OKINAWA TOUR 2009
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We have experienced a wealth of talent and expertise with Okinawan Karate Masters in a dream holiday for any karate student. I look forward to returning back to Okinawa in the future to experience possibly the friendliest islands in the world!
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 Meeting with the Okinawa Times newspaper 7/4/9 |
 Meeting with the Governor of Okinawa 7/4/9 with senior members of the Rengokai |
Sams Anchor diner - expensive but good food! |
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 First night and dining on Kokusai Dori, Naha |
 Everyone in the holding area before seeing Shuri Castle |
 Tim and Jo getting all excited about the tour of Shuri... |
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Okinawa Tea Ceremony
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Group photo outside Shuri Castle |
 Tim slow off the mark again! Snapped him before he snapped me... |
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 Derek and Lori outside Okinawan Prefecture (government house) |
 Lauren and me outside Okinawan Prefecture |
Chatan Town Beach
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 First lesson at the budokan with Zenpo Shimabukuro 10th Dan Shorin Ryu (8/4/9) |
 Afternoon session with Yoshio Kuba 10th Dan Uechi Ryu |
A captivating class with Ryuko Tomoyose 10th Dan Uechi Ryu and a Living Cultural Asset
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Friday afternoon training with Isamu Aragki 10th Dan Shorin Ryu |
Aragaki in the centre |
 Ryuku Tomoyose
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 Amazing strength for a man of 81 years young |
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 Once again a privilege to train at Katsuhiko Shinzato's (10th Dan Shorin Ryu) dojo..
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 View over Naha from the Japanese Naval Underground museum |
One of the many stunning views from the Okinawan Peace Park in the Southern part of the island
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Little Rosie sneaking into the image! |
We met "Rocky" in Okinawa...
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Bea doing a spot of knife throwing!
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 Group photo at Expo Park in the north of Okinawa
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Lauren and me standing by the side of Chotoku Kyan's memorial stone
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The dolphin show was a great spectacle |
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On the beach with Emanuelle, Tim and Jo |
 Off to Takishiki Island
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 Aragaki in the middle of Derek and myself with Lori and Lauren at the back. Dave Chambers back left next to Miyuki, Brent and his girlfriend and Aragakis son back right. |
 Special "Sushi" meal at Aragaki's hotel in Naha - wonderful food...
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 Pete and Bea getting in on the drumming... |
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Across from our hotel - karaoke bar |
Lauren on drums... |
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 A pleasure to train with Aragaki at his private dojo in Naha |
 A master class of Goju Ryu with Morio Higaonna 10th Dan |
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 Clive enjoying himself! |
 Pete, you've just been tangoed!! |
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 Lauren enjoying herself! |
Great demonstration of suparempei by Higaonna |
 Photo taken outside the Budokan's entrance |
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 Restaurant in a tree - nice food! |
 Everyone smartened up for the sayonara party |
Trevor with his new "friend"!
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A sensible looking bunch |
 Flicky, Flicky! |
 Lauren being awarded end of course certificate by Minoru Higa 10th Dan Shorin Ryu. "Thanks for the 2000 punches sensei" - memorable!
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 Group photo with Minoru Higa - the end of a great two weeks of training |
 A fantastic gift from everyone on the tour - really unexpected and to all that went: Domo Arigato Gosaimashita! |
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