In this video, Jesse Enkamp, a Karate Nerd, travels to Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate, to explore the history, philosophy, culture, and knowledge of traditional Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. He visits the Budokan, a unique landmark in Okinawa where martial arts enthusiasts including karateka, gather and practice. The Budokan is structured to resemble a cicada, a symbol of happiness and joy especially for children in Japan.

Enkamp takes his viewers through different levels of the Budokan dedicated to traditional arts like Kendo, Karate classes, and Kabuto. He explains the significance of the different martial arts, such as Naginata, a traditional art practiced by women in ancient Japan for self-defense.

Enkamp also explores Okinawan culture and cuisine, trying out different local foods and drinks and explaining their significance. He draws attention to the Okinawan’s high expectancy lifespan, attributing it to their eating habits. The video finishes with the visit to Akamine Hiroshi, a 9th dan Kobudo master. Enkamp demonstrates the techniques and philosophies he learned from the master, with a focus on improving technique rather than learning new moves.

The video is an engaging overview of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo that combines travel, culture, and martial arts, providing viewers with an appreciation of the origins, principles, and modern practices of these ancient Japanese arts.

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Jesse Enkamp is a renowned martial artist, author, and founder of Seishin International, a global karate brand. Known as “The Karate Nerd”, he holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Karate and is the regional champion in kata and kumite. Enkamp is well-respected for his exceptional skills, innovative teaching methods, and his commitment to sharing the philosophy of karate worldwide. He has authored books on karate techniques and runs a popular blog and YouTube channel where he regularly posts karate tutorials. His work offers a fresh perspective on traditional karate and inspires practitioners of all levels.

Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It emphasizes striking techniques, such as punching, kicking, knee strikes, and elbow strikes. Karate also involves open hand techniques like knife-hands, and grappling. Used for self-defense, it promotes discipline, respect, and builds physical fitness. Karate isn’t about aggression; instead, it cultivates a sense of calm and focus. It’s an art that can be practiced by people of all ages. Regular training develops coordination, agility, strength, and boosts self-confidence. Karate training includes kihon (basics), kata (form), and kumite (sparring), each focusing on different aspects of the art.

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