Update Sep 28 - Oct 3
*All Classes are Running as Scheduled This Week*
OKINAWA TRIP CLOSURE : Thursday, October 22 - Friday November 6
Classes will Resume on Saturday, November 7.
This is a photo that I took outside of the Arakaki Dojo in Naha, Okinawa. Interesting fact? Traditional Linage dojos in Okinawa are attached to the home of the Sensei. They are typically very small and attendance is by invitation only. Our group has been invited to train here for two training sessions during our stay.
In Three Weeks, a Team from Our Dojo Will Travel to Okinawa
I made my first few trips to Okinawa on my own. Those experiences were very special, but I’m especially excited to share this trip with members of our dojo.
Each week leading up to our departure, I’ll share a little about Okinawa in our weekly update. I hope all of our students will follow along and learn more about the place where our karate began.
WHO’S TRAVELING to TRAIN?
Kelly Sensei (Black Belt Instructor, Okinawan Rank, Yondan)
Zach Sensei (Black Belt Instructor, Okinawan Rank, Shodan)
Mr. Jordan ( Black Belt, Okinawan Rank, Shodan; testing for Nidan in Okinawa)
Andrew Sensei (Black Belt Instructor, Okinawan Rank, Shodan)
Mr. Victor (Black Belt, Okinawan Rank, Shodan)
Ms. Sadie (Black Belt, Okinawan Rank, Shodan - currently at UCSB for College, meeting us in Japan)
Luke (Brown Belt; testing for Shodan in Okinawa)
Ayelet (Brown Belt)
Bethany (White Belt - and Luke’s mom :) )
WHERE DO WE TRAIN?
Training in Okinawa is very different from training here in the United States. Here, someone can generally walk into a dojo and simply ask to join. Training at a lineage dojo in Okinawa is by invitation only and is reserved only for individuals who have a recognized connection to that lineage.
Earlier this year, Excel Karate was officially recognized as a Matsubayashi-ryu dojo within the Okinawan lineage. As such, our team has now been invited to train at four dojos within that lineage, where we’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from four different master instructors. This is a rare opportunity and a great honor for our group.
CAN WE FOLLOW ALONG ON THE JOURNEY?
Yes, absolutely! Our dojo has a private Instagram page. I haven’t posted as often this year because the dojo has been so busy, but I’ll make a greater effort beginning this week. While we’re in Okinawa, I’ll share updates there so our students and families can follow along and see what we’re experiencing.
To follow the page, click the Instagram logo at the bottom of this update and request access. I approve each request personally, so if I may not recognize you from your Instagram name or profile photo, please send me a private message to let me know it’s you.
WHAT DO STUDENTS DO WHILE THE DOJO IS CLOSED?
The dojo will be closed from Thursday, October 22, through Friday, November 6. Classes will resume on Saturday, November 7. Of course, we encourage everyone to continue training on their own during our absence.
As a reminder, tuition is based on attending a minimum of four classes per month. To stay on track, please check the October schedule and plan to attend at least four classes before we close. Then check the November schedule and plan for at least four classes after we reopen. Planning for each month separately will help everyone stay on track with their progress.
Curriculum This Week
Levels 1 - 4 : Karate Club Levels
MONDAY & TUESDAY : Kobudo
WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY : Kata, Kihon & YKSK
SATURDAY: Instructor’s Choice
Level 5 : Junior Advanced Level
MONDAY : Kobudo
WEDNESDAY: Naihanchi Shodan and YKSK 1 (possibly 2)
Levels 6 - 7 - 8 Teen / Adult Levels
MONDAY: Kobudo
TUESDAY (Black Belt) : Okinawa Prep (Appropriate for Level 7&8, even if not traveling)
WEDNESDAY : YKSK 3 and 4, Side Falls/Sweeps
THURSDAY : Kata Focus
