On 17 March 2019 in Villafranca Padovana, organized by Okinawa Karate Kenkyukai and sponsored by the Traditional Karate of Okinawa CSEN and the Municipality of Villafranca Padovana, the 3rd National Seminar of Traditional Karate of Okinawa was held. After Turin in 2017 and Milan in 2018, this year the main Italian Okinawan Traditional Karate event arrives in Veneto, thanks to the organizational commitment of Emanuel Giordano sensei, 4th dan of karate Shorin ryu, as well as national head of the aforementioned Okinawa Karate Kenkyukai, the association that brings together Masters from different Okinawan Karate schools, eager to preserve and transmit Okinawan martial arts; as well as national representative of the Okinawa Traditional Karate CSEN.
We recall that this event is the Italian version of the Okinawa Traditional Karate and Kobudo Worldwide Seminar, which takes place every year in Naha organized by the Okinawa Prefecture. Inspired by the aforementioned event, during this national seminar, in a climate of friendship and brotherhood, the various Masters present elements peculiar to their School, without discrediting other styles. Also this year the various practitioners have been divided into small groups, to be better followed by the various teachers and to make the day as productive as possible, and have been able to rotate by touching the different approaches of the various schools present.
"Special guest" of the event the Master Hiroshi Akamine, 9th dan of karate Shorin ryu Mukenkai and 9th dan of Kobudo (practice of traditional Okinawan weapons) of the Shimbukan school, accompanied by the Master Dell Hamby, 6th dan of Kobudo as well as Master of Uechi ryu from the school of the Master Senaga. Akamine sensei, one of the Masters most appreciated by the Okinawan authorities, explained, assisted by his assistant, the rudiments in the handling of the bo (about 180 cm stick) regarding the Kobudo of the school of Master Taira, considered the reformer of this art. As for Karate, he focused on the peculiar principles of movement of his school, the Shorin ryu of Master Gushiken, student of Yuchoku Higa sensei, founder of the Kyudokan school. Two traditions that still today continue to coexist in a harmonious way, having been the father of the Master, the great Eisuke Akamine, a friend of Yuchoku Higa. The participants were able to experience not only his excellent Kobudo, a family legacy, but also the great ability with the "empty hands" of Master Akamine, renowned throughout the world for the great speed of his techniques and the power he succeeds to express despite the minute physique.
In addition to the teachings of this great Okinawan Master and his very nice assistant Dell Hamby, who have by now established a bond of great friendship and collaboration with Okinawa Karate Kenkyukai, the thirty participants were also able to appreciate the teachings of the other teachers:
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Master Emanuel Giordano, direct student of Morinobu Maeshiro sensei (technical heir of Katsuya Miyahira sensei, recently promoted 10th dan and returning from an exhibition that saw him represent the Shorin ryu in front of none other than the Emperor of Japan and his wife visiting Okinawa), analyzed the kata Chinto of the Shidokan Shorin ryu school, one of the school's "treasures", inherited directly from Anko Itosu through Chosin Chibana Sensei, analyzing some of the dangerous practical applications based on on pressure points.
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With the Master Mirko Mori, 7th dan and Italian co-director of the School of Master George Alexander (10th dan of Matsumura Shorin ryu and Hakutzuru Kempo), practitioners were able to experience the preparatory exercises of the style, with various exercises of strengthening of the upper limbs (kote kitae) and preparation for basic movements. Practitioners have also been able to learn the main kata not only of the Matsumura Shorin ryu style, but all the Shorin styles, the Naihanchi shodan, an authentic "treasure chest" that contains a myriad of practical applications for close combat (even with the use of joint manipulations and pressure points), as well as the sophisticated principles of movement and body management inherent in this basic and harmless appearance kata.
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The participants could also have a vision of another current by Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu, thanks to Master 5 ° dan Emanuele Mazzetti, who focused on the study of preparatory principles and basic techniques, making practitioners work in pairs , and guiding the work with his typical professionalism and kindness.
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Master Santiago Sacaba, 10th dan and founder of the Seitokan school (a school that combines the study of Shidokan style of Master Miyazato with the Matsumura Seito of Master Kise and Master Kim), led the study of the kata Pinan Yondan and its oyo bunkai, an exercise aimed at learning some of the main martial applications of his Shorin ryu school, exploiting the movements of the aforementioned kata.
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The Master Eduardo De Angelis, Master 7th dan of Uechi ryu karate from the school of Master Gustavo Gondra, provided the general basis for this style heavily linked to Southern China, through the famous exercises of strengthening the limbs, as well as facing the study of basic principles, and the study of the Kanshu kata.
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Last but not least, Master 6th dan Mattia Maritan, who introduced the participants in the movement principles of the Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenkyukai school of the famous Master 9th dan Masaji Taira, renowned lover of practical applications and bunkai expert.
At the end of the successful event, which saw practitioners tired but enthusiastic about the experience that allowed them to have a general overview of the main schools of the homeland of karate, the municipal administration of Villafranca Padovana awarded Master Akamine with a commemorative plaque , while Master Davide Mazzola (who helped organize this event) donated a commemorative plaque to all the masters of the Okinawa Karate Kenkyukai, as well as the masters Hiroshi Akamine and Dell Hamby.
Below are some of the most significant comments, released by participants of the 3rd Okinawa Traditional Karate National Seminar:
- Very happy to have participated in this event! It was a pleasure to train and meet many kind and competent people in the Martial field. Great availability from all points of view!
Carlo Mangione, Shito-ryu and Kobudo
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I found everything really interesting. In particular, Akamine sensei, but also Emanuel Giordano and Mattia Maritan, have given me many points of reflection on the application of the fundamental principles of karate. Shorin-ryu is the root of the style I practice. It is recognizable. I thank everyone for the successful day.Paolo Asirelli, Sotokai
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Beautiful training day with Sensei Akamine and a group of trained and available Masters.Walter Cobessi, Uechi-ryu
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The seminar on Sunday 17 March in Villafranca Padovane was very tough (I still have my shoulders aching, it was a bit that I was not training for various ailments), very interesting and instructive with Akamine Sensei who gave interesting ideas for work with professionalism that distinguishes him. I also liked the afternoon part, the knee problem slowed me down a bit, but overall it was a pleasant and positive experience, it made me know and work with competent people with a desire to do. My only critical note, the environment with a few more degrees (temperature) would have been more appreciated.
Luciano Balduin, Goju-ryu and Kobudo
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Very interesting seminar that made me discover a new world that I intend to explore and learn more about. A lot has been worked with so many competent and above all available masters. Definitely positive experience, to be repeated!Rocco Leone, Shotokan
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Akamine sensei is extremely available, giving the utmost attention to everyone: from beginners to masters; direct, incisive, precious. All the intervening masters were highly qualified and willing to share. Eight hours of intensive training very much appreciated by me and all my students! I thank everyone, teachers and participants! I look forward to next time!Davide Mazzola, Shorin-ryu
