Albuquerque Uechi-Ryu

CLOSE-RANGE COMBAT

Tradational Martial Art
Modern Application

Combat Uechi Ryu is a traditional Chinese self defense system that is rooted in ancient Chinese Kung Fu. Sanchin, the most important solo form in the combat Uechi-Ryu system, is one of the original forms taught by Da-Mo (Boddhidarma) at the Shaolin temple. The style is succinct, simple, direct, and void of jumping or spining techniques since these leave a fighter vulnerable to counter-attacks and throws. Combat Uechi-Ryu utilizes both soft and hard techniques with emphasis on the use of integrated force, proper body structure, proper release of internal force and proper breathing.

At the Uechi-Ryu Academy we are dedicated to teaching traditional Uechi-Ryu foundations and principles. We focus on teaching solo forms, self defense techniques, sensitivity drills, two person drills and free fighting.

Forms

Forms are prearanged sets of defense and attack techniques and movements designed to build the foundation of a martial arts. The forms teach us the content of our art, and practicing the forms helps us develop a strong physical foundation, proper footwork, strong stances, power generation, fluidity in movement and good balance. Performing the forms regularly allows us to observe the working of the body, mind and breath, and ultimately integrating the three together. Forms, however, do not teach us how to develop fighting skills, therefore we focus our training on learning the fundamentals, and the principles that the forms teach us, so that the fighting applications will not be restricted to routine combinations of techniques.

There are eight empty-hand forms in Uechi Ryu: Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Kanshu, Seichin, Seisan, Seiryu, Kanchin, Sanseiryu.

Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiryu are the original forms Master Kanbun Uechi learned in China. The others were added to the style by Kanei Uechi, who designed all of the non-original forms except for Kanshu (designed by Seiki Itokazu) and Seichin (designed by Saburo Uehara).

Self-Defense Techniques

Learning fighting or self-defense techniques is an integral part of Uechi-Ryu training. Fighting techniques, however, must be based on real martial arts principles. Some of the principles we teach at the Uechi-Ryu Academy include: defend and attack from a rooted position, defend and counterattack at the same time, unbalance your opponent, and kick below the mid section. Uechi-Ryu techniques include soft and circular blocks combined with fast and devastating counterattacks, pressure point strikes, joint locks, takedowns and throws.

Two-Person Drills

Uechi-Ryu two-person drills are the bridge between the solo forms and free fighting, and are designed to teach the practitioner the essence of Uechi-Ryu principles, including timing, maintaining strong balance, moving the body in an integrated fashion, correct footwork, and proper blocking. At this level of training the practitioner's defense and attack take action without thought, and power is manifested effortlessly.

Free Fighting

The focus of our free fighting training is on using practical and realistic techniques in addition to learning strategies for engaging the opponent, and strategies for defense and attack. Uechi-Ryu free fighting does not involve any techniques which would stand a risk of failure under the stress of combat. Many martial arts styles teach complex fighting techniques which require tremendous skills and agility to execute, however, under pressure of real attacks these complex techniques fall apart. A street fighter does not attack the same way a training partner does. A real attack carries with it a threat of serious injury or harm. Our free fighting training responds directly to the mental and physical stress one experiences in a real fight. Uechi-Ryu free fighting also ensures that our counterattacks don't put us at further risk of injury. We don’t telegraph our moves, we don’t “cock” strikes, and we don’t kick above the waist area. We seek to minimize the risk of injury in a real attack by utilizing simple, direct and practical techniques such as proper blocking, striking, trapping, uprooting, and take down techniques.