David and Hanna :)

Last week David and Hanna visited Okinawa for the first time from Maine (USA),
I knew them from when i visited my dad (who also lives in Maine), I got to train with
Troup Sensei on a few different occasions in the years before i came to Okinawa.
Considering they were so kind to me when i was in their part of the world, i figured it's
my turn to return the favour (and what better way to practice a few of my
tour days than with friends?!)

While they were here they took the opportunity to participate in some of our dojo
experiences including kumite and karate fitness, along with a couple of days touring
the island. Here’s an overview of how the week went…

Of course, the first port of call after getting off the plane was the DOJO bar:

On the first evening we went to visit Arakaki sensei in his dojo to train:

We then spent a couple of days sightseeing around the island, Day 1 was a
trip to the northern tip of the island which included a hike up Mount Katsudake to
some stunning views of the island and lunch at a local soba shop:

Followed by a visit to Nakijin- Jo castle ruins:

The next day we decided to head south to the peace memorial park-
it was a perfect day for it:

Of course, the day is not complete without stopping off at the roadside
egg vending machine for some snacks:

Followed by a late lunch- You can't experience Okinawa without eating a
whole selection of traditional Okinawan foods, so we just got everything!

David and Hanna also took full advantage of our ‘dojo experiences’ including
our 7am morning ‘Karate fitness’ and the ‘friday fight night’ kumite session with
Toguchi Sensei who is Okinawa’s Full contact kumite champion
(And in my opinion, the best bento maker on the island).

It was a really great week- and I very much look forward to Troup Sensei
and Hanna returning to the island- by then i will have perfected my tour guiding
skills and i might actually remember where everything is by then!! ;)