Uechi-Ryu Karate

Discover the core system of Uechi-Ryu Karate.

Uechi-Ryu Core Principles

Uechi-Ryu Karate is a fantastic system based on these 4 pillars :

Sanchin (“Three Battles”): This kata serves as the foundation of Uechi-Ryu and focuses on uniting mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes correct breathing, posture, tension, and muscle control.
Balance of Hard and Soft: True to its roots, Uechi-Ryu integrates hard strikes with softer, fluid movements. The style is designed to adapt to an opponent’s force.
Close-Range Combat: Techniques focus on short, powerful strikes and grappling, making Uechi-Ryu highly practical in close-quarter situations.
Natural Movements: Stances and motions are natural and ergonomic, allowing practitioners to maintain stability and agility.

Crane stance by Ryuko Tomoyose Sensei

Uechi-Ryu Unique Techniques

  • Animal-Based Techniques: Uechi-Ryu draws inspiration from three animals:
    • Tiger: Powerful strikes and clawing techniques.
    • Crane: Graceful, precise movements and balance.
    • Dragon: Circular and twisting techniques to generate power and evade attacks.
  • Open-Hand Techniques: Unlike other Karate styles that focus heavily on fists, Uechi-Ryu emphasizes open-hand strikes, spear-hand thrusts, and finger jabs.

Joining the Insitute will allow you to work with these 4 pillars to learn all the 8 katas (up to 4th Degree Black belt).

  • Sanchin: The cornerstone kata for conditioning and breathing.
  • Kanshiwa: A beginner-level kata introducing basic movements.
  • Kanshu: Focuses on flowing movements and combinations.
  • Seichin: Combines elements of Sanchin with more advanced techniques.
  • Seisan: Emphasizes balance, power, and speed.
  • Seiryu: Introduces turning and twisting movements.
  • Kanchin: A powerful kata with complex sequences.
  • Sanseiryu: The most advanced kata, demonstrating mastery of the style

Self-Defense Focus

  • Practical Techniques: Uechi-Ryu emphasizes techniques that can be applied in real-life self-defense scenarios, including joint locks, takedowns, and vital-point strikes.
  • Quick Responses: Movements are compact and designed to generate power with minimal wind-up, ideal for rapid counterattacks.
  • Awareness: Training includes situational awareness and strategies to de-escalate or avoid conflict

Joining the Uechi-Ryu Kenkyujo

Kenkyujo Learning Platform
By joining the Institute you will have access to our learning platform where you will find specific lessons to learn based on your level and based on your availability.

On-Line Class
Our Sensei (Lionel Reynaud) is leading 3 weekly classes.
As a Kenkyujo member you will have access to theses classes and you will have a Monthly or a Fortnightly individual coaching session with the Sensei.

On-Line Class with special guest (George Mattson)

Membership / Fees
The Kenkyujo Monthly fee is 30 Euros.
With your Membership you will enter in the Uechi-Ryu Oryukai Community of Practice and will join the International Uechi-Ryu Karate Federation and for the Europeans the European Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association (Representing Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai in Europe).