About the Style:
Most Asian martial arts systems are descended from Chinese Kung-Fu. While most of these various systems have developed into fighting styles that are quite distinct from their origins, Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do (way-chee ree-oo) is probably closer to its mother style than any other system. Uechi-Ryu comes from a southern Chinese boxing style called pangai-noon, which translates as 'half-soft'. Uechi-Ryu has become quite popular on Okinawa, from which many styles of karate originate, and has spread widely through the world. Uechi-Ryu differs from other styles of Japanese and Okinawan Karate, in that it emphasizes circular, deflecting blocks, instead of angular blocks, which allows the defender to utilize an attackers strength against the attacker. In training, almost every striking technique is preceded by a defensive circular blocking action. Since the practice of Uechi-Ryu is not limited to the restrictive types of stylized fighting found in many modern sport-oriented martial arts, it contains a wealth of self-defense principles and techniques. Many of the in-close fighting skills found in Uechi Ryu are found in serious self-defense courses throughout the world. Uechi Ryu combines quite well with various grappling-type martial arts, which provides the student with more options than strikes alone. Economy of motion is important in Uechi-Ryu, and this is in part accomplished with single-strike-effective techniques, and combinations of movements.
