The current program design is based on a 6-day cultural experience:
Day One: Upon arrival you will be pickup from the airport. The experience will begin with a tour of Shuri Castle. The knowledge imparted form this tour involves introducing new trainees to the relationship between Japan, Okinawa, and China. Also, a detailed history lesson of Ryukyu Kingdom will be provided.
Day Two: The morning activities will involve Japanese greetings lessons for simple daily conversations, proper etiquette, and manners to smoothly integrate with local people through the experience of karate.
In the afternoon, light exercise will be done by taking a walk around the natural springs with drinkable water and experience the beautiful cobalt blue ocean. These mentioned activities are especially important for the younger children to gain appreciation, respect, and gratitude for the natural environment. In addition, to make them aware of sustainable development goals, such as, SDGS.
Day Three: Promotes awareness of maintaining good health and education about food! The morning will involves learning what is called karate kumite. Karate kumite is a face-to- face partnered activity based on fighting techniques to learn distance, angles, proper timing, and body control. Kumite helps to acquire knowledge on body language.
In the afternoon, animal farms will be visited to show gratitude and appreciation. The animal farm experience will involve activities like horseback riding, organic farming, and agriculture. The true value and importance of food will also be taught by teaching about natural medicines from the land and cooking together.
Day Four: The morning activities will involve a day trip to Kudaka Island to show respect, dedication and to demonstrate appreciation to ancestral history. Kudaka island is filled with iconic monuments and shrines where participants will learn the importance of prayer and gratitude of peace on the island of the gods. Through the Utaki tour and dedication demonstration participants will be able to experience the ideas of Japanese Shinto, the prosperity of descendants, and the current situation on this remote island.
In the afternoon, a walking tour around the island will take place to take time to relax, replenish energy and reflect having time away from the busyness of everyday life.
Day Five: The morning will begin with Kata practice, learning about the importance self-improvement, techniques, and tools on how to overcome the lack of daily exercise, and reaffirm what we have inherited from our predecessors.
In the afternoon, a stroll will occur around Nanjo City Product Center or Kokusai Street to buy souvenirs to bring back to family, friends, and teachers in their home countries. Part of day will be dedicated to learning how to balance the mind and body through zazen meditation, calligraphy, more on Japanese culture, and strategies to better organize personal life.
Day Six: Will focus on deepening comprehension on the history of karate by learning throwing techniques, joint locking techniques, and the characteristics of weapons. In addition, self-defence techniques will be taught to build awareness and aid in crime prevention.
Participants who complete this highly meaningful and enriching 6-Day cultural exchange training program will be granted with a certificate. The certificate will highlight the morals, values, and richness of Ryukyu karate, which was favored by the royal family. Our goal is encouraging youth, parents, and families to carry forward these cultural experiences into the future and their respective countries. It is important to learn how to persevere and survive in difficult times. It all begins with authentic self-discovery and learning!
Information, Contact:
Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Headquarters
Shuseki-Shihan Masamitsu Kudaka Kyoshi 7th Dan
masamitsukudaka@gmail.com
Mr. Kintetsu’s expertise and leadership role involves lecturing about Brain Education to new trainees who move to Okinawa, Japan. Brain education is a comprehensive system for integrating mind -body training to develop the capacity for building self-awareness and creating better physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. The program application process requires new trainees putting forward a request to come to Okinawa on their own or they are selected from their affiliated educational institutions from around the world. Mr. Kintetsu will then create various stimulating lectures tailored to suit the trainees needs, provide support, and meet their level of competencies.
