OKINAWAN MARTIAL ARTS DICTIONARY

My love for the martial arts began in 1960 when I started my study and training in Okinawan karatedo. Since then I have lived in Japan and Okinawa and have professionally taught Okinawan karatedo since 1972. I have studied at length Chibana-style shorinryu and Higa-style gojuryu karatedo. I have also researched and practiced Taira and Matayoshi-style Ryukyu kobudo (weaponry), honbu style aikido, Okinawa kenpo and Okinawa yamaneryu bojutsu (Okinawan staff art).

I began formally teaching the Okinawan martial arts on June of 1972. While teaching karate full time, I also managed to attend college full time. I received a Masters Degree in Counseling from Michigan State University while continuing to teach karate six days a week. It was during my college days that I began to keep notes on various words and instructors that I came across. This dictionary is the result of my notes, research and constant questioning.

Presently, I do not know if there is a great need for a martial arts dictionary covering the various terms that are presently in use on Okinawa. Hopefully, there is.

The Okinawan martial arts is full of history, tradition and misunderstandings. Although this dictionary is not complete - I feel that I can still add a few more pages - I will see what the finish product will look like and make revisions as the need arises.

Please note that there is also room for improvement in a number of words and there may even be some mistakes - for this, I take complete responsibility. I would hope that the martial arts student that goes over this book will have patience with me in some of my rantings. To me, some of these words have much meaning - more than I can really express.

Sincerely,

Ernest J. Estrada, Chief Instructor Okinawa Karatedo Association - USA

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