Uechi-Ryū Karate-Do (meaning: The way of the style of Uechi karate) is a traditional style of Okinawan karate and one of the three main styles of karate practiced in Okinawa today. Originally called Pangainoon, the style was renamed Uechi-Ryū after the death of Kanbun Uechi in 1948. The style was expanded and popularized by his son, Kanei Uechi.
Pangainoon, meaning “half-hard, half-soft,” refers to the principle in Uechi-ryu that emphasizes developing body flow to maximize energy, power, speed, and timing by accelerating movements with no tension (soft) and focusing energy at contact (hard). Uechi-Ryu (Pangainoon) is derived from the tiger, crane, and dragon. This style of karate is very practical for self-defense, emphasizing front-facing stances and body positioning; circular intercepting movements; tenshin (evading) techniques; combined block/strike methods; kicks below the waist; and striking with toes, knuckles, and open hands.
There are eight kata in Uechi-Ryu. The original kata from Pangainoon are Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu. The other five kata were added to the style by Kanei Uechi and other senior students of Kanbun to further help students develop their Uechi-Ryu techniques. The Sanchin kata is the foundation of the style. Kanbun Uechi says, “All is in Sanchin (see the Old Way).”
The eight kata are Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Kanshu, Seichin, Seisan, Seiryu, Kanchin, and Sanseiryu. In addition to these eight kata, the style also practices Junbi Undo warm-up exercises, Hojo Undo technique-based exercises, pre-arranged kumite (sparring), freestyle kumite (sparring), bunkai (application of kata movement), kotikitae (arm conditioning), and ashikitae (leg conditioning).