A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR OF OKINAWA(Click here)
In the 12th century, Okinawa was divided into many regions, each with its own ruler who built a gusuku (castle) and controlled the neighboring villages. Later, these regions unified into three main kingdoms. In 1429, King Sho Hashi united thesethree forces, creating the Ryukyu Kingdom.
From the 14th to the 16th century, which was known as the golden trading era, the Ryukyus developed into a major trading center between China and other neighboring countries. Seavoyages were necessary for the trading business, but the Okinawans were threatened by pirates on the sea and bandits in foreign lands. To ensure their own safety, Okinawans developed bujutsu (martial arts technique). From this historical background, the unique form of Okinawakarate (in ancient times called ¡Èti¡É) and kobudo were invented and systemized. The relationship between Okinawa, China and other Southeast Asian countries helped to develop and perfect these ancient defense arts into the Okinawan¡Èkarate¡É(Okinawan hand or technique)as we know it today.
During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, the karate developed and practiced in the Shuri region wascalled Shuri-te. The defense art that developed in the commercial center of Naha was called Naha-te and the combination of both was called Tomari-te since Tomari was located in the middle of both regions. In each region, famous bujins (experts on self defense technique) developed and passed the tradition on to their descendants. This tradition continues today.
As karate and kobudo were forbidden by the lords, their techniques were kept secret; and no literature about them have been written. The individual bujin's techniques were conveyed verbally or by individual instruction to their direct descendants.
After Okinawa was officially incorporated as a prefecture of Japan, new laws lifted the veilof secrecy and the education system of the Meiji era (1868¡¾1912) adopted karate and kobudo aspart of their physical education program.
Since then,karate and kobudo have been performed in public. In the Taisho period (1912¡¾1926), they were introduced to mainland Japan, and in the early Showa period (1926¡¾1988), they spread overseas.
After World War II (1945), Okinawan karate was divided into four ryuhas: ShorinRyu, Goju-Ryu,Uechi-Ryu and Matsubayashi-Ryu. Currently, there are many ryuha and kaiha changing their
styles and techniques, but their traditional karate and kobudo of each ryuha and kaiha their own have kihonkata (basic kata) from which the attack and defense techniques are logically derived.
The rigorous training cultivates physical power and a keen mind, thus contributing to the well-being of the society. Karate and kobudo have greatly influenced education. They can be enjoyed as sports or used as self-defense arts.
The diverse elements and characteristics which make karate and kobudo popular throughout the world have instilled inspiration in the hearts of millions of people.
Okinawa Karate/Kobudo was developed by our Okinawan ancestors as an art of self-defense.
They praised peace and did not carry weapons from earlier times. Okinawa Karate/Kobudo has been transmitted to the present and is aimed at cultivating one's mind as well as physical well being. As 1995 is the 50th Commemoration of the End of the Pacific War and the Battle ofOkinawa, we celebrate the grand opening of the Okinawa Kenritsu Budokan (Martial Arts
Pavillion). The Okinawa Karate Kobudo World Pre-Tournament will be held for worldwide enthusiasts to promote international friendship, to convey everlasting peace to the world, andfinally, to perpetuate thedevelopment of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo.
Okinawa Prefectural Government, Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, and Okinawa Karate Kobudo World Tournament Executive Committee.
The 50th Commemoration of the End of the Pacific War and the Battle of Okinawa :
Okinawa Karate Kobudo World Pre-Tournament.
Okinawa Kenritsu Budokan Rensei Dojo (Physical and Spiritual Cultivation Dojo, Martial Arts Pavillion) at the Okinawa Convention Center
a. Kenritsu Itoman Seinen No Ie (Prefectural Youth Center) is the site of the designated accommodations (hence called¡Èthe designated accommodations¡É) for international competitors, their coaches and delegates (hence called ¡Èthe international participants¡É).
b. If a person wishes to stay in a hotel, or in accommodations other than the designated one, the Executive Committee will assist in finding and/or making a reservations; but all expenses incurred are the individual's responsibility.
a. Inbound and outbound transportation expenses to and from Okinawa are the individual's responsibility.
b. During the tournament period, a free scheduled transportation from the designated accommodations to and from the tournament site will be provided.
c. Tournament officials, tournament referee councils, assistants and demonstrators will be provided with free scheduled transportation to and from the tournament or demonstration site to their respective accommodation.
The Executive Committee will assist international participants with return fligh reservations, finding and making reservations for hotels or accommodations other than the designated one.