Uechi-Ryu
Karate-Do History
The style of karate you will learn at this school is called Uechi Ryu, it is derived from a form of Chinese temple
fighting. It is a popular style of karate worldwide with its headquarters on the island of Okinawa, Japan the birthplace
of modern karate. Ryu (pronounced roo) is the Japanese word for style or path. Karate-Do (pronounced kah rah
tay doh ) is three words: kara meaning empty, te meaning hand and do meaning way. Thus, Karate-Do
means The Way of the Empty Hand and is a method of studying karate, which tries to make the student a better
person in addition to teaching the art of self-defence.
Although the original name of this Chinese system is not known, Uechi-Ryu scholars are constantly striving to uncover
the history of their art. Whatever the formal name, however, the Chinese word Pangai-noon (pronounced PWANGGAY-NOON) meaning half hard - half soft, has been used to describe the original form, and has thus been accepted as
the proper name. Pangai-noon was taught in the Shoalin Temple in Southern China, and is derived from the interwoven
movements of the tiger, crane and dragon. It is a specialized method of self-defence that concentrates on the use of
the single-knuckle punch, spear-hand strike, pointed kick and circular block.
Grandmaster Kanbun Uechi, the founder of Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do, is responsible for lifting the veil of secrecy,
bringing this art out of China and into Okinawa and Japan. He was born on May 5, 1877 in Isumi, a small village in
northern Okinawa. At the age of 20 (in 1897), in order to avoid serving in the Japanese military, which at that time
occupied Okinawa, Kanbun fled to China. There, in Fukien Province, he studied the art of Pangai-noon. His teacher
was Shushiwa, a Buddist priest who had received his training in the Shoalin Temple. Master Uechi studied in Fukien
for ten years and became a Master of Pangai-noon. At the end of training, Master Uechi opened a school in Nanchon, a
city in Fukien Province, where he taught for three years. During this time, one of his students became involved in a
dispute and called upon his training to kill another person. Disheartened by this event, Master Uechi vowed never to
teach again, closed his school and returned to his homeland. The year was 1910. Master Uechi has the distinction of
being the only Okinawan ever to have been accepted in China as a teacher.
Returning to Okinawa, he married and on June 26, 1911 his son Kanei was born. He still refused to teach his art and
only once during the ensuing years reluctantly demonstrated his Kata (formal set of movements).
In 1924, the Uechi family moved to Wakayama Prefecture near Osaka, Japan. In 1927, Master Uechi began teaching his
son Kanei the art of Pangai-noon. Around this time, friends persuaded him to resume teaching publicly.
In April 1942, Master Uechis son Kanei, now a master in his own right returned to Okinawa from Japan. Master
Kanbun Uechi continued to teach in Wakayama Prefecture until 1947 and at the age of 71, died November 25, 1948 on
Iejima, an island off the coast of Okinawa. His body was returned to Nago, Okinawa for burial. During this year, his
students renamed the style to Uechi-Ryu (Ryu is Japanese for style) in his honour.
His son, Master Kanei Uechi, opened his dojo (training hall) in Futenma, Okinawa in April 1949, and taught there until
his death, at the age of 80, in February 1991. On November 15, 1995, the board of directors of the Okinawa Karate-Do
Association created a new school (ryuha) and officially named it Shohei-Ryu.
Kenyukai Uechi-ryu
Seiryo Shinjo (June 10, 1908-March 5, 1976) entered Kanbun Uechis dojo in 1927. They became very good friends.
His first son, Seiyu (July 10, 1929-Oct 23, 1981) became a student of Kanbun in 1939. Seiyu was extremely fortunate
to learn from both Kanbun and Seiryo until Kanbuns death. Seiryo had to stop his own karate training after the war
due to a respiratory problem. Seiyu, however, after moving back to Okinawa (first on Ie-jima Island, then Naha and
finally Kadena) continued his karate training with Kanei Uechi and opened his own dojo. He has been recognized by
many, including Kanei Uechi himself, as being one of the strongest proponents for making Uechi Ryu karate a strong
internationally recognized organization.
His first son, Kiyohide Shinjo, born Nov 3, 1951, assisted by his younger brother Narihiro (born in 1960) now
continues this legacy with the Kenyukai organization he started in 1982 in honor of his fathers death that year. (Ken
means fist, yu is part of the name of Sieyu and kai means group.) Thus Kenyukai stands for Sieyu Shinjos
strong fist group.
Sensei Steven Rooke
Sensei Steve Rooke began studying Uechi Ryu Karate in October 1999. Upon starting his
training and meeting Master Manuel deSa, he was not only impressed with the intensity but
the focus of the body, the spirit but most of all, the mind. With hard work and passion for
the arts, Sensei Steve Rooke progressed quickly through the ranks and currently holds the
rank of Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt) and Jun Shihan (Instructor) certificates. He brings
with him to each class an excellent knowledge of Uechi Ryu karate gained through regular
training with his Sensei plus extensive training with visiting Master instructors and visits to
workshops throughout the world. Sensei Rooke also holds a Shodan in Kobudo, (weapons
training) under the instruction of Sensei deSa, student of Master Gustavo Gondra of
Argentina. In June 2009, Sensei Rooke was accepted as a member of the Uechi Ryu Karate
Do Kenyukai Association of North America. Along with extensive training in other sports
programs he brings much experience in teaching children at all age levels.
Names to Remember
Sensei Manuel deSa
6th Degree Black Belt, Past student of Sensei Neil Dunnigan, currently training under
Kiyohide Shinjo, Kedena Dojo, Kenyukai Association, Okinawa Japan.
Sensei Neil Dunnigan
7th Degree Black Belt: Trains now directly under Sensei Nakahodo of the Okikukai
Association. First Teacher of Sensei Desa.
Sensei Tsutomu Nakahodo
10th Degree Black Belt, student of Seiyu Shinjo and Kanei Uechi: presently teaches in
Naha, Okinawa; Past President of Okinawan Karate-Do Association.
Sensei Kiyohide Shinjo
9th degree black belt President of Kenyukai Association, Kedena Dojo, Okinawa Japan
Seiyu Shinjo
Father of Kiyohide Shinjo, deceased. Trained not only under his father but also under
Kanbun Uechi.
Seiryu Shinjo
Father of Seiyu Shinjo, deceased. One of Kanbun Uechis original students.
Kanei Uechi
10th Degree Black Belt: student of his father, Kanbun Uechi; second master of UechiRyu; died February 24, 1991.
Kanbun Uechi
10th Degree Black Belt and founder of Uechi-Ryu karate-Do: Student of Shushiwa; died
in 1948.
Shushiwa
Teacher of Kanbun Uechi; taught in Fuchow City, Fukien province in southern
China circa 1890.
Dojo Etiquette
In the dojo or at Karate related events your instructor, Steven Rooke, should be referred
to as Sensei or Rooke Sensei. All visiting senior black belts will also be addressed in the
same manner.
-
In the dojo or at karate related events, all senior student (brown belt and
above) should be called or referred to as Sempai or name (Smith)
Sempai.
Outside dojo, all black belts and senior students may be addresses by their
personal names.
Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo.
Thoughtless and careless actions have no place in the dojo.
Always keep your body and gi clean.
You are responsible for keeping your conduct under control inside and outside
the dojo.
You are required to learn and practice the Student Creed.
Maintain a clean dojo at all times.
Purposeful repetition with total awareness and concentration is the key to
progress. Dont just coast through the material. Break down the movements
and study them. The drills which you are taught are not an end-all, but should
serve as a springboard from which you can use your imagination to develop
your full potential in Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do.
All testing is by invitation from an instructor. Some tests may be conducted
during the course of a regular class, while others will involve a more formal
process. Students will be informed in advance of the date of the formal test.
Sensei will base his decision to test a student upon such factors as technical
skill, attitude and character, class attendance, length of study and age.
Student Creed
Remembering that the martial arts begins and ends with respect, I intend to:
1. Develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce
my mental growth or physical health.
2. Develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
3. Use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and
my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive.
Bowing Methods
In the Orient, bowing is a form of showing respect. In some cases, it is equivalent to
shaking hands when greeting someone. It also has other uses. Uechi-Ryu uses two types
of bows. Each has a certain set of circumstances in which it is used, although the exact
usage may vary from school to school. The most important thing about the bow is the
thought behind it. As Kanei Uechi once said, Without Sincerity, the bow is
meaningless, rather to be concerned about its outward appearance, put your heart
and soul into the bow: then it will naturally take good shape.
Kneeling Bow (Seiza)
Then kneeling bow shows a great deal of respect. While sitting on the heels, place the
palms in front of the knees and bow forward deeply. The kneeling may be used in the
following cases:
- When entering the dojo, prior to starting your workout.
- As part of the ceremonial class closing.
- When leaving the dojo for the final time.
Standing Bow (Ritsurei)
The standing bow is the most common way of showing respect. With the hands at the
sides, bend forward slightly from the waist. Bow smoothly, do not jerk. The standing bow
is used in the following situations:
- Whenever the instructor bows to the student.
- Before asking a question of the instructor and after receiving his reply.
Depending on the circumstances, this practice may be slightly relaxed. The
student should be alert and follow the instructors lead.
- When entering and leaving the dojo.
- At the beginning and end of all kata.
- Before and after doing a two person drill with a fellow practitioner. Generally,
this bow need not be repeated between each repetition of a two person drill. It
suffices to bow when the partners begin working with one another and when
they are finished.
- When doing a two person drills in certain formal situations a standing bow is
directed to the front before the opening bow to ones partner and after the
closing bow to ones partner.
During class closing the following words are exchanged between
the instructor and his students.
Instructor
Go Kuro Sama Deshita
(Thank you for your efforts students)
Students Response Domo Arigato Gozai Mashta
(Thank you very much)
Onegai-Shimasu: Please
[used at the beginning of class and at the beginning of Kata, to ask respectfully to be
observed by the teacher]
Arigatoo Gozaimashita: Gracias (Gozaemashita, formaliza)
[used at the ending of the Kata and end of class during Sezai bow, to respectfully thank
the teacher for observing him]
Ranking System
The Levels below Black Belt are referred to as Kyu Ranks and students in many schools, including this
one, progress in the following manner:
Adult/Youth
Jukyu
10th level
White Belt
Kyukyu
9th Level
Yellow Belt
Hachikyu
8th Level
Blue Belt
Shichikyu
7th Level
Red Belt
Rokkyu
6th Level
Purple Belt
Gokkyu
5th Level
Green Belt
Yonkyu
4th Level
Green Belt 1 Brown Stripe
Sankyu
3th Level
Brown Belt
Nikkyu
2nd Level
Brown Belt 1 Black Stripe
Ikkyu
1st Level
Brown Belt 2 Black Stripes
These Kyu Ranks are followed by ten Dan Ranks (degrees of Black Belt). The minimum age for
promotion to Shodan, (1st Degree Black Belt) with recognition and Certification from Kenyukai,
Okinawa, is sixteen, or fifteen if student is in high school. However Rooke Karate School, Students may be
promoted to the rank of Junior Shodan. To be tested for Junior Shodan, a student must be a minimum of 11
years of age and/or have been practicing for a minimum of four years.
Additions to original Pangainoon by Kanei Uechi
Kata or exercise
Seisan Bunkai
Hojo Undo
Kanshiwa
Kanshiwa Bunkai
Kanshu (Daini Seisan)
Seirui
Kanshin
Kotekitae
Kyu Kumite
year added
1948
1948-1960
1956
1956
1956
1950(?)
1960
1960
1973
Material Covered
Jumbi Undo
Warm-up Exercises
1. Ashisaki Ageru Undo
2. Kakato Ageru Undo
3. Ashikubi Wamasu Undo
4. Hiza Mawasu Undo
5. Ashi Yokoni Nobasu Undo
6. Ashi Maeue Uchinanameue Ni Ageru Undo
7. Taino Kushin Undo
8. Koshino Nenten
9. Ude Nobasu Undo
10. Kubino Nenten Undo
11. shinko kiu
heel pivot exercise
toe pivot/heel lift exercise
foot/ankle circle exercise
knee circle exercise
leg lift and turn exercise
straight leg kicking (up and diagonal) exercise
waist scooping exercise
body stretching/rotation exercise
three direction arm thrusting (sanchin strike) exercise
neck rolling/stretching exercise
deep breathing exercise
Hojo Undo
Basic Excersices
1. Sokuto Geri
2. Shomen Geri
3. Seiken/Shomen Tsuki
4. Mawashi Tsuki
5. Hajiki Uke Hiraken Tsuki
6. Uke Shut Uchi Ura Uchi Shoken Tsuki
7. Hiji Tsuki
8. Tenshin Zensoku Geri
9. Tenshin Kosoku Geri
10. Tenshin Shoken Tsuki
11. Shomen Hajiki
12. Koino Shipo Uchi Tate Uchi
13. Koino Shipo Uchi Yoko Uchi
Geri Waza (Kick Techniques)
Shomen Geri Front Kick
Yoko Geri Side Kick
Ushiro Geri Back Kick
Side Snap Kick
Front Kick
Reverse Punch
Hook Punch
Tiger Paw Strikes
Block Chop Back Fist Single Knuckle Punch
Elbow Strikes
Turn-Block-Front-Kick-Forward Leg
Turn-Block-Front-Kick-Back Leg
Turn-Block-One Knuckle Punch
Finger Tip Strikes
Fishtail Strikes Up and Down
Fishtail Strikes Side to Side
Fumi Komi Side Kick to Knee
Mawashi Geri Roundhouse Kick
Uke Waza - Blocks
- Girate Mawashi Uke
- Hajiki Uke
- Chudan Uchi Uke
- Gedan Uke
- Wa Uke
- Harai Uke
- Jodan Uke
- Chudan Soto Uke
- Sasae Uke
- Watari Uke
- Uchi Kote
- Homote Kote
- Soto Kote
Numbers: [Used in Class]
1
2
3
4
5
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Ichi
Ni
San
Shi
Go
[ch]
[n]
[sn]
[sh]
[g]
6
7
8
9
10
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Roku
Shichi
Hachi
Ku
Ju
[Rc]
[Sch]
[Hch]
[ky]
[Y]
Dachi (stances)
heisoku dachi
musubi dachi
heiko dachi
hachiji dachi
shiko dachi
kiba dachi
sanchin dachi
zenkutsu dachi
kokutsu dachi
neko ashi dachi
sagi ashi dachi
closed foot stance (feet together)
formal attention stance (heels together, feet at an angle)
parallel stance (feet shoulder width apart)
natural stance (feet shoulder width apart, toes slightly pointed outward)
straddle leg stance (horse stance with feet pointed outward)
horse riding stance (feet parallel)
hourglass stance (toes pointed inward) <- when in doubt use it
front stance (same height as kiba/shiko dachi)
back stance
cat stance
crane stance
UNDERSTANDING BLACK BELT QUALIFICATIONS (by Sensei Dunnigan)
The term Black Belt is often misunderstood, with many people thinking all black belts are
experts in their art. Not so! Most reputable black belts have affiliation with an accrediting body in
Okinawa or Japan. You are encouraged to be wary when people have promoted themselves,
without formal testing by an accredited body.
As a guide, if you think in terms of western education, this is how degrees of black belts
compare:
1st degree black belt is the equivalent of a high school graduate.
2nd degree black belt is the equivalent of a college diploma.
3rd degree black belt is the equivalent of a bachelors degree from university.
4th degree black belt is the equivalent of a masters degree from university.
5th degree black belt can be compared to a doctorate degree from university.
6th degree to 10th degree black belts are degrees of distinction, awarded to individuals with the
above qualifications who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to karate, while continuing
to practice and learn.
Kata
There are eight empty-hand katas in Uechi Ry; the longest has 36 steps. Only Sanchin, Seisan,
and Sanseirui come from Pangai-noon, the others were added to the style by Kanei Uechi. Kanei
Uechi designed all of the additional kata. 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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Sanchin
Kanshiwa
Kanshu
Seichin
Seisan
Seirui
Kanchin
Sanseirui (also known as Sandairyu and Sanseiryu)
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:
1. Sanchin (?) - Literally translated as "3 fights/conflicts". From the kanji for "3" 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.
2. 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. This officially known in Japan
as the kids kata
3. 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]. This kata is also
known as Daini Seisan (?).) This kata teaches the concept of precision in timing
through using crane techniques.
4. 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.
5. 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 synthesised in the 13th room of
Shaolin, using individual techniques taught in the previous training rooms. This kata now
successfully combines the "Three Challenges" concept, and the student can now go back
and recognize and further develop those elements in the previous forms.
6. Seirui (?) - Along the lines of the others, literally translated this means simply "16".
An alternate translation uses phonetics rather than literal kanji meaning, and can denote
"10 Dragons Form", as there are 10 dragon techniques in the kata. This kata teaches the
concept of stability since the four consecutive Dragon techniques in rotation call for a
strong sense of balance.
7. 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).
8. Sanseirui (?) - Literally translated, it 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 3 rotations). Shu Shiwa was also known as
"The 36th Room Priest" according to the 1977 Uechi-Ryu Kyohon (Techniques Book).
This final kata combines all the previous concepts to pre-empt the attack.
DIRECTIONS FOR DOJO ACTIVITY
1. The martial arts begin and end with respect.
2. Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo, indicating your respect for the training
hall.
3. Follow the instructions given by the instructor and your seniors.
4. Smoking is prohibited in the dojo.
5. Make the best use of training time given in class. Limit unnecessary talking.
6. Practice in a business-like manner.
7. Always keep your body and your gi clean.
8. You are responsible for proper conduct inside and outside of the dojo.
9. Person to person relationships in the dojo must be reinforced by courtesy and
respect.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS
1. The purpose of studying Uechi-Ryu is to develop the karate devotee into a
healthy, well-coordinated person, both physically and mentally and to train him so that he
may master the weaponless art of self-defense.
2. The karate-ka must always be on his best behavior taking a modest attitude
toward others, setting great value on courtesy among people, being careful of his speech
and actions, and being diligent in his study.
3. The karate-ka must not become a nuisance to others by using harsh language and
committing violence towards others.
4. The karate-ka must not bring disgrace, even in the slightest degree, to his own
school, Uechi-Ryu and himself by making shameful and rude comments or actions.
5. The karate-ka must not be self-absorbed and shouldn't run to the easy and idle
way of life. He must make a constant effort to continue the hard work enabling him to fill
his mind with the vigor of life.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF KARATE
CONTROL OVER ONESELF
One must first be able to control oneself before attempting to control others. Without a good
balance and control of oneself, you can neither avoid an attack nor apply an effective technique
on others.
PRINCIPLE OF ONENESS
A person must always keep in mind of becoming one with the attack. Regardless of the type of
attack, you must join with it. It is not how strong you are, but how correct you are, that counts.
One shouldn't be watching others doing kata, but paying attention to your own kata. If you are
watching someone else doing kata, you can't be one with your own techniques.
RANGE OF EFFECTIVENESS
The best way to defend yourself against an attack, is to get out of the opponent's range of
effectiveness. You can back up, side step, or circle around inside of the attack. But you must
maintain your range of effectiveness at all times.
