Uechi Ryu Insights

Uechi-Ryū Karate-Do, which translates to the way of the style of Uechi karate, is a prominent form of Okinawan Karate and ranks among the three main styles practiced in Okinawa today. Initially known as Pangainoon, this traditional Okinawan Karate style was renamed Uechi-Ryū following the death of its founder, Kanbun Uechi, in 1948. His son, Kanei Uechi, played a crucial role in expanding and popularizing Uechi-Ryū karate.

The term Pangainoon, meaning "half-hard, half-soft," embodies a core principle of Uechi-Ryu karate that focuses on developing body flow to enhance energy, power, speed, and timing. This is achieved by executing movements without tension (soft) and concentrating energy at the point of contact (hard). Uechi-Ryu, influenced by the tiger, crane, and dragon, is particularly practical for self-defense, emphasizing front-facing stances, body positioning, circular intercepting movements, tenshin (evading) techniques, combined block/strike methods, low kicks, and striking with toes, knuckles, and open hands.

Uechi-Ryu features eight kata, including Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Kanshu, Seichin, Seisan, Seiryu, Kanchin, and Sanseiryu. The original kata from Pangainoon are Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu, while the additional five kata were introduced by Kanei Uechi and other senior students of Kanbun to enhance the development of Uechi-Ryu techniques. Notably, the Sanchin kata serves as the foundation of this style, with Kanbun Uechi stating, "All is in Sanchin (see the Old Way)."

Besides these eight kata, Uechi-Ryu karate also incorporates Junbi Undo warm-up exercises, Hojo Undo technique-based exercises, pre-arranged kumite (sparring), freestyle kumite, bunkai (application of kata movement), kotikitae (arm conditioning), and ashikitae (leg conditioning).

Kanbun Uechi, the namesake of the karate Uechi Ryu system, studied Pangainoon in China at the Central Temple in the Fujian Province from 1897 to 1910. He left Okinawa in 1897 to avoid conscription into the Japanese army and to pursue his study of Chinese martial arts. Although little is known about Kanbun’s 13 years in China, his son Kanei noted that Kanbun dedicated himself to mastering Pangainoon, which encompassed not only the physical aspects of martial arts but also Chinese medicine and its underlying philosophy.

After a decade of intense study, Kanbun was allowed to open his school in Nansoue, China. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred when one of his students was involved in an argument that resulted in a fatal blow to his attacker. This incident led the village to blame Kanbun for the death. After teaching for three years in China, Kanbun returned to Okinawa, vowing never to teach karate again. There are various accounts of how Kanbun Uechi resumed teaching; one such story comes from Kanei Uechi, Kanbun’s son, and is corroborated by Kanbun’s first student, Ryuyu Tomoyose. In 1910, Kanbun Uechi returned to Okinawa, and about two years later, Gokenkein, a Chinese tea merchant and former student of Kanbun, visited Okinawa. Gokenkein encouraged Kanbun to resume teaching, but initially, Kanbun refused. After Gokenkein won a fight against a Naha karate teacher, many sought to learn from him. Gokenkein informed them that a great karate expert named Kanbun Uechi lived in Okinawa, prompting numerous young men to request his teachings, which he declined.

Each year, the Motobu police department hosts a celebration where local karate schools showcase their styles. Eager to witness Kanbun’s skills, other teachers convinced the mayor of Motobu to ask Kanbun to perform at the event. Reluctantly, Kanbun took the stage and executed the kata Seisan with remarkable speed, strength, and power. This performance earned him respect across Okinawa as a great karate expert. The pressure to teach eventually led Kanbun to leave Okinawa for Japan in 1924.

In Japan, Kanbun settled in a housing compound in Wakayama, near Osaka, where he encountered a young Okinawan named Ryuyu Tomoyose. Aware of Kanbun’s karate prowess, Tomoyose urged him to provide lessons, and Kanbun eventually agreed, on the condition that Ryuyu would keep it a secret. Two years later, Tomoyose convinced Kanbun to teach publicly, arguing that the art of Uechi Karate would perish without it. Kanbun finally complied, and Tomoyose gathered many students, primarily Okinawans. He continued teaching in Wakayama until 1947.

Kanei Uechi, Kanbun’s son, began his karate training under his father’s guidance in Japan in 1930 and opened his own school in Osaka two years later. After returning to Okinawa, he settled in Nago. Ryuko Tomoyose, the son of Ryuyu, who lived in Futenma, learned of Kanei’s return and persuaded him to teach. Together with a group of karate students, Ryuko helped build a dojo for Kanei in Futenma, marking the first time Okinawa had a teacher of Pangainoon.

When Kanbun passed away in 1948, his students honored him by renaming their style Uechi-ryu, reflecting the deep roots of traditional Okinawan karate.

Justin Testa is a highly respected martial artist with 58 years of experience in Uechi-Ryu karate, a form of Traditional Okinawan Karate. He holds the prestigious rank of 9th Dan and the titles of Hanshi and Shihan. Inspired by his teachers and students, Justin has devoted his life to the study and teaching of Uechi-Ryu karate. Residing in Hull, Massachusetts, USA, he lives with his wife, Donna, and their two dogs, Zoe and Phoebe. Now retired from a business career, he teaches Uechi karate to members of the Mattson Academy of Karate worldwide. In his free time, Justin enjoys spending quality time with his three grandchildren, Blake, Cole, and Cameron.

Justin Testa has been a dedicated student of mine for over 50 years, immersing himself in the teachings of countless instructors and exploring various martial arts systems, particularly in karate Uechi-Ryu and its principles. 

Four years ago, Justin retired from his day job and graciously volunteered to assist me in managing my virtual karate academy while continuing his physical training in Okinawan Karate. I can confidently say that Justin is a fantastic instructor and one of the most exceptional martial artists I have ever encountered. His unwavering passion for Uechi-Ryu karate and his commitment to the fundamental goal of teaching, which is to cultivate healthy, strong, and formidable students, is truly inspiring. 

Justin has embraced the "OldWay" philosophy and the science-based rules of teaching martial arts, resulting in our students' outpouring sincere encouragement, motivation, and skill development. Throughout our journey, Justin and I have shared a common belief in the importance of continuous learning. As a proponent of remaining a student while teaching, I have always strived to improve and enhance what I pass on to my students. Justin wholeheartedly adopted this philosophy, and the results have been remarkable. Our students have benefited immensely from his dedication and commitment to self-improvement in traditional Okinawan Karate. 

Together, Justin and I have delved into the depths of Uechi-Ryu, endeavoring to extract its essence and unravel the mysteries hidden within Sanchin's seemingly simple movements. In his captivating book, Justin has unveiled much of the style's formerly concealed understructure of Uechi karate. 

I wholeheartedly recommend that all students and teachers of Uechi-Ryu study this enlightening work, as it sheds light on the intricacies of the art and offers invaluable insights. 

In conclusion, I endorse Sensei Justin Testa's book on Uechi-Ryu karate with great pleasure. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the art make him an exceptional instructor and martial artist in the field of Uechi-Ryu. I am confident that his book will inspire and educate readers, giving them a deeper understanding of Uechi-Ryu and its profound impact on martial arts.