2025 - OKINAWA Notes & Reflection
- OGKK Australia
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Another year, another trip….So much happened in such a short time, but I’m not going to document every detail here. It’s just a mini self-reflection / diary or whatever nonsense you want to call it.
We’re back!
So it’s been a short period since we returned from Okinawa, and it’s a strange feeling. You’d think that after being away from family, you’d be overjoyed to be home, but nah. Every time, it’s the same ole - we just want to return ASAP. That spark never fades – if anything it gets stronger each time, like a Mister Donuts addiction you can’t quit. Our students often ask what we learn while we’re over there, but honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint. At this stage and what we think we understand of karate, it’s not about learning new stuff but more the refinement, soaking up the Okinawan vibes, culture, and listening to stories from our seniors and instructors. Hearing firsthand from our sensei about the miniscule details of the history of Goju Ryu, OGKK, and the Minei family is like an exclusive private interview for a karate doco - but with details which will probably never be found on the net. And while most karate tourists are busy bowing and sucking the butt cheeks of karate masters, we’re over there hearing them drop their honest opinions about the morons of the karate world. Now that alone is worth every penny, forget the training!
Who’s ya daddy? I mean Who’s ya sensei?
On this trip, we got to catch up with OGKK members from various countries and met new foreign members too. It’s a hard concept to grasp but despite OGKK having a ton of branches around the globe, not many of them actually have a sensei in Okinawa. Instead, there are “karate hoppers,” drifting from dojo to dojo like snowflakes desperately searching for any training they can get their hands on – any instructor will do kind of thing. And just because one is affiliated with OGKK doesn’t mean you’re automatically accepted at every dojo over there. It’s situations like this that I am forever grateful to be part of the Minei Dojo, where we share a deep bond and can truly call someone our 'sensei,' rather than just that dude who seems to know a few things but has no place to call home.
The Test of Friendship
Spending 24/7 with a few mates for a week or two can be challenging for anybody. Uncontrollable bowel movements, excess bodily gases, chainsaw-like snoring, and dishwashing without rinsing habits are just some of the stunning things one can experience. I’ve probably spent more time with these two gentlemen than I’ve known my own kids…and as one of them likes to say, we’re like a married couple of 30 years. Well, this time we also added a grandmother into the mix - eating habits a million times worse than a five-year-old whose daily diet consists of only sugary shit, and repeatedly screaming her favourite one and only Japanese word “Nannnnnnnnnnni”?? Oh, and washing only their own clothes, because apparently mixing laundry with others is a sin against humanity. Spending time with such adventurous people guarantees there’s never a dull moment. Always having a good laugh and not taking anything or anyone too seriously, you know you truly belong when you can roast each other to the max regardless of age, gender, or beliefs. If that’s not friendship I dunno what is.
Oi Sensei - pick me up would ya!
Imagine having the audacity to summon your elderly sensei - yep, the one battling creaky joints and carrying a lifetime of martial arts mastery just to pick you up from the airport. Not because you’re stranded. Not because of an emergency. But because you want to flex on your students. And now you’ve got your poor 80-year-old instructor shuffling through arrivals like a glorified Uber driver for clout. Truly, Darwin must be spinning. “Oh, look who came all the way just for me!” Maaaaate, they didn’t come for you - they came for the misguided hope that you’d one day grow a shred of humility.
It’s absolutely mind-boggling that such people exist. What’s even more tragic is that we all fall under the same OGKK banner. A little self-respect wouldn’t go awry… and while you’re at it, maybe throw in some extra respect for your sensei - before they channel decades of discipline into a nut kick to remind you what humility actually feels like.
Quality over quantity
There was one night that really stood out to me - and it’s super typical of the Okinawan attitude, or maybe just my sensei’s. He had mistakenly thought he’d organise training at Kikugawa dojo that night. Thankfully, Kikugawa Sensei was kind enough to squeeze in about an hour or so of his time before heading off to his ‘Uber’ commitments. How much can you really learn in just an hour? you might ask. Well, once again, it’s not just about the learning, but about seeing things from a different perspective. Just a few suggestions here & there, and we were all thinking, 'Farrrrk this is gold!' Who needs Viagra when you’re getting gems like that?
We graded – Osssssssssssu
Yeh, whoopty doo. We’d been putting off the dreaded grading for as long as humanly possible. Not because we weren’t capable, far from it - but maybe because the whole idea and importance of it never really clicked. Still hasn’t and won’t. Might never. And let’s not forget the big money involved for something we don’t even care about. Even after finishing the grading, I didn’t feel some pants-wetting level of joy or even like I’d accomplished anything, to be honest. I know what I can and can’t do well, and we all hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards as members of the Minei Dojo. That’s enough for me. Joy did eventually arrive though – only after the food and drinks hit the table. I guess you've always got to look on the bright side of things... especially when there's food involved.
To conclude....
Like every trip, this one was packed with countless magical moments and non-stop laughter - many of which we were lucky enough to share with a handful of students. And honestly? Watching em experience the magic we’ve always known was the real highlight for me. Forget the rich culture and deep traditions, but nothing compares to witnessing grown adults spiral into a mild panic over how to walk onto the mat properly before a grading, or questioning “Do we bow here? Or now? (Or was that just me?) And the tears of joy from overachieving in a tournament? Unexpected. Touching. Very cool! Nannnnnnnnnnni!?
There’s something strangely heartwarming about watching students navigate everything with a mix of mild confusion and relentless curiosity. Bit chaotic - but wholesome. Let’s do it all again soon!
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