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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 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 son Kanta Uechi. 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. Do you have any questions for the master? You ....

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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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  • Little Ninjas (Ages 4-7) Program Launch!

    Little Ninjas (Ages 4-7) Program Launch!

    Introducing our Little Ninjas (Ages 4-7) program! We’re excited to share that we are very close to meeting the minimum capacity needed to launch our new Little Ninjas Program (ages 4–7) —but we need your help to make it happen! What Will “Little Ninjas” Do for Your Child? - Builds focus, self-control, and listening skills - Teaches respect, responsibility, and discipline - Promotes anti-bullying awareness - Boosts positive behavior and confidence - Teaches self-defense skills - Encourages cooperation and patience - Supports physical health, strength, and activity - Strengthens perseverance and a positive ....

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  • Blue Zone Longevity Series Part 2: Living Longer—Life Expectancy and Low Disease Rates in Okinawa

    Blue Zone Longevity Series Part 2: Living Longer—Life Expectancy and Low Disease Rates in Okinawa

    Introduction Okinawa is not simply a place where people live long lives—it’s a place where they live well into old age. The island’s population boasts the highest life expectancy in Japan—and among the highest in the world—with many residents surpassing 90 and even reaching 100 while maintaining good physical and mental health. This isn’t due to luck or superior genetics alone. Rather, it’s the result of lifelong practices that promote health, vitality, and balance. Extraordinary Longevity Okinawan women live to an average age of about 90—years beyond their Western counterparts. Even more astounding is the island's rate of ....

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  • Blue Zone Longevity Series Part 1: Discover the Secrets of Okinawan Longevity
    14 Jul 2025

    Blue Zone Longevity Series Part 1: Discover the Secrets of Okinawan Longevity

    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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  • Celebrating Excellence: June 15th Rank Promotion Test Success!

    Celebrating Excellence: June 15th Rank Promotion Test Success!

    At Traditional Karate Uechi-Ryu, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a standard. On June 15, 2025, our senior instructors carefully evaluated students during our latest Rank Promotion Test, ensuring that each candidate demonstrated the discipline, skill, and spirit required to advance. Their expert assessments uphold the high standards our dojo is known for. We are thrilled to announce that both our Little Ninjas and Traditional Karate Uechi-Ryu students rose to the challenge and passed their tests with pride! The determination, focus, and perseverance displayed under pressure were nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to all who earned their next ....

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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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Okinawa Karate Seminar!

With 4 Distinguished Okinawa Masters

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