ORIGIN OF UECHI-RYU AND OKIKUKAI:

Kanbun Uechi, an Okinawan, was the first "foreigner" to study this art on mainland China. He returned to Okinawa in 1910 and was the first Master of the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do system. Upon his death in 1947, the title passed to his son, Kanei Uechi, the Master until his death in 1991. Although he left Okinawa only twice during his tenure, Uechi karate spread to all corners of the globe.

Today Master Uechi’s senior students have formed the beginning of a new tradition. Master Takara and Master Tomoyose, lifelong personal friends of Master Uechi, have developed a new Ryu or school. The school in Okinawa has been formally recognized as Uechi-Ryu. Recently, new headquarters have been built to house and teach foreign karate students who visit Okinawa. A two-volume book has been written documenting our style, both past and present. The Uechi-Ryu style and its administrative organization (Okikukai) are staffed by some of the most respected karate masters in Okinawa.

OBJECTIVES OF UECHI-RYU STUDENTS:

The goal of a Uechi-Ryu student is to maximize physical capabilities. While pursuing this goal, he or she must exert the utmost in self-control, applying proper attitude to the development of skills, which will result in a deep sense of fulfillment.

These worthwhile ambitions are realized through the enjoyment of improved health, the attainment of confidence and the realization that the responsibility for the quality of our lives is, mainly, our own.