Uechi-ry? (???, Uechi-ry?) is a traditional style of Okinawan karate. Uechi-ry? means "Style of Uechi" or "School of Uechi". Originally called Pangai-noon, which translates to English as "half-hard, half-soft", the style was renamed Uechi-ry? after the founder of the style, Kanbun Uechi, an Okinawan who went to Fuzhou in Fujian Province, China to study martial arts and Chinese medicine when he was 19 years old.
After his death, in 1948, the style was refined, expanded, and popularized by Kanbun Uechi's son, Kanei Uechi.
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Early history
Kanbun Uechi studied a style of Southern Chinese kung fu Pangai-noon (traditional Chinese characters: ???) meaning "half-hard, half-soft" in the Fujian province of China, in the late 19th century and early 20th century under a teacher and Chinese medicine hawker known in Japanese as Sh? Shiwa (Chinese: Zhou Zihe ??? 1869-1945) . Sh? Shiwa/Zhou Zihe's life is not well documented. Some have suspected he had connection with the secret societies which worked for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the restoration of Ming dynasty.
The exact provenance of the romanization "Pangai-noon" is not clear, and it may be from the lesser-known Min Chinese language. It is not a Japanese, Okinawan nor Mandarin Chinese pronunciation of the original characters. The standard Japanese pronunciation of the three characters is han k? nan (??????), while the standard Mandarin pronunciation is bàn yìng ru?n. The Cantonese language pronunciation is bun ngaang yun. In modern times, the katakana version of pangainoon (???????) has been used in Japanese writing rather than the kanji (???).
After studying 10 years under Sh? Shiwa/Zhou Zihe, Kanbun Uechi opened his own school in Nanjing. Three years later, Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa, determined never to teach again because one of his Chinese students had killed a neighbor with an open-hand technique in a dispute over land irrigation.
Kanbun Uechi then left for Japan to find employment. While he was working as a janitor he was persuaded by a co-worker, Ryuyu Tomoyose, to teach again after having been first convinced to show Tomoyose ways of defending himself against different attacks. When his confidence as a teacher was restored, Uechi, with the help of Ryuyu Tomoyose, moved to Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, where, in 1925, he established the Institute of Pangainun-ry? Todi-jutsu (???????????), and opened a d?j? to the public. Eventually, in 1940, his Okinawan students renamed the system "Uechi-Ry? Karate-jutsu" (??????) in his honor.
Kanbun Uechi's son, Kanei Uechi, taught the style at the Futenma City Dojo, Okinawa, and was considered the first Okinawan to sanction teaching foreigners. One of Kanbun's students, Ryuko Tomoyose, taught a young American serviceman named George Mattson who authored several books on the subject and is largely responsible for popularizing the style in America. Uechi-Ry? emphasizes toughness of body with quick blows and kicks. Some of the more distinctive weapons of Uechi practitioners are the one-knuckle punch sh?ken zuki (????, sh?ken zuki), spearhand nukite (????, nukite), and the front kick sh?men geri (????, sh?men geri) delivered with the first toe (sokusen geri). On account of this emphasis on simplicity, stability, and a combination of linear and circular movements, proponents claim the style is more practical for self-defense than most other martial arts.
In contrast to the more linear styles of karate based on Okinawan Shuri-te or Tomari-te, Uechi-Ry?'s connection with Chinese Nanpa Shorin-ken means the former shares a similar foundation with Naha-Te (and thus with Goju-Ry?) despite their separate development. Thus, Uechi-Ry? is also heavily influenced by the circular motions which belong to the kung fu from Fujian province. Uechi-Ry? is principally based on the movements of three animals: the Tiger, the Dragon, and the Crane.
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Kata
There are eight empty-hand katas in Uechi-Ry?. Only Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseirui come from Pangai-noon; the others were designed and added to the style by Kanei Uechi and other senior students of Kanbun. Many of the names of the newer kata were formed from the names of prominent figures in the art, e.g. Kanshiwa from Kanbun and Sushiwa. The current list of empty-hand kata is:
- Sanchin
- Kanshiwa
- Kanshu (originally titled and still sometimes called Dani Seisan)
- Seichin
- Seisan
- Seirui
- Kanchin
- Sanseirui (also known as Sandairyu)
The Sanchin kata is deceptively simple in appearance. It teaches the foundation of the style, including stances and breathing. Kanbun Uechi is quoted as saying "All is in Sanchin." Though it is not difficult to learn the movements of Sanchin, to master the form is thought to take a lifetime.
Additionally, some organizations teach that each kata has a 'meaning' or moral; the more accurate meaning, however, is that each kata teaches a specific concept:
- Sanchin (??): Literally translated as "three fights/conflicts". From the kanji for "three" and ?? ("to fight/to struggle"). Usually interpreted as three Modes/Conflicts: Mind, Body and Spirit). An alternate interpretation is "Three Challenges" being those of softness, timing, and power.
- Kanshiwa (???): A combination of the first kanji in Kanbun's name, and the last two kanji (if written in Chinese order) of Shu Shiwa's [Japanese pronunciation] name.) This kata teaches the new student the concept of harnessing natural strength through the use of primarily tiger-style techniques. Also known as Kanshabu.
- Kanshu (??): A combination of the first kanji in Kanbun's name, and the kanji for Shu Shiwa's family name (Shu) [see previous note on pronunciation]. Originally known as and sometimes still called Daini Seisan (????), this kata teaches the concept of precision in timing through using crane techniques.
- Seichin (??): Literally translated, it means "10 fights/conflicts") or a combination between two other katas: Seisan and Sanchin. An alternate meaning interprets the name phonetically and then it translates as "Spirit Challenge", implying that it teaches the concept of soft whip-like motion. This form uses whip-like dragon-style techniques.
- Seisan (??): Literally translated, it means "13". Usually interpreted as "Thirteen modes of attack and defense" or "13 positions to attack/defend from".) An alternate meaning is simply "13th Room Kata", being the form synthesized in the 13th room of Shaolin temple, using individual techniques taught in the previous training rooms. This kata combines the "Three Challenges" concept, and the student can go back and recognize and further develop those elements in the previous forms.
- Seirui (??): Along the lines of the others, literally translated this means simply "16". This kata teaches the concept of stability since the four consecutive Dragon techniques in rotation call for a strong sense of balance.
- Kanchin (??): A combination of Kanbun's first kanji and "fight". The first kanji of Kanbun, Kanei, and Kanmei are the same. Since this was created by Kanei Uechi from fighting techniques he favored from his father's training, the name is considered to mean "Kanei's Challenge", or "Kanei's Fight". This form teaches the practitioner the concept of making defensive movements at one stroke (called "ikkyoodo"--all at one stroke).
- Sanseirui (???): Means simply "36". Usually interpreted as "thirty-six modes of attack and defense" or "36 positions to attack/defend from."). It can also mean "36th Room Kata" as it is made from techniques taught individually in the previous 35 rooms (or previous 12 rooms in three rotations). Shu Shiwa was also known as "The 36th Room Priest" according to the 1977 Uechi-Ry? Kyohon (Techniques Book). This final kata combines all the previous concepts to pre-empt the attack.
Ranks
These are the ten beginner or Ky? ranks, which in traditional practice count down from 10 to 1. The white, green, and brown belts are standard. Different schools in the same organization may have different designations of the intermediate ranks, such as different belt colors and stripes:
- 10º Juky? (White Belt)
- 9º Kyuky? (White Belt w/1 Green Stripe; Yellow Belt)
- 8º Hachiky? (White Belt w/2 Green Stripes; Gold Belt)
- 7º Shichiky? (White Belt w/3 Green Stripes; Blue Belt)
- 6º Rokky? (White Belt w/Solid Green Bar; Green Belt)
- 5º Goky? (Green Belt w/no stripe; Green Belt w/1 Stripe)
- 4º Yonky? (Green Belt w/1 Brown Stripe; Green Belt w/2 Stripes)
- 3º Sanky? (Brown Belt w/1 Black Stripe)
- 2º Niky? (Brown Belt w/2 Black Stripes)
- 1º Ikky? (Brown Belt w/3 Black Stripes)
These are the ten black belt or Dan grades:
- Shodan (1st degree | Regular Black belt)
- Nidan (2nd degree)
- Sandan (3rd degree)
- Yondan (4th degree)
- Godan (5th degree)
- Rokudan (6th degree) (Master's title: Renshi; Black belt w/1 Gold stripe)
- Nanadan (7th degree) (Master's title: Kyoshi; Black belt w/2 Gold stripes)
- Hachidan (8th degree) (Master's title: Kyoshi; Black belt w/3 Gold stripes)
- Ky?dan (9th degree) (Master's title: Hanshi; Black belt w/4 Gold stripes)
- J?dan (10th degree) (Master's title: Hanshi; Black belt w/5 Gold stripes)
Originally, Okinawan styles use the gold bars on black belts to denote the various masters titles rather than ranks after fifth dan. Thus one gold stripe designated Renshi (??), two designated Ky?shi (??), and three designated Hanshi (??). In the early 2000s, different Okinawan styles started using the stripes to designate dan grades above godan. Others, including may Uechi organizations, have followed suit, while others have not.
Additional training elements
Kanei Uechi, besides adding kata, also introduced a sequence of exercises to the Uechi-Ry? training regimen. The junbi und? (????, junbi und?) are warm-up and stretching exercises based on Asian school training exercises. The hojo und? (????, hojo und?) are standardized exercises that incorporate elements of all of the katas of the system as well as additional techniques.
The junbi und? exercises are:
- Ashisaki o ageru und? (????????) (heel pivot)
- Kakato o ageru und? (???????) (heel lift)
- Ashikubi o mawasu und? (????????) (foot and ankle rotation)
- Hiza o mawasu und? (???????) (knee circular bend)
- Ashi o mae yoko shita ni nobasu und? (??????????) (leg lift and turn)
- Ashi o maeue uchi nanameue ni ageru und? (??????????????) (straight leg lift)
- Tai no kusshin und? (??????) (waist scoop and twisting)
- Koshi no nenten und? (??????) (trunk stretch)
- Ude o nobasu und? (??????) (double arm strikes)
- Kubi no nenten und? (??????) (neck rotation)
The hojo und? exercises are:
- Sh?men geri (????) (Front kick)
- Sokut? geri (????) (Side kick)
- Seiken zuki (????) (Closed Fist Punch)
- Mawashi zuki (????) (Hook Punch)
- Hajiki uke hiraken zuki (????????) (Tiger paw blocks and strike)
- Shut? uchi Uraken uchi Sh?ken zuki (????????????) (Chop, Back-fist, One-knuckle punch)
- Hiji zuki (???) (Elbow strikes)
- Tenshin zensoku geri (??????) (Turn-Block-Front Kick-Forward Leg)
- Tenshin kosoku geri (??????) (Turn-Block-Front Kick-Back Leg)
- Tenshin sh?ken zuki (??????) (Turn-Block-One Knuckle Punch)
- Hajiki (??) (fingertip strikes)
- Koi no shippo uchi, tate uchi (?????????) (wrist blocks in four directions)
- Koi no shippo uchi, yoko uchi (?????????) (Fish-tail wrist blocks)
- Shinkokyu (???) (Deep breathing)
Kanei Uechi developed a set of pre-arranged sparring exercises for the pre-black colored belt ranks. These exercises are referred to as yakusoku kumite (?????). They involve two partners exchanging a formal sequence of blocks and strikes. There are five to eleven of these exercises, and each one involves three to six exchanges of single blocks and strikes. The kumite exercises involve blocks and strikes that are, for the most part, also found in Uechi-Ry? kata. Thus, like kata no bunkai, these exercises help students become familiar with the application of Uechi-Ry? techniques. Typically, the highest kyu ranks are expected to be able to move through these exercises with great strength and fluidity. Dan level students practice additional pre-arranged sparring exercises.
Applications of kata are also practiced in a pre-arranged format. These patterns are called kata no bunkai (????). Kanshiwa Bunkai and Seisan Bunkai date to the time of Kanei Uechi. Individual d?j? may create other bunkai for the other katas, such as Kanshu and Seichin, and these will vary in format more from d?j? to d?j?. "Okikukai"--???--"Okinawan Karate-D? Association"--???????--from the late 1990s to early 2000s developed a "San Sei Rui Bunkai". Videos made during this time as well as a book, and later DVD document how the sequence developed over time.
Special forms of strength training and body conditioning are generally practiced in Uechi-Ry? drilling. A formal Uechi-Ry? forearm conditioning exercise, called kote kitae (????), or "forearm tempering," involves variations of striking a partner's forearms with ones fists and forearms. Kanbun Uechi learned this conditioning exercise in China. Similar exercises involve conditioning the legs ashi kitae (???), or "leg tempering." Uechi-Ry? also trains with makiwara, as well as incorporates other traditional Okinawan physical conditioning exercises as part of their training, such as plunging hands into baskets full of rocks, or performing Sanchin kata stepping while gripping nigiri gamae (?????) (heavy ceramic jars).
Uechi-Ry? today
Like many arts, Uechi-Ry? experienced organizational splits after its founder's death.
Pangai-noon In 1978 a group of Uechi-ry? students headed by Seiki Itokazu and Takashi Kinjo objected to the addition of the intermediate kata to the original three along with other exercises and broke away from the ry? and formed a style they called Pangai-noon. By the early 1990s Itokazu and Kinjo had renamed this breakaway style to Konan Ryu. In the 2000s Kinjo and his students began using the style name Kobu Ryu, however one of Kinjo's students, Mikio Nishiuchi, has reverted to using the style name Pang Gai Noon Ryu. This name has also been used by later groups over the years who have practiced the additional kata and exercises. All extant organizations are either former Uechi-ry? organizations or schools that chose to use the old name, or current Uechi-ry? schools which wish to give homage to the old name.
Sh?hei-Ryu After the death of the founder's son, Kanei Uechi, most of the senior practitioners of the original art split for political and personal reasons from his son Kanmei Uechi to form the Okinawa Karate-D? Association (??????). Barred by Kanmei Uechi from using his family name, the Okinawan Karate D? Association eventually decided to rename its system Sh?hei-ryu (???) which combined the Late Emperor Hirohito's reign name Sh?wa and his son Emperor Akihito's Heisei to mean "to shine brightly with fairness, equality, and peace." The Okinawan Karate D? Association added a new two-man prearranged exercise yakusoku kumite (?????) and an application or bunkai (??) form for the third original kata: "Sanseirui bunkai." One teacher developed an additional kata which was deemed by the Okinawan Karate D? Association to be a kata for his school. With the name "Uechi-ry?" passing out of copyright in Okinawa, an easing of political and personal disagreements, and a desire to promote the style in anticipation of the 2020 Summer Olympics, on September 18, 2016, the Okinawa Karate-D? Association officially dropped "Sh?hei-ry?" and returned to the name "Uechi-ry?."
Major organizations of Uechi-Ry?
Many consist of a main organization in Okinawa with branches in other countries. Listed strictly in alphabetical order:
Okinawa based
- Jiteki (??; "Self-Reliance") Jyuku Association: headed by Ken Nakamatsu
- Kenyukai (???; International Kenyukai Association): headed by Kiyohide Shinj?: Started as a fraternity in the Uechi-Ry? Association in 1981
- Konan Ryu: Founded by Itokazu Seiki, currently headed by Itokazu Seisho
- Okikukai (??? ???????; The Okinawa Karate D? Association): headed by senior students of Kanei Uechi in rotation: current head: Tsutomu Nakahodo
- Okinawa Karate-D? Uechi-Ry? Zankyokai (Zakimi Shubukan ??????): headed by Naomi Toyama
- Okinawa Uechi-Ry? Karate-D? Association (??????????): headed by Shintoku Takara
- Uechi-Ry? Karate-D? Association (Soke Shubukan): headed by Kansho Uechi
- Uechi-Ry? Karate-D? KenSeiKai Tomigusuku Shubukan: headed by Yoshitsune Senaga
- Uechi-Ry? Karate-D? Shinkokai (?????????): headed by Takenobu Uehara
International Organizations
- International Uechi-Ry? Karate-D? Association (IUKA) (Kokusai Kyokai): headed by James Thompson
- International Uechi-Ry? Karate Federation (IUKF): headed by George Mattson
- Okikukai Brasil: headed by Ramiro da Silva Leone
- Okikukai Karate Italia: headed by Fulvio Zilioli
- Ryukokaku Karate and Kobu D? Association: headed by Tsukasa Gushi
- Uechi-Ry? Bushid?: headed by Bob Bethoney
- Uechi-Ry? Butokukai: headed by Buzz Durkin
- Uechi-Ry? Internationale Karate-do Association (UIKA): Chairman Robert Campbell, and President Jay Salhanick
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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