Okinawans celebrated Karate Day on Sunday

It’s been five years since the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly passed a law recognizing the Day of Karate, and citizens across the island last Sunday celebrated.

The Assembly members chose October 25th as the day for people to focus on Karate, and how to write Karate in kanji characters. Karate means ‘empty hand’ and ‘infinite power’, with karate teaching people not only techniques, but ideology and philosophy. Historically, Okinawans had no weapons, so when fighting against enemies they had only their bodies. Bodies alone were enough of a weapon for an Okinawan with training in the martial art of Karate.

Karate is also the meaning of life, and a way of resolution and success. More than 150 countries and more than 50 million people are practicing karate around the world. Okinawans say Karate writing is the patent and brand name to the world.

Previous | Next

Go Back