Test your own powers with this martial art from Okinawa, the birthplace of karate

Details

• Group experience

• Location: Kanagawa (Wednesday and Sunday), Tokyo (Saturday)

• 2 hour

• 5 people max

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Grounding movement

Karate, which means “empty hand’ is a distinctive style of martial art that is said to have its roots in the Shaolin Temple of China in the 6th century. This form of martial art began to emerge in the 14th century Okinawa as well, when the people of Okinawa were forbidden by law from arming themselves and had to develop other forms of self-defense. When Japan invaded Okinawa in the 16th century, the Okinawan people further began to develop this form, calling it “Te” meaning hands or techniques, to protect themselves. In the 20th century, karate teachers from Okinawa came to mainland Japan, where modern karate began to further be developed. Within karate there are multiple schools and branches, including Okinawan Shorinjiryu. This is a particular style of karate established by Joen Nakazato, an Okinawan karate master. Respecting the style of his own teacher, Kyan Chotoku, whose style was heavy influenced by Chinese elements, Nakazato christened his style “Shorinji-Ryu”, out of respect to the Shaolin temple kempo (kung fu), said to be the origin of Chinese martial arts.

What you’ll do

Test our your skills in a typical practice session with local students and wrap things up with a private Q+A session with the instructor. Beginners welcome!

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

What we’ll provide

A karate uniform to wear during the experience

What to wear/bring

Clothes that are appropriate for exercise (as backup)
Hand-towel
Bottled drink

What else you should know

Please note that venue of this experience changes depends on the day of the booking.
Please make sure your nails are short, and that you take off any watches or jewelry before beginning the practice, to avoid any injury to yourself or other students.

Availability

• Wednesday
  Session 1 (19:30 - 21:00)

• Saturday
  Session 2 (9:00 - 11:00)

• Sunday
  Session 3 (10:00 - 12:00)

Starting September 2023, the Saturday session will be from 9 am to 11 am.

Access

15 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.