ASIA 5 7/7/09 17:41 Page 40
knowledge asia
ttglive.com
Japan
x
en & Okinawa Island Guide, published by Okinawa Inde
G K
Kenyu Chinen is master of the dojo at Murasaki Mura
A holiday that
only when absolutely necessary. A sports
karateka peaks at 25 to 30 years old, as
strength and fitness is key. A martial arts
karateka, however, peaks at 50 or 60 years
packs a punch
old, as it is experience and awareness which
will win the fight. Which is why Mr Miyagi
could still kick ass even as an older man.
At the end of the class, sensei told us
about the weapons hanging on the dojo
With a Will Smith remake of Karate Kid in the pipeline, wall. Conventional weaponry was banned so
Philippa Jacks takes a karate lesson in Okinawa,
karatekas learned to use everyday tools. The
Japan, and, overleaf, looks at other martial arts options
nunchaku (two sticks linked with a chain),
is derived from a horse’s bridle, while the
tonfa (a side-handled baton like that the
W
ax on, wax off, paint the house, same as your hips,” sensei said. “Further… police now use), was the handle off a grinder.
paint the fence,” I recited to further…further”. Charming. There are more than 300 dojos in Okinawa,
myself as I walked up the path As places to make a karate debut go, though you should consult a specialist oper-
to the dojo. Surely I’d picked Okinawa Prefecture takes some beating. ator to help find one where clients can have
up enough from Mr Miyagi and Daniel-San The remote archipelago of 160 islands, a a lesson in English. This particular dojo is
in The Karate Kid movies to get me through two-and-a-half-hour flight from Tokyo, is the located at Murasaki Mura, a cultural village
an hour-long introductory lesson? birthplace of this world-famous martial art. on Okinawa Island, where you can also try
I was a bit disappointed to find that the Okinawa is almost as close to China and traditional crafts. Some karate fans stay for
French sensei (instructor) taking our class Hong Kong as it is to mainland Japan, and months to really master the art. I learned a
did not look more like Mr Miyagi but I tried there was some influence from China as lot in an hour but I think I’d need a few more
not to hold this against him as we started karate developed in the 15th century. lessons before I’d be ready to try “the Crane”.
moving through the basic “kata” movements. The Ryukyu Kingdom (as the archipelago
I managed quite well with the punching of islands was once known) became part of
and blocking drills, despite accidentally Japan only in 1868, and it has a different feel
BOOK IT
punching a Dutch lady in the ribs because I to the rest of the country. It certainly has a
was standing too close. I fared less well with different climate, and you’ll see plenty of
Inside Japan can tailor-make a 14-night Japan itinerary
with time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa main island and
the kicking, mainly because I was wearing the Hawaiian-style summery shirts that Mr
an out-island for £2,498 including flights. One-hour
trousers so tight I could barely sit down, let Miyago used to wear for special occasions.
karate lessons cost £17 at Murasaki Mura. For a range
alone kick someone at shoulder height. Sensei explained to us the difference
of karate courses, see
okinawakarate.jp.
My stance wasn’t very good either. “The between sports karate, used in competitions,
■
insidejapantours.com
distance between your feet should be the and martial arts karate, used in defence, and
40 10.07.2009
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