In this episode of “Karate Nerd in Okinawa”, Jesse Enkamp delves into the roots of karate, exploring its history, culture and philosophy. His journey takes him through Heiwa Dori, a traditional shopping district in Okinawa renowned for its fish market and traditional lacquerware. He also visits a local dojo where he trains under Oshiro Nobuko, the top-ranked female sensei in Okinawa, and the first woman to open a dojo in Okinawa.
Enkamp’s visit to the dojo highlights Oshiro’s unique teaching methods and the wisdom she has acquired through her years. He is notably inspired by her story of overcoming societal expectations to achieve her current status. She shared tales of rigorous training routines, and her dedication and commitment to karate that included physical training, regular training in the dojo, and enduring harassment from male seniors.
The video is not only a lesson in karate but also provides a close look at Okinawan culture and traditions. From exploring local cuisine, including an introduction to typical Okinawan superfood “booyah” (bitter melon), to the traditional Okinawan folk dance, Jesse immerses himself in Okinawan life.
The episode is a reminder of the discipline and dedication required to master karate. Through his journey, Jesse inspires others to challenge themselves and step beyond their comfort zones, all while gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient martial art.
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Jesse Enkamp is a renowned martial artist, author, and entrepreneur, widely recognized as the “Karate Nerd.” Born in Stockholm, Sweden, he developed a passion for martial arts at a young age. He has won multiple national and international championships in karate, making him one of the sport’s leading figures. Enkamp is also the founder of Seishin International, a successful martial arts equipment company. His popular blog and YouTube channel, both named “Karate by Jesse,” provide invaluable knowledge about karate techniques, history, and philosophy.
Karate is a martial art form originating from Japan, emphasizing self-defense techniques. It involves striking with fists, elbows, knees, and feet, but also includes grappling and open hand techniques. Kata, or choreographed patterns of movements, are central to karate training. It is both a physical and mental discipline, promoting respect, perseverance, and self-control. Karate is widely practiced worldwide and is recognized as a competitive sport in the Olympics. The benefits of karate include improved fitness, flexibility, concentration, and self-esteem. It’s a lifelong learning process that can be started at any age.
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All 8 episodes can be found on my website: http://bit.ly/2iW7yCm
Man that’s awesome ! I love the different variation of pinan yodan the one I trained had side kicks instead of inside middle block punch and front kick. Very cool either then that very similar
Same here in Germany. I had to beat up the men too, to be accepted!
Not all dojos have the same patriarchal bullshit, but some.. And of course my fiest one. Unfortunatly also the best one.
I trained up to 20 hours a week in total. 9-12 hours of martial arts and 8-11 of other training.
I am not sure if anyone has ever noticed, but Jesse speaks excellent English. He also presents very well.
Terrific episode. Great work. 🌻
Osu
Nice Jesse very good you know your stuff
So back in the day, instructors were allowed to beat up their students? Also, why not just give up the dance if she liked karate more?
Jesse, Howdy! While i have mixed feelings about some of the material you present, I find you to be mostly informative and helpful. I love your "Karate nerd in Okinawa" series – it reminds me of my trip to Okinawa (and you go to a lot of the same places in the video). I also love the "…in China," series and i hope to visit one day.
She was cute 💕
what was the form name at 10:17 it looks super similar to a form ik in taekwondo
Vilket avsnitt 👌 och avslutning 💪🥋
You must be in TV channels making 40000$ per month!
in philippines we call those purple yams "ube"
i remember my grandmother's story way back, when they cook dinner in wood fire ovens, they leave the yams in the embers to roast/steam itself in low heat. and after the meal, they'll dig through the ashes and pick those up.
i see how those became desserts back in the day. as today, theres a lot of sweetened products that easily overpowers the natural sweetness of the roasted yams
That is so cool master Christopher Chandler
Sensei. Whats the difference between meibukan and seigokan (I hope my spelling is correct) Goju Ryu?
Just found your channel I just moved to Okinawa and I want to learn much about their culture and martial art. Thanks for making these videos. Back in America I used to have social anxiety because of my stutter, but my first sensei for Japanese jujitsu/judo changed my life and helped me get over that fear, by teaching me to speak through martial arts and improve my character most importantly. Hopefully while I'm here I will be able to learn a lot!
Its called karala in maharashtra, India. And also the first ever martial art in the world is in India " Kalariyapattu"
7:26 its called karela in India…and I know the taste of it😅😅
9:48 the kids applause fullfilled my life
i've taken a journey back into time jesse sensei.
Real karate. The people. The culture. Even the food. GREAT video!
Hello Jesse. I was a US Navy Seabee stationed in Okinawa in 1981-82. I loved the experience. I was not taking martial arts then,but I had a interest. Years later,I studied Isshin-ryū for a couple years,in Tyler Texas. Anyhow,I am interested to know if you know of this style . I haven’t watch all your episodes yet to see. I am know 59 and living in Honolulu,and studying Kung Fu. I watched your Chinese episodes and LOVED it! So much history. I know see the connection between the Kung Fu and Okinawa.THANK YOU so much for sharing these stories!
Lady sensei: the first belt pink means you are a p*ssy
Jesse: I cant put that
Lady sensei: ok, put “because I like it”
☯
✔
Fun fact: the purple sweet potatoes actually are native to the Americas and were brought over to Japan in the 17th century. There they spread to the Pacific Islands
As a practitioner of Shorin-ryu for 20 years now this is amazing. I love seeing the seniors of my style and hearing their stories. Thank you Jesse for sharing this with us my friend.
My sensei's sensei was Aiki Jui Jitsui Richard Morris 15th Dan. Nicest person with the Biggest personality, great sense of humour. Hard as nails, with a human touch. R. I. P Richard Morris
That Kata you did looked a lot like Koryo 1. A Tae Kwon Do Kata.
Bittermelon is also popular in the Philippines. We call it Ampalaya. It is really good when sautéed with some pork, egg, onions and tomatoes. Some salt would balance the bitterness.
Wow
I noticed the kata you were doing has similiar pattern
to one of katas i know but it has different moves
Awesome, and so inspirational, just like you said!
Damn this was a great lesson.
I want to go with you on one of your trips
3:20 is pretty sus. I ain't judging though
I am probably wrong but I think your original or first Karate style you learnt sensei Jesse was shotokan. Your stances are naturally wide. 🥋 Either way I love how you learn all karate styles
Are you fluent in japanese Jesse? Also where did you study if so 🙂
I love this episode! My sensei is a woman as well, so inspiring to hear her story
Im late to this series, I know.. but this deserves Netflix funding. If mind, body and kick ass moves got airtime, no reason why this couldn't.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
The Okinawans are proper chilled compared to the mainland bunch
I always had a question about japanese martial arts or Chinese, people really do talk very badly about it, like it's not good against other martial arts or it takes years to master so it throws a lot of people off but what's your take on it is karate or Kung Fu viable in a fight Situation be it against kickboxing or boxers or whatever you would face on the streets ? Would really appreciate a insight of someone like you who knows what their talking about.
Was that 90 year old sensei human??
yea that bitter melon we have a bunch in vietnam too we call it "muop dang" in the northern, "kho qua" in the southern
and the sweet potato i think these are asian stuff generally
Hola, ¿no esa subtitulado en español?
Nice too see, that you got told even six years ago to use your ass.😁 Koshi de! お尻から直接出ます。Maybe think of taking a belly dance lesson Jesse.