This is the website of Ernest J Estrada who is a practitioner of the Okinawan art of Shorinryu Karatedoh and Ryukyu Kobudoh. Included on the site are some of my thoughts and experiences in the practice of Okinawan karatedoh and kobudoh - beginning with my judo years for 1957 to 1960. This is followed by my karate years ( 1960 to the present ) and my kobudoh years ( 1963 to present ). I hope that you enjoy my writings and ramblings!
Sensei Estrada has added 43 new pictures to the gallery area of the site.
Submitted by EEstrada on Tue, 06/14/2011 - 09:10
Found this posted on a bulletin board of a dojo on Okinawa. It was entitled, 'Bojutsu.'
"With bare fists, watch out for the young. They're stronger and can beat up the old. But with the BO, watch out for the old. They're wiser and more experienced and can beat up the young."
Submitted by EEstrada on Mon, 06/13/2011 - 19:04
I wrote this on 05/09/1975 : Discussed Okinawan karate training with an older Okinawan 7-Dan. The first part dealt with the machiwara (makiwara). Ideally, the machiwara should lean towards the individual and NOT stand straight up. This is because when one strikes a straight machiwara, the force will push the board back and put pressure on the lower part of the fist rather than the knuckles.
Submitted by EEstrada on Sun, 06/12/2011 - 22:26
Instructors of Okinawan karate often use stories, anecdotes, analogies and metaphors in order to pass on concepts, ideas and theories. These are rich in visual imagery and I would like to share the following one which I found posted on the bulletin board of Kanei Uechi Sensei's Dojo in Futenma, Okinawa (around 1980).
Submitted by EEstrada on Fri, 06/10/2011 - 14:57
Years ago, I remember one day that a student asked his teacher for permission to perform the stick form, Sakugawa no kun. Not only did he want to show off for his friends who were watching but he also wanted to receive some positive strokes from his teacher. The teacher immediately recognized what was going on and simply said... 'fine, do your best.'
The student gave a strong performance of the kata and upon finishing it, looked towards his teacher in anticipation of praise he so strongly wanted.
Submitted by EEstrada on Sat, 05/14/2011 - 13:52
Many thanks for the the surprise party... and yes, it was truly a surprise. First time I was caught unawares. This is my 51st year in the study and practice of Okinawa Karate. To me, it seems like it was yesterday. The cake was great - uhmmmm chocolate.
What was really great was the old timers that showed up from around the state. It brought back many memories.
Thanks for the memories, guys.
Hanzo
