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The Okinawa Masters Seminar – A Legacy of Excellence in Uechi Ryu Karate

The Okinawa Masters Seminar, happening on April 18 & 19, 2025, is not just another martial arts event; it is a rare opportunity to train with one of the most respected and influential figures in the world of Uechi Ryu Karate: Soke Sadanao Uechi (pictured on the right). With over 50 years of history, this seminar offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Uechi Ryu Karate, guided by the head of the Uechi Ryu family himself. When Sadanao Uechi assumed the leadership role as Soke (family head) and Kaicho (Chairman) of the Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kyokai (Uechi Ryu Karate Do Association) in 2015,following the passing of his father, Kanmei Uechi, he ....
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Blog Series: The Mouth – Where Digestion Begins, Part 1 - Why it Matters

Welcome to our blog series THE MOUTH - WHERE DIGESTION BEGINSat Okinawa Blue Zone Fitness & Wellness! In this series, we’ll dive into the fascinating science of digestion and reveal how small actions—like chewing your food properly—can make a huge difference in your overall health and longevity. By the end of this series, you’ll not only understand why digestion starts in your mouth but also gain actionable insights to improve your gut health, aligned with the longevity secrets of the Okinawa Blue Zone. Part 1: Digestion Starts in the Mouth – The Forgotten Step & Why Chewing Matters It may surprise you to learn that digestion begins in the mouth, ....
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Why BZW One-Legged Drills Are Essential

Incorporating standing-on-one-leg drills into fitness routines is not merely a recommendation; it is an essential practice for maintaining balance, stability, and overall health. Every class at OKCC Blue Zone Fitness & Wellness (BZW) includes this vital exercise, reinforcing our commitment to helping participants enhance their physical well-being. The importance of this exercise cannot be overstated—no one wants to experience the life-altering consequences of a fall that could lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures, shoulder dislocations, or even fatal accidents from descending stairs. During each session, we focus on standing on one leg with the opposite leg lifted ....
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What is Okinawa Karate?

Karate is a traditional Okinawan culture and art in which we can take pride. It is a martial art that promotes peace and etiquette. Originating in Okinawa, karate aims to develop a strong body and an indomitable spirit through rigorous training. It also contributes to forming a personality that values peace and politeness. Karate focuses on honing mental ability, known as "Shin Gi Tai" (training body, mind, and spirit), and disciplining the state of mind. This is the essence of karate. Okinawan karate embodies the spirit of Okinawa, known in the local dialect as "Ichariba Chode" (though we meet but once by chance, we are friends for life). It is considered a treasure that we have ....
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Why choose Blue Zone Wellness?

Are you looking for ways to stay young, healthy, and beautiful? Consider joining OKCC Blue Zone Wellness , where Master Folta offers a unique approach. Drawing from years of experience and training in Asia and around the world, Master Folta tailors his teachings to each student's individual needs. Get out in front of illnesses by preventing them in the first place and curing them forever instead of simply reacting to illnesses after they occur and covering up symptoms. The latter is not good because, in contrast, the real cause of the illness remains! His classes feature gratifying stretching, acupoint stimulation, and exercise routines that are easy to follow and highly ....
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How to lose weight using the Okinawa Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) food philosophy?

Okinawa Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) philosophy emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to health, particularly through diet and digestion. The people of Okinawa are known for their longevity and low rates of chronic diseases, partly attributed to their unique dietary habits. They consume foods rich in natural probiotics, which support a healthy digestive system : kimchi cabbage live yogurt miso pickles kombucha natto Additionally, green tea, a staple in their diet, acts as a powerful antioxidant, boosting metabolism, reducing bloating, and preventing the storage of excess carbohydrates as body fat. Foods like avocado, walnuts, mangos, and papaya are integral to ....
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What is Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) at the OKCC?

Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) at the OKCC will teach you to stimulate pressure points for health, use kinesiology for a strong core and body strength, breathe properly for meditation and boosting the immune system, and perform dynamic drills for energy flow.We have mastered the art of exercise in a unique, beneficial, and intriguing way. Get in touch with your body. Learn points to stimulate and movements that enhance your health and wellness. Master Folta says, “Lubricating the joints is key to staying young.” Blue Zone Wellness classes will get you in shape with challenging yet doable exercises that will get you to exceed your expectations. You'll be motivated and enjoy ....
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What is Martial Arts Philosophy in Traditional Karate Uechi Ryu

Martial Arts Philosophy in Traditional Karate Uechi Ryu is having the ability to use both mental and physical soft and hard elements accordingly and freely while maintaining the state of gansei shusho. Thisis the philosophy of Uechi-ryu. Gansei refers to the ability to accurately capture the movements, feelings, and energy of others, while shusho is about responding swiftly, comfortably, confidently, and appropriately to others. It is essential to balance both hardness and softness in Uechi-ryu, as hardness is not just an element of strength but also includes the element of softness. Flexed muscles, holding a full breath, and a racing mind are examples of hardness, while relaxed muscles, ....
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How to Tie a Martial Arts Belt - Traditional Karate

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More than Martial Arts at the OKCC, Chantilly - Sea Turtles!

Martial arts isn't the only thing we have in our karate center. We also have an Okinawa cultural center. On dispay, we have Okinawa Hawksbill Sea Turtles courtesy of Mrs. Anne (Freimuth) Stratland, who grew up in Okinawa and donated 2 Sea Turtles to the cultural center here in Chantilly, VA. I has the pleasure of interviewing Mrs. Stratland and the transcript of her story about the Sea Turtles follows. Interview Notes with Anne (Freimuth) Statland about Okinawa Hawksbill Sea Turtles by Nestor Folta 5-14-2024 I have two turtles from Okinawa that were presented to my dad before we moved to the US in 1966. One hung in our family room in Annandale, ....
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The Okinawa Masters Seminar – A Legacy of Excellence in Uechi Ryu Karate

Blog Series: The Mouth – Where Digestion Begins, Part 1 - Why it Matters

Why BZW One-Legged Drills Are Essential

What is Okinawa Karate?

Why choose Blue Zone Wellness?

How to lose weight using the Okinawa Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) food philosophy?

What is Blue Zone Wellness (BZW) at the OKCC?

What is Martial Arts Philosophy in Traditional Karate Uechi Ryu

How to Tie a Martial Arts Belt - Traditional Karate

More than Martial Arts at the OKCC, Chantilly - Sea Turtles!

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Mark Salum

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