**Jesse Enkamp’s Insightful Journey to Okinawa in “KARATE NERD IN OKINAWA | Season 2 (Ep. 3) — Matayoshi Kobudo w/ Gaja Takehiro (9th dan)”**
In this 16-minute episode, Jesse Enkamp, otherwise known as **The Karate Nerd**, dives into the rich history and techniques of traditional karate on his return visit to Okinawa. With over 92,912 views since its upload on the 26th of August 2018, this enlightening and educational video takes viewers on an epic journey through the birthplace of karate.
Enkamp reminisces about his youthful days in Okinawa where he moved at 19 to study the roots of Karate. Facing challenges like paying bills in Japanese and doing his own laundry, he grew quickly, discovering the concept of “kata” or the Japanese way of doing things, which is deeply embedded in the culture.
The Karate Nerd also shares his encounter with the 9th dan **Matayoshi Kobudo** master, Gaja Takehiro. He undergoes an intense three-hour session with the master, learning the intricacies of Matayoshi Kobudo – a rare chance given that typically, students would need to train consistently for years before being able to learn such advanced techniques.
Enkamp also highlights the importance of character in learning karate, as shared by the wise Gaja sensei. He believes that a good-spirited person should learn karate as it could be used in evil ways if taught to the wrong people.
The video ends on a lighter note, with Enkamp enjoying a local delicacy – a deliciously authentic Okinawan pizza. Through this, he sends a reminder that flexibility is crucial, whether in diet or martial arts.
This episode provides a captivating snapshot of Okinawan culture and traditional karate, making it an absolute must-watch for any martial arts enthusiast. The video reinforces Enkamp’s belief in the power of karate as a tool for personal growth and the exploration of diverse cultures.
[postx_template id=”84″]
[headline style=”1″ align=”center” headline_tag=”h2″]Jesse Enkamp: The Karate Nerd[/headline]
Jesse Enkamp, also known as the “Karate Nerd,” is a worldwide phenomenon in the field of martial arts. This fifth degree black belt is not only known for his impeccable skills but also for his profound understanding of karate’s philosophy and history. Enkamp has dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge through authoring books, conducting training camps, and maintaining a wildly popular YouTube channel. His passion and charisma have captivated millions, establishing him as a prominent figure in the martial arts sphere. Jesse Enkamp’s contribution to karate’s global community is truly commendable.
Unfolding the Art of Karate
Karate, a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan, embraces a depth that goes beyond its notable employment for self-defense. It’s a practice that embodies philosophy, history, and a rigid discipline. Karate is not just about physical strength but also mental fortitude. The teachings of this ancient art form go beyond the dojo, influencing daily life. Each movement, each stance, signifies an embodiment of mindfulness and concentration. It is a journey to self-discovery that fosters respect, self-esteem, and perseverance. Karate, thus, provides a holistic approach to personal growth and resilience development.
[postx_template id=”85″]
A Glimpse into the History of Okinawan Martial Arts
Okinawa, a string of islands off mainland Japan, is considered the cradle of Japanese martial arts. Distanced from the central mainland, Okinawa developed unique martial disciplines, combining native techniques with Chinese influences. The most renowned Okinawan martial art is Karate, literally meaning “empty hand”. Originally known as “Te” or hand, it evolved into Karate after incorporating elements from Chinese Kempo. Another indigenous art form is Kobudo, focusing on weapons traditionally constructed from farming tools. Okinawa’s distinctive martial arts history continues to inspire martial artists worldwide with its emphasis on spiritual growth and self-defense.
My concept is I always start counting after I lose all energy , that is after giveing best you try to maintain it until the gole.
REALLY WANT TO SEE MORE 🤞
9:44 Awesome! It's not just us Isshin-ryu weirdos that have that particular technique in our stable. The kata "Kyan no sai" of Isshin-ryu (seems different from other Kyan no Sai katas I have seen) was the original sai kata Shimabuku Tatsuo taught. He presumably learned it from Kyan Chotoku, thus the name. He later dropped it in favor of Kusanku Sai, but added a bit from Kyan no Sai to the end of Kusanku Sai. A few branches still keep Kyan no Sai alive. The Kyan no Sai kata uses 3 sai–starting with one in your obi, which you use after throwing one sai to pin the opponent through the foot. I had not heard of any other karate/kobudo groups doing that–nice to know!
It sounds like one would only be welcome as a foreigner in Okinawa…is this true?
The big Namibian flag in the karate bar. YAY!!!! 🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦
Osu
Love the way you get so excited when you talk about the session
thanks jesse for the info iam a 4th black belt but belts don't mean any thing only the true value of learning of karate matters, i am from india
Your work ethic is truly superb; To see you flushed beet red in the face (hilarious) is so inspirational. Even at your elevated level it's a great reminder that we only stop learning and growing when we choose to; There are no masters, just really old students.
Thank you Sir!
Bro, I've watched and listened 3 videos of yours, and I wanted to say, thank you, thank you for teaching me and enforcering that being humble is the path of the fist, (what I want to say is the path that we must all go on, in order to learn something and not to show that i'm a black belt in another karate style). again, thank you for the lesson, sensei.
hei!!!! viva!!!
Was für Schwätzer, fürchterlich
Jessee Sensei it is so inspiring the way you share your ideas about Karate, it is also very beautiful how you want to spread this dedicated, passionate and humble way to see the relationship between an apprentice and Senseis when you said that you felt it right to wear a white belt instead tour black one, and finally it was very gratifying seeing a Chilean flag jn the dojo bar!!! Greeting and best regards from a Kenshin ryu / Tokuinkan from Chile
Hey Jesse! I tried figuring out how to contact you with advice on finding information about a historical aspect of the type of karate I do, but your website says for better responses to use your YouTube and other social media pages so hear I am. I know you are probably swamped with people just like me asking questions but is there a way to ask you or your friend Patrick McCarthy about any additional information you two may have on explaining the origin story of my particular Karate branch? Thank you for all you do.
You gotta eat pizza in Napole bro. Look for Sorbilo Gino pizza artista. They have a Sorbilo`s in Tokyo too.
Cool videos ep 2 and 3!! Thanks for sharing!! Go on!!!
Wow! Hälsningar från Finland!
In the future all books and magazines and posters in japan and okinawa will have '' Life is not a Kata but its a kumite '' – Jesse Enkamp- owner of seishin.
"If you miss the foot you actually pierce the calf muscle…which was also acceptable." LMAO!!!
It's amazing how Jesse knows about the best and lesser known eateries, and so on. You can tell he has lived in Okinawa.
If I was 30 years younger I would do everything to be a member of ONKP …
soy de colombia, en este video aparece un colombiano como lo sigo , me gustaria saber mas de el. gracias.
Great job Jessie for your research, I've learned a lot from your videos and learn different methods to apply to my shito Ryu style
Eyyy that bo kata looked like Urashi! Of course the way do it is a bit different but the general order of the movements are similair
You have to tell me where you got that Okinawa amazing theme song from!!!
For any of those binging this these days, I had an interesting thought about the forearm bone alignment. It's actually similar to how we roll the shoulder today when we throw straight lead hand punches. That helps to align the bones and land a harder shot.
I’m italian (Naples), that pizza looks very good
It's not just the history I enjoy, but the messages that come along with it. Great video series Jesse 😁❤
Eating Pizza with a knife & fork…. Nooooooooooo! 😉
Jesse. Talk about IKIGAI please? I work in Brazil to popularize this culture and I would be delighted to see you exploring the topic. thanks for your great content.
La miglior pizza si mangia in Italia🇮🇹😁
You are such a good sensei
That pizza looked like a true neapolitan pizza. I cannot say anything about the taste, of course, but it looked absolutely authentic. I'm willing to bet the guy that made it studied in Naples or somewhere in the Campania region. And if that's the case, you're not wrong to say that the pizza was even better than the ones you ate in Italy because even here a "pizzeria" with a true neapolitan way of making pizza is pretty rare (at least in the center-northern part of the peninsula). There are different italian ways to make pizza and in the northern regions the true neapolitan recipe and preparation, the pasta and all that, are not that common.
Oh, btw, I'm binge-watching all your "okinawa" content and this is amazing. I practiced martial arts for many years but then I stopped like 15 years ago for many reasons… For many years I followed a school here in Italy and they taught me so many wrong ideas and misconceptions about Karate and the other martial arts and I'm so glad I've been able to question all those notions and look at other schools and traditions with an open mind. And it's all thanks to people like you and other great martial artists and youtubers that carry on with the right mind and, as this master said, "heart heart heart". Thank you very much for this beautiful journey.
Great advice in there!
"The best pizza you've ever had" somewhere other than the North End in Boston…. thems fightin words dude thems fightin words! Lol u didn't have the best pizza you ever had in Italy because all the good pizza makers in Italy immigrated to Boston a long time ago… yeah they maybe left a few sorta OK pizza makers in New York but the good ones just kept on Goin till they found Boston and the stopped in a little area and hid themselves amongst the Irish folk and flourished and perfected the art of pizza craft! They figured out a pretty mean risotto as well! (Specially if you like red pepper) So Mr karate nerd! That's what I think about that… best pizza ever in Japan…. HA! I do not agree sir, I do not agree!
White belt, good idea always when one go to a new dojo thats shows respect to the new máster I agree thanks Sensei.
My dream is to move and retire to Okinawa but it will probably never happen as I became very sick and now am not sure ill live long enough letalone be able to fly that far in my condition Moving to Okinawa is that one thing I wanted to do that woudl change my life forever ! And years ago I moved to a place where the sort of life kata is to be as rude as you can and as disrespectful as you can. Becauee I was essentially tricked into moving to a society where ppl push down disabled ppl in lines
And I’d you dotn act rude , obnoxious and without respect you won’t survive so I don’t survive Becaue I refuse to be such a bad person My real dream is to live in such society as Okinawa and now know I never will ! Watching videos like yours are the closest I’ll ever get to it !
"those are for tourists – locals go there…" – thats what I do everytime going anywhere abroad: to Berlin/Hamburg, to Praha, to Varna, Neum, Szentendre, even in very local to me – Cracow and other cities like Lublin or Wejherowo. Thats an advice matching everywhere allover the world. BUT: its good to know foreign language 😉 that seems to be obvious
hey jesse i was wondering everytime you enter a new dojo in japan to train with new master , what / how does it works over there do you pay for each time you come and train ? or ?
Karate nerd if you ever come to Bakersfield California I'll take you to lunch best Mexican food you've ever had in your life.
I see many traditional dojos with wooden floors on your channel. How do they practice rolls and falls?
I Love this!! I studied Traditional Okinawain Kempo with Master Albert O.Geraldi 4 year's in Ocala , Florida. A great Hanshi 8 th Dan.
i would love to go to Okinawa but my health is so bad there is no way. for one thing i am on heavy medication including morphine that would bankrupt me if it was not free and it is also needing picked up every week. my health is just not stable enough as well. i cant even do karate properly (im in a powerchair and can't have any impact to my movements and have no endurance so i can only learn from an online school as i physicaly cant do a normal lesson)
Thx Jesse for your always inspiring vids. With your words about fitting in the (janpanese) society, and the picture you draw with Kata and the freedom of Kumite you had truly wise points. Thx and keep on doing it! ✊
I share your philosophy concerning the belts (some times its like fetishsm)
Dude, you're videos are the best productions in the karate world so far, I swear! Not only the contents, but the cutting, dramaturgy, graphics etc. are just brilliant!
02:07 JESSE!
Your videos really motivate me,
I'm actually 19 and practice Kung fu since I'm born. and now I'm thinking about going to China to study the art at its roots 😂 kinda because of that moment in your video
The best pizza is in Okinawa not Italy. lol