INTRODUCTION
I
am a beginner; I ache, I’m
confused and I have to say
that I find Uechi-ryu to be
a great physical release from
my hectic schedule.
Starting
a Martial art is so exciting
I think. Of course for me
it’s more like starting
again. Back in the late 70’s
I was fit, trim, full of pep,
had hair, unmarried and good
looking. A few of those traits
changed over the years, but
luckily for me I am still
good looking!
I
was not a fighter by nature,
but I always enjoyed working
out. When I decided to go
for a career I joined the
merchant marine to see the
world; I did and I also had
my fair share of boiler room
boxing matches. Rough and
tumble is how I liked it,
so Uechi-ryu was a pleasant
introduction for me.
As George Mattson mentioned
in the ‘Red book’;
I began to train because I
needed a change in my life.
I am happy with my line of
work, it’s not physical
but is hurried at times. My
life is in good order, but
as I grew older and the kids
are mature (used loosely,
they’re college students)
I decided to focus on something
for me.
I
checked into yoga…sorry
not for me, meditation…fell
asleep, Zen…see meditation.
Flipping through the yellow
pages I found the Martial
Arts section and thought I
would have a look.
Well Tae Kwon do looked nice,
the ad was big & the school
was very well decorated. But
the high flying turned me
off, I am sure it has value;
but it wasn’t for me
and my ‘portly’
frame. Master Choi said I
would lose the belly, but
I like it fine where it is
thank you.
Next
came a Uechi-Ryu dojo; This
I liked. Okay so it’s
not flashy, there is a cardio
element and the training is
hands on. Not too much for
my weathered frame, but realistic
enough to keep things in check.
I
find the Uechi-ryu system
to be rooted in a no-nonsense
approach to defense. I immediately
found the benefit of learning
one wa-uke block for most
kids of attacks. My sensei
keeps saying that all is in
Sanchin. For the most part
I believe him; I stink at
it but I have a few good years
left to perfect it.
I
had a bit of trouble when
I first started as I was taught
the arm rubbing and pounding
exercises. I was sore and
beat to heck. The brown belts
I was working with had a serious
grasp on these techniques
and felt I should learn it
quickly from them. I hope
to return the favor as my
wife and boss both thought
I had my arms caught in the
elevator door…repeatedly.
There
is an element of confidence
to the body conditioning &
should be adopted by more
systems. I feel it is unrealistic
to assume you will not be
hit. While I can’t say
I really enjoy being hit,
after the past year I am certainly
less worried about getting
a fistfight. I’ve seen
fights, been in a few myself.
They weren’t pretty
on any account. However if
the training is realistic
and in-depth you stand a much
better chance of coming out
on top.
I wish to impart this point
to my younger workout partners…including
the many higher ranking ones.
Uechi-ryu is an art with its
roots in self protection.
If you follow the training
practices with concentration
you will see that the system
works. If you go to class
and just ‘be’
there; well you may never
learn how it works. Enjoy
the art, the fellowship, the
exercise but please take the
defense aspect seriously.
It can help you when you find
yourself in a jackpot of trouble.
I speak from experience.
I
am no where proficient in
Uechi-ryu, but I do try. I
enjoy the concentration of
Sanchin, and truth be known
I enjoy the kata applications
of it as well. Kanshiwa is
fun. Such a huge difference
from Sanchin in the movements,
yet I see and feel the Sanchin
underlining the moves. The
bunkai is great to work on
no matter what level you are
at. I notice the advanced
students flying at each other
to get a ‘true to life’
feel for it. I understand
that Master Kanai Uechi and
his students created it; I
would like to travel to Okinawa
someday to experience Uechi-ryu
in its ‘original form’.
Our American version is somewhat
different though; maybe it’s
our body types? I seen some
guys from up north in Canada;
British Columbia…that
was different, even on our
side of the world we all interpret
Uechi-ryu differently I guess.
I
enjoy Uechi-ryu for what it
is, and what it is to me.
One hand is the defensive,
and the other is the personal
development aspect. The latter
side is something that is
likely unique to everyone.
I wonder how other ‘old
folks’ like me enjoy
the art, maybe I will have
to start asking.
My name is Carl, and I study
Uechi-ryu.
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