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| Shushiwa, heavyweight of Nanpa Shorin-ken |
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| Founder of Uechi-ryu: Kanbun Uechi |
The founder of Uechi-ryu was Kanbun Uechi (1877-1948),who
went to Fuzhou in Fujian Province, China when he was 20 years old
in 1897. He became a pupil of Shushiwa (1874-1926), the leading
figure of Chinese Nanpa Shorin-ken, and performed ascetic
practices for 13 years. After being full mastership had been conferred,
Kanbun Uechi returned home, and then moved to Wakayama City, Wakayama
Prefecture, where in 1925 he established the Institute of Pangainun-ryu
(half-hard and soft) Todi-jutsu, the predecessor of Uechi-ryu
karate-do, and began the process of launching his own dojo.
In 1940, it was renamed Uechi-ryu after him.
Kanbun Uechi was a holder of kenpo techniques so sharp they were fearful. It has been said that his teaching was based on the principle of hardiness and for handpicked students only. Pupils were allowed to attend only if they had a guarantor. It has been reported that only fellow pupils were allowed to watch the training in those days. Also it was strictly prohibited to do enbu demonstrations in front of other people.
The technical style of Uechi-ryu is based on the axis of
the three kata directly taught by Shushiwa: Sanchin, Seisan and
Sanseiryu. To complete the repertoire of the style, five new
kata-Kanshiwa,Kanshu, Seichin, Seiryu, Kanchin, and Kanshu-in
addition to Kumite, were added after the war. Its unique
point is the systemization of the offensive and defensive principles
of three creatures- the Dragon, the Tiger and the Crane. |
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