Okinawa Living Weekly by MCCS Okinawa

February 2, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com

Image by MCCS

fter the defeat of the Ryukyu Kingdom by the hands of the Satsuma clan of southern Japan, owning weapons became illegal for commoners. Because the people of Okinawa couldn’t carry edged weapons such as swords or knives, they used their bodies and minds to defend themselves. This form of self-defense was first known as the “Chinese Hand,” and subsequently became known as karate. While modern-day karate has evolved into many different forms with different philosophies, many maintain the art’s original core values: de-emphasis

inside

of rank, a tendency to shun sport traditions such as scoring, and a heavy emphasis on mastering kata forms instead of searching for foes to test. In karate, there is no such thing as a pre-emptive attack, and almost all kata in traditional Okinawan karate begin with a defensive movement. Legendary karate master Kanga Sakugawa said, “Karate teaches us that the best form of self-defense is to avoid the fight altogether…this proves that karate is the art of a wise man.” This not only epitomizes the spirit of karate, but it also reflects the spirit of Okinawa.

Ages & Stages | 3 Party at the Library? | 3 Culture Corner: Radio Calisthenics | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5

Make Okinawa Home by learning the local martial arts tradition While you’re on Okinawa, take advantage of the many martial arts classes offered by MCCS Semper Fit. Various classes are offered island wide; call your local fitness center or visit mccsokinawa.com/martial_arts for class availability and schedules.

Pick of the Week: Yin Yoga | 7 Love is in the Water | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

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livingatlarge

Ages & Stages

hether it’s the first child or the fourth, some of the most common questions parents will ask themselves are, “Is that normal?” and “Is there something wrong?” To make matters even more complicated, navigating a “first” with each child presents its own challenges as each is a unique individual. Maybe the first started taking to solid foods at 6 months, whereas the second didn’t seem to care for much of anything that wasn’t pureed to oblivion until they were almost a year old. Both veteran and new parents alike will benefit from attending the 8th Annual Ages & Stages Open House on March 25. At Ages & Stages, not only will many nagging questions about food be answered, the event will feature many fun special activities to build a greater bond between the parent and the child. The New Parent Support Program will host a variety of vendors and activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium, where parents of children through five years old can

learn about developmental milestones, tips and tricks of the trade and more. This interactive event will include activities for parents to do with their children as well as time for parents to network with community resources and each other. There’s no one right way to raise a

child, and military families have more unique situations than the interwebs has advice for. The New Parent Support Program is here to assist and offer resources specific to military family needs. For more information and to register for the event, go to mccsokinawa.com/agesandstages.

events&happenings

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Hector Nieves CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Catherine Newquist, Jongeun Spencer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITORS | Ashley Snipes, Shelbie Thilmony DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER | Sarah Head AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Tomoko Taylor, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya VOLUNTEER | Jessie McKean INTERNS | Chloé Stevens, Valeria Solorzano

Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.

From top to bottom: RHighwayStarz/bigstock.com

Party at the Library?

here’s an upcoming event you’ll not want to miss, we are celebrating the man who taught us the diversity of fish. Grab your Cat in the Hat and your Green Eggs and Ham, Camps Courtney, Foster and Kinser have a masterful plan. On March 4 you will find a

most spectacular treat, there will be stories and crafts and cake you can eat. In honor of Dr. Seuss, come party with us, bring Horton and Grinch, your Lorax is a must. From 10 to 11 a.m. is the party, mark your calendars so you will not be tardy.

Ages 4 to 9 will learn about the fantastical guy, who understood children need to laugh until they cry. Check out mccsokinawa.com/ libraries for more information about this magical Dr. Seuss celebration.

This publication printed with

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japanese phrase

culturecorner

of the week

Undo shimasho! Let’s exercise!

Clockwise from left: Dirima/bigstock.com, Dean Drobot/bigstock.com

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

Radio Calisthenics

ach morning, we stumble to the shower or the coffee pot in search of the quickest way to cleanse the sleep away. Rather than masking how tangled up your body is, there are ways to feel and move better for the long term. It’s called rajio taiso, and it takes about as long to complete as it does your morning shower. MetLife Insurance introduced the 15-minute rajio taiso, or radio calisthenics program, to Americans in the early 1920s. When visiting Japanese officials heard it over radio, they brought it back home and began daily broadcasts of their own exercise program in 1928. Much of the routine hasn’t changed since then. The daily exercises are a low intensity circuit of dynamic stretches, joint mobility drills and some light bodyweight exercises set to piano music. The benefits speak for them-

selves: Rates of degenerative disease related to inactivity (such as type 2 diabetes) are lower in Japan. Rates of impaired function in the elderly are lower in Japan too, with a 2001 study reporting less than five percent citizens in Japan over 65 suffered a functional disability. Although there is no direct link that proves rajio taiso is the sole reason for in keeping one healthy, there is enough evidence to prove that inactivity is one of the most harmful things we can do to our bodies. You don’t need to join CrossFit or spend hours in the gym—15 minutes a day is all it takes to perform proper maintenance on your body. To learn more about fitting exercise into your daily routine, visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion or mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.

If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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didyou know?

pickoftheweek

Yin Yoga is held every Monday at Gunner’s MCCS Fitness Center from 9-10:15 a.m.

n today’s fast-paced world, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of work and family life. Oftentimes, that stress manifests itself in the body, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. The meditative practice of yin yoga targets the fasciae, bands of connective tissue which stabilize skeletal muscle. Yin yoga poses differ from those in other practices of yoga in that they are held for several minutes and felt in deep tissue. In a typical vinyasa flow, yogis strive to hold sequential poses; in yin yoga, the yogi surrenders the body into each pose. The practice is reflective, slow, and emphasizes self-awareness. Adriana Schmuker, an avid runner and longtime karate practitioner, teaches yin yoga at Gunner’s on Camp Foster, and believes more people need to prioritize health and practice balance in our daily lives. She says, “The most important thing to remember

Yin Yoga

about yin yoga is that it’s personal… it is unique to each individual and the movements can be modified to accommodate each person’s flexibility, injury history, and physical ability.” The class begins in a basic seated position, flows into postures like dragon pose and sleeping swan,

Clockwise from left: Tatomm/bigstock.com, Sarah Head, Thomas Alan Smilie

photooftheweek

and finishes in restorative savasana. If you need a break, consider making time for this harmonizing class. For more information on group fitness classes and a calendar of events, please visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.

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spotlight

more details

Open Water Course Starts February 20 Call any Tsunami Scuba for Details

Clockwise: Alejik/bigstock.com, Dudarev Mikhail/bigstock.com

Advanced Open Water Starts February 22 Call Camp Hansen Tsunami Scuba for details 623-7717

Love is in the Water

couple that dives together stays together. Who better to experience the wonders of the ocean than with your sweetie? Learning new skills with your significant other is a great way to spend quality time together. If you’re in a bind this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Tsunami Scuba’s Sweetest Day Sale on February 13. Save big with the Dive Couples Package. Book an Open Water Course for you and your Valentine, for $99.50 each (regular price starts at $199 per person). When you purchase the Open Water Crewpak, book any Open Water course for you and your sweetie to use at the same time with the same instructor. Spending Valentine’s Day solo? Who cares, it’s such a commercial holiday anyway. Speaking of commerce, purchase an Open Water course at its regular price and take over 30 percent off the Advanced

Open Water or Rescue Diver classes. Of course, if you’re going to start diving, you’d better stock up on gear. Why not start with a wetsuit? Purchase any wetsuit and receive half-off a second wetsuit of equal

value or less. Take advantage of these promotions at Tsunami Scuba locations island-wide. For details, call 645-4206 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba.

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tours+

adventure begins here Nakijin Moonlight Cherry Blossom Viewing February 4, 3–9:30 p.m. Adult $ 26, Children (6–18) $18, (3–5) $16, (under 3) FREE Come enjoy family fun with food, cultural dances, a parade and the romantic view of cherry blossoms under the moonlight. Battle Sites Tour February 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $28, Children (3–11) $18, (under 3) FREE Visit the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society’s museum on Camp Kinser, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and Hacksaw Ridge, then end your day at Peace Memorial Park

Ocean Expo International Orchid Show and Aquarium Tour February 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adult $39, Children (16–17) $34, (6–15) $21, (3–5) $16, (under 3) FREE See the largest Orchid show in Japan at the Tropical Dream Center, watch a free dolphin show, visit an Okinawan Village, or relax on Emerald Beach. Whale Watching Tour February 5, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Adult $51, Children (4-11) $35 Watch these mammoth‐sized creatures surface around the Kerama Islands as you enjoy the beautiful scenery and ocean breeze. After a morning on the seas we will head to Kokusai Street for lunch and shopping.

*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744

off-baseevents get out and explore

Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Festival February 2–12, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Nakijin Castle Ruins Nakijin Village Adults ¥400, Children (6-17) ¥300

Athletics/Adult Sports

danbo/bigstock.com, Margie Shimabukuro

645-3521/3522

Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534

Onna Village Industrial Festival February 4–5, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Fureai Taiken Center Onna Village FREE

Okinawa International Orchid Show February 4–12, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tropical Dream Center (Inside Expo Park) Motobu Town Adults ¥690, Children ¥350

upcoming semperfitevents Flag Football February 10–12 MCAS Futenma Soccer Field Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by February 6 at 1 p.m. for $120. This event is open to participants island-wide. The top three teams and individuals will receive awards. Details: 636-2672/2674

Open Power Lifting Competition February 18 Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by February 13 at 1 p.m. for $20 or onsite for $25. This event is open to participants island-wide. The top three winners in each weight class will receive awards. Details: 623-5569/5558.

classof theweek Cycle Cycle is an effective cardio and strength workout with variety of course including hill climb, downhill, rolling hill, flat, head wind/tail wind, and more. All camps For more information and a full schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness