Okinawa Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau

A well known landmark in Okinawa, the "Shuto-shop" on Kokusai dori

Ok...first up, before I get any complaints, the "Shuto-shop" is what I've always called this building. It's showing it's age now, and given the speed of re-development on this, and many other streets in Okinawa, it may not be around for too much longer.

The aim of this post is to alert you to a new web page concerning traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo. Backed by the Okinawan Government, the Okinawan Traditional Karate Liaison Bureau is now open and ready to help those looking to connect with Ryukyu's traditional martial arts. A permanent link to the site has been added to this blog for easy access in the future.

The web site can be viewed in Japanese, English, French, and Spanish, and has been set up to spotlight the culture of Okinawan martial arts. Make sure you check out the video collection...fantastic!

I've known of this project for some time now through contacts in Okinawa who helped establish the Bureau. Now that it is up and running, I hope it delivers on its potential. To all those involved, I send my warmest best wishes for a long and distinguished future.