“Uechi Karate” DVD Released

The Okinawan Karate-Do Association (OkiKuKai) has released an instructional DVD. The video, entitled “Uechi-Ryu Style Karate” includes a history of Okinawa, a history of Uechi style karate, basic techniques, warm-up training, kata, kata bunkai (analysis), yakusoku kumite (sparring drills), and an enbu (list) of high ranking Uechi-Ryu Masters.

The use of the name “Uechi-Ryu Karate” (a former/ alternate name for Shohei-Ryu Karate) is an interesting development. This may be an indication of progress in Okinawa in the unification of Uechi-Ryu and Shohei-Ryu dojos which were separated in the early 1990s due to a political shake-up. There are other indicators coming from Okinawa that also suggest that this may be happening.

The Okinawan Karate School will use the new video as a resource for quality control, instructor training, and rank testing standards in the future. To see a sample of the DVD go to the website of the OkiKuKai by clicking here.

Uechi-Ryu Karate

Uechi-Ryu (a.k.a. Shohei-Ryu) is an Okinawan Karate system which provides the student with a rounded fitness program for the body, mind and spirit.

A classical “striking” martial art, Uechi-Ryu Karate was developed in Okinawa, Japan. based on the Tiger, Dragon and Crane fighting systems of the Shaolin Temple in Southern China.

Basic self-defense strategies in Uechi-Ryu include blocking, grasping, punching, knee and elbow strikes, kicks to the legs and torso, evasive movement, sweeping, and throwing (appropriate to age levels.) Uechi-Ryu emphasizes the use of the Shoken (one-knuckle fist), Wa-uke (circle-block), Nukite (spear-Hand), and the Sokusen (toe-kick.)

The greatest benefit of practicing Uechi-Ryu Karate in the modern era is the development of the mind, body, and spirit in a positive and constructive manner. In doing so, the practitioner is said to be a student of Karate-do, whereby they can maintain a higher level of overall health and fitness. Although Uechi-Ryu provides valuable skills for self-defense, the personal development aspects of long term practice can be far more rewarding to the student. Consistent training enhances the student’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination concentration, focus, self-control and . . . the ability to relax!

Uechi-Ryu students at the Okinawan Karate School are grouped into several Student Divisions according to age, capabilities, and experience to maximize each student’s learning.

The School features a knowledgeable team of experienced Instructors and support staff under the Direction of Senseis Mark and Connie Flynn. High standards of instruction and authenticity are maintained under the guidance of Masters Shigeru Takamiyagi (Hanshi 9th Dan) and Toshio Higa (Kyoshi 8th Dan) of Okinawa, Japan.

Technical Support is also provided by Sensei Walter Mattson (Kyoshi 8th Dan) of Framingham, Massachusetts.

Rank Certifications are issued by the Okinawan Karate-do Association.

Student Divisions

The Okinawan Karate School provides age-appropriate learning to best address the needs of each student. Students are grouped according to age, capabilities, and experience. Each program combines traditional training with more contemporary exercises to maximize the student’s understanding and interest in their training.

Program Notes

Younger students’ programs concentrate on the building blocks for "life-skills" such as respect, courtesy, perseverance, dedication, concentration, self-discipline, concentration, leadership, and the concept of a “best-effort” approach.

More mature students are empowered with a systematic approach to fitness, self-improvement, and personal security. The ultimate goal of each program is helping the student maximize their full potential in their life.

The Okinawan Karate School provides discounts for family participation. This can be a great way to support each while learning together! At times, adjustments can be made to allow siblings to participate in classes together to accommodate busy schedules.

Private and Semi-Private Training

Students may choose to study privately as a product of a busy schedule, to supplement other training or simply by preference. Private training can provide an excellent personal fitness program, self-defense training, or a prelude to mainstream classes. With private training, the student may tailor their classes to their personal needs more. Private and semi-private classes may be scheduled at your convenience.

Special Events

Each year the Okinawan Karate School sponsors an invitational youth tournament for students up to 18 years of age. The tournament is a great way for students to hone and demonstrate their skills. Emphasis is placed on each student doing their best and the learning value of the event. The tournament has drawn as much as 200 participants and over 400 spectators, and is televised on local cable TV.

The Okinawan Karate School also sponsors seminars for Self-defense Training, Ground-fighting, Advanced Karate, etc. Some of these hosts world authorities in the martial arts including ranking members of the Okinawa Karate-do Association and the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network.

The school also provides corporate classes, group classes and even childrens’ birthday parties!

The Okinawa Karate-do Association

The Okinawa Karate-do Association or OKIKUKAI (oh-key-koo-kigh) is the governing body of Shohei-Ryu Karatedo around the world. The OKIKUKAI follows the teachings and form of the direct students of Grandmaster Uechi Kanei. It is based in Okinawa, Japan and is headed by individuals who have dedicated their lives to the study and Mastery of Uechi-Ryu/ Shohei-Ryu Karatedo.

The Okinawan Karate School is affiliated with the OKIKUKAI Chatan Dojo and follows the instruction of Sensei Shigeru Takamiyagi and Toshio Higa.

For more information about the Okinawa Karatedo association visit the Official Okinawa Karatedo Association Website. To see an example of Adult Kumite or Sparring download the short movie on the site.

Helpful Information

Dojo Rules

Junbi Undo/Hojo Undo (Warm-up and Technique Exercises)

General Knowledge (Terminology and History)

Adult and Teen Rank System & Requirements

Dragons Rank System & Requirements

Tigers and Jr. Tigers Rank System & Requirements

The Spirit of Pursuing the Way of Truth

Walk not without the reflection in the footprints the ancients left,rather aim for the purposes they sought. (Basho Matsuo)

Karate Class Schedule

Adults

(Ages 14 and Up)

• Monday: 12:00pm - 1:00pm, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
• Tuesday: 10am - 11:15am, 6:15pm - 7:30pm
• Wednesday: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Thursday: 10am - 11:15am, 6:15pm - 7:30pm
• Friday: 6:15pm - 7:30pm
• Saturday: 10am - 11:15pm

Teens

 (Ages 12 through 14)

• Monday: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
• Wednesday: 6:15pm - 7:15pm
• Friday: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Dragons

 (Ages 9 through 11)

• Tuesday: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
• Wednesday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• Thursday: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
• Friday: 5:10pm - 6:10pm
• Saturday: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Tigers

 (Ages 6 through 8)

• Monday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm
• Tuesday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm
• Thursday: 5:15pm - 6:05pm
• Saturday: 9:00am - 9:50am

Junior Tigers

 (Ages 5 through 6)

• Monday: 4:00pm - 4:45pm
• Wednesday: 5:15pm - 6:00pm

Cranes

 (Ages 3 Through 5)

• Tuesday: 12:30pm - 1:05pm
• Saturday: 12:45pm - 1:20pm

Eastern Hospitality

Nine members of the Pittsfield dojo recently visited the Okinawa Karatedo Association in Okinawa. The group included Clara Flynn, Louise Filkins, Cindy Eksuzian, Deirdre Flicker, Bill Julien, Jack Gaudette, Sensei Connie Flynn, Sensei Mark Flynn, and long time friend of the dojo Sensei Joe Gilbert. The two week stay (beginning on November 7) was filled with wonderful training and activities!

The Pittsfield group had the chance to train with several of the leading authorities of Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu Karate in the world. At times, the group was provided with as many as three training sessions per day, totaling over thirty hours during the two week visit. The training included visits to the Chatan Dojo, the Yamashiro Dojo, the Ageda Dojo, as well as numerous sessions at the Kenshukaikan or headquarters dojo. The visitors enjoyed learning from a ”who’s who” of Uechi instructors including Shigeru Takamiyagi, Toshio Higa, Shintoku Takara, Tsutomo Nakahodo, Katsuyoshi Higa, Nobuhide Asato, Shinmatsu Okuhama, Hirokuni Yamashiro, Katsuji Tomoyose, and Soukei and Hatsuko Machida.

On Sunday, November 11 Sensei's Jack, Connie and Mark competed in the 2007 All Okinawa Karate Championships. Sensei Mark placed fourth in the Senior Men's Kata competition and Sensei Connie placed third in Women's Kata, bringing home a beautiful trophy for the dojo!

In open Kumite or sparring competition, Sensei Mark won his first match against a competitor from Tokyo.

Watch Sensei Mark's first match!

Click here to see a high resolution version (High Speed Internet Recommended)

In his second match he lost to a former Champion (a 250 pound Okinawan fireplug named Miyagi) in an overtime tie breaker. At a party following the Championship, little Clara Flynn surprised everyone by grabbing a microphone and belting out a song (without music!) Everyone, including her parents, were impressed by the performance. After the song, the place went wild, and the entire party shifted into high gear with music and dancing.

On November 18, Sensei Connie was promoted to Godan (5th degree black belt) while long time Pittsfield dojo friend, Sensei Joe Gilbert, was promoted to Hachidan (8th degree black belt.) Both received special recognition from the examination board after their tests. At a dinner following the Dan test, Sensei Joe delivered a moving speech (see below) and presented a beautiful sculpted bronze plaque to the Okinawa Karatedo Association.

 

Other trip highlights included:

• Senseis Jack, Connie and Mark served as judges on a Kyu (below black belt) Test board at the Chatan Dojo (11/9.)
• The Pittsfield group was invited to help teach a large class run by Sensei Hirokuni Yamashiro at the Okinawa International University. Later that day, Sensei Yamashiro treated the group to a traditional Tea Ceremony (11/14.)
• The group traveled to the northern end of Okinawa to see the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Expo. This attraction was filled with exotic sea creatures from the waters surrounding the Okinawan Islands including the enormous Whale Shark! That evening they attended a special class for women at the Ageda Dojo run by Sensei Hatsuko Machita. Senseis Bill, Jack, Mark, and Joe assisted several of the students in preparing for their upcoming Dan test (11/16.)
• In addition to assisting in teaching during regular training, Sensei Mark was invited to sit on the Test board for the November 18 Dan (black belt) test. The group visited the Shuri Castle. The historical landmark is a reconstructed ancient fortress which once served as a home for Kings of the Okinawan or Ryukyu Islands (11/17.)
• The group visited Yomitan village with the guidance of Sensei Sakae Uechi. The village is famous for it’s pottery and historical sites including a museum and the Zakimi castle ruins. Mr. Uechi also treated the group to a visit to "Cape Zanpa " on the west coast of Okinawa. This location is where huge waves crash against the rocks to make spectacular plumes of water rise up out of the sea. (11/19.)
• During the course of the trip everyone in the group got the chance to display their karaoke skills. Magically, the group witnessed visits by the likes of Elvis, the Carpenters, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle, Hannah Montanna, and many others!

 

The most amazing aspect of the entire trip was the level of hospitality provided by the Okinawa Karatedo Kyokai. Everyone in the group was treated as a visiting family member. Everything from the accommodations at the Tokyo Dai-Ichi Hotel to the endless supply of incredible Okinawan food far exceeded anyone’s expectations. The Ryukyu people have a saying “iroiro osewani natte masu” which roughly means “take good care of guest.” The Okinawa Karatedo Kyokai is not only a well organized group of capable people, but also takes pride in taking excellent care of it’s guest. Thanks to the Okinawa Karatedo Kyokai and all of the instructors who helped the Pittsfield group during the 2007 Okinawa trip. Special thanks to Sakae Uechi, Yoshiharu Matsushima,Takashi Arakaki, Tsutomo Shikiya, Yutaka Higa and Kai Machida for making the Pittsfield group feel welcome on this unforgettable visit!

See More Videos

 

Sensei Mark Flynn -v- Sensei Kei Miyagi	Sensei Connie Flynn Competes is Kata Elimination Round
Double click the movie to see a larger version. Click here to see high resolution versions of these movies (High Speed Internet Recommended)