Uechi-Ryu Karate

Liverpool City Centre Dojo

Uechi-Ryu is a traditional Okinawan self-defence which has its origin in the ancient Chinese tradition of martial arts.

Kanbun Uechi learned the system Pangainoon ("half-hard, half-soft") in China after escaping military conscription in his homeland Okinanwa. Kanbun was taught by Shushiwa.

Kanei Uechi, son of Kanbun contributed to the style, which originally consisted of 3 kata (Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseiryu), Kotikitae (arm conditioning) and Chinese medicine; by adding 5 new kata, Hojo Undo (exercises) and various Kumite and Bunkai.

Kanbun's students renamed the style Uechi-Ryu in 1940 in honour of Kanbun.

	Shushiwa (1874 - 1926) Also know as Chou Tsu Ho (Shushiwa is the Japanese pronunciation). Taught Pangainoon to Kanbun Uechi.
	Kanbun Uechi (1877 - 1948) Born in Izumi on the Motobu Peninsula, Okinanawa. Studied and taught Pangainoon Kempo in China between 1897 and 1910.
	Kanei Uechi (1911- 1991) Studied Pangainoon under his father Kanbun. Kanei was responsible for modernising the style and making it available to the Western world.