ANN/THE STAR – Mastering karate begins with the proper attire. Learning to tie the knots of your gi correctly can be challenging for novices, but Terumitsu Taira guides beginners until their pristine white suits fit just right.
Next, we step onto the grounds of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, a training facility and museum complex. Here, Taira has arranged two cement blocks with a layer of plastic roof tiles in between. Though not clay, these tiles are equally durable, he explains, as he dons gloves and demonstrates his technique.
Standing poised before the block, Taira channels his strength, executing a swift strike that effortlessly splits four tiles with precise control, devoid of any outward exclamation.
Now it’s my turn. As a right-handed person unwilling to risk injury to my dominant hand, I opt to use my left instead. Instead of attempting four tiles like Taira, I set my sights on breaking just one.
With determination, I manage to break the tile cleanly in two—a small triumph marking my introduction to the birthplace of karate.
“Centuries ago, karate was born right here in Okinawa,” explains Yasushi Nakamura, a spectator on the grassy lawn. Nakamura oversees a contemporary karate centre situated on this island in Japan, just a stone’s throw from Naha city.
Nakamura, now in his early 60s, has dedicated nearly six decades to mastering karate, starting his training at the tender age of five.
“Traditional Okinawa karate is unlike modern sports karate,” he emphasises. Here, the emphasis lies in the holistic development of both body and mind, epitomised by the practice of kata—a series of prescribed movements simulating defensive encounters with imaginary opponents.
“After a training session, I feel completely centred,” Nakamura reflects, navigating through the karate museum in sturdy steel sandals, akin to those worn by early practitioners to enhance their physical resilience.
While the origins are not well-documented, Okinawa has always possessed its distinct martial art for self-defence, known as Ti.
In later centuries, Okinawa’s martial practices were enriched by influences from across Asia during the island’s tenure as the independent Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879).
From this cultural melting pot emerged karate, now embraced by approximately 130 million practitioners globally, as highlighted by the museum’s exhibits.
Karate achieved Olympic recognition in Tokyo 2021, where Ryo Kiyuna claimed gold in the kata discipline, hailing from Okinawa himself. Occasionally, he visits the centre for training sessions, where visitors can replenish themselves with Okinawa soba noodle soup at the onsite restaurant, adorned with seaweed fashioned in the shape of a black belt.
Inside the training hall, individuals adorned in black belts await their next session, including Zenpo Shimabukuro, 79, holding the highest master’s degree, and his son Zenei, 35.
They impart wisdom that extends beyond basic techniques and breathing exercises, emphasising the introspective aspect of karate, which they integrate into their daily lives with humility and gratitude.
“In karate, there is no first attack, only defence,” remarks Zenei, who works as an electrician during the day. “Karate is not about aggression but protecting those we cherish.”
His father, still active as an estate agent, adds, “There are no winners or losers in karate. It’s like shadow boxing—it’s a journey you undertake alone.”
During a crash course, Shimabukuro and Zenei patiently guide me through hand and foot positions, emphasising knee bend and hip use with unwavering dedication to perfecting my posture.
In Japan, patience is revered as a fundamental virtue.
“Imagine someone attacks you, and you have to defend yourself,” explains Zenei.
As I practise, moving my hands with precision, I discover muscles I never knew existed—knowing they’ll ache tomorrow.
Suddenly, Shimabukuro challenges me to deflect his arm held above my head. I try, astonished by his strength despite his age—it feels like solid iron.
We conclude with a respectful bow, as we began.
“Respect is integral to karate,” Shimabukuro affirms.
I pose a question that’s lingered: Japan appears peaceful and courteous, with low crime and a calm demeanour. So, why practice karate?
Father and son reflect.
Zenei speaks finally, “Karate trains my mind and body, maintaining my health. But my aim is to never use it in my lifetime.”
