Andase Singsing Group, Kainantudis, Eastern Highlands Province
The Andase Singsing Group of Kainantudis. Simple natural tones created using leaves, grasses and shells made up their traditional dress.
Author: travel67
Zenshu Toyama 富山 全秋 10th dan Goju Ryu Karate
Toyama Zenshu was born in Awase in 1936, he used to swim in the bay as a kid, and now at age 77, his dojo looks out over the same bay. He is still very strong and demonstrated with James how easily he could throw someone to the floor and dominate an encounter. His favorite kata (set forms) are sepia, suparenpei and saifa. When asked about his favorite kotowaza (idiom / words of wisdom) he said Mikan se no kasei which refers to the imperfection of vision or the inability to see what is right in front of you, like your eyelashes. Fearsome and powerful, but also a lovely friendly grandfather. Toyama-san gave James advice on how to dislocate a man’s jaw. He gave me a can of coffee and a hug.
Kunai Culture Singsing Group – Goroka Show, Papua New Guinea
The Kunai Culture Singsing Group with their red, black, white and yellow face paint gives them one of the most distinctive looks of the Goroka Show.
Satoshi Toyama 9th dan Goju Ryu Karate
Father and son shoot at the Toyama dojo on Sunday evening. Satoshi Toyama is 9th dan in Goju Ryu karate and now runs their dojo in Awase, Okinawa City.
The Sound of the Shell
Interesting to see another cultural parallel between Papua New Guinea and Okinawa. And remember, “Whoever holds the conch gets to speak.”
Tsuyoshi Uechi 8th dan Isshinryu Karate
Tsuyoshi Uechi, 8th dan master of Isshinryu karate. We photographed him at his dojo in Okinawa City. His preferred weapons for kobudo are sai, which as you might expect, he wields with complete control.
Koteka ( Penis Gourd ) – Goroka Show, Papua New Guinea
A few shots of the various Koteka worn by men of one tribe at the Goroka Show. I can’t find the name of this tribe in my notes so if anyone knows please tell me!
October 25th, Karate Day – A Master Class at Shuri
After the earlier demonstrations in the shicha-nu-una, the final events of karate day took place in the forecourt of Shuri Castle. Eight of the most senior karate masters in the world each performed a kata. Of the eight, I’ve only photographed Zenpo Shimabukuro sensei which just shows how much further we have to go with the Karate Masters Portrait Project.
Karate Day – October 25th
On Okinawa, October 25th is Karate Day. There have been various events happening all month, but yesterday the main ceremony took place at Shuri Castle. As you can imagine, there were a lot of black belts, and quite a few red / white belts worn by the masters of certain karate styles. There were a few demonstrations of traditional kata both in groups and alone. And some set movement sparring Kiyohide Shinjo demonstrated why he’s known as the Okinawan Superman. And why he doesn’t need an axe to chop firewood.
The Boy of the Kowampi
Three shots of the same boy from the Kowampi tribe. He had this half smile on his face, and was standing amongst a group of women.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 