Tae Kwon Do on Okinawa?

[stumpere]

I will like for my son to continue taking Tae Kwon Do when we move to Okinawa. How popular is Tae Kwon Do on Okinawa?

[Takako]

I've seen a school out in town, but don't remember where. TKD is not very popular here, especially since Karate was perfected here. <Let the flaming begin> I say forget about the TKD and immerse yourself in the Okinawan Karate arts. Just my $0.02, keep the change...

[nipponliving]

I've seen a school out in town, but don't remember where. TKD is not very popular here, especially since Karate was perfected here. <Let the flaming begin> I say forget about the TKD and immerse yourself in the Okinawan Karate arts. Just my $0.02, keep the change...

You're correct. not too popular. I studied Tae Kwon Do for years before moving to Okinawa. I earned my black belt when I was 16 and moved here at 19. Once I arrived I studied Uechi-ryu, Iishiryu and Goju ryu. I loved them all but my heart is still with Tae Kwon Do. :thumbup1:

It’s a bit more aggressive; less forms (katas) and much more fun if you like fighting (Kumete). I think everyone should try Okinawa style Karate while here though. I believe it will truly help you if you’re into MMA. BTW: They do have a few of those schools over here. That’s my 2 cents worth (even though it’s worth less than 2 yen now!!!:thumbdown:)

[OKI4EVR]

not too popular in the number of Instructors on the Island. I used to go to a class on Kadena and though the instructor may have changed I believe it is still there. found it...

National School of Martial Arts
School Gym, Amelia Earheart Intermediate School
Tae Kwon Do - Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan
http://www.nsmaokinawa.com/

[socalheart]

I remember seeing a Tae Kwon Do banner on a building on Rte 330 across from the Rose Garden Italian restaurant. I've seen kids in gi running around there, so put two and two together... Once you get here, you can check it out, or maybe someone here knows about it.

[stumpere]

Thanks for all the input. I am sure my son will find something he likes on Okinawa. Both my sons love the Tae Kwon Do Academy here in Southern Maryland and they are going to miss it when we move.

[nsmaokinawa]

Hello, I'm the instructor for the Taekwondo program in Kadena AB. We are offering classes through the Okinawa USO, but our classes are held at the Amelia Earheart Intermediate School. Please check our website at www.NSMAokinawa.com. Our school had been running since 1992 when my first instructor opened it here; I was one of his first few students back then. When I came back in 2004, I took over from another instructor who continued the program. The school has been running under the NSMA banner since then. Please let me know if you have any questions...

v/r

Jeff Ballinger
NSMA Instructor