The Okinawans appear to be more laid back. There are moments with mainland Japanese instructors that you feel like you are walking on egg shells. Karate is the same concept of empty hand defense, but the sensei makes all the difference.
A good sensei to me is someone who is willing to take time to break down the concepts of karate. Also, is willing to put in extra time for people who may need more help like if they are older, disabled, etc. I think a good sensei doesn't see someone limited by their age or other factors, but helps people work through it to become a good Karate practitioner.
The Okinawans Dojo is more laid back and my question is why? The Budokhan here in Texas was like walking into imperial Japan. We are very disciplined and the art of Karate, Judo, Kendo, etc is very serious. I have performed very well in Shito-Ryu karate and judo competition. My sensei has never given me an encouraging word.
Im from Seattle, I do not live there anymore. Yes there are alot of Japanese in Seattle, so much so I'm constantly mistaken for being half Japanese (I'm polynesian) to the point that I started learning Japanese to help out when and where I can as I often get asked for help or directions! Shorin-Ryu is the style I study!
Shorin-Ryu is a great art to study. The basics you learn will always stay with you because Shorin-Ryu has an excellent foundation like Shito-Ryu. Stay focused and open minded. Ask questions!
A good Sensei is one that does not let you get away with making a lot of mistakes. This makes training very difficult in the beginning, but it makes your karate so much better for later on
This guy is a true pioneer of Karate and deserves to be called a Grandmaster. He is on par with the old masters, Having explored Karate usage in different scenarios and always improving on them, Even well into his years. This is what a true master looks like!
In my 30+ years in martial arts, the conclusion that I have come to on what makes a good sensei is someone who is above everything else patient. Patient with his/her students and the mistakes they make and patient with themselves if they don’t automatically know all the answers the students may be asking for. Also someone who knows that every student learns differently and can figure out how to best reach them.
What an experience. Some of us rarely get to meet one great teacher. During your trips you are meeting quite a few. They are willing to talk experience, training and where they see their art going. Very impressive. He had a plan and a goal. He moved from state to state in pursuit of his vision. Not many of us would leave everything behind and go off on a dream. But to be successful also. You can't ignore someone like this.
Fascinating gentleman, wonderful to be introduced to him. Many thanks. One thing did stick out, when he spoke about his experience in different martial arts and the use of Kenjutsu also he mentioned sword being a big influence on Shuri tai which by extension means Karate, I must admit he did sound a lot like Steven Seagal.
Thank you, got so much from just few of your videos with Higa sensei. The simplest principals behind forms is what I thirst for. And he qeunches that thirst quite well.
That was a fun interview especially the part on the traveling & the Sensei pointing out the early Japanese martial art’s influence in Karate’s history.
For me it's very important that the sensei can communicate well. And not only is well versed in the skills he/she is trying to teach, but has experience applying them under pressure; be it tournaments, self defense, etc. Also that they understand the human body well and can give helpful guidance.
I really like Tokashiki Masahiko sensei from the previous videos. In particular his demonstrations and the way he describes the method to achieve the movement. It may not be detailed information but I think it is enough to understand and concise.
His journey at age 52 makes me feel better about a similar one at age 42... though I can't legally work. Looking forward to more of this (I checked the 2nd one before this one)
I'm from New Zealand and recently taken up Gracie BJJ to supplement my Shotokan, I see much more grappling in kata now as a result and try to implement movements into my rolls. Sad that Higa Sensei couldn't stay here would have been amazing to train with.
As an Australian 🇦🇺 I thrilled this sensei has travelled to learn English, and not just to USA but Australia and New Zealand. I am currently studying shorin ryu from cibanna chosin’s nephew. But this sensei would have a good idea of westerners and perhaps what we seek when training. But just the honesty and openness is something I would want from a new sensei
When I look at any Sensei I assume they have a lot to show. My job as a student it to take in all I can, and do my best during the sessions. Weather I retain or use anything from them is on me.
I do know that many of the us military branches learned karate in Okinawa, that's actually where and why the us army became interested in karate. My mother's uncle was stationed on Okinawa during Korea or Vietnam and they were learning karate while there
Nice, I live in Georgia, which is the state to the right of Alabama. I'm sure he got quite a different style of English in the south lol. Wonder what years he was here.
I've only had one sensei and she was a woman. She loved teaching karate and even taught us a little Chinese martial arts on the side just so we can respect other styles. Unfortunately I stopped going because of financial reasons. Last time I heard, she saved up money to travel to Europe and participate in some tournaments. The only thing I want in a sensei is sincerity.
open mind to see you with the movements, because some people can not always perform the movements the same, so having an open mind and changing things like foot work help. my foot work in my bunkias are different due to Japanese ju jitsu and hapkido.
also someone who you can tell has spent time studying the art and practicing and when you ask a question they want to explain the answer not just in words but in movements.
The most important thing in searching for an ideal Sensei is first of all to know what one is looking for. If one wants to see karate as a way of life or look at it as a simple sport, that is very important to take the first step. Then we must understand that karate was developed by Japanese, people with another culture, ideas and ways of seeing things. Westerners have to learn to look at karate in the same way as Asians, often therein lies the big problem. Westerners generally want to do things quickly without much effort and achieve success from one day to the next, and that would be impossible in a martial art. That is why today there are different karate, sports, traditional, etc. Finally, it is good to look at some serious sensei before choosing, it is not very good to have several, since that leads to many possible doubts in the future and one may feel confused. Karate is for life and requires a lot of patience and perseverance every day. Osu!
Saifa-gata of Goju-ryu reflects that tettsui that also might impress Miyagi Chojun when he was creating his style (and most likely this particular kata, too).
Love the channel. I always wondered why we’re so shocked when we come across a sensei that’s “legit”. As if a romanticised form of self defence has finally manifested itself in reality for us to witness first hand. I don’t doubt this sensei’s skill. Just my thoughts on whenever the term “legit” is used in martial arts. Also I’d love to see you visit other martial art dojos, like Judo, etc. Kuro Obi World does this quite well, but I think we would all benefit from a series done in your delivery style and with your inquisitive nature.
Funny because I’m watching from Birmingham, Alabama where we actually have a large Japanese population and a Japanese garden donated by our sister city of Maebashi, Japan. We have a large statue of the Roman god Vulcan overlooking our city so they gave us a garden with a huge Torii and traditional tea houses and all that, and we gave them a statue of Vulcan that is now in their city center
You say when looking for a Sensei you look for the open mindness. Me.. It is going to sound crazy. but the aura of them. I know it sounds funny. But some people just make you take a step back when you see them move. It is like they just say without saying " Here is respect. But you will show this to me also " I know it sounds crazy as thou I am completely insane. But this is how I do it.
My Sensei was kinda mean. He would laugh at you if you got hurt and if he caught you goofing around he would make you do 100 sit ups and 100 push ups. He would cheat in sparring and try to test if he could make you lose your temper. He was hard core. To gain a black belt it took 7 to 10 years, and he made you run 5 miles down a gravel road barefoot.
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Yusuke in Okinawa Season 2:
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Yusuke in Okinawa Season 1:
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The Okinawans appear to be more laid back. There are moments with mainland Japanese instructors that you feel like you are walking on egg shells. Karate is the same concept of empty hand defense, but the sensei makes all the difference.
In your opinion, should I do Shorin Ryu, Goju, Shotokan, or Kyokushin first?
My aim is for self-protection.
A good sensei to me is someone who is willing to take time to break down the concepts of karate. Also, is willing to put in extra time for people who may need more help like if they are older, disabled, etc. I think a good sensei doesn't see someone limited by their age or other factors, but helps people work through it to become a good Karate practitioner.
The Okinawans Dojo is more laid back and my question is why? The Budokhan here in Texas was like walking into imperial Japan. We are very disciplined and the art of Karate, Judo, Kendo, etc is very serious. I have performed very well in Shito-Ryu karate and judo competition. My sensei has never given me an encouraging word.
Im from Seattle, I do not live there anymore. Yes there are alot of Japanese in Seattle, so much so I'm constantly mistaken for being half Japanese (I'm polynesian) to the point that I started learning Japanese to help out when and where I can as I often get asked for help or directions! Shorin-Ryu is the style I study!
Shorin-Ryu is a great art to study. The basics you learn will always stay with you because Shorin-Ryu has an excellent foundation like Shito-Ryu. Stay focused and open minded. Ask questions!
Earnest, Sincere, Unbiased, Honest! ☯️
A good Sensei is one that does not let you get away with making a lot of mistakes. This makes training very difficult in the beginning, but it makes your karate so much better for later on
I find Higa Sensei extremely interesting. Many thanks :)
This gentleman has his history correct and is not being put in a box. Bravo!
For me a good instructor or sensei has to be an honest, patient and open- minded person.
This guy is a true pioneer of Karate and deserves to be called a Grandmaster. He is on par with the old masters, Having explored Karate usage in different scenarios and always improving on them, Even well into his years. This is what a true master looks like!
And all he's gone thru to maintain the legacy of his style, absolutely grandmaster material.
In my 30+ years in martial arts, the conclusion that I have come to on what makes a good sensei is someone who is above everything else patient. Patient with his/her students and the mistakes they make and patient with themselves if they don’t automatically know all the answers the students may be asking for. Also someone who knows that every student learns differently and can figure out how to best reach them.
US Navy here, trained by Ikemiyagi Masaaki Sensei. I heard that Tatsuo Sensei of Isshin Ryu also trained a lot of military back in the day.
I really like this sensei. He is quite humble, in spite of all his experience.
What an experience. Some of us rarely get to meet one great teacher. During your trips you are meeting quite a few. They are willing to talk experience, training and where they see their art going.
Very impressive. He had a plan and a goal. He moved from state to state in pursuit of his vision. Not many of us would leave everything behind and go off on a dream. But to be successful also. You can't ignore someone like this.
Fascinating gentleman, wonderful to be introduced to him.
Many thanks.
One thing did stick out, when he spoke about his experience in different martial arts and the use of Kenjutsu also he mentioned sword being a big influence on Shuri tai which by extension means Karate, I must admit he did sound a lot like Steven Seagal.
Thank you, got so much from just few of your videos with Higa sensei. The simplest principals behind forms is what I thirst for. And he qeunches that thirst quite well.
That was a fun interview especially the part on the traveling & the Sensei pointing out the early Japanese martial art’s influence in Karate’s history.
For me it's very important that the sensei can communicate well. And not only is well versed in the skills he/she is trying to teach, but has experience applying them under pressure; be it tournaments, self defense, etc. Also that they understand the human body well and can give helpful guidance.
What an amazing man!!!
I really like Tokashiki Masahiko sensei from the previous videos. In particular his demonstrations and the way he describes the method to achieve the movement. It may not be detailed information but I think it is enough to understand and concise.
Great video with very important sayings. Thank you very much for your stuff
wish I had this when I was younger, great job!
His punches are amazing
His journey at age 52 makes me feel better about a similar one at age 42... though I can't legally work. Looking forward to more of this (I checked the 2nd one before this one)
I'm from New Zealand and recently taken up Gracie BJJ to supplement my Shotokan, I see much more grappling in kata now as a result and try to implement movements into my rolls.
Sad that Higa Sensei couldn't stay here would have been amazing to train with.
As an Australian 🇦🇺 I thrilled this sensei has travelled to learn English, and not just to USA but Australia and New Zealand.
I am currently studying shorin ryu from cibanna chosin’s nephew. But this sensei would have a good idea of westerners and perhaps what we seek when training. But just the honesty and openness is something I would want from a new sensei
When I look at any Sensei I assume they have a lot to show. My job as a student it to take in all I can, and do my best during the sessions. Weather I retain or use anything from them is on me.
Great interview with a very engaging sensei!
Good sensei: One who does not limit themselves to karate, doesn't speak ill of other styles or other martial arts, one who digs deeper.
Alabama!? Wooof he must have learned the Banjo Fighting technique!
I do know that many of the us military branches learned karate in Okinawa, that's actually where and why the us army became interested in karate. My mother's uncle was stationed on Okinawa during Korea or Vietnam and they were learning karate while there
Fort Benning is in GA, USA. It’s one of the facilities used by SOCOM for Combative’s school. Just some information.
Nice, I live in Georgia, which is the state to the right of Alabama. I'm sure he got quite a different style of English in the south lol. Wonder what years he was here.
I love his facial hair style !
Good sensei: uncompromising, understanding, forgiving, open minded.
Can't be both uncompromising and opened minded at the same time
@@vincentlee7359 yes. :)
Retired U.S. Navy. MY Sensei, Mitsuo Onozaki in Kanagawa prefecture. Kami Seya Navy Base. He is a legend too. Master of Shuri-Te Ha
You can always learn from others and that's why I have a great deal of time for you ☺️😊
I've only had one sensei and she was a woman. She loved teaching karate and even taught us a little Chinese martial arts on the side just so we can respect other styles. Unfortunately I stopped going because of financial reasons. Last time I heard, she saved up money to travel to Europe and participate in some tournaments. The only thing I want in a sensei is sincerity.
Ah New Zealand. My Homeland. 🇳🇿 Cost of living is no good New Zealand even now. Some families are living in their cars. Glad I'm in Australia
open mind to see you with the movements, because some people can not always perform the movements the same, so having an open mind and changing things like foot work help. my foot work in my bunkias are different due to Japanese ju jitsu and hapkido.
also someone who you can tell has spent time studying the art and practicing and when you ask a question they want to explain the answer not just in words but in movements.
I think a good Sensei is a balanced sense. Not to strict. not to easy going, not too close minded, not too wishy washy, etc.
Muy buen canal, subtitulos en español por favor.
The most important thing in searching for an ideal Sensei is first of all to know what one is looking for.
If one wants to see karate as a way of life or look at it as a simple sport, that is very important to take the first step.
Then we must understand that karate was developed by Japanese, people with another culture, ideas and ways of seeing things.
Westerners have to learn to look at karate in the same way as Asians, often therein lies the big problem.
Westerners generally want to do things quickly without much effort and achieve success from one day to the next, and that would be impossible in a martial art.
That is why today there are different karate, sports, traditional, etc.
Finally, it is good to look at some serious sensei before choosing, it is not very good to have several, since that leads to many possible doubts in the future and one may feel confused.
Karate is for life and requires a lot of patience and perseverance every day.
Osu!
Saifa-gata of Goju-ryu reflects that tettsui that also might impress Miyagi Chojun when he was creating his style (and most likely this particular kata, too).
Man I'm interested for Tegumi, Shima, Okinawan Sumo
Love the channel. I always wondered why we’re so shocked when we come across a sensei that’s “legit”. As if a romanticised form of self defence has finally manifested itself in reality for us to witness first hand.
I don’t doubt this sensei’s skill. Just my thoughts on whenever the term “legit” is used in martial arts.
Also I’d love to see you visit other martial art dojos, like Judo, etc. Kuro Obi World does this quite well, but I think we would all benefit from a series done in your delivery style and with your inquisitive nature.
Funny because I’m watching from Birmingham, Alabama where we actually have a large Japanese population and a Japanese garden donated by our sister city of Maebashi, Japan. We have a large statue of the Roman god Vulcan overlooking our city so they gave us a garden with a huge Torii and traditional tea houses and all that, and we gave them a statue of Vulcan that is now in their city center
That sounds beautiful!
What's Higa sensei's full name
Nice..! Or, naisu..!!
OK, Sir, nice C.V. keep walking. Paul, 67
Why wasn't he telling the names of his teachers? You told his teacher is Nakamura Sensei.. Was that Yoshio Nakamura Sensei?
You say when looking for a Sensei you look for the open mindness. Me.. It is going to sound crazy. but the aura of them.
I know it sounds funny. But some people just make you take a step back when you see them move. It is like they just say without saying " Here is respect. But you will show this to me also "
I know it sounds crazy as thou I am completely insane. But this is how I do it.
昔名護市に恐ろしく強い先生が居て
弟子の招きでアメリカに渡ったが
この弟子がとんでもないホラ吹きで
苦労したと新聞で読んだ事があるが
この先生かなぁ‼️
あの方も確か比嘉さんと言ってなかった
かなぁ‼️
（名護市は比嘉姓が多い）
今ＮＨＫで放送されている連続ドラマ
ちむどんどんの主人公家族も比嘉である❗
What dan are you?🥋
My Sensei was kinda mean. He would laugh at you if you got hurt and if he caught you goofing around he would make you do 100 sit ups and 100 push ups. He would cheat in sparring and try to test if he could make you lose your temper. He was hard core. To gain a black belt it took 7 to 10 years, and he made you run 5 miles down a gravel road barefoot.
Too bad this gentleman is not in Chicago...
It's funny that you both speak perfect English but you still spoke Japanese for aesthetics.
Wang Wang Chin rong te Wang she Wang te Wang te Wang Wang Lao te Si Hai she Wang
I love the videos of this master but way too many “hai’s”; makes it hard to follow the sensei.