Masters Unite in Okinawa for Exclusive Martial Arts Cultural Exchange

Naha, Okinawa - October 31, 2025 - Six internationally recognized martial arts masters will come together in Naha, Okinawa, for an exclusive by-invitation-only event titled the Okinawan Martial Arts Cultural Exchange. Hosted at 緑ヶ丘公園 Midorigaoka Park, this session marks a historic gathering of diverse traditions, brought into harmony on the birthplace soil of karate.
The exchange brings together senior practitioners whose collective experience spans over two centuries and multiple continents. Each master has spent decades immersed in their chosen disciplines, and together they represent a living bridge between martial cultures of the East and West.
"This is more than a training session," says Colin Wee, award-winning author and principal organizer of the event. "It's a circle of peers coming together to share, learn, and honor the spirit of Okinawan karate. While each of us brings a lifetime of practice, we also come with open hands - ready to embrace the people and culture of Okinawa."
The six masters leading this exchange are:
• Elaine Ogden (Australia) - 40+ years across Zen Chi Ryu, Kempo Jutsu Karate, Wing Chun, Hsing-I, Arnis, Rhee Taekwondo, ITF and WT Taekwondo, Taekyun, Hoppaesul, Sunmudo, Krav Maga. Balancing her martial career with an Executive MBA at QUT, she continues to teach and inspire new generations.
• Vivica LaMarche (USA) - 25 years primarily in Shotokan Karate, with studies in Goju Ryu, Okinawan weapons, and Yang style Tai Chi. A seasoned teacher who has trained twice before in Okinawa, she emphasizes the union of martial discipline and inner balance.
• Leonard Montagnana (Australia) - Nearly 40 years in Judo (Kawaishi), Jiu-Jitsu (Tai-Jitsu Ryu), and Hung Kuen Chinese Boxing. A creative professional outside the dojo, Leonard brings a fusion of artistry and martial precision to the exchange.
• Peter James (Australia) - 51 years spanning Kenpo Karate, Wing Chun, Burmese Boxing, Taekwondo, Kenjutsu, Iaido, Tai Chi, Kali, and Escrima. An Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee (2014), Peter embodies the martial explorer's spirit with a breadth of study across weapons and combat traditions.
• Doug Spear (Australia) - Training since 1982, Doug has pursued Goju Ryu, Savate, Kenjutsu, and BJJ, shaped by a philosophy of continuous learning from masters across the world. An Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee (2016), his perspective highlights adaptability and respect for diverse martial traditions.
• Colin Wee (Australia) - With 40+ years in traditional Taekwondo, Karate, and Aikido, Colin is the award-winning author of Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata and current Secretary of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame. His upcoming historical fiction, The Lost Scrolls of Ryukyu, explores karate's birth in the 19th century.
Together, these masters will present and exchange knowledge on kata, weapons, strategy, and philosophy - while celebrating the camaraderie that transcends style and nationality.
Interview Availability:
Colin Wee and the other members of the delegation are available for media interviews before or after the event in Naha, Okinawa. Interviews must be conducted in English and arranged in advance to fit the delegation's schedule.
For interview scheduling or more information, please contact:
🌐 https://breakingthrough.world
📩 author@breakingthrough.world

PO Box 623
Nedlands, WA 6909

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This release was published on openPR.