Starting (or continuing) training in Okinawa
A practical guide for visitors, new residents and returning students.
1. Pick what you want
Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, so karate and kobudo are everywhere — but you will also find BJJ, boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, judo, kendo, aikido and more. Commercial gyms (BJJ, kickboxing, MMA) are usually easiest to join. Traditional karate dojo are often small, introduced by word of mouth, and reward patience.
2. Choose where
Use the area map or the map and filter by English-friendly if you don't speak Japanese. Check the verification badge — a green “Checked” label means we confirmed details recently; a grey “2019 roster” label means call first.
3. Make contact
- Phone, LINE or Instagram. Many Okinawan dojo answer a phone call or a direct message more reliably than email. Evenings are best.
- Ask to observe first (見学). It's normal and polite. You'll see the teaching style, the age mix and whether it suits you.
- Ask about a trial (体験). Many gyms offer a free or discounted first class or week. Traditional dojo may simply invite you to join the next session.
- Ask the practical questions: fees (月謝 monthly fee, 入会金 joining fee), what to wear, insurance (スポーツ保険), whether classes are in English.
Useful phrases
Romanization is simplified. A native speaker (a friend, hotel staff, or a translation app) can help you check a message before you send it.
Etiquette basics
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Bow when entering and leaving the training space (一礼, ichirei) and follow what others do.
- Call the teacher sensei. Wait to be told where to stand.
- Shoes off in the dojo; keep nails short and uniform clean.
- Ask before taking photos or video — some dojo allow photos only with the sensei's permission.
- Tattoos: private gyms and public facilities vary. Ask in advance.
Visitors and military families
Short-stay visitors: choose gyms that advertise drop-in rates or a free trial week. The US-military community has a large MCCS martial arts program on base, and several off-base BJJ and kickboxing gyms are used to English speakers. On-base classes need installation access; check each listing.
Kids and families
Kendo, judo, karate, Kyokushin and sumo clubs run strong youth programmes — often in school gyms in the evening or at weekends. Look for “youth” classes on the listing and ask whether parents can watch.
Things that surprise newcomers
- Class times are often listed as images or on social media; confirm by message.
- Many traditional dojo have no website and no fixed monthly fee system — ask the sensei.
- Schedules shift around school and public holidays (Obon, New Year, Golden Week).