Uechi-Ryu Karate
Liverpool City Centre Dojo
a member of Uechi-Ryu Karate Do Association (GB)

HISTORY

Uechi-Ryu (pronounced 'WayChee Roo') is a traditional style of karate which originates from the island of Okinawa, although its lineage can be traced back to China.

The founder of the style, Kanbun Uechi, travelled to China in the late 19th century where he was taught the system 'Pangai-noon' (meaning 'half-hard, half-soft') by a famous Chuan-fa instructor named Shushiwa.

When Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa he taught the art to his son Kanei Uechi, amongst others. The style Kanbun originally taught was based on 3 kata (Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseirui). Kanei oversaw the addition of 5 additional kata as well as adding Hojo Undo (exercises) and various formalised kumite (sparring) and Bunkai (kata applications). The style was later re-named 'Uechi-Ryu' 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.