One of my favourite things to do on Okinawa is to go 'Shrine Hunting'.
It all started on my very first trip here- searching for monuments in such a big, unfamiliar, new environment was one of the first memories of Okinawa that I have.
First, due to transport and time constraints we found the monuments related to karate masters that were around Naha, since then we have expanded to include the whole island.
I think it's so cool because it brings the history and stories to life. It adds a whole new sense of reality and closeness to the past.
In Karate we often hear the phrase 温故知新 'Onko Chishin'- It means to learn from the past and use the lessons they have learnt to assist your current search for understanding.
I don't think that the Sensei's that have kencho hi in honour of their achievements in Okinawa ever realised what an impact they were to have on so many lives.
I think they were just doing what they love to do and were following one of the cornerstone principles of karate- 'to try to be the best person you can be'.
Yesterday was a really cool day for me because we had the opportunity to be at the unveiling of a new Kencho Hi- a very rare opportunity.
This one is for Uechi Kanbun Sensei- the creator of Uechi Ryu.
It is the first bronze statue in the prefecture and is a life-size statue of Uechi Sensei, Surrounded by shiquasa trees planted by current Okinawan Karate Masters.
Uechi Sensei was born in Izumi, Motobu and so that is the reason the kencho hi is located in Motobu.
The ceremony included the tree planting, a 'shishi mai' dance, speeches and Karate demonstrations by Uechi Ryu Karate-ka:
It is a beautiful monument in a really beautiful place and another reminder as to how influential just one person can be in the world.
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