A historical Perspective During the Reign of

Maegaki or Preface

Over the last 50 years in Japan, Uechi Ryu Karate Do's roots have become firmly planted. During this era Uechi Ryu Karate Do has had many complications and troubled times. The experiences that have befallen Uechi Ryu Karate Do though have strengthened the Art.

So today if you spot someone practicing Uechi Ryu Karate-Do's powerful art this is a reassuring sight. History I believe will prove this out. Walk with pride with this knowledge in mind. In retrospect Uechi Ryu Karate Do's development over the past 50 years seems to have been short, but in reality it was a long and arduous task to have been undertaken.
This one school of the arts over the last 50 years has had many changes of face inside and out. It is very important to pay close attention to past history along with the present happenings. With this in mind the sort of situation that presents itself in this era I believe is that history follows a different path, and it is a fact also I believe that there is concern from all of us that this art will survive.
My father the teacher Uechi Kanbun who studied the way of the fist in China in Fukien Province near the city of Foochow during the Meiji Restoration around 1897 for 13 years is an important facet of history. It took him 10 years of training to be able to open a Dojo of his own. Then around 1910 he returned his home and his native land.

Then after returning to his homeland from learning his livelihood Uechi Kanbun socially kept his silence and stayed pretty much to himself. In private he continued to develop his Mind/Body/Spirit trial.

Now 13 years into the Taisho Era 1912 1926 around 1924 Uechi Kanbun moved to Wakayama, Japan and sought employment at a weaving company. After a while he became friends with a man named Ryuyu Tomoyose and started a Dojo with two other individuals, Jogen Sanro and Jori Gemmei teaching the Chugoku Kobushi Do.
He began teaching the aforementioned individuals on a regular basis in secret for quite some time. He renamed the art Pangainoon Ryu. Then while living in Japan for a while he eventually changed the name of the art to Uechi Ryu Karate Do. This stayed the same during remaining years of the Taisho era and into the beginning years of the Showa era.
In according to the old records there was 3 main Kata Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseirui. But then as Uechi Ryu developed and went into the present Shizu Seiki developed the ideas for 3 more kata. There were Kanshiwa, Seirui, and Kanchin. Then another kata was added Kanshu or the old name was Dai ni Seisan. The Uech Karate Do Kyokai advisor explained that the addition of these extra or added kata were needed they were adopted. Jogen Sanro and an old friend of the original Shubukan Cho helped immensely in the development of Seichin.

Then from the kata certain exercise techniques developed i.e., Jumbi Undo (Preliminary Exercises or Warm up Exercises), Hojo Undo (Technique Exercises), Yakusoku Kumite Dai Ichi, Yakusoku Kumite Dai Ni, then later on others were added for example Koteki Tai, Atemi no Jiken etc. These afore mentioned exercises helped the former

precursors of this art to develop Jiyu Kobo (Freedom to to develop offensive/defensive actions.) Then the techniques taught to the students would then have a more deepening or expanding role as defensive tools during Jiyu Kumite, and would increase the student’s repertoire in Uehi Ryu Karate Do. These techniques are needed for the modernization of this art.

The modernization of the techniques of Uechi Ryu Karate Do's kata were worked out and refined and finally finished. These kata’s should not be changed for there is absoluteness in the effort put into these kata. There existence is there for all to learn from. The preservation of the kata's techniques is to succeed in the improvement of tradition. To adapt to the tradition of the techniques is to build a sound base.

In ancient times the techniques of the Karate kata were relative to ones existence. We must recognize and utilize this theory. In our time or existence mankind must look carefully at the art of technique.

Even if we change styles in this era or the next there are many factors that will change also. One must not let go of the basic techniques.

In ancient times the techniques of the Karate kata were done with a flowing mobility. During these times it was done to prove a point. By no means should an individual be static, they should always be mobile. Therefore the kata techniques were relative to ones existence. We believe this firmly. It is important to try to not condense this history. It is of importance to not slight or ignore technique either. Why then do people follow this path? Why does mankind in this era and of past eras place so much emphasis on technique?
We believe that when one feels good about the kata techniques and flows with them rather than against them this feeling will reap good rewards. These sorts of feelings are a product of our austere conditioning. The unconscious mind takes over after a while when one does techniques repetitiously. Thus you are following tradition. To subsist on these tenets I believe then that the Karate kata will take on a new meaning and a new path for the new and old. To have this unchangeability or immobility is not good the flow cease to exist.
In this era to transcend into the classics by the student is reassuring. The continued interest into the legendary techniques of the kata is of prime importance. In reality the future or development of the ideas of the kata must not be forgotten.

The teacher, leader or successor we believe will have an important job to reinforce these ideas or tenets and the one aim of this book to guide and reinforce the ideas to the student and practitioner.

In today’s time Budo's foundation or basics are sometimes learned incorrectly. So to be able to build good basics in this present era a good understanding of the basics of Uechi Ryu Karate Do is needed. We must mirror the past and the present. In the past it was quite ironic that individuals in the past were showing us what we seek in trying to perpetuate our art. To ensure that proper form is adhered to it was and still is important that ideas and changes were duly recorded. This way you can control the path that this young style or ryu is taking.
Those ideas were a part of the originators true intent for this art form. We believe it is our obligation to mirror these ways to perpetuate our art form.
I believe that in the last 10 years or so Uechi Ryu Karate Do's goals in writing a book of its katas and techniques and history have been beneficial. I also believe that there was a lot of self-sacrifice from the younger generation into the writing and developing of this text.
The following teachers should be recognized: Takimujo Shiroshige Go Dan Speaker of the All Okinawan International Literature and English Department, Nakamatsu Ken Go Dan Koza Prefecture Senior High School Mathematics Instructor, Togen Keicho San Dan Okinawan Prefectural Hospital School and the Central Industrial Senior High School Instructor and Director of the Koza Shubukan and Yonamine Kojo Renshu Roku Dan a skilled calligrapher and Japanese Airforce Electrical Engineer. We thank you all.
These people in there day were socially excepted for these positions and were able to work and take the pressures of being in the public eye In spite of all this, there was much self sacrifice from these individuals on their part for their devotions and work they have done and is very much appreciated.
To look back upon these people’s lives you will see that there was a limit to their leisure time. They did what was expected of them and more. That is another point in this book to be brought out and recognized.

Another meaning of this book especially for the young people would be to call to their attention to the teamwork of these three individuals, Mssrs Takashiro * Nakamatsu * Yonamine.

We wish now to give our thanks from heaven on earth to all of you from us and to those mentioned above deep and profound thanks. Those who went beyond their limits to render their service, in the producing of this text should be praised and a salute to those who spared no pains against all odds to make a place for Uechi Ryu.

Again a special word for those in this book for the pictorial demonstrations, Shinjo Seiyu Kyoshi Hachi Dan, Tosan Seiko Kyoshi Hachi Dan, Tomoyose Ryuko Kyoshi Hachi Dan, Takayo, Shintoku Kyoshi Hachi Dan, Shiyodo Seishin Kyoshi Shichi Dan, Yonaha Seisho Kyoshi Shichi Dan, Shikazu Seiko Kyoshi Shichi Dan, Uehara Mushin Kyoshi Shichi Dan, Yonesu Seisho Renshi Roku Dan, Shinjo Kiyohide Go Dan, Uechi Kammei San Dan. We give thanks for their strength and labor in the making of this text.

Even through mans lack of talent and sickness he must look at the true meaning of the path he takes. It’s like a pupil wanting to excel past his master. A student like this should be praised for the determination he puts out to seek the correct Path in life through this art form. In an era as in today man must be close to his Kami and be thankful for those earnest enough to teach the way of the martial arts. Furthermore, with the publication of this text the Uechi Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai has had many offerings of money to complete this endeavor and all of your kindness is very much appreciated. This book will demonstrate what your great kindness and offerings have done.
The plan that made this text possible as previously expressed took 5 years to finish, but for various reasons and other delays and circumstances the publication was somewhat delayed. But certainly the ideas or thoughts that come from this text were late in coming and we apologize.
The contents of this book come from a vocal quarter. This first completed portion contains the Karate Do Kata. The second portion contains the basics of the art and theory of practice. The third portion contains the Karate Do Rekishi or History.
The fourth portion contains information about the old society of Kobudo Kai of Okinawan Karate. From the fourth portion of the text comes valuable information on Uechi Ryu Karate Do a sort of re-definition of the basics. In ancient times a book like this would never have been published or available anywhere.
Special attention should be paid to the first portion, which contains the Karate Do Kata of Uechi Ryu. There are so many techniques involved that concentration on the small things is so important. There are many books similar to this text but not in such detail. One must observe and concentrate on these kata leads to the advancement in many areas.
Those who read through this text on Uechi Ryu Karate Do will to a degree understand the training one goes through and what a person can receive by the way of benefits from studying this style. In this text there is an interesting article Sanchin Ronko (A Thesis on Sanchin) by Choden Soka pages 100 106. Mr. Choden's thesis on Sanchin is from a professional viewpoint of one mans accumulation of the studies in Uechi-Ryu and his inspirations from the viewpoint that Uechi Ryu Karate Do techniques on the surface are a big part of the foundation of this unique style.
The polishing of the basics of Sanchin in the main statement of this thesis is an extremely important guide to go by. In the third part of this text, which contains the Karate Do History, there is a special contribution by Takamiya Shiroshige San on the theme of examples of martial information. He takes to heart the scholarly view of the skills acquired through this type of training. The subject of the writings therein is that there is an abundance of wealth of a wealth of knowledge in these writing’s that come from the original chronicles on the subject of Karate Do. An added comment; one just does not peruse through this information but it has to be read very carefully.
This subject of Karate Do Rekishi by Takamiya Shiroshige San on another train of thought is to look at the Rekishi or history from all sides. The people contained in this text should be given great latitude, for through their contributions and influence that gives this text its substance.

Another contribution to the Sanchin Ronka or Sanchin thesis is the benefit in some ways to the people at the Sho Dan Level or First Degree Black Belt level. This helps raise the level of attitudes wit1h Jijutsu or reality.

Mssrs, Takamiya Shiroshine and Machiden Shuko's endeavors were aimed at laboring for a non reformation of ideas and tenets underlying Uechi Ryu Karate Do. They believe it from their hearts that the original ness of this style not be changed. Many thanks to them already mentioned in this text on Uechi Ryu Karate Do are that in the past 50 years or so history has been punctuated.

The meaning of this is again to emphasize that this book is very important and there is much significance for the new and old martial artists.
From here on the value a man puts in the information contained herein should wholeheartedly strive to follow a course in the midst of turmoil or tempest to be flexible in order to survive in the encounters one may come across while involved in Uechi Ryu Karate Do be not swayed or changed from his or hers predetermined path or karma.
Therefore, a person in this era who tries’s to change

too the eras of long ago I think will be superior in Uech-Ryu Karate-Do. Even with the fundamental basics and criteria he or she will exhibit uniqueness apart from all others, which the past has proven without a doubt. I think that this text on Uechl Ryu Karate Do as it goes into the future will have nothing to compare to. So let us pray that this information stays intact and we say this with a light and a prayer. The whole of Nihon Budokai in this text will continue to battle for a stand or place in history to come. My own feeling is that my many dreams and ideas for people is not to begrudge anyone but to give support and urging to those who are interested and excel in Uechi Ryu Karate Do.

Now the future of Uechi Ryu Karate Do and former Karate no Budo’s expansion I believe will be of major import in this text. The possibilities of the people now involved in Uechi Ryu Karate Do and of the past is actual proof of the iron clad unity of this style.

As a member of society we who are involved in Uechi Ryu is dedicated to he polishing of the spirit and the people responsible for world harmony nave no desire to severe these important ties.

I believe also that here were many oversights in the publishing of this book. Everyone involved used all their energies and services available to keep the facts straight. Many of the facts contained herein were witnessed or to attest to they’re occurring. Those who have ideas or changes should certainly submit them to see if they have merit.
To men and women who in this text who gave their valuable services critiques and comments our sincere thanks and we salute the following individuals who provided much information for this publication: Kiyamu Shinei Sensei and member of the House of Counselers Kyoshi HachiDan, Matsubayashi Ryu Karate Do Remmei Sekai. Also Tomine Ichiro Sensei member of the House of Counselors the man heading up the special committee for the problems of Northern Okinawa is Kenji Saiichi all Naha City Mayor and hailing from the head office from the village of Itomi, Yagi Akitoku Sensei All Okinawan Karate Do Remmei Kaicho, the Gendo Remmei counselor that is equal to the chairman of the examination committee and is a Hanshi Kyu dan Goju Kai Goju­-Ryu Kaicho.
Next to mention is Akamine Yoshie Sensei (Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Advisor) and are the Okinawa Sumo Kyokai Kaicho, and also the head of the Kokusai Kanko Kabushiki Kaisha.
Again in the title of this book located in the preface we pay homage to Tomoyose Ryuko Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Director Kyoshi Hachi Dan. He is also a penmanship expert for the prefectural Road Society on Okinawa and is a teacher of penmanship. He holds the rank of Go Dan Hanshi in this field. Also we should mention Kirin Kokuhiko Uechi-Ryu Karate Do's Society Document Adjuster and Bureau Chief.
Now a little on the Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kyokai's Monsho (Coat of Arms) design done by Kiyuma Choki, Senior High School Fine Arts Instructor. In charge also of the Okinawan expansion and growth management committee he was the all Japan Bujutsu Kyokai Kaicho.
There were a variety of ideas and designs by skilled calligraphers such as Koyasu Takeji who is a Kashu from the Oga Shubukan and is ranked as a Yon Dan in this art. He is also a member of the all Tokyo Bujutsu Shuqyo Cho. We wish that the labors from this man be noted and we hope to heighten our learning from these writings.

In the third section of this book is the information

about the Karate Kobudo Ka's establishment and information as well on Karate no Kobudo. There are many authorities on these and we appreciate their cooperation and their ideas.
We strive for correctness here and again appreciate the extensive cooperation and their knowledge that was given and also in the spirit it was given for this text. Our indebtness also goes to the Okinawan Karate no Budokai Kobudo. The truth we found was developed from the self from all individuals involved. Many authorities
Many authorities in  the Martial Arts submitted material for this text, and this society presents it with the understanding that trends change and the direction that tomorrow or the future takes. But the basis of their material was of immense value to the precious record. This is deeply profound to have this type of information and insight.
Next we'd 11ke to thank these top individuals for their cooperation and information that is recorded here. Listed below are the names of some of the major contributors to this text.
1. Akamine Sakaryo (Ryukyu Budo Hozon Shinko Kai Kaicho) (Ryukyu Martial Arts Preservation Promotion Society President)
2. Shimen Seiki (Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Kaicho) (Shorin Ryu Karate Do Society President)
3. Uehara Seito Honbu Ryu Kobujutsu Kyokai Kaicho (Motobo Ryu Kobujutsu Ancient Arts Society President)
4. Uechi Kanei Shito-Ryu Kobushi Ho Karate Do Kenkyo Kai (Shito Ryu Old Fist Way Karate Do Research Society President)
5. Toshima Shinei Umine Ryu Karate Do Kenkyu Kai Kaicho (Umine Ryu Karate Do Research Society President.)
6. Kojo Yoshitomo Kido Kai KoJo Ryu Kaicho (Kido kai Kojo-Ryu President)
7. Koji Kashu Chubu Sho In Karate Do Kyokai Kaicho (Central Shorin Karate Do Society President)
8. Shimabuku Tetsuo Isshin Ryu Kokusai Karate Do Remmei Kaicho (Kojin   Deceased) (Isshin Ryu International Karate Do Federation President)
9. Soken Hokan Shorin Ryu Matsumuira Seito Okinawa Kobu do Kyokai Kaicho. (Shorin Ryu Matsumura Legitimate Okinawan Ancient Martial Arts Society President)
10. Takamine Choboku Kokusai Karate Do Kobudo Remmei Kaicho. (International Ancient Karate Do League President)
11. Nagamine Shoshin, Sekai Shorin Ryu Karate Do Remmei Kaicho. (World Shorin Ryu Karate Do League President)
12. Nakaima Kenko Ryuei Ryu Karate Kobudo Hozon Kai Kaicho. (Ryuei Ryu Ancient Karate Preservation Society President)
13. Nakasoto Jotei Zen Okinawa. Shorinji Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Kaicho. (All Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Do Society President)
14. Nakasato Shugoro Okinawa Karate Do Shorin Ryu Shorin Kan Kyokai Kaicho. (Okinawa Karate Do Shorin Ryu Shorin Kan Society President)
15. Kurayoshi Yujiki Shorin Ryu Kyudo Kan Shinkokai Kaicho. (Shorin Ryu Kyudo Kan Promotion Society President)
16. Kurayoshi Ki Yotoku  Zen Okinawa Karate Kobudo Rensokai Kaicho. (All Okinawa Ancient Karate Union President)
17. Miyasato Sakaichi Okinawa Goju- Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Kaicho. (Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Do Society President)
18. Makakichi Majuta Shoden Ryu Zen Okinawa Kobudo Remmei Kaicho (Shodan Ryu All Okinawan Ancient League President)
19. Miyahira Kakana Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Do Kyokai Kaicho (Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Do Society President)
20. Hachimoku Akitoku Okinawa Karate Do Goju Kai (Goju Ryu Kaicho) (Okinawa Karate Do Goju Kai) (Goju Ryu President)
21. Kichizato Mafuto Kushin Ryu Karate Do Kenkyukai Kaicho Kushin Ryu Karate Do Research Society President)
Showa Era. December 20th­ 1950
---Dento to Senren---

Tradition and Refinement
This need and necessity for the "Way” or Do must come from a good adaptation to the environment. So from this we form a course of action in this life.
This martial tradition and succession for a martial culture has been continuously sought after and is great demand therefore in order for one to change one must find the right path in order to change accordingly. This can be accomplished by following a martial art path through use of form or kata to change ones life. This is needed also for both physical and spiritual.

With the emergence of the martial arts in our culture, and readily available source of reference material on the subject one has to look at the practicality of a combat art versus the Way or Do for self- development.

Defense of oneself or a partner in combat or in practice in today’s society has a purpose of developing self-awareness.
Proficiency in Bugei is therefore desired. When individuals in the martial arts depart from their cultural way or Do, they loose the oneness. They must therefore return to their roots to recover themselves.
As for awareness in the connection with oneself and the Martial Arts, training in these systems is the way. The meaning of this type of body exercise is long road. Its succession and expansion lies in the correct transmission of ones particular martial art.
To be born in this ancient tradition you must have been born into this culture. The authors realization of the martial arts culture came into existence during a change in society as a whole during his time. Long ago in an era steeped in ancient history and lore, the martial arts were a combat oriented art as compared to evolution of today’s arts they are steeped in sport competition. Certainly there are alterations or needs for a sport art but a martial arts meaning is often buried and not as easily uncovered or defined.
The continuance for example of sports matches i.e., running, throwing, archery, bowling these are original and are useful. There is no difference in most respects of Sports or Martial Arts. The big difference is in how it’s applied through i.e., shape, form or kata. During the games or matches of long ago the original form stayed the same and should not change.
To rationalize a form in sports exercise is okay but, the level or degree that’s it is applied to in the martial arts is different. As we differentiate between sports and the martial arts in today’s culture one needs to become more familiar with the basics no matter what the art form. For example; Judo, Kendo, Kyudo, Bajutsu and so forth one has to be equally familiar with all these arts, and or their basics and how they are used. To be familiar with all these arts there must be the coordination between the mind, body and spirit, which, is the same for sports.
In Kendo to defend oneself with a shinai from Jigoro Kano's point of view is a change from the way the bamboo sword was supposed to be used. The establishment of Judo's training systems techniques has gone through a variation of changes.
However other sports events as with other Martial Arts in comparison to raw exercise is a specialization and there is a need for a break in tradition from the old training methods in order for an individual to specialize properly he needs expansion.
We Japanese never rationalize a game or an event. At the same time the long tradition of polishing our art comes from hundreds of years of cultural refinement.
The polishing and refinement comes from the common man for example father to son master and pupil tradition, which is the old fashioned way of teaching the Martial Arts. To understand the difference is to see the existence or original meaning of the old fashioned "Way" or (Do) of the Martial Arts.
To know and understand the Kata's is to understand the existence of the Martial Arts original meanings. This must be understood.
The reasoning’s of the nature of exercising or polishing the traditions of the Mind, Body, and Spirit unity is to not retreat from one by either going to the right or to the left. The understanding or logic is in ones martial past. One aspect of this is in understanding the power of the Kiai (Spirit Shout) this is a step in the right direction.
The expression of oneself should come from the everyday teacher of the Martial Arts a motivation to use the skill and ambition as an expression of the “Way” or Do is derived from the martial culture.
The tradition that is the Martial Arts a long time ago is also appraised in the present age as a new grade of what is. The Japanese a hundred years ago, during their sports events where durability and tradition were being cultivated by polishing or refinement of technique through the Martial Arts, where manners and good customs were the foundation of a base existence. Where are the new efforts of the style going? What are we being tasked for?