In 1974 after several years of Martial Arts training in the U.S.; three months out of high school, Bill left for his first trip to Okinawa without speaking the language. His future instructor, Nakamura, Ankichi had no idea he was coming until he showed up at his door step.
Since that time Bill has trained in Traditional Okinawan Karate used by Okinawan Samurai to defend their King and Families (much different than sport karate!) Bill Studied Japanese at the University of MN and Middlebury College in VT to be able to better communicate with his instructor.
Nakamura Sensei is currently 10th Dan (the highest rank you can get in karate) and is 96 years old. and they have maintained a relationship coming up on 5 decades!
Preparation is where the Rubber Meets the Road! It can yield great confidence but requires commitment on your part to practice and visualize the self-defense principles described. The exciting part is almost everyone can increase their capacity to defend themselves!