History

The Rhode Island Uechi Karate School is the descendent of the Charles Earle Uechi Karate School. Master Earle operated his dojo in Providence for over forty years until his death in 2006. He dedicated his life to the training and teaching of Uechi-Ryu Karate.

His students continued on in his memory by operating the Rhode Island Uechi Karate School under NAUKA which Master Earle created. Our school operates in Pawtucket Rhode Island and has six seventh degree black belts associated with the school. Perhaps the highest of any single school in the nation. It is dedicated to the teaching of traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate as taught by Master Kanei Uechi.

NAUKA

The North American Uechi Karate Association, Inc. (NAUKA) was originally formed as an association in January of 1975 by Charles Earle and the other leading Uechi-Ryu instructors in the United States at that time. The original Constitution and By-Laws were personally approved and signed by Kanei Uechi. The primary purposes of the organization was to improve the training of body and mind through the practice of Uechi-Ryu Karate, to further develop Uechi-Ryu far and wide in North America, to enhance mutual friendship among members and to be the direct representative of the Okinawan Uechi Karate Association on the North American Continent.

The organization was instrumental in overseeing the training of Uechi-Ryu Karate, communication among schools in North America and guiding the teaching and examination of students.  In March of 1982, the association became incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the state or Rhode Island.  Much of its purposes remained the same, but included setting guidelines for testing and examination and certification of dojos.

After the death of Kanei Uechi, many masters and teachers of Uechi-Ryu went in separate ways.  NAUKA as an organization maintained its purpose and oversaw the testing and instruction of students affiliated with Master Charles Earle.  After the death of Master Earle, his senior students ensured the survival of NAUKA and strive to maintain its goals.  NAUKA continues the operation of a school for the students of Charles Earle and his affiliated dojos.

In 2008, NAUKA applied for and received tax-exempt status by the IRS under section 501(c)3 as an educational and charitable organization.