In 2019 we interviewed karate master Koichi Nakasone for episode 3 of the Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate series, later we interviewed his teacher, 87-year-old, Intangible Cultural Asset Holder, Seikchi Iha, for episode 8.
In January 2020, Seikichi Iha Sensei returned to Okinawa for a visit, and we arranged for Koichi Nakasone Sensei to meet him at the Dojo Bar in Naha City for a chat. We recorded their conversation and over the following 18 months have worked on transcribing and translating their priceless memories and wisdom.
Seikichi Iha uses a mixture of Japanese and Uchinaguchi (the Okinawan language). Even in Okinawa, few people under the age of 70 use Uchinaguchi. This made translation very difficult, as there is such a limited group of people who speak both Uchinaguchi and understand the technical vocabulary of martial arts. This episode required a huge investment in time and effort from those who transcribed and translated, but I believe these stories are vital parts of Okinawa’s cultural history.
Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate is a documentary series about the amazing martial arts teachers living on Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. It is completely free to watch on YouTube, anywhere in the world! Series One has more than 1,000,000 views.
Visit the blog to learn how you can support Series Two. Coming in 2022!
Sensei Documentary
GOALS OF THE SERIES
1. Document the stories of Okinawan karate masters and their philosophy on life and their martial arts practice.
2. Record in the highest quality possible. Ideally 4K or 8K, RAW, multi camera, multi audio
3. Store the original data as an archival record.
4. Transcribe and translate the recordings to spread knowledge of Okinawan martial arts, history and culture.
5. Make the videos available for free online via YouTube and Bujin.tv so that anyone, anywhere can see them.
The documentary series grew out of the Karate Masters Portrait Project which began in 2012. The portrait project allowed amazing access to the sensei, but it was only Chris Willson and James Pankiewicz who got to hear their stories. The documentary series is a way for us to share that unique knowledge with the international karate community.
The international karate community generously supported the first series.
Main Series Sponsors – SERIES ONE
Fusei Kise, Isao Kise and the OSMKKF-USA
Jerry Figgiani – Shorin Ryu Karate Do International
Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Grant Campbell – USA Karate Federation
Cezar Borkowski – Northern Karate Schools
NOVA Okinawan Karate Dojo
Waterpoints Dojo – Okinawa Arts Research Studies World Scene
Series Sponsors – SERIES ONE
Marguerite “Peggy” Hess – Jensen Beach Uechi Ryu Karate Do Dojo
Reece Cummings – Cummings Karate Dojo
Michael Quinn – Okinawa Shogen-Ryu Karate-Do Europe
Martin Pinto – Essex Goju Ryu Karate
Mark Spear – Black Bear Dojo
Okinawa Karate Podcast
Fred Mansfield Jr. – Beikoku Shidokan / RBKD
Series Supporters– SERIES ONE
Tim Herlihy, Robin Ross, Joshua Simmers, Jeff Perkins, Paul Punshon, John J. Strangeway, Gerry Campbell, Shelley Cormier, K V Manoharan, Phil Butler, Danny Smith, Justin Rathert, Adam Carter, Mike Powers, Miguel Da Luz, Robert Roberto Curtis, Josh Ryer, Belgi Serin, Igor Vakos, Lisken Dus, Andrew Pearce, Christopher Ford, Cos Vona, Steve Ouslis, Sandro Simonetta, Axel Heinrich, Jiří Matouš, Jose Planas, Andy Morris, Steve Armes, Olaf Steinbrecher, Hannele Zubeck, Maija Zubeck, Scott Alter, Rob Chartier, Laura Chartier, Xu Ya Hui, Vlamir Silva, Marian Reiter, Cassie Pham-Korman, John Schrock, Åke Mora Temnerud, Ari Nuutinen, Hubert Laenen, Mario Michiels, Chris Michiels, Lynn Miyahira, Roy Paul, Andy Sloane, Justin Sheehy, Manfred Streuber
