What is Uechi-ryu Karate ?
It is one of the three major styles of the island of Okinawa (Japan), the cradle of karate. It was created by Kanbun Uechi , who himself learned the basics and principles during a 13-year stay in southern China, in the Fujian province, from the Chinese master Shushiwa . He taught there for three years before deciding to return to Japan.
After his return to Japan, Kanbun Uechi did not teach for 17 years, before giving in to the insistence of those around him, who knew that he was an expert in martial arts, and opening a dojo in Wakayama in 1926, where he had moved for work.
Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa in 1946.
His son, Kanei Uechi, had returned to Okinawa shortly before and opened Uechiryu’s first dojo in Funtenma. Other more advanced students also returned to Okinawa and opened other dojos.
 Shushiwa |  Kanbun Uechi |  Kanei Uechi |
What are the principles of Uechi-ryu ?
It is based on extreme strengthening of the body, both for defense and attack, circular defenses ( hirate mawashi uke ) with grabs, a high posture ( sanchin-dachi ), approaching a natural position, and allowing with maximum contraction of the muscles to minimize damage when blows are received. The attacks are mainly carried out with open hands, and for kicks with the toes ( sokusen ), in order to target sensitive points.
Uechi-ryu, originally named Pangai-Noon, meaning half soft and half hard, is based on the Chinese boxes of the Tiger , the Dragon and the Crane .