NAHA - Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.
Karate, which means “empty hand,” was officially named in 1936 to emphasize its principle as a weaponless art. Among the pioneers who shaped its foundation was Chojun Miyagi, founder of the Gojuryu school, who taught that true strength lies not in aggression but in harmony and self-control. His student Masaaki Ikemiyagi, a 9th-dan master, continues to preserve Miyagi’s teachings, passing down both his techniques and his philosophy to younger generations.
“Karate isn’t just about skill—it builds the human spirit,” Ikemiyagi said, explaining that the Okinawan way of defense focuses on absorbing an opponent’s force rather than confronting it head-on. This philosophy reflects the island’s deeply rooted belief in peace, a value shared through every bow and gesture during training and demonstrations.
At this year’s event, participants from around the world performed in unison, symbolizing the idea of “peace through empty hands.” One young participant said, “It was amazing to perform with people from all over the world. I felt proud to represent karate and to express my wish for peace.”
Today, the spirit of Okinawan karate continues to transcend borders, serving as a cultural bridge that connects nations. The performance along Kokusai Street, described by many as a “living symbol of peace,” embodied the enduring message of the art—strength without violence, and unity through shared discipline. As Ikemiyagi reflected, the legacy of the masters who built Okinawa’s tradition endures in every movement: a silent vow to protect peace through the discipline of empty hands.
Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV
