frequently asked questions

  • Q

     What is the name of this style of karate?

    A

    Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do.
    Translation:  Uechi-the mas­ter's name, Ryu-style, Karate-empty hands or Chinese hands, Do-the 'way'.

  • Q

    Where does the style originate?

    A

    Fukien (Fujian) Province of China.

    Q

    What is the original name of the style?

    A

    Pang-gai-noon, meaning half hard, half soft.

     Q

    What was the late master's name, the headquarters dojo location, and the date of his death?

    A

    Master Kanei Uechi, Futenma, Okinawa, JAPAN, February 1991.

     Q

    What is NAUKA?

    A

    NAUKA is the acronym for North American Uechi Karate Association which is a representative of Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do in North America.

     Q

    What are the three animals from which the movements of this style are derived?

    A

    TIGER: The Tiger provides strength and ferocity.
    CRANE: The Crane provides grace and single point death strikes
    DRAGON: The Dragon provides internal power development and spirit, and manifests fear in the opponent.

     Q

    What is the defiination "Gokurosama" and "Domo Arigato Gozaimashita"?

    A

    These are the standard closing phrases at the end of each class.
    'Thanks for your effort.' 'Thank you very much for what you did."

     Q

    What is Sanchin and what does it mean?

    A

    Sanchin is an active meditation exercise encompassing the development of one's mind, body, and spirit. Literally it means "three conflicts."

    An explanation of these con­flicts which encompass mind, body, and spirit, are:

  1. When a student begins, training emphasis is first on the development of the physical state to include flexi­bility, coordination, balance, strength, speed, and stamina.

  2. Next, training to develop the mental state is added to include concentration, awareness, emotional disci­pline, confidence, and serenity.

  3. Only when the student is reasonably developed in harmony of mind and body can he tackle the mastery of external conflict--positive influence of his environment around him. This enhances his spirit and gives him the ability to provide a positive influence on his outside world. Whenever physical and/or emotional conflict exists around you, try to be “the calm in the center of the storm.” Sanchin develops these qualities in each person who practices faithfully.