GKR Karate’s Okinawa Experience 2023

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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

Follow the Okinawa Experience Facebook page

Join the Okinawa Experience Facebook group

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

About GKR