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  • Longevity Blog Series Part 1: What is a Blue Zone?

    Longevity Blog Series Part 1: What is a Blue Zone?

    Introduction Okinawa, Japan, is one of the most remarkable places in the world—not just for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but for something far more extraordinary: its people live longer, healthier, and happier lives than almost anywhere else on Earth. Recognized as one of the original "Blue Zones" by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, Okinawa is a living blueprint for longevity, vitality, and well-being. At the Okinawa Karate & Cultural Center in Chantilly, Virginia, we draw direct inspiration from these time-tested Okinawan practices. In this six-part blog series, you'll discover the secrets behind Okinawa’s exceptional health ....

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  • Okinawa Karate Delegation Promotes World Championships During US Visit (Washington DC/VA) — November 2025

    Okinawa Karate Delegation Promotes World Championships During US Visit (Washington DC/VA) — November 2025

    A nine-member delegation from Okinawa visited the United States from November 13 to 16 to promote the 3rd Okinawa Karate World Championships scheduled for July 30 to August 2 next year in Okinawa. Centered in Washington DC and Virginia, they conducted a wide-ranging program including cultural exchange and the promotion of martial arts. Approximately 150 participants from the U.S. and abroad gathered at a karate seminar held at a hotel in Herndon, Virginia. The event fostered interaction among a diverse range of participants, from children to seniors. Nestor Folta, the Director of Chantilly Family Martial Arts and an experienced practitioner, served as the coordinator for the event's ....

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  • Top 3 Benefits of Karate in Children: Building Confidence, Focus, and Self-Control
    2 Jan 2026

    Top 3 Benefits of Karate in Children: Building Confidence, Focus, and Self-Control

    As families plan for a new year, many parents ask an important question: is karate good for my child? Karate is more than a physical activity — it is a structured, character-building practice that supports children’s emotional, mental, and physical growth. Among the most recognized benefits of karate in children are improved confidence, stronger focus, and better self-control. Whether families are exploring martial arts for kids , enrolling in kids karate classes , or researching children’s karate programs , karate consistently stands out as a well-rounded activity that supports lifelong skills. Key Benefits of Karate in Children 1. Confidence ....

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  • My First Experience with OKCC - Belonging as Practice, not Birthright

    My First Experience with OKCC - Belonging as Practice, not Birthright

    Article by Sara Masaki Ichariba Chodee: “Once we meet, we become brothers and sisters.” I was born, raised, and educated in Northern Virginia. Yet as a child, I felt disconnected from the area. I struggled to find a sense of community amongst the repetitive McMansion homes, luxury apartments, and eight-lane highways. The sprawling suburban infrastructure is designed to separate us from each other, emphasizing private spaces over public, shared ones. I searched for belonging elsewhere, moving across the country for college. Now that I'm back, I've been searching for a model of belonging that doesn't require me to prove I'm "enough." Through my work with OKCC, I'm ....

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  • Meet the Masters: Sensei Gibo Takahiko — Shorin-ryu & Kobudo

    Meet the Masters: Sensei Gibo Takahiko — Shorin-ryu & Kobudo

    MEET THE MASTERS AT THE OKINAWA KARATE SEMINAR! About Sensei Gibo Takahiko — Shōrin-ryū & Kobudō Sensei Takahiko Gibo, 8th Dan, is a senior instructor of Shōrin-ryū Karate-dō and Okinawa Kobudō with the Okinawa Shobukan Association. A specialist in traditional weapons such as bō, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and eku, he integrates empty-hand and weapon training to preserve Okinawa’s martial heritage. Recognized by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, he represents Okinawa internationally and serves as the official Kobudō instructor for the Okinawa Karate Overseas Caravan 2025. Do you have any questions for the master? You are welcome to ask them at our FREE karate ....

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  • Meet the Masters: Soke Uechi Sadanao — Uechi-ryu

    Meet the Masters: Soke Uechi Sadanao — Uechi-ryu

    MEET THE MASTERS AT THE OKINAWA KARATE SEMINAR! About Sōke Uechi Sadanao — Uechi-ryū Sōke Sadanao Uechi, head of the Uechi family lineage and leader of the Uechi-Ryū Karate-dō Kyōkai, preserves and protects the classical traditions of Uechi-ryū established by his grandfather, Kanei Uechi. Based in Ginowan, Okinawa, he ensures the technical and philosophical integrity of the style’s core kata — Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu—and its “three animals” principles of strength, grace, and fluidity. As Sōke, he represents Uechi-ryū globally and mentors the next generation, including his sons. Do you have any questions for the master? You are ....

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  • Meet the Masters: Sensei Masanari Kikugawa - Goju-ryu

    Meet the Masters: Sensei Masanari Kikugawa - Goju-ryu

    MEET THE MASTERS AT THE OKINAWA KARATE SEMINAR! About Sensei Masanari Kikugawa - Gōjū-ryū Sensei Masanari Kikugawa, 10th Dan and Vice President of the Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Association, is renowned for his powerful kata performances and global contributions to Gōjū-ryū. A multiple-time national and international kata champion — including at the Japanese Kata Championships and Asian Championship — he is especially known for his mastery of Kururunfa . He founded the International Martial Arts Academy in South Africa, promoting classical Gōjū-ryū worldwide with authenticity and precision. Sensei Masanari Kikugawa is the leader of the Okinawa ....

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  • Meet The Masters: Sensei Shimabukuro Zenshun — Shorin-ryu / Seibukan

    Meet The Masters: Sensei Shimabukuro Zenshun — Shorin-ryu / Seibukan

    MEET THE MASTERS AT THE OKINAWA KARATE SEMINAR! About Sensei Shimabukuro Zenshun - Shōrin-ryū / Seibukan Sensei Shimabukuro Zenshun is a senior instructor of Seibukan Shōrin-ryū, a lineage founded in 1962 by Zenryō Shimabukuro, student of Chōtoku Kyan. Teaching at the Seibukan main dōjō in Jagaru and the Ōzato Dōjō, he is recognized as a successor candidate for the organization’s leadership. Known for emphasizing speed, natural movement, and kata integrity, he continues to uphold Seibukan’s traditions while guiding its evolution under his father’s direction. Do you have any questions for the master? You are welcome to ask them at our FREE karate ....

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  • Okinawa Festival of Washington, DC

    Okinawa Festival of Washington, DC

    2nd Annual Okinawa Festival of Washington DC October 26, 2025 Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm 🌟 Join us for a day of culture, community, and celebration! Celebrate the vibrant culture of Okinawa with live performances, BBQ, and traditional Okinawan food, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast or someone fascinated by Okinawan heritage, this festival offers something for everyone. 🏯 Okinawa Festival Activities: - Live performances (singing, drumming, dancing) - Karate demonstrations - BBQ and traditional Okinawan food - Cultural exhibits - Games (rope tug-of-war, watermelon break, etc) - Moonbounce - Arts & crafts ....

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  • Master Folta CERT Open House Representative 10-11-2025

    Master Folta CERT Open House Representative 10-11-2025

    On October 11, 2025, Master Nestor Folta served as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) representative at the Chantilly Fire Station #15 Open House, welcoming and guiding 38 visitors throughout the day. Master Folta shared insights into the daily life of Fairfax County firefighters, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at the station’s living quarters, the fire engines, and specialized emergency equipment used in real-life response operations. Families and children enjoyed hands-on activities, including the chance to hold and operate a real firehose, using water pressure to “knock down flames” represented by red-painted wooden boards—a fun and ....

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Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center Google five star review - Matthew Persil

Matthew Persil

Master Folta is a fantastic teacher that really cares about his students' progress and their wellbeing, and is very enthusiastic about imparting authentic traditional Uechi-ryu karate from Okinawa, Japan to every person that comes to train.

Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center Google five star review - Mark Salum

Mark Salum

I started my Uechi Ryu Karate training in Okinawa and am now continuing under Sensei Nestor Folta. The training he gives is exactly the same as I received when I trained in Japan; challenging, powerful, effective, and authentic. True to its Okinawan roots.

Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center Google five star review - Kelly Legos - Confidence

Kelly Legos - Confidence

We recently signed up both our children (ages 8 and 10) at Okinawa Karate and Cultural center and could not be more pleased. Master Folta strikes an amazing balance of patience, motivation, education and discipline. They are learning so much and I’m already seeing changes in their confidence. Looking forward to seeing where they go from here:)

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