Peku Cave on Tsuken Island Okinawa: What's So Special ?

There Must be Thousands of Caves on the Ryukyu Islands

 

 

Much of Okinawa's written history was destroyed during the war.

At times legends, passed along by locals, are the only source for gaining relevant information.

The significance of Peku Gama (Cave) is part of Okinawan Karate history.

 

Credit for this bit of information goes to PhD Hokama Tetsuhiro.

Reading his book Timeline and 100 Masters, I learned more about the cave.

Two years ago, Map It Okinawa and I followed the sign to the site.

The entrance looked small and, we didn't really know much about it so, on we went.

Fortunately, I took a few photos, before leaving the island and saved them.

It seems, a Chinese man, named Peku, lived in there, years ago.

He was  a Karate expert who became to be known as, Tsuken Peku.

There are many stories of people from China, being shipwrecked and surviving in caves.

The Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) were a major part of trade routes in the days of sailing ships.

Peku, taught his martial arts to Tsuken Akachu, a local resident.

Akachu is listed as one of Okinawa's Karate Masters.

Just guessing here but, I'll bet Peku taught the skills, in exchange for food and hospitality.

There are no historical dates listed for these events.

And, they came from conversations with village elders, according to Dr. Hokama Tetsuhiro.

Not in the habit of arguing with Karate Masters, I'll accept his written words.

Wouldn't you ?

RELATED POST: A Quick Visit to a Karate Dojo

TRAVEL TO TSUKEN JIMA

UNESCO Katsuren-jo Okinawa, Japan: Travel Photo Thursday

Katsuren-jo (Castle) is one of  five UNESCO World Heritage Castles in Okinawa, Japan.  This photo was taken back in October of 2008 and I titled it "Stairway to Heaven".

It was a catchy title and the judges liked it when I entered it in a contest but, I was only foolin'. Heaven ain't up there.  I checked it out for ya. It's a good climb, up all the stairs, and you get a great view of the surrounding area on a clear day. Maybe, even meet some pretty girls up there. But, there's no ice cream or even a place to buy coffee. That's how I know it ain't heaven.

This will be my weekly contribution to Budget Travelers Sandbox TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY

If you're really interested in visiting the Five UNESCO Castles on Okinawa CHECK HERE for the details and you can get my directions, advice on what to wear, costs and even a link to the Official Government Website, just in case ya think I'm foolin' around, again !

The Quarter Million Views must have happened while I was asleep last night and the crazy meter just keeps on going. I'm still waiting to see if anyone snapped a screenshot. I hope someone did, because I really appreciate people visiting my blog, looking at my photos and maybe, even reading the nonsense I ramble on about. Thank you all !