4437 Brookfield Corporate Dr STE 201, Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Get in touch now 703-628-4006

Blog | Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center

Request More Information

Request More Information

By submitting your information you consent to receive marketing/promotional sms & email messages from Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center. Reply HELP for more assistance. Reply STOP to opt-out of messaging. Messages & Data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary.

Request More Information
Little Ninjas (Preschool Martial Arts) near Chantilly RSS Feed




  • 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 ....

    Read more
  • 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 ....

    Read more
  • 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 ....

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

    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 ....

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

    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, ....

    Read more
  • Why BZW One-Legged Drills Are Essential

    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 ....

    Read more
  • What is Okinawa Karate?

    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 ....

    Read more
  • Why choose Blue Zone Wellness?

    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 ....

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

    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 ....

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

    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 ....

    Read more

Classes, Workshops and Seminars are Available

Request information
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:)

Request Information Now!

Check out our CRAZY SUMMER OFFER!

Learn More!