• UECHI-RYU
UECHI-RYU OKINAWA KARATE-DO
(CONTENTS OF THE SYSTEM)
Uechi Kanbun's PANGAI-NOON system broughted from China, was consisted of three Kata, one Bunkai, and several conditioning and techniques of training. This system is also denominated as "system of the tiger, crane and dragon", because it characterized by what these three animals symbolize:
- Tiger giving strength and vigor,
- Crane giving softness and graciousness and
- Dragon giving swiftness and unpredictability.
Together, this three animals symbolize firmness, briskness and flexibility. This are basic psychophysical characteristics developed by the system.
This system belongs to "half soft - half hard" KARATE-DO systems, and its features certain specialties, which are difficult to come across in other karate schools, such as:
- A stroke with the tip of the big toe "SOKUSEN-GERI";
- A stroke with the bent thumb "BOSHIKEN-ZUKI" and
- A soft, circular block "WA-UKE".
The greatest specialty of UECHI-RYU is SANCHIN-KATA, a form of isometric contractions, synchronized with a concentration and specific way of breathing - which is the basis of this system. It is an original Chinese form known as "a form of complete tension and complete relaxation".
The base of this system was the KATA: SANCHIN, SEISAN & SANSEIRYU. In the late 1950’s and early 60’s, Uechi Kanei Sensei was authorized a group of seniors members to piece together the fighting techniques taught to him by his father, modify the SEISAN-BUNKAI, and create the intermediate Kata and other material which today make up the system of UECHI-RYU.
The group was named as The Development Committee included the following Seniors Members (in a alfabetical oreder):
| 1). | Ishikara | ... | ||
| 2). | Itokazu | Seiki | - afteward KONAN-RYU | |
| 3). | Kawata | ... | ||
| 4). | Miyagi | Kunio | ||
| 5). | Takamiyagi | Shigeru | - afteward OKIKUKAI | |
| 6). | Takara | Shintoku | - afteward OKIKUKAI UECHI-RYU | |
| 7). | Tomoyose | Ryuko | - afteward OKIKUKAI | |
| 8). | Toyama | Seiko | - afteward UECHI-RYU ZANKAI | |
| 9). | Uehara | Saburo |
Others Seniors could been involved with the projects, but these were the principal members of the Development Committee. All progress in creating was closely monitored and refined by Uechi Kanei Sensei before finalization and inclusion in the system.
The content of UECHI-RYU system is given in Scheme below. The blue areas shows elements of the content that are official in OKIKUKAI Association.
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CLICK ON CONTENTS OF FOLLOWING SCHEME FOR DETAILS
JUMBI-UNDO
• Basic set of warming up exercises
The set of warming up exercises was created by the Japanese Public Educational System during early Showa Era for use in elementary through high school physical education programs. This set was assumed and modified for using in DOJO by Uechi Kanei sensei.
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HOJO-UNDO
• Basic system of the defensive and offensive techniques
HOJO-UNDO is a Japanese language term, translated as "supplementary exercises", that refers to the conditioning exercises specifically used in KARATE-DO. HOJO-UNDO was designed to develop ambidextrous physical strength, stamina, muscle coordination, speed, and posture.
The HOJO-UNDO is created by Uechi Kanei Sensei.
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K A T A
• KARATE-DO form
Simply, KATA can be described as systematically organized series of defensive and offensive techniques performed in sequence against one or more imaginary opponents with purpose of techniques development. But, one more signification of Kata, like it described in the "KARATE-DO KYOHON" book by professor Takamiyagi Shigeru Sensei (Hanshi 10 Dan) is:
"... the performance of KATA in KARATE-DO is also an art form. The foundation of this art must a thorough understanding of its technical aspects (that is, proper form and possible applications), but its development as art relies also on the effective handling of various pairs of opposite features inherent in each KATA, on the refinement of rhythm and timing, and on mastery of breathing techniques which reflect and reinforce technical divisions."
"Every KATA performer must acknowledge the joint presence of pairs of opposite features (relaxed-tense, soft-hard, elegant-wiled, weak-strong, slow-fast, etc) woven into the seven fighting kata of UECHI-RYU. In the higher ranking KATA particulary, these should be quite evident in a good performance at normal speed and with normal power."
"These are three principles of KATA practice requisite for good performance: (1) beauty, (2) speed, and (3) power. It is through the blending of such opposite qualities that these principles come together."
"Only a strike that balances soft and hard can be both strong and fast. A beautiful techniques rather than mechanical gesture is the desired result. The combination of speed, power, and beauty is expression of balance."
In the UECHI-RYU a rhythm of KATA performance is very important and it is attempt by ZANSHIN (literally “perfect posture”; ideal of alertness in SANCHIN-KAMAE position), by logic of the techniques, and by demands of berating.
A following ten aspects of KATA are important:
| 01). | YOI NO KISIN. | – The spirit of getting ready, | |
| 02). | INYO. | – The active and the passive – (consider both attack and defensive aspects of the Kata), |
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| 03). | CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU. | – Use of strength – (power balance in relation to the movements in the Kata), |
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| 04). | WAZA NO KANKYU. | – Speed of movement, | |
| 05). | TAI NO SHINSHUKU. | – Expansion and contraction – (the form of the body in the Kata), |
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| 06). | KOKYU. | – Appropriate breathing, | |
| 07). | TYAKUGAN. | – Targeting – (know the purpose of each movement in the Kata), |
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| 08). | KIAI. | – Shouting – (demonstrate good martial spirit in the Kata), |
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| 09). | KEITAI NO HOJI. | – Positioning – (movement and stance in the Kata), and |
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| 10). | ZANSHIN. | – Alertness |
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SANCHIN
• The first - basic form of the UECHI-RYU system
• Literally translated: "Three ways" or "Three battles" or "Three challenges"
The first, the basic and original and traditional KATA. It is an original Chinese KATA, brought back from China by Grand Master Uechi Kanbun, also known as: "a form of complete tension and complete relaxation". It is a form of isometric contractions, synchronized with a concentration and specific way of breathing - which is the basis of this system.
SANCHIN-KATA is the link of continuity between all the other KATA. If exist any doubt as to whether a movement is in its correct form, we can go back to the basics and check it against SANCHIN. All blocks and strikes merely a modification of a basic SANCHIN motion. So, the system comes full circle, and the entire system of UECHI-RYU relies on SANCHIN-KATA for developing strength and balance in all other movements.
The name SANCHIN signifies "three battles" or "three challenges", and these three are in order:
| 1). | The SPIRIT | – Softness & relaxation (Japanese: Yawaraksa); | |
| 2). | The MIND. | – Awareness & natturall motions (Japanese: Binkansa); | |
| 3). | The BODY. | – Stamina & natural power (Japanese: Chikarazuyosa). |
Primary, SANCHIN learn us a method of breathing. Professor Takamiyagi Shigeru Sensei says in his "Karate-Do Kyohon" book:
"... the basic breathing method is that learned in SANCHIN-KATA: an "interrupted" breath, short and sharp and explosive. This is a clearly defined aspirated hiss, originating from the strained abdomen and expelling air through the mouth. The focus of the breath must be on exhalation; replenishment of air must be allowed to take place naturally through the nose, immediately following the exhalation. This kind of breath is seen in all the Kata of our system."
It is most important to understand that SANCHIN-KATA operates on slightly different principles then all other KATAS of the system.
SANCHIN is abstract and most basically form or "training KATA" designed to develop basic physical, mental and spiritual principles, rather than specific technical applications. SANCHIN is practiced to develop the following five purposes:
| 1). | To build strong physique, | |
| 2). | To consolidate the basic stance, | |
| 3). | To master the basic breathing method, | |
| 3). | To train eyes to be penetrating and to develop acute insight, and | |
| 3). | To foster spiritual concentration and focus. |
When through SANCHIN be developed all five purposes and all its three stages, that become a road for mastering of the system. All movements in the UECHI-RYU system springing from the SANCHIN.
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KANSHIWA
• The second KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – first KYU-KATA
• The operational form
The KANSHIWA-KATA was created by the Development Committee with Uehara Saburo Sensei in front, from fighting moves Uechi Kanbun used often.
The name of this KATA is a tribute to KANbun Sensei and Shuu SHI WA (as combination of elements of both names). The KATA name was suggested by Takamiyagi Shigeru Sensei.
This KATA was created during the 1950s'.
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KANSHU
• The third KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – second KYU-KATA
• The operational form
The third KATA was originally known as KANSHU, was later renamed to DAINI-SEISAN (Second, or Lesser SEISAN), and finally KANSHU once again. This form was created by the Development Committee headed by Uehara Saburo Sensei and so is attributed to him.
The name KANSHU contains elements from the names KANbun and SHU Shi Wa. The KATA name was suggested by Takamiyagi Shigeru Sensei.
This KATA was created during the 1950s'.
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SEICHIN
• The fourth KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – third and last KYU-KATA
• The operational form
The SEICHIN-KATA was created by the Development Committee with Sensei Itokazu Seiki in front of it, and so is attributed to him.
The name is phonetically represented in Japanese by the Kanji symbols for "ten-fight" (or "ten-fighting" or "ten fighting situations"). On Chinese "sei" also can be translates as "soft and natural" and that has special meaning in the KATA.
SEICHIN teaches the use of softness and whip-like, relaxed movements. New movements introduce new concepts in timing and balance. Here can be find a "one-legged crane stance" (TSURU-DACHI) and introduction of the "dragon ready stance" (RYU-NO-KAMAE).
This KATA was created during 1950s'.
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SEISAN
• The fifth KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – the first DAN-KATA
• The operational form
A name signifies "Thirteen" ("13 Ways" or "13 Combats"). In China, this KATA was known as "SEISAN-BO" meaning "13th Room" and was the completed form learned in the 13th of 36 rooms in the Fuchanshin Buddhist Temple in Foochow, Fukien. SEISAN was brought back from China by Grand Master Uechi Kanbun.
In the UECHI-RYU this KATA is also known as "form of speed"
Almost all Okinawan systems have some form of SEISAN-KATA, but they are note similarities in them all. Which of them was actually the "first" or "oldest" is not truly known, but only the SEISAN of UECHI-RYU system is still performed very much like the original old-style Chinese form.
Three SANCHIN-NUKI (open hand strike) at the begining of KATA were added to this Kata by Uechi Kanei Sensei, during the early 1950’s.
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SEIRYU
• The sixth KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – the second DAN-KATA
• The operational form
The SEICHIN-KATA was created by the Development Committee with Uechi Kanei Sensei in front of it. The name is phonetically represented by the Japanese numbers "10" and "6" and is sometimes thought to mean "sixteen". The name of KATA signifies "Sixteen" ("16 Ways" or "16 Combats" or "16 Challenges"). Uechi Kanei Sensei named this KATA.
The outstanding positions in this Kata is the sequence of four "dragon ready stances" (RYU-NO-KAMAE), and together with techniques performed on soft and whip way imply so-called "soft dragon fighting" (similar as SEICHIN form).
This KATA created in the early 1960s'.
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KANCHIN
• The seventh KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – the third DAN-KATA
• The operational form
This form was personal creation by Uechi Kanei Sensei, and it was his favorite KATA. The name arisen from the name of KANbun or KANei, and a kanji of "SEN" ("CHIN') which means "fighting", "battle" or "challenge". The name signifies "Kanbuns' Way" or "Kanbuns' Combat"; or "Kaneis' Way" or "Kaneis' Kombat". Uechi Kanei Sensei determined the name of this KATA.
This KATA represent preamble in next, more complex SANSEIRYU-KATA.
This KATA is created in the early 1960s'.
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SANSEIRYU
• The eigth and last KATA of the UECHI-RYU system – the fourth DAN-KATA
• The operational form
This KATA is represented phonetically by the Japanese numbers "three-ten-six" and mean "thirty-six" ("36 Combats", 36 Ways" or "36 Challenges"). This KATA is also known as "form of stamina."
Shu Shi Wa's assigned duty in the Fuchanshin Shaolin Temple was to teach the SANSEIRYU-KATA. He was also known in the temple as "the Priest of 36th Room" and his routine instructional duty was to teach the kata SANSEIRYU or "form of 36th room." In the Fuchanshin Shaolin Temple training was conducted through thirty-six training rooms in progression. (This is noted in the "Uechi-ryu Kyohon" book of Uechi Kanei; edition 1977, pages 307-308).
This Kata is brought back from China by Grand Master Uechi Kanbun.
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RYUKO
• A new KATA of the OKIKUKAI association
• The operational form
RYUKO is the new KATA of the Okikukai association created by the masters of highest ranks at the middle of 2000s. Name RYUKO signify "dragon & tiger".
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KATA-NO-BUNKAI
• The analysis and application of KATA
The method of careful analytical study of the technical components of Kata. BUNKAI literally meaning "analysis" or "disassembly", is a term used in Japanese Martial Arts referring to the application of fighting techniques extracted from the moves of KATA.
BUNKAI is usually performed with a partner or a group of partners which execute predefined attacks, and the student performing the KATA responds with defenses, counterattacks, or other actions, based on a part of the KATA. This allows understanding and development of movements in KATA. It also illustrate how to improve technique by adjusting distances, time moves properly, and adapt a technique depending on the size of an opponent.
A single KATA may be broken into anywhere from a few to a few dozen applications, and the same sequence of kata moves may sometimes be interpreted in different ways resulting in several BUNKAI.
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KANSHIWA-BUNKAI
• The first BUNKAI of the system – KYU-BUNKAI
This Bunkai was created by the Development Committee with Uehara Saburo Sensei in front.
KANSHIWA-BUNKAI consist 10 targets with 4 performing directions. Training method of KANSHIWA-BUNKAI is on the base one-by-one analysis of the technical sequences of KATA, but also it can be and method of complete form analyze when it practice with six opponents.
This BUNKAI is created during the 1950s'.
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SEISAN-BUNKAI
• The second BUNKAI of the system – DAN-BUNKAI
This BUNKAI is original Chinese training method for analysis and practicing of KATA. It was little modified by Uechi Kanei Sensei during 1958's. It was done in order to eliminate certain dangerous aspects (because of safety of practicants). Prior to that time, more dangerous and difficult older BUNKAI version was taught only to senior Okinawan practitioners. It was used in the Master Uechi Kanei's Futenma Dojo for the last time in June 1958 at the Dan-test for Okinawan students (apparently one of three tests that month), and then replaced by the contemporary version.
Training method of SEISAN-BUNKAI is on the base group-by-group analysis of the technical sequences of KATA. This method consist 19 targets with 7 performing directions.
This Bunkai is brought back from China by Grand Master Uechi Kanbun.
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SANSEIRYU-BUNKAI
• The third BUNKAI of the system – DAN-BUNKAI
This method of practicing and analyse was shown at the commemoration of The 33rd Anniversary of Uechi Kanbun Sensei Death, at 1981, but it was not officially incorporated in UECHI-RYU system. Okinawa Karate-Do Association (Okikukai) incorporated this Bunkai in the system during the 1990s' and it is component of Dan-testing for ranks 4 Dan and 5 Dan.
Training method is on the base group-by-group analysis of the Kata technical sequences. It consist 21 targets with 12 performing directions.
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TAI-KITAE
• The body pounding
TAI-KITAE method is consists by following:
| 1) KOTE-KITAE | 2) MUNE-KITAE | 3) HARA-KITAE | 4) ASHI-KITAE | |||
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| FOREARMS POUNDING | CHEST AREA POUNDING | STOMACH AREA POUNDING | LEGS POUNDING |
The purposes of KITAE method are toughen skins and body, raising the power and develop penetrating eyes.
This is original Chinese method for body conditioning and toughening, but it is generic to many KARATE styles.
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YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
• Prearranged Sparing
The training system practiced by two opponents for the purpose of learning smooth and quick motions and basic techniques within the agreed rules. It prepare the learner for free sparing and fighting situation.
The UECHI-RYU system has two groups of prearranged sparing: (1) KYU-KUMITE and (2) DAN-KUMITE created by Toyama Seiko Sensei during the 1960s'.
1) UECHI-RYU KYU YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
The first, KYU-KUMITE ("fight of students") consist five fighting combinations and it is practice by the principle of "start-stop" KUMITE (IPON-KUMITE).
2) UECHI-RYU DAN YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
The second, DAN-KUMITE ("fight of masters") consists six fighting combinations and it is practice by the principle of "non-stopping" or "continuous" KUMITE (RENZOKU-KUMITE).
In the Okinawa Karate-Do Association (OKIKUKAI) are incorporated two new groups of YAKUSOKU-KUMITE:
1) OKIKUKAI DAIICHI YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
The first group of ten fighting combinations "DAIICHI YAKUSOKU-KUMITE" are created during the 1990s'.
2) OKIKUKAI DAINI YAKUSOKU-KUMITE
The second group of ten fighting combinations "DAINI YAKUSOKU-KUMITE" are created by Nakahodo Tsutomu sensei during early 2000s'.
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JIYU-KUMITE
• Free Sparing
Training method of two opponents which use individual techniques, motions and reflexes, based on the principle of rigid rules. It enables the learner to sharpen his reflexes and fighting sense in the situation of real fighting.
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TAMESHIWARI
• Breaking Experiment
TAMESHIWARI are commonly used as demonstrations (ENBU-KAI) and testing. This is usually done with hands or feet, but also and with finger tips, toes, or parts of the body. Wood is the most common object for breaking experiment.
In general, breaking is method of expression of powerful strikes, mental fortitude and the ability of the mind and body to overcome.
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