About Uechi-Ryu
Uechi-ryu is one of the longest-term karate arts and was founded by Kanbum Uechi (pronounced “Waychee”) of Okinawa and further developed as worldwide art by his son Kanei Uechi.
Okinawan Uechi Style Karate
The organization is known as Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate Do-Association (O.U.K.A.). The karate style (or ryu) has been known by three
different names through its long history. From China it was referred to
as Puon-Gai-Noon descriptively meaning “hard - and - soft.” Out of
respect and familiarity to the founding and developmental contributions
of the Uechi father and son the art became known as Uechi-Ryu.
The Lineage Preserves the Essence
Though there have been a cycle of administrative name changes the art
remains the same. Master Kanei Uechi’s senior student, Shintoku
Takara, now heads the Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association (O.U.K.A.), responsible for overseeing continued proliferation of this wonderful martial art worldwide. Master Takara is ranked Hanshi Judan (10th Dan Black Belt).
The evolutions in name are administrative only and have no effect on the essence of our practice. We continue to work in the same direction, are developing the same skills and using curriculum as taught by our late founding masters. The essence of our martial art remains completely undisturbed.