of the WMKA, was awarded the prestigious Cultural Commendation from the Prefecture of Okinawa. This commendation was awarded for his cultural contribution in the field of karate and kobujutsu.

The next USA Matsubayashi Seminar will be held in San Jose, California from July 20, 2018 through July 22, 2018. The seminar will include kihon drills, specific kata review and corrections, kata applications, Sotai Renshu drills and instruction in bo Kata. Arakaki Sensei will be sharing his insights on kata and various new aspects of traditional karate.

In November 2017, the Matsubayashi-ryu Karate Association of Australia hosted Sensei Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi 10th Dan of the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association for his third training tour to Australia.