I’ve seen this video pop up a few times on Facebook and couldn’t resist posting it here.  It’s about as succinct a history on Okinawan karate you can find and serves as a nice primer for those interested in learning about the origins of the martial arts of the island.

You’ll inevitably notice some familiar stuff here if you like Uechi/Shohei-Ryu.  There’re some good examples of body conditioning and hojo undo exercises.  I’m not sure what’s up with the kids on the beach; it looks like they’re mad because they couldn’t make the sumo wrestling team.  Notice the nice crane block/knee combo in that scene though!

As a side note, you’ve probably seen other, more distressing videos of Japan lately.  Here’s a link to the American Red Cross relief site if you can give.  Every little bit helps.