Uechi-ryu Malaysia

June 10th, 2007 at 13:00 · Filed Under Karate 

Today marks the significant day for Uechi-ryu as it goes public with a public demonstration in Mahkota Parade. Uechi-ryu Malaysia was established on April 24, 2007.

Besides work, I have been actively involved in planning and conducting the training transition to Uechi-ryu. Thanks to my previous experience as a consultant for transition to Ada, this transition training is smooth and does not pressure my students. I believe they have enjoyed the new techniques.

What is Uechi-ryu?

Uechi Ryū is one of the three traditional styles of Okinawan karate. The founder of Uechi Ryū was Kanbun Uechi (1877-1948), an Okinawan who went to Fuzhou in Fujien Province, China to study martial arts when he was 20 years old.

Kanbun Uechi studied Pangai-noon (half-hard, half-soft) Kung Fu under Shushiwa, the leading figure of Chinese Nanpa Shorin-ken at the time, in the Fujien province of mainland China in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. After 10 years of study under Shushiwa, Kanbun Uechi opened his own school in the Nanjing province.

He established the Institute of Pangainun-ryū (half-hard and soft) Todi-jutsu, in Wakayama Prefecture. In 1940, he renamed the system to Uechi Ryū.

Kanbun Uechi’s son, Kanei Uechi, taught the style at the Futenma City Dojo, Okinawa, and was considered the first Okinawan to sanction the teaching to foreigners.

Uechi Ryū emphasizes toughness of the body with quick hand and foot strikes. Several of the more unique weapons of Uechi practitioners are the one-knuckle punch (shoken), spearhand (nukite), and the toe kick. Because of this emphasis on simplicity, stability, and a combination of linear and circular motions, the style is practical for self-defense.

Uechi Ryū is principally based on the movements of 7 animals: the Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Leopard, Snake, Cobra, and Mantis.

Uechi Ryū training emphasizes on four concepts for practice and performance.

  1. Yawarakasa - soft, flexibility and relaxed
  2. Binkasa - awareness, timing and relation of motions
  3. Chikarazuyosa - power/hardness on impact only
  4. Antekan - stability

Unlike conventional karate-do, Uechi Ryū techniques, primarily, emphasizes on softness. The Uechi Ryū training does not exert the kind of force which induces tension and stress in joints, tendons and ligaments; reducing the risk of self injuries. Uechi Ryū karate is a good training for all ages.

For more information, visit Uechi Ryū Malaysia website here.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Uechi-ryu Malaysia”

  • ridzuan on June 11th, 2007 21:37 1

    Hi Adrian,

    Long time no see. I am surprised that you have switched style again. What happened to Shorin-ryu Seibukan? Not good?

    But anyway, you must have your reason(s). Congratulations!

    I have heard of Uechi-ryu, non-conventional style. It is nice to hear someone has introduced it to Malaysia.

    My best wishes to all of you.

  • Adrian Hoe on June 11th, 2007 21:42 2

    Hi ridzuan,

    Nice to hear from you again. Thank you.

    With UechiRyu, I can start afresh, completely clean and shape it. No politics and inferior people in it.

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