Okinawa Culture Seminar

Master sensei Masahiro Nakamoto takes down black belt student Takashi Nakamori during a Karate demonstration at an Okinawan Culture Seminar at Kadena’s Schilling Community Center Dec. 2. The seminar gave Airmen of all ranks more insight into the history of Okinawa and the culture of the citizens on-island. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman)

Okinawa Culture Seminar

Colonel Roftiel Constantine, 18th Mission Support Group commander, practices a Karate technique taught during a Karate demonstration at an Okinawan Culture Seminar at Kadena’s Schilling Community Center Dec. 2 with Senior Airman Kandi Sampson, from the 18th Operations Support Squadron. Airmen of all ranks were able to practice different Karate styles using different weapons in order to learn more about Okinawan culture during the seminar. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman)

Okinawa Culture Seminar

Black belt student Takashi Nakamori (right) blocks and counter attacks Morikazu Kyan (left) at a Karate demonstration at an Okinawan Culture Seminar at Kadena’s Schilling Community Center Dec. 2. The seminar gave Airmen of all ranks more insight into the history of Okinawa and the culture of the citizens on-island. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman)

Okinawa Culture Seminar

Master sensei Masahiro Nakamoto demonstrates nanchaku techniques during a Karate presentation at an Okinawan Culture Seminar at Kadena’s Schilling Community Center Dec. 2. The more than 50-year martial art veteran attended the seminar to provide insight on the history and culture of Okinawa to Airmen of all ranks during the presentation. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Tara Williamson)

Seminar gives Airmen insight into Okinawa's history, society

Published Dec. 3, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- An Okinawan cultural seminar that included a guest speaker on the history and culture of Okinawa and a Karate demonstration was held at Kadena Air Base's Schilling Community Center Dec. 2.

About 100 Airmen of all ranks attended the seminar, which was held as a means to help strengthen community ties between servicemembers and their Okinawan neighbors.

"It was a great cultural exchange," said Masahiro Nakamoto, master Karate sensei for the Okinawa Traditional Kobudo Preservation Society and a demonstrator at the seminar. "Knowing each other's culture is the best way to create bonds between people."

The event began with a guest speaker who gave a brief history on Okinawa, from the formation of the Ryukyu Kingdom to World War II and more recent eras. Afterward, a Karate demonstration allowed those attending the opportunity to "fight" each other under quick instruction of master Nakamoto.

Though similar seminars have been held at different bases on Okinawa over the past few years, this was only the second time one was held at Kadena AB.

"I think overall it was a really good success, and I think that more of these should go on because it will give more people better insight and perspective into the culture they're currently living in," said 1st Lt. Jamie Davis, 18th Contracting Squadron contract specialist and coordinator for the event.

Lieutenant Davis said the base expects to host more seminars to keep Airmen informed about the Okinawan culture.

"I think it's very important for Airmen to learn these things," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Ronan, a member of the 18th Component Maintenance Squadron and participant in the Karate demonstration. "I enjoyed it a lot. I felt it was very informative."