Uechi-Ryū Karate-Do

Uechi-Ryū Karate is a martial arts that origins in Okinawa (Japan) and which has its roots in South China. Kanbun Uechi, who was a citizen of Okinawa, developed the martial arts from the Chinese Kung Fu style Pangai-noon. The techniques of this style are based on the movements of tiger, dragon and crane.

The Okinawa Karate Dō Association (Okikukai) is one of the largest associations that teach and train Uechi-Ryū. Currently, there are 4 schools in Germany that belong to the Okikukai association. In total, there are over 10 schools in Germany from different associations that teach Uechi-Ryū. Most of these schools are in the German state Bavaria.

All Okikukai schools teach traditional Uechi-Ryū and closely follow the teachings from Okinawa. Close contact of all schools with the masters from Okinawa ensures that the teachers pass on the style to their pupils true to the original. 

In contrast to other Karate styles, Uechi-Ryū uses a comparatively tight and high stance, techniques with open hands, knuckles, toes and strengthening of the whole body. 

However, Uechi-Ryū is more than just physical training. The mental and spiritual aspects emphasized by the word “Do” (the way) play also an important part during training. The Karate master Gichin Funakoshi said once: “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”

In Germany, there are Okikukai schools in Berlin, Erlangen und Munich.