GALLERY — OKINAWA, JAPAN, OCTOBER 2008
Here are a few highlights of the activities at the Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō in Okinawa, Japan:
Melanie Petrak — Living at The Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō
Ufujichi & Miji Nagashi Jichi
During one of the afternoon training sessions, Onaga Kaichō worked with Jonathon Hallberg (Shinjinbukai Affiliate) and Melanie Petrak on the application of several concepts:
- Ufu Jichi ウフジチ (大突)
- Miji Nagashi Jichi ミジナガシジチ (水流し突)
And more applications of Ufijichi. The body rotates from the center axis. The angle of the arms is that of "flowing water".
More Applications
Onaga Kaichō presented more applications of Ufu Jichi.
And also explained the concept of Fui Jichi...
Jonathon Hallberg currently trains at the Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō in Naha and at the Ryusyokai Honbu Dōjō in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan. He was accepted as a Shinjinbukai Affiliate in January of 2007. Jonathon has trained Okinawan Gōjū Ryū since 1985 and currently holds the rank of 5th Dan. He is a native of Michigan and is an Urban Planner by trade.
Melanie Petrak — Living at The Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō
Melanie gave up her job as a translator and interpreter in England to come and study karate in Okinawa. She is now living and training at the Shinjinbukan Honbu Dōjō. Below, some morning training: Keri (foot strikes) and tsuki at the Machiwara.
Another late night with Onaga Kaichō. Class started at 8 PM, and by 2 A.M. it is time for a cold drink, KANPAI!!
A few pictures:
1) Left: Shuri Castle.
2) Center: Melanie with Arakaki Shunichi Sensei and her best friend Ms Kimika Akamine.
3) Right: Melanie received a whole lot of presents for her birthday, like this huge bunch of flowers.
During her first few weeks on the island Melanie lived and worked on a farm in the hills of the north, picking and peeling coffee beans and helping with the bees. It looks as though she could not quite resist practising her katas in between. She loves Okinawan food, here she is eating sashimi (raw tuna).
Halloween in Okinawa
Melanie spends a lot of time with her mate Kimika Akamine and hanging out at Arakaki’s Sensei’s shop. Here they are helping out during Halloween, decorating pumpkins and attracting (or scaring?) customers.
