A historical Perspective During the Reign of

---HIRATE MAWASHI UKE---

CIRCULAR BLOCK
To look at the techniques of other schools the appearance of our techniques probably looks unusual. Of the circular block when practicing Hirate Mawashi Uke one should do so for about 12 minutes a day. This practice should be done with the attitude of "Muishiki" (Automatic or Involuntary Action. The goal is to make it automatic without thought. This technique should be practiced so as to become second nature when in action. From any angle of an attack all expediency must be taken to defend yourself with Hirate Mawashi Uke if you should come into such a situation.

In this technique the action of the defender is to repress and reduce the attackers thrust. When utilizing the Hirate Mawashi Uke in Sanchin you gain in due course mastery and efficiency in the use of this powerful block. When applying this block to repress an attack in Jyu Kumite it gives you good arm strengthening practice.

When you are doing Sanchin or any of the Uechi Ryu Kata the repressing action of any technique should be continued over and over, to perfect the skill in this effective maneuver.
The idea is to use a companion behind who will train with you to thrust with a single punch from behind while you turn and block with the Hirate Mawashi Uke. This will also develop your sixth sense blocking skills, along with strength and endurance. It must be practiced to the point where the technique transcends into automatic action without though.
Ideally, to be able to block a thrust utilizing this technique, it is ideal to push yourself to the limit of endurance. The truth is that this is a very complex skill to develop. It is also ideal in multiple attack situations. The idea of the block and or striking in action 3 times is one of the secret principles of Uechi Ryu. To be able to repress and end an attack in the first seconds of battle decides victory or defeat “One turn one strike”. There are opinions against this idea though.
---SENTE---

Again an actual fact, in defense of the Karate ka who has to deal with day-to-day emergencies and or plain old training, you have to ask yourself if the art of self-defense is enough in modern day. To remove modern military armament from the military establishment does not benefit the world or to have no self defense. If there must be an attack on you or your companion then one must ask in subjectivity whether or not the preconception to have Budo as an art skill for the body or person or for the world as a whole in which case then who does it apply to? There must not be a limit in any form of self-defense if so then whom does it apply to?

To study the foundation or basics of any technique 1ike the Karate ka's skill just for namesake i.e., using just Budo as a skill this disregard for the expression of the Martial Arts does not benefit anyone.
The receiver of the Karate Basics must have an attacker to accompany him to help him develop his skills. There must be two sides in an art skill for example attacker/defender and the person must follow the orders of the Sensei. This relative principle of learning one technique at a time has some merit to it. This type of absoluteness must accompany Bujutsu.
From asking a number of people about the term Sente (First move in Karate) this term up to now has had a single meaning. To divide the word (Sen/First   Te/Hand) you must ask yourself seek Seishin and look to the passive view (Judo Sei). Is there a middle point for defining Sente?
The explanation of the terminology of Sente and Seishin might be a to profound theory to ask a person to understand. Of the posture or active laws of nature on the surface there is a possibility of an explanation.
The aforesaid might be termed as incomprehensible, in speaking of Sente vs Seishin. To let things pile up against you during combat might deny you victory. The value or viewpoint then of the existence of Sente from a tactical point (Senjutsu) is that the interpretation by the laws of nature is to strike first to achieve victory............
In containment offensives during an attack the appearance of the concept of Senjutsu is especially important if the Karate ka is up against a wall or at his limits. This is very important. There must be no failure then on the understanding of Senjutsu.
Now you have to ask yourself during an attack is the containment offensive going to be useful? When the Karate ka is up against a wall you have to ask yourself will the first move (Sente) achieve victory or defeat? You must use the basics of Senjutsu if an attacker is to yield.

To ask yourself of the usefulness of Sente or to comply with your attacker when you’re up against a wall is not good. You have to tell yourself according to the laws of nature that this is a useful thing "Sente" to have at ones disposal. Therefore the term “the first move” in Karate speaking philosophically the terms Sente & Seishin are symbols of nature. In reference to both sides of the discussion the heart contains the source of justice and the mind controls outcome of Sente".

In this question of “Sente" in Karate you have to look at the dimensions of (Rinri Gaku) (Ethics) and Rutsuri (Laws of Nature). Both sides of the argument seem incomprehensible and to ponder the meanings thoroughly takes a long time. The nature or temperament of Uechi-Ryu's "Sanchin" on the on the body is to be able to attach

significance to the freedom it can give you.

The use of "Sanchin" to polish ones body skills is the goal.
Also during Kumite or matches the emphasis placed on clearness and accurateness is in the proper understanding of "Sanchin".
In Budo learning the basics, the meagerness of the body should not be a bother. At the same time the techniques will come about, and the longer you practice the more adept you will become. The Budo ka's body must take on the appearance of gentleness in performing Gijutsu. How many times during the demonstration of Uechi Ryu's body skills are the basics of both sides of Gijutsu pointed out?
In the silence there is probably doubt and you didn’t answer. There is freedom and understanding in all of this as you practice more and more in Uechi Ryu Karate. To polish ones body skills there is sometimes the lack or want to suppress the basics of "Sanchin". There is need for the action or proof and if it comes from practicing with others so as to quell these thoughts of defenselessness so much the better.
In order to use these techniques in a match according to the laws of nature you have to learn to be able to take the impact of most blows to the body. This resistance will have to be taken into consideration with height/weight/and body strength. The usefulness of this type of body resiliency comes from the proper cultivation of the "Sanchin Basics".
What does it take to reach a goal such as this? The techniques are at point stressful, because the impact of body blows and developing your body to withstand these blows is taxing. This is where you must develop the "Sanchin Body Skills", in order to be able to let the body take this type of punishment.
Again during a match or contest the basics are an important factor to remember the Karate ka has to be able to keep these basics up to Parr. To polish ones skills correctly is important. From this comes automatic action (Jido). Then from this the body will act accordingly. The next thing to learn in "Sanchin" is to be able to forge these ideas or tenets of “Sanchin” into the three ideas of philosophy.
---Sanchin to Sono Tairen no Yoryo---
(The main point of Sanchin is struggle of the body and mind)
---Sanchin kokoro toku ichi kokoro kamae---

[The posture of Sanchin should be in compliance with the Spirit)
Upon entrance for the first time in a Martial Arts School the Shugyo-Sha must be able to develop the ability toward spiritual advancement. The school of thought in regards to Sanchin is in the term (Shinri) or a good mental state. This point should not be forgotten.
The physiology of the self and the body will be learned through Kata and Gijutsu.
In the beginning the study of Sanchin you have occasion to perfect the body and the spirit. This can also be done through Kata and Gijutsu. The spirit comes from the involuntary movements of the Kata.
One must consider that there are two minds in Karate. We must consider the living Buddha mind and the Open mind. This is almost a way of life that one has to carry and contemplate constantly.
These ideas of the mind help us to learn the basics of Sanchin. To be able to stand, step and thrust. Also important is eye placement. The idea of attacking simultaneously both front and rear and utilizing proper breathing methods are also important.

In Sanchin we learn from the outside and the inside. Through the laws of the body we learn resistance inwardly and outwardly. This type of training enables us to take blows to the outside of the body and enables us to counterattack effectively. The Sanchin Kata teaches us the difference between movement and self-movement. This state of mind will enable us to have prolonged practice sessions, which is beneficial.

The idea therefore is to hurry but not hurry. We long for a quick learning pace, but for a good-tempered spirit a slow pace at first is needed. The end result will be a good melding of the Mind, Body, and Spirit unity.
In the world of Budo to walk an honest and steady path the Shugyo-Sha must strive to be strong and straightforward. The way of Budo is to strive to be the best.
Therefore how many things or ideas come to mind in the learning process of Karate? It is a slow pace? The idea of optimum self-support and an understanding of the "'self and the origin"' is in the path of study you need to pursue. In the meaning of what is useful and what is important should also be of particular importance.
In Sanchin as a whole the kata has to be learned in gradual steps or phases. You have to weed out the bad habits and re enforce the good habits. There must be certain amount of naturalness of movement in learning the kata. The progress the Shugyo-Sha makes depends on the time and difficulty he runs into. There is an ultimate end.
To be able to learn you must develop your habits into perpetual ones. This is the way the Kata must be learned. Speed of learning is not necessary in the beginning stages.
The breathing methods from the lower abdomen for example must not be deemed unreasonable, for it is there that you source of your power or Chi emanates from. To not be able to develop this area would destroy your being able to use the Kata purposefully. To not to be able to face the truth in this respect would not be good either.
For the sake of everyday learning of speed and strength, there must be a medium for the body to adapt to.
Therefore which type of action toward the special arts should be pursued? The use of your time is sometimes with a lack of patience. Special times and tactics are needed for this alone. To practice this you must search your spirit and have the want to study and pursue the martial way. This often takes time in enduring this often-painful way of life.
In the present day you should reflect on yourself and to look a person in the face on the morrow in any action is to reflect the backbone and spirit and justice of your way.
Which action would a character with strong moral tones take an action taken naturally or one thru the use of martial factors? Which one would a Karate Ka use?
To study the arts of Karate the person must have the right habits and attitudes and put forth the effort for the refinement toward a good moral character. The martial person or person’s character should rule the spirit.
---Kokyu Ho---

Breathing Method­
The Uechi Ryu Karate Do’s breathing method has very special characteristics. Many of these techniques have special meanings, especially in Jiyu Kumite. The complete application of the body basics and product applications will be discussed later.
After successful application of Kokyu Ho let us speak of the results in Martial terms. One aspect is after a Sanchin pivot. To make the body hard with Kokyu Ho is very important. It takes about 2 3 months to learn the basics and to get used to this Uechi Ryu breathing method.
Soon after that the state of things in the person for example the body will show very distinct changes. What you’re leading to is the perfection of the whole body inside and out. One must drill constantly to give the body a chance to adapt and retain the information. This might be called Tairen Jutsu (Body Stature Art).
To start this breathing method as a silent drill start as a silent drill. Stand with both feet shoulder width apart and proceed into a Sanchin kamae. By breathing in through the nose and pushing the air down into the abdomen is ideal then the Sanchin body posture changes. The knees a bowed inward the feet are positioned inward front foot at a 45-degree angle back foot slightly angled and the hands in Sanchin kamae.

All muscles should be tensed but not the point of immobility. Still ensure that proper breathing ensues. As mentioned above all muscles should be tight but not rigid. Shoulders arms and fingers are tensed also.

As one breathes in through the nose the air should be pushed downward to the abdomen but also now you should feel it all the way the soles of the feet. This is particular particularly important in developing the gripping of the surface you are standing on with your toes.
It is important that all the muscles that hang for example the ones under the arms etc be tensed along with other areas when breathing so you utilize Kokyu Ho to you best advantage. This will train the muscles to a condition where tightness becomes and automatic reaction. Through Kokyu Ho the Shugyo Sha learns the secrets within this technique to increase his physical skills. This will enable him to withstand and endure impact on his body parts.
Remember to apply all the correct principles as carelessness in learning this breathing can cause pain later on. During normal activities you breathe into the Hara through the shoulders or the upper part of the body. This only weakens the body. This type of breathing for example "Kokyu Ho" should become a regular part of your life or daily affairs. This breathing method should become like a companion go nowhere without it. When exercising or thrusting note what types of pain occur then breath for 10 minutes properly then you should be able to continue with smoothness, and you should be able to complete the task at hand.

This breathing method in view of the occasions that arise out in the outside world will help the Shugyo-Sha resist breathing improperly. Mans whole body strength depends on his correct breathing method. If he holds his breath in during exercise or during combat he will be lost. From time to time this happens. One must persevere to utilize this excellent breathing method.

Even in the outside world mans body, according to the laws of nature must adapt to his surroundings, to be able to endure the shocks and impacts of unarmed combat. Kokyu Ho will assist in this. Were it not for this particular breathing method I think man would be lost.
However, Kokyu Ho and the Hard Body must be incorporated together for 10 minutes during each exercise period, and repeated throughout the day to become a.) Effective and b.) Understood. It must be instilled in the mind as a part of the automatic reaction process.

When performing the Uechi Ryu Sanchin Kata Kokyu-Ho must become a part of the kata. It must be practiced constantly. This truth is especially important during Jiyu Kumite. You must distinguish yourself from your opponent by concentrating n that single entity of strength "yourself". One must practice Kokyu Ho in actual combat, but also practice it daily either solo or with a willing partner. These ideas must never be kept apart or separated from each other.

You also protect you internal organs from damage by practicing Kokyu Ho, which hardens the outside of the body thus pro­tecting the inside from the impact of punches or kicks. Secondly through tenacious utilization of this breathing method you build your Jushin (Confidence) and you build Seishin (Spirit) to higher ele­vations. The truth surrounding Kokyu Ho is in the Sanchin Kata.
By these simple movements in Sanchin the poss­ibilities of Kokyu Ho are unlimited. In the world of Bujutsu the affect of polishing this mind/body/spirit triad is all-important. The opportunities are unlimitless and must be practiced over and over.

The opening of the Sanchin Kata you work with Hard Body vs. Kokyu Ho. In the beginning it is a slow process to learn but as times go on and with a lot of effort your capacity to absorb and learn will increase. These techniques will become then as one or automatic. Also other learning methods will become easier as you practice Kokyu Ho.

To build patience and or energy over a period of time requires the person to breathe correctly at all times. The person’s vital body point is in the hara. In order to develop this high-energy area, Kokyu Ho must learn and applied properly. This will only come with diligent repetitious practice. And as time goes on you will one day be able to take a kick or punch to you body parts i.e., the abdomen with little or no pain.

This is on of the advantages again of Kokyu Ho; by practicing this exercise 10 minutes a day through­ out the day will increase you energy ten fold.

The culmination of the body’s power to resistance and control of the nausea mechanism must also be constantly attended to. As a final note do not hold your breath use this technique and you will see good results.

There is a need now to experiment with the characteristics of the nausea mechanism. By experimentation these things that control the mechanism can be understood and controlled, by experimentation with Kokyu Ho in the abdominal region for 10-minute periods. Your endurance will increase greatly in the long run to take a Punch or a kick or not tire easily for example during Jiyu Kumite. Every time you pivot during the Sanchin Kata you should practice by pushing the air down into the abdominal region to strengthen his high-energy area. Few neglect another test, which is to experiment with abdominal tension, forearm tension, calf thigh tension either by the teacher or with a teacher and a small wooden staff. Breathing properly then is a must. With the proper breathing and tension when a student is subject to Atemi no Jiken minimal or no pain should be felt. Bear in mind that this is just a test for the student to see if Kokyu Ho and the proper tension are being applied.

At this time the strength one can achieve through Kokyu Ho should be thought about carefully. By practicing Kokyu Ho after a while your breathing mechanism will not seem so crowded. The ideas of this exercise should not be considered an end all. Also as an added note for the beginner to let the teacher know that this breathing method is being utilized the short of “sssst” after pushing the air down to the abdomen should be heard.

Then eventually as you advance this sound should not be heard. By utilizing this breathing method it ensures that you don’t hold your breath anytime during any activity.
Moreover, the moment the breath is expelled, return to the same breathing process and continue on with your task. If not breathlessness will ensue and your chances of succeeding will be minimal at best.
Once you have mastered this exercise the results will be very visible. After all the breathing process should be a normal conscious effort.
If after practicing this exercise over a period of time with the tension exercises body strength will increase gradually and in the in that instant if practiced properly the nausea mechanism will gradually be repressed.
Ones conduct in the following of this of type exercise must be impeccable, always. Conscious effort must be done in order to breathe properly during action or inaction, which will help the appearance of the body inside and out. It is not unreasonable to adapt to the naturalness of repetition of this exercise. The reality of it may seem strange to the beginner but later on many beneficial things will occur. This exercise must never be abandoned.
The idea of the Hard Body comes from this Simple exercise and simple tension. It is important to mention the placing of the tongue when breathing. The tongue should be pressed up onto the top palate. As mentioned before of the "ssst" sound this should evolve into an almost inaudible sound. The reason for this is a strategic one, it is to alert you opponent when you taking in a breath or expelling on because at these times you are the most vulnerable to counterattack of any kind.
The realization of this natural logic will be apparent after one has experimented with these ideas, and have experienced the results.

What this uniquely named exercise in Uechi Ryu does is to prove that the idea of truth is in the doing. In the last chapters of this article on Kokyu Ho we would like to itemize a few items of interest. These are as follows:

1.) One fact would be the limit one needs to hold a breath in while exercising Kokyu Ho, from the time the breath enters the nose and is forced into the abdomen. The rhythm of Kokyu Ho should be akin to the feeling of a sixth sense. By practicing this technique the possibilities are endless. The need for continued practice is a must.

2.) The second fact is that after taking in a breath of air it should not be held in or prolonged but forced down into the abdomen. If held to long without expulsion you not only tire quickly but it put undue pressure on the abdomen. The abdominal area inside and out contains energy.

The preservation of this energy will be prolonged the continuous use of this exercise. In Bujutsu the keen action of the Shugyo Sha will be greatly changed. There is a limit though that this exercise can fulfill. In the usefulness of not prolonging the breath as I mentioned is that one is going to have to distinguish that hairs breadth of time in the breathing in and exhalation for a strategic advantage disadvantage. In the ever-changing situations of practice and combat you must harmonize yourself with your partner or opponent this is an important key to remember.
3.) Breath emitted during the kata should be short and keen. The secret of success in the breathing method is not to expel large amounts of air.
4.) Next before we can go on we mentioned the nausea principle many times. This is an import ant principle for survival. It can be reversed as I have mentioned earlier by breathing properly. This is something to think through and experiment with. The main point of this work should become and unconscious effort which will come by constant repetitious practice. The automatic naturalness will take over.

5.) The Kokyu Ho and the Hard Body idea should be thoroughly explored one must have an understanding so as to have no barrier between the two ideas. Namely Kokyu Ho vs Hard Body, these should inseparable. It must be as one entity. One direction you must follow is that unity it must not be broken. The two concepts for the Shugyo Sha must be accomplished in steps do not try to push to fast. Always work at the same level and gradually work yourself up. This is as with anything in life. To do it any other way would be detrimental to the body. In the state of things today the future of Kokyu Ho in respect to the Shugyo Sha must be understood and applied correctly. The benefits as stated before are staggering if the concepts of this exercise are followed diligently even when people try to separate these ideas the Shugyo Sha must strive to make them as on as in the mind/body/spirit triad.

---Wa Uke Yobi Morote Boshiken Tsuki---
Yoketsu

(The Secret Key)
The techniques involved in the Uechi Ryu Wa Uke block contain very special characteristics. In the Wa Uke block as $our opponent thrusts his line of attack should be straight center. From this we can define a distance by which proper spacing can be accomplished for effective neutralization. In this system it is the circular motion of the block that takes hold and uses it against the opponent to centripetally unbalance him, and redirect his energy off centerline and maneuver him into a safe area and counterattack, with this in mind the nearer the opponent, the more effective the block.
The mastery of the Wa Uke block as one goes into the higher grades technique wise and into other kata you must proceed slowly. To gradually weave this technique into the fabric of the kata slowness is the key. The idea of the Hirate Mawashi Uke (Or Wa Uke) is for the stopping or checking of an equal or more powerful blow. The Shugyo-Sha’s hardship’s is the use of this in Jiyu Kumite. To meet and encounter and hold or stave off an attack can be difficult. One must have a fine understanding of the intricacies of this technique.

Another suggestion in learning this Uechi Ryu block is in the smoothness in which it is delivered. Consequently Uechi Ryu Karate Do's, intention with this type of block is applying the basics and reacting almost simultaneously to your attackers movements. In all the technical skill and position of the individual is most important for defensive action to be useful.

Particular attention in this text should be paid to the way strength is used by either party in either Jiyu Kumite or practice one on one. And here also slowness starting out slow is the key. You must learn from one another.

The offensive/defensive actions in this art are without fail to uses ones own body actions carefully. It also states that this block, which is used in almost all of the kata the idea, is clear that a certain flow in delivering this block must be utilized.

To use this block in haste would either render it ineffective or serious damage to your training partner if applied properly there is a beauty in the nature of the result the rhythm in preparing for this block is of great import.
In former times in the composition of a kata the beauty was and still is distinguished by the individual parts. Again on the whole Enbu the flow of Karate Do is in the way the body’s offensive/defensive mechanisms react. Positioning I think plays an important role here also for example in the kata’s, Kanshiwa and Kanshu (Or the old name Dai-ni Seisan). Seichin, Serui the posture and action of this block are the same. In each it may vary from either the left or right hand but the block as stated before the same.
This duplicating gives the defender or attacker equality on both sides of the body. In the same light in the Seisan Kata the technique Kanzuchi Utsu uses the same applications, as the Wa Uke only difference is that a different technique is added. In either case you’re facing your opponent to stave off an attack.

This action again requires good body action with a flow to effectively stop an attack. It is important at all times when demonstrating or using this block to exercise control. Being that the act is linear, to point this out only shows that if done correctly this block will work. The meaning of this block and all facets accompanying it must be understood thoroughly. On occasion the Hirate Maktashi Uke as used in Seisan could be used to block, hold, and strike. By experimenting with either the left or the right one hand could be used to block the other to strike by using various combinations of technique you can the advantages. Now as long as the opponent is staved off you can see that the block was effective.

Also, during angular attacks this block and strike method can be very useful. The meanings and basics remain the same. But being al an angle you’re somewhat restricted to the ideal that your opponent must be manipulated properly and he will show you the openings possible for your effective counterattack.