KARATE NERD IN OKINAWA | Season 2 (Ep. 2) — Isshin Ryu w/ Uechi Tsuyoshi (8th dan)

KARATE NERD IN OKINAWA | Season 2 (Ep. 2) — Isshin Ryu w/ Uechi Tsuyoshi (8th dan)

Karate 44 Comments

“Discover the Secrets of Traditional Karate with the Karate Nerd in Okinawa”

In “KARATE NERD IN OKINAWA | Season 2 (Ep. 2) — Isshin Ryu w/ Uechi Tsuyoshi (8th dan)”, a much-anticipated video uploaded on August 19, 2018, on the YouTube channel of Jesse Enkamp a.k.a. “The Karate Nerd”, we embark on a fascinating journey to Okinawa. This episodic adventure garners over 127,370 views, resonating with karate enthusiasts worldwide.

Enkamp’s adventure primarily revolves around uncovering the origins, discussing the rich history, and exploring the secret techniques of traditional karate. This episode sees him train under the tutelage of 8th dan Isshin Ryu master, Tsuyoshi Uechi.

Fans watch with bated breath as Enkamp navigates through the birthplace of karate, offering insight into the construction of the Karate Kaikan, a grand karate training center, alongside a few museums and shops. An intriguing highlight of the video is the extensive tour of the main dojo, a locale for a forthcoming tournament where Enkamp would be competing in kobudo.

Enkamp provides a vivid demonstration of the techniques he learns through his training, struggling with and successfully executing new techniques such as the challenging “tate-ken” or vertical fist. Engaging the audience further, he reveals a philosophical aspect of the karate master Matsumora, who expected his students to continuously strike him if they managed to.

The video culminates in a practice session of a novel karate style – Isshin-ryu, characterized by its fascinatingly unusual technique of twisting the fist and placing the thumb on top.

Join Jesse Enkamp in this quest to reveal the untold story of Okinawa, as he soaks in the culture, trains with local masters, and competes in the world of Kobudo. With its engaging visuals and compelling narrative, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in traditional karate.

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All About Jesse Enkamp: The Karate Nerd

Jesse Enkamp, famously known as The Karate Nerd, is a professional karate instructor and author with a global following. Born into a family of martial artists, his passion for karate started at a young age. Jesse holds a black belt in Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate, showcasing outstanding skill and dedication to the sport. Beyond the dojo, he continuously shares his extensive knowledge and experiences through his popular blog and YouTube channel. Jesse’s charismatic teaching style and deep understanding of karate make him a respected figure within the martial arts community.

The Art of Karate

Karate is more than a physical discipline; it’s an art form that promotes strength, flexibility, and mental endurance. Originating from the Ryukyu Kingdom, now known as Okinawa, Japan, it has gained global respect for its balance of defense techniques and philosophical teachings. Karate makes use of punching, kicking, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques, but it also instills a robust understanding of self-control and respect for others. Training in Karate can foster a sense of discipline and boost self-confidence, making it a valuable pursuit for both physical and mental well-being.

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A Brief Look Into Okinawa’s Contribution to Japanese Martial Arts

The Okinawa prefecture holds a prominent place in the rich tapestry of Japanese martial arts history. Okinawa is the birthplace of Karate, a martial art that emphasizes striking, kicking, and kneeing techniques. This martial art form developed from the indigenous Ryukyuan martial arts influenced by Chinese Kung Fu. Okinawa was a crucial bridge between China and Japan, leading to a unique blend of martial art styles. By the 20th century, Karate proliferated throughout Japan and eventually globalized. This Okinawan contribution significantly shaped the face of martial arts not just in Japan, but around the globe.

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44 Comments

  1. I totally agree with your thoughts on the belt. I did the same exact thing in the past where I was trying out a new Karate style and I didn't wear either my black belt from Taekwondo nor my purple belt from Shotokan. Of course I put on my white belt as I was a white belt in this style and consciously approached it with the mindset of a white belt. I wanted to to learn new things or as a nice Chinese proverb says: "If you want to drink new tea, you first have to drink up the old tea in your cup."

  2. Stumbled on your channel a few days ago. As an Isshinryu practitioner for nearly 20 years, it is great to see the style getting some attention. Great video!

  3. Isshin-ryu karate- do. That's what we use to call it in the mid 80's when I studied it. Being the only style of karate I practiced, I never knew it was so different. Almost 40 years since I've been active in it, I can still perform the basics. Trust me when I say they were big on the basics. They taught you to advance your techniques. Example-mid block with forward punch was a two part practice for beginners. Including your breathing and stance. Advanced, it was all done in one swift and powerful move. Wish I had studied longer the 3 Years. But teenage life got in the way..

  4. I recently discovered your channel and I‘m now going through season 2 in okinawa. Beautiful and I really appreciate your effort here. Makes me thing to start again, after I quit as child with 6 Kyu.

    I love the respect and personal attitude you show when entering new dojos and approaching new senseis with a white belt. As you say, it‘s becomming a status symbol but in reality says nothing but giving you a slight hint where you ate on your personal „do“. Kepp the work up 👍

  5. about the homeless chinese sailor living in the cave, it's said that Matsumura learned from him the technich known as the "white heron", (this is standing on only one foot like a heron) and we practice it in the Matsumura No Rohai kata…

  6. Jesse thank you so much for highlighting Isshinryu in this episode, have been a practitioner of Isshinryu for over 50 years. It was great to see the basics being taught the way I was taught more than 50 yrs ago here in the states, fyi I know Andy he's a great Isshinryu Kara-te historian.

  7. I would have a very hard time. I have been turning my punches and blocks for decades. Beautiful dojo and another great video. I would love someone to show the scientific differences with blocking with the flat surface vs the bladed surface.

  8. Jag försöker verkligen hitta min väg in i karaten. Men det är svårt eftersom jag började så sent. Din Youtube kanal inspirerar väldigt mig väldigt mycket dock =) Så stort tack Jesse!

  9. my sensei aways says that the belts only purpose is to hold the jacket (is this how the upper part of the gi is called in english?) together

  10. I just wanted to remind; one wise man said that extreme humbleness comes from arrogance. Nothing to do with you Jesse. Just remind. People might misunderstand the humbleness. Some time it is difficult to find balance.

  11. So isshin ryz is positioning as if a shield on the arm, while the usual styles are using arms as if a sword. Well a shame there was not much bunkai to see how it works.

  12. I agree. My default attitude is to always go to a new school/dojo with my white belt.
    Only once did a sensei actually tell me to wear my black from another style because, according to them, "You've earned it, you can wear it."

  13. Keeping ones Black belt on in another school is not disrespectful or braggadocious.
    It only indicates your previous level of training.
    As long as you're polite and
    respectful. That will be apparent to the Sensei and their students.
    I would never use the Ishin ryu fist, thumb on top.

    You can actually jam the thumb when punching an opponent.
    Sure you can use it for doing push-ups. That's about all.
    Love you videos Jessie.
    Respectfully, Osu!

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