by Keith Jackle

“It is culturally common that most developed societies in the world, at one time or another, have had a Warrior caste or class that have decided (generally) ruled or decisively influenced the rulers of their times. Where the society is Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian); European, Polynesian, African or American Indian there has been a cult of the Warrior. In many of these societies, most notably in Japan and in Europe, the warrior has tried to reconcile the fact that their primary activity is killing. The “Warrior Code” has been an attempt to set some parameters on what one can do and not do on the battlefield (battlefield ethics?). Some societies have developed this to a high degree. Such as India, China, Europe and Japan. This code has spilled over into other non combative activities.. for instance Chivalry and “courtly love” which discusses how to treat a woman.”

I would be very interested in facts and opinions about the relevance of a Warrior’s code today, maybe a fresh look at the history of various warrior codes; How can one practically follow a code of behavior; Do these codes have any relevance in Okinawan Karate. Does the code define when it is proper to Kill? Is Karate really utilized only for defense? Does the code define what defense is?

I think that this is an important question for our personal study. I am sure that we all have individual answers and opinions. I, for one, would like to hear some of these opinions and facts that some may have and would care to share.. After the work that was done on the NAC, I think this would be an interesting topic.

by Mark J. Brelsford

I would like to share with all the folks out there some of my reflections on spending New Years on Okinawa with Master Uechi. Master Uechi, as it is well know, was an extremely kind and gentle human being in many aspects. One thing that I will always treasure is the time that I was able to spend sharing the holiday’s season with Master Uechi and his family, while I was a student at the Futenma dojo.

As a United States Marine stationed in Okinawa during the early 1980’s, the holiday times are usually the hardest times of the year to be alone from one’s family. For the of the younger, less traveled service man and women the holidays can be a time of extreme loneliness and depression. The time when reflections of one’s family, and the distance separating loved ones can be difficult. I really believed that Master Uechi truly understood how lonely this time of year was for the foreign students that would be training at his dojo.

For those who do not know, on Okinawa NewYears is the biggest and busiest time of the year. A time when the family is the most important and the exchange of greeting and gifts is at there highest. It is also a time of celebration both at home, work and the dojo. Every New Years eve we would hold our New Years eve workout, a kind of out with the old in with the new, training session. A sought of a rededication of oneself to ones training and an overall boost to ones martial spirit. We would all perform our Sanchins both as a group and then one by one for Master Uechi. This would be followed by a typical workout to include body conditioning as well as the kata. Each performed with all the power, speed and form on could muster for the last work out of the year. We would then clean the dojo from top to bottom. Then just before midnight, the entire dojo, to include all the children who where at the training session would file outside and form a huge line of pairs. Then Master Uechi along with his wife would fire off a starters pistol, like the ones used at races, and off we would all go jogging down the streets in pairs, perhaps 20 pairs long!

Our final destination being the Futenma Shrine about a quarter of a mile from the dojo. It was a brisk little jog, dodging the crowds and the cars, all the time keeping a watchful eye on the children some as young as five jogging along with us. Once arriving at the temple, we would attempt to get as close to the entrance as we all could. This would be a little difficult due to the fact that the Futenma temple is one of the major shrines on Okinawa. Hundreds of people would be lined up to visit the temple and usher in the New Year also. What a site we must have been, the crowds would cheer us on as we would line up at the entrance, face the main building, assume our best horse stance and perform three punches. These punches would end with the loudest Kiai we could all muster! We would then clap our hands twice, bow and off we would all go back to the dojo. We would all be laughing and cheering all the way back to the dojo.

Once back at the dojo, we would all be treated to tangerines, which all the children would play with, and a huge pot of sweet bean soup (a traditional Okinawan New Year Food). Greeting would be exchanged, more treats for the children would appear, and finally a round of beer would appear for the adults. Once this was done and all the children parents picked their child up, the adults would slip off to a small neighborhood snack for more refreshments. The New years would be here!

That same day, Master Uechi would invite all the foreign students to his home, located above the dojo for a huge traditional Okinawan feast. Students would be there from the states, perhaps Argentina, England and any other country that might be at the dojo training this time of year. The food would include all the favorite of the holiday season, special Holiday rice, rich green tea, bean paste soup, sushi, and of course the rich and tasty Okinawan soba soup with lots of pork and green onions on the side! Master Uechi would then share with us all the information we could absorb and host our ever question about Uechi Karate. Explaining with a gleam in his eye as he talked about the early years of training and of course his beloved father the great Kanbun Uechi. We would all be in awe as he told us all these stories.

Finally it would be time to say good night, these parties would extend well into the evening. We would all say our good-byes, photos would be taken and home we would all go. Master Uechi would wave to us as we departed from his roof top along with his wife. I would then return to my barracks on base, knowing I just shared something that I would never forget and always treasure.

by Johnson, Bill

Hi all,

I guess this thread illustrates one of the significant differences between budo and sport. In sport karate, one is defeating an opponent. In budo, one is defeating the self. Minamoto Musashi points out that the warrior must learn to keep the mind calm and focused, not afflicted by external distractions.

The budoka is striving for the normal mind, the mind that does not stop. In sport, one is attaining a goal, and using a structure (a controlled environment) to gain self improvement and experience the win/lose exilaration of sport. The budoka is striving for the mind in which each technique is complete and finished in itself, thus moving without fixation at any one moment. “If your mind is normal, that is, if your mind does not stop, it does not matter whether you fight one or ten. If ten opponents strike at you in succession, you must deal with each attack without stopping to consider. That way , you deal with each attack as if it were alone. If you think about striking , your mind is taken up with striking…..”

As I have stated before, there are distinct differences between budo and sport. In budo , one trains to be at a single level. Ideally, one doesn’t change one’s mental state in combat, but has the same attitude in battle as in doing daily routine things. In this way, the warrior reacts naturally, and moves beyond technique. This kind of mental training is not compatable with competition. That is not to say either is superior. You choose your own Way. Whether that is to gain personal growth through the confrontation of an opponent, or to gain personal growth through the defeat of the self by the self, each path has it’s own goals. One must see clearly the difference between winning and surviving, between overcoming an opponent, and simply evading him. In budo, one develops the sword that gives life. That is, the sword that kills when unavoidable, but which serves justice. It is not a competitive feeling, but one of escape. If I survive, I win, not , if I hit him first, I get the point, the match, the trophy, the accolades, and the feeling of accomplishment in defeating a worthy adversary.

One cannot savor the budo, one simply is. It is not possible to desire the thrill of victory and simply be at the same time. If your mind is taken up by winning or losing, you are not doing budo. That is not to say that one cannot compete, competition is a forum in which simple techniques may be tried ,tested, and used. But the budoka kills his opponent, for to face another, there must be no other way. That is, if one competes as a budoka, one kills his opponent in his mind. The sparring makes no difference. One simply cuts down his opponent and keeps going. It is not a competition. THis lack of thrill makes for competitive sparring to become very foolish feeling. The competitive practitioner must lose all sense of competition and emotional attachment, even to himself/herself.

Thus, the whole purpose of facing another person becomes moot. They are simply another opponent. One cannot “beat” one’s opponent and do Budo. If it matters to you at all what the outcome of the sparring is, you cannot do budo. If you are simply performing a training task, without emotional attachment, then sparring becomes a tool for training. Obviously , few competitors would compete without the thrill and feeling of besting another person. In budo, we train to kill, and to survive. The two paths of competition and budo are mutually exclusive. That is not to say either is superior, and each has it’s place. However, one should realize what one is training for and why. Competition is good in and of itself, and so is budo. The two are not compatible, however.

Osu, WIld Bill

by Lisa DiOrio

Being thirtysomething and a working mother of two, I don’t devote much time to personal activities. But last summer, coerced by my husband, I put aside two nights a week to join him in a karate class. Since my experience with karate had previously consisted exclusively of “The Karate Kid” and B-grade “Kung Fu” movies, I was extremely reluctant and uncomfortable about being involved in a violent contact sport. I also considered the purpose of a karate class as purely a study in self-defense, and I doubted that my less than perfect post-pregnancy body would have ever have the strength required to defend myself despite any amount of training. However, after 10 weeks of classes, this class has proved all of my preconceptions to be false, and I have made a personal commitment to make the time to continue what has turned out to be a very rewarding activity on several levels.

First, I learned that there are many forms of the martial arts, and that the biases I held do not hold in all forms. The karate form taught in my class is called Uechi Ryu. It is a relatively modern form of karate originating from Okinawa. My sensei (instructor) has an excellent sense of humor combined with a gift for teaching that makes for a comfortable, and even entertaining class. The foundation of the instruction is a mutual building of trust and respect that eliminates any anxiety. The benefits of Uechi Ryu include enhanced fitness, coordination, discipline, control, confidence and stress reduction.

Since many other women may be avoiding this activity for themselves or their children for the same reasons I was, I have listed the counter arguments to some of my initial problems.

1.I don’t want to get hurt
I saw karate as a “blood sport”. I was concerned about being punched, kicked or thrown to the ground. In reality, the instruction is carefully tuned to the level of ability and readiness of the student. In the first few classes , there was minor physical contact.

2.I am non-violent
I have always avoided participation any violent sport, and I am generally non-aggressive, especially in a physical situation. The precepts of Uechi Ryu karate stress many personal qualities, and killer instinct is not one of them. Instead, the individual is encouraged to become more disciplined, goal oriented and controlled. In other words, skills are built up to provide the confidence to walk away from a potentially volatile situation. I have also discovered that I now enjoy the physical sparring with a partner since I know that I have the control to “fight” without actually hurting anyone.

3.I am not big enough or strong enough
This form of karate is based on movements that will be successful regardless of strength or size. And speed and coordination are as important as strength.

4.I could never be effective against a “real” attack
From time to time, my sensei includes specific tips on how an attack might occur and what an appropriate defense would be. This has heightened my awareness of self defense issues and I now feel that with time and practice, I would be able to stave off an attack. This is especially important to me since I have two small children, and as a result have always considered myself a particularly vulnerable target.

5.All that yelling and discipline is unnerving
My instructor maintains discipline and order in the class through respect- both between the student and teacher as well as for the art itself. He is able to maintain a relatively informal atmosphere while never losing the focus of the class. Discipline of the individual must come from within. In other words, if a student is using the class for a social hour, perhaps he or she doesn’t belong there.

6.Fighting is boring
I have always perceived fighting as a primitive, mindless activity. However, to be successful at Uechi Ryu karate, one must have a strong sense of tactics in addition to physical skill. The act of sparring is much like a chess game with each opponent countering the other’s attack. Further, the student is able to learn the various defense and offense tactics through predefined movement combinations that teach proper technique in a controlled setting.

7.I am not in good enough shape to compete well in a sport
Like any activity, karate requires practice if it is to be mastered. And as with any sport, practice tunes the body to the level of fitness required. In addition to diligently practicing my karate between classes, I have worked other activities I enjoy (cycling and dance) into a sort of cross-training regimen to increase overall strength and endurance.

8.I’d rather be dancing
Many women prefer some type of movement class such as dance, gymnastics or aerobics for their fitnes activity. My personal love is dance and music. Uechi Ryu karate is actually quite graceful and rhythmic when done correctly, and interesting enough simply as a study of movement.

My experience with karate has been very positive. I look forward to my classes when I can do something for myself- not defined by marital status, children or career. I have also discovered a more aggressive physical side to myself- and I am enjoying the opportunity for introspection and learning that I have not had for a long time.

For more information about Uechi Ryu karate, contact Steve DiOrio at (617) 270-9553. Classes are available for both children and adults in Natick and Needham.

by Jacqueline S. Blackburn, Nidan

Hello, my name is Jacqueline Suzanne Blackburn and I am currently a 39 year old female Uechi Ryu Practitioner. I was asked to write a few words of what it was like to be a woman and train in Uechi Ryu. At the 1995 Tiger, Crane and Dragon Summer camp, I was awarded the rank of Nidan after being tested by Master George Mattson, Master Jim Maloney and Master Dave Mott.

I am a single parent with 3 children and 1 grandchild. I began my training in the martial arts 8 1/2 years ago. I am five feet tall and weigh 125 pounds. I am the owner/administrator for the Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate Academy in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I teach two beginners classes and intermediate class each week. I also help out with the children’s classes.

When I began my training, I was the only woman in a beginners class of 25-30 men, who were 5 – 10 years younger than me. For the first few months of my training, I remained the only female within this group. As a matter of fact, the only two other women who were training in this dojo at that time was a Shodan (Roxanna Hall) and an Ikkyu (Helen). Both of these women may have been of small stature but they trained with such intensity and fierceness that they gave as good as they received from the predominately male student body. Watching these two fine examples of what Uechi Ryu had to offer women, I was able to overcome those doubting thoughts of not being able to compete on the same level as the men or of not being ‘strong’ enough. The reality of those early months of training was becoming accustomed to the constant physical touching/contact that occurs. Having a man (a female Sensei was -and still is- a rarity in Uechi Ryu), constantly testing your Uechi stance (checking elbows/latts/shoulders/buttocks) the arm rubbing and pounding exercises, punching and being punched, kicking and being kicked, Sanchin stepping exercises and the other various exercises one must go through can be a very intimidating experience for most women.

Usually women are not brought up to feel comfortable with this kind of physical contact or even to deal with feelings of aggression. Therefore, most women are quite inept in handling the intensity of emotions that can occur during workouts. The feelings of accomplishment when I became proficient in working out at the same level as the men started me on that path of personal internal/spiritual growth that training in martial arts brings one. When I first began working out with a male partner, they would hold back considerably until something was said or by my performing the technique and getting in on them with power and aggression. I also had to learn how to handle being muscled by some of the men who believed that women did not belong in Uechi Ryu and that martial arts was a man thing. Being treated in the manner mentioned above just made me even more determined to succeed. While working out with this intensity, I learned that women can sweat just like men. After the first few weeks of being ‘tested’ in this fashion, whenever I worked out with someone it was with full commitment, intensity and mutual respect. Earning the respect and admiration of your fellow workout partners is a fantastic boost to one’s self-esteem as well as one’s self-respect.

When I moved up to the intermediate class, unbeknownst to me there had been a woman, Mamie Jew, who had been working out in afternoon classes for a couple of months. Her work hours became shift time so she was able to begin attending evening classes. Mamie and I formed a strong connection which has lasted to this day. Mamie and I would work out together at least once every other week. She was constantly surprising her male partners with her physical strength. It was good to see the changes in their expressions go from “hohum” to “wow your strong!” Even when we had become members of different dojos, we would still arrange to get together to train. After six months of training in the intermediate class, I was awarded the Rokkyu rank – I was ecstatic! Even today in my mind, that rank holds special meaning to me as a major accomplishment. I can still relive the feelings that overcame me when my was shook and I was told by the Sensei – “Congratulations you are a Rokkyu”. I felt that not only did I overcome the biased view that women do not last through the beginner stage but also that I earned the respect of my fellow students. Also by this time, there had been three or four more women who had joined the new beginners class. None of these other women remained to earn their third stripe.

My next major challenge occurred when I was a green belt. During class one evening, I miscalculated my block and was the recipient of a strong front kick to my lower abdomen. I have a very high level of pain tolerance. So I was bothered by the little pain which continued to nag me over the next couple of weeks. Finally, I went to see the doctor and discovered that I had two hernias in the lower abdomen, one on each side. Apparently I had been born with the hernias but that they had decided to just flare up at this time. Actually, they were quite bad and the doctor was quite surprised that I hadn’t been bothered by them years earlier. The kick was not the cause but was the trigger that let me know something was wrong. I certainly did not look forward to going for surgery and I wondered how this would affect my karate training. I had all kinds of questions swimming around in my head. How far would the time missed set me back? Would I be able to train like I did before? Will this affect my strength and power? Would I even want to return? After a six month waiting period, I underwent surgery (they repaired both hernias at the same time) which meant I could not study karate (or work) for at least four months during the recovery period. It ended up being 7 months before I was able to return to my karate training because my sciatic nerve had been damaged during surgery, especially on my left side.

Although I had not trained physically during my time away, I found that I had still grown in Uechi Ryu on another level. This was due mainly to the fact that I had been very fortunate to obtain a dear close friend, Derick Bagogloo, who also trained in Uechi. Actually, when we met, he was a Shodan and I was a 2-striped white belt. He was and still continues to be instrumental in my training and understanding of Uechi Ryu. He has helped me develop holistically as well as physically. Looking back over the years, I believe that when we are beginner-intermediate students we are so busy concentrating on the physical and mental challenge of learning that we are totaling unaware of the spiritual internal growth that is occurring at the same time. As you become a senior student, it is like a series of little light bulbs going off inside. Your understanding and acceptance of your own self as well as others grows and comes up to the surface. This helps improve your understanding and knowledge of your karate. Performing your katas with spirit and onemindedness gets the chi to circulate freely inside of you. You feel grounded and yet able to move freely and flowingly. Derick was instrumental for the realization that although I could not work out at the physical level that I was used to, I could still train internally and begin my way on the path of knowledge for the soft side of Uechi Ryu. When I returned to train at my dojo, there were only a couple of original students remaining from when I started. Most of the intermediate students were now strangers to me. Also in the interim, Roxanna, Derick and Mamie had left and joined a new dojo across the harbour. I felt disconnected for awhile until I got to know some of my fellow workout partners. This could have been discouraging but my love for Uechi Ryu helped me to continue to train with intensity and determination. Because this dojo emphasis was on the “physical growth” aspect of Uechi Ryu, I felt that I needed to make up for “lost time”.

My next major challenge occurred in Uechi Ryu a year and a half later when I was promoted to Brown Belt. During an advance class which took place in my original dojo (where at that time blackbelts from all over Nova Scotia came to train once a month), my partner was a visiting blackbelt who I believe was a Nidan at that time. I had been a brown belt for approximately only four months. We began working out on the advanced dan kumite – 10 point . Before we began, I explained to him that I had just been taught the last set of movements – the takedown – the week before and was still basically just walking through the movements. His response was “no problem”. I performed the takedown first. When it came time for my partner to perform the takedown, he attacked me with such intensity and speed that I began flying backwards from the shoulder strike so that when he applied the knee strike and ankle pull on top of it, my head was slammed into the floor with such force that I suffered a concussion that lasted two weeks (concussion was diagnosed by the emergency doctor at the hospital the following morning).

Because of the pain medication for the concussion and my not realizing the internal damage that had occurred, I continued training for the next two weeks. I finally visited my own doctor because I was not sleeping well and I generally felt out of sorts. I explained the takedown to him and he called the ambulance and had me rushed to emergency for x-rays where we discovered the extent of my injuries. The muscle from the midpoint of my skull to the middle of my back had been torn along my spine plus I was suffering from reverse whiplash. Because of the severity of the damage, he informed me that it would be a couple of years before I could go back to training in karate. At that moment I felt totally discouraged by this challenge. Uechi Ryu had become such a significant part of my everyday life and after being away from my training when I was a green belt, I knew that two years would just be too long a time for me not to train. I turned to my friend and mentor Derick for advice and solace. After speaking with him, I made the decision to take at least six months off and not do any karate, not even a Sanchin step. I followed the doctor’s prescribed physiotherapy plus shiatsu therapy which I would continue to do for the next two years. Because of the mishandling that occurred at the time of my injury at my original dojo, I talked it over with Derick and made a decision to join his dojo (which he had been operating for a year). Six months after becoming injured, I began training at Derick’s dojo under the explicit understanding that I was not to do any of the exercises that involved a partner. I was to break off from class and work on my stance, techniques or kata by myself. Even the warm up exercises became quite the challenge to get through. Having a neck injury affects everything you have to do. I learned a tremendous amount by just concentrating on my form, stance and techniques. Everything had to be done with absolutely no power (or even stretch) whatsoever as it caused extreme stress on the left side of my neck and shoulder. By very gradually increasing the intensity, after a year I was finally able to work out at almost the same level of power and focus as before my injury. It took two years for me to do a complete circle block with my left arm.

A year and half later, Sensei Derick Bagogloo had the wonderful opportunity of spending an extended period of time in Okinawa, Japan. Our dojo switched hands and we had three new Instructors. Six months later, I was recommended for my Shodan. Mamie and I trained hard to prepare for this ranking. During the changeover of instructors, I began teaching beginners and intermediate classes on a regular basis. I found this aspect of Uechi to be very enlightening. Showing others and explaining techniques helped reinforce Sensei Bagogloo’s teachings. This contributed greatly to my performance at the Shodan testing. We had the honor of Master Mattson attending our grading. The congratulations and compliments hat I received from everyone for my performance encouraged me to continue growing and to look forward to the knowledge that is gained by continuing to study Uechi Ryu.

Before I finish here, I just want to stress a few points. During the early stages of our martial arts training, a strong emphasis is made on the physical aspects of what Uechi Ryu has to offer. There are many times when you have feelings of giving up, feelings of frustration, weakness, dumbness and woe strike you at the oddest times of your training. These all become forgotten a little at a time when you continue your training and that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction envelops you when you are able to move that big guy, that block, that kick or that punch. The knowledge gained by overcoming the obstacles that can take place in anything you do means you gain in the long run. My Uechi Ryu training has helped me take those experiences that I have had and helped the internal growth begin in a very positive and lasting way. This internal growth helps increase one’s understanding of the physical movements of Uechi Ryu. I believe this is where the soft side of Uechi begins to blossom. I would like to tell women that when they get beyond those challenges at the beginning stages of Uechi Ryu training, that the internal and spiritual growth that occurs is well worth all the hard work. Uechi Ryu is not only a test of strength, but also of values and respect. Uechi Ryu has also brought very significant people that have tremendously enhanced my life that maybe I otherwise would never had met. I also strongly recommend Uechi Ryu as the most realistic self-defense art a woman could learn. Remember, Uechi Ryu is effective and (if you choose it to be) quite deadly. Uechi Ryu is a very fulfilling way of life and needs more women in it to appreciate its beauty and to show its beauty.

copyright 1996 Jacqueline S. Blackburn

by Ron Klein

Introduction and Background

Kobudo has been an integral part of the instruction offered at the Uechi-Ryu (NAC/SOKE) dojo in Michigan for several decades. Kobudo kata and kata applications have been introduced from various Okinawan martial arts systems by different individuals. Recognition of proficiency has been demonstrated through invitation of NAC instructors to schools in Michigan and other states to conduct seminars featuring Kobudo kata and weapons applications to karate. This is in addition to students capturing awards for proficiency in Kobudo kata at regional and national martial arts tournaments.

Certification for students studying Kobudo in Michigan has been extremely difficult. There is no integral representation of Kobudo within a reasonable distance to the Uechi-ryu schools. In two cases, senior instructors have adopted sai and bo to our Uechi-kata in order to present some weapons training to their students. Aside from these two cases, there are no systems that accommodate the kata taught or the interpretations and adaptations to the unique kata practiced by the Uechi-ryu student. In one of the above cases, the proficiency of the instructor who had “invented” novel kata was so impressive that Mr. Klein promoted the instructor to the rank of Shodan in the Ryukokyku Karate and Kobudo Association (was promoted to Nidan in the system after a demonstration of Kobudo kata).

The lack of certification has caused difficulties for NAC dojo owners and senior instructors who are dedicated to the martial arts by discrimination from their own and other styles. In addition as one of our NAC instructors noted ” a knowledge of Kobudo without written proof has caused resentment from other high ranking black belts not only in Uechi-ryu but other styles.” or “…as a student of Kobudo for over 14 years, it was not until I received my Shodan (in another karate/ Kobudo style) that I had proof that I was proficient in Kobudo…..despite my teaching many students in my dojo for nearly a decade! ” It is not desirable for us (Michigan Chapter of the NAC/SOKE) to join another martial arts association to obtain certification in Kobudo which will require adapting to new kata and philosophies, that may be perhaps contrary to our own.

One option is to ignore the certification issues and simply integrate a few kata into the curriculum of individual dojo. We have done this and with the comments cited above recognize it as a first step in the evolution of a more formal association of practitioners who desire more communication, a mechanism for sharing ideas and techniques and a means for certification.

We now have approximately 230 students practicing Kobudo under the instruction of Mr. Klein , Mr. Vanderlaare and Mr. Moyle. We have been very pleased at the progress these students have made and the positive effect this practice has had on the development of their skills in Uechi-Ryu. We also recognize the historical precedent of the integral part weapons training played in the practice and development of pangainoon and Uechi-Ryu in China and Okinawa and we also recognize the increased interest of many practitioners of Uechi-ryu for traditional training in Kobudo.

Historical perspectives

The banning of swords and other weapons on the island kingdom of Okinawa was mandated following the establishment of the Second Sho Dynasty in 1477. In addition to the banning carrying swords the new king, Sho Shin, ordered the collection of all weapons which were placed under royal control at his castle in Shuri. This was necessitated to assure control of the island by the Sho dynasty following many years of political turbulence. Interestingly, this action predates the Sword Edicts of Toyotomi by approximately 100 years . It is during the Second Sho Dynasty that the native Okinawans were thought to have begun the development of open handed (weaponless) methods of fighting as well as adapting common farm and fishing tools for self-defense.

In 1609, the Japanese invaded and conquered the island. In order to maintain increasing degrees of political control severe social restrictions were enforced as well as continuing the ban on the possession of weapons by the native population. The samurai conquerors were the only residents permitted to own and carry weapons. Open handed systems, strongly influenced by interactions with Chinese martial artists were further perfected. Also simple tools of the fisherman and farmer were turned into lethal weapons for self-protection: boat oars (eiku), fish net floats (chesen kun bo), millstone handles (tuifa), top knot pints (jiwa) sickles kama), saddle stirrups (tekkos) and a variety of staffs were deadly when placed in the hands of a skill martial artist.

Recent History

Overtime, these implements were either replaced by more modern tools or simply became part of the quaint folklore and traditions of a rapidly industrializing agrarian society. However, the use of these weapons and the art of Kobudo became an integral part of the practice of martial arts on the island. Kobudo, though not formally part of karate has been inseparable from its practice and traditions. The practice of Kobudo kata and bunkai are used to enrich open handed arts by increasing physical strength, coordination, balance and grace. The weapons also are used offensively and defensively as extension of the practitioners body increasing one’s skill and awareness; they add an additional element of reality to everyday practice.

One major difference between karate and Kobudo is that the latter has not been systematized rather, emphasis has been placed on associations of practitioners who use the weapons to facilitate their own individual practice. This is usually accomplished by adopting several of the many hundred of kata now practiced on Okinawa and world-wide. Specific weapons kata have been introduced into several karate systems ( e.g. Isshin-ryu and Shorin-ryu) to enhance the student’s mental and physical training. Many dojo follow this practice and utilize weapons kata at the discretion of senior instructors who have learned the value of Kobudo training. Many instructors have requested training in traditional weapons to enrich their practice of Uechi-ryu. We have sought to meet this need in the past by individually studying a wide variety of weapons kata which we have shared among various dojo. The number of individuals and dojo requesting assistance in training in traditional weapons has increased significantly.

Proposal

We propose providing a system for recognizing the accomplishments of these individuals who have devoted time and effort to weapons training in addition to introducing and making available training in Kobudo as well as certifying the attainment of skill in these arts. We feel that the availability of a Kobudo association, sanctioned by the NAC will satisfy an unmet need of the membership to enrich their personal study and offer to their students a unique opportunity for advanced and supplemental training.

In keeping with the traditional roots of our Kobudo we have adopted the name NOFU-KOBUDO KAI . This name simply translated means Farmer’s Tools/Weapons Association and is a direct link to the historical roots of our art.
Mission Statement:

THE NOFU-KOBUDO KAI AND ITS MEMBERSHIP ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A MEANS FOR THE STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE/OKINAWAN KOBUDO, TO MAINTAIN AND ENCOURAGE QUALITY TRAINING AND PROFICIENCY THROUGH CERTIFICATION AS A RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AND PROOF OF KNOWLEDGE AND PROFICIENCY.

The Association will be dedicated to providing:

1. Qualified instruction and training in traditional Chinese/Okinawan weapons.

2. Certification for white and black belt ranks in traditional Chinese/Okinawan weapons.

3. Support and the availability of the above to NAC/SOKE dojo as an extension and supplement to the instruction of Uechi-Ryu karate.

4. Such organization and certification to the members of the Michigan NAC/SOKE dojo and any other NAC/SOKE dojo regionally and nationally.

5. Such organization and certification to dojo of other styles that meet and satisfy the mission statement of the Association and the NAC.

Kata and Training

The kata currently practiced by the members of the NAC/SOKE are listed below. These kata have been chosen for a number of reasons, however in general they represent:

1. A broad spectrum of traditional Okinawan weapons
2. A tribute to a wide variety of individual instructors and styles encompassing the historical traditions of the Okinawan arts.
3. A wide variety of movements and forms we feel provide the student with the intellectual and physical variety essential for in depth training.
4. A wide variety of movements that represent techniques useful for self-defense situations as demonstrated by bunkai.
5. A continuity with the central principles of Uechi-ryu thus facilitating and enriching the art.

Though we list kata our members are currently practicing, we feel that it is important to recognize and incorporate weapons kata that are practiced by other NAC dojo as part of a certification program. We also recognize that Uechi-ryu is rooted in the Chinese martial arts where weapons and open handed practice are closely integrated. Thus we welcome in put as to new kata and weapons forms, regardless of the source, to be included in our listing of accepted kata. Such kata must satisfy criteria cited above. For this reason we have left the specific kata requirements for each rank open, thus permitting the student to choose kata that are relevant to his or her specific interest or which can be chosen by an instructor and adapted to the specific needs of individual students.

KOBUDO KATA (Practiced by the Michigan NAC)

KAMA
ANAKO NO KAMA
OKURYUGAWA NO KAMA-SHO

SAI
ANAKO NO SAI
TAIRA NO SAI-CHADIAN
TAIRA NO SAI-NIDAN
MATAYOSHI NO SAI
TSUKENSHITA HAKU NO SAI
HAMAHIGA NO SAI
SANCHO ZAI

TEKKO
KANEIGAWA NO TEKKO
MAYAZATO NO TEKKO

TUIFA/TONFA
SOKEN NO TUIFA
YACCA NO TUIFA
INOUYE (1SAI/1TUIFA)
MATAYOSHI NO TUNQA

BO (ROKUSHAKU BO-6 FT STAFF) OR KUN
CHUN NO KUN
SAKUGAWA NO BO SHO
SAKUGAWA NO BO DAI
KOSHIKI SAKAGAWA NO BO
SEJUN NO BO
TSUKEN NO BO

EIKU BO OR KAI (OAR)
MATAYOSHI NO EIKU (AKACHO NO EIKU)
SOKEN TSUNAGAKI NO KAI
TSUKEN AKACHO NO EIKU

JO (YONSHAKU-4 FT STAFF)
YOTOHA NO JO (RYOTOHA)

CHESEN KUN BO-SHO

JIWA (GUSHI NO JIWA)

BOKKEN GI SAN

Sai-short three pronged “swords”.
Kama-Sickle
Tuifa-milstone handle
Tekko-saddle stirrups
Eiku (kai)- skulling oar
Chesen kun bo-fish net floats
Jiwa-topknot “pin”
bokken-wooden sword

Rank Requirements and certification:

We have divided the kyu ranks into two colored belts green (Go-kyu) and brown (San-kyu). Though in Uechi-ryu most schools use a ten step kyu system, we feel this is unnecessary for kobudo training. The time in grade for kyu and dan ranks parallels the system accepted by the NAC and indicates the minimal time when a student is elegible to test for the next grade. The qualities scored for dan and kyu testing are identical to those required by the NAC. Judging of test requirements will be:

1. Sanchin spirit.
2. Timing/distance (for advanced bunkai and kata application)
3. Strength and power in the application of technique and kata
4. Accuracy and focus of the movement
5. Posture, stance and body position.
6. Technique-accurate usage and application
7. Spirit-zanchin
8. Breathing-regular and natural, not exhausting
9. Balance.
10. Economy of movement-in kata, bunkai and application
11. Knowledge of kata and past material (technical and oral, including history of kata and history and proper care of the weapon demonstrated)

Bunkai:

There are no set bunkai in nofu-kubodo. Bunkai is the demonstration of a movement or series of movements followed by its interpretation with a partner(s). Students will be expected to demonstrate the application of movements from their kata.

The testing boards for the Association will be ,except for content, identical in composition to those outlined for the NAC in the NAC handbook. The time in rank and material required for rank will be:( designations at each grade include all previous material, time in grade is minimal)

Gokyu- 1 year in grade. Kata: 1 sai, 1 bo and 1 weapon kata of choice

Sankyu- 1 year in grade. Kata: 2 sai, 1 bo,1 tuifa and 1 weapon of choice.

Shodan-1 year in grade.Kata: 3 sai, 2 bo, 2 tuifa and 1 weapon of choice

Nidan- 2 years in grade. Kata: 3 sai, 3 bo, 2 tuifa, 1 eiku,1 kama,1 jo 1 weapon of choice

Sandan- 3 years in grade. Kata: 4 sai,4 bo,2 tuifa,1 kama,1 eiku ,1 tekko,1 jo,1 chesen kun bo, 1 weapon of choice.

Yandan-3 years in grade. Kata: 4 sai,4 bo,2 tuifa,2 ac,2 tekko,1 Inouye,1 chesne kun bo, 1 kama,1 weapon of choice.

Godan- 3 years in grade. Kata: 4 sai, 4 bo, 2 tuifa,2 kala, 2 eiku, 2 tekko, 1 jo, 1 chesen kun bo, Inouye, 1 weapon of choice.

Rokudan-all above (plus enrichment of the system, history of a kata or specific weapon, introduction of a new weapon).

by Jacqueline S. Blackburn

Senseis have a responsibility in their position as a teacher of Uechi Ryu. The higher the rank, the greater the expectation of a junior student of that Sensei. A Uechi Ryu Sensei must display all the skills they have learned which includes the internal, moral, and spiritual aspect as well as the physical side of Uechi Ryu. The Dojo should be treated as a sanctuary where when you cross the threshold, you have entered a place of peace, harmony and knowledge. There should be no undercurrents or inappropriate behaviour allowed to prosper and permede that sanctuary. This is a great responsibility for the Sensei. They must always keep a careful eye out so that if anything inappropriate does occur it is handled and stopped at the outset. Otherwise when a blind eye is used, the offender will think it is okay and then that behaviour will reoccur, grow and become an acceptable part of that person’s character. It should not matter what rank a person has achieved, if their behaviour is not appropriate to be a Sensei, then they should not be allowed to operate or teach in a dojo. Standards have to be maintained or the art will lose an important part of the essence that attracts people to come and learn and live.

Uechi Ryu is such a special and unique martial art. I believe that it is intended for everyone of us to find our path of harmonizing our mind, body and spirit. Senseis cannot and should not treat everyone the same as each person has their own unique need. A Sensei must develop their own internal eye so that they see where and what each student needs to be working on so that the student can develop into the best martial artist that they can be. Those who have not grown in the three aspects of Uechi Ryu can only be instructors not Senseis. Senseis encompass the three strong points of Uechi Ryu. Students who become/are Senseis should be well-trained and monitored by their own Sensei so that bad habits that slip in unobtrusively over time can be rooted out before one becomes a “bad instructor” who abuses or take advantage of the vulnerabilities of their students.

A true martial artist lives their art in their everyday life not just in the dojo. Respect for oneself is as important as the respect one must have for others whether they are lower rank, equal rank or senior rank. We have great examples of great teachers here in Uechi Ryu where Sensei George Mattson tops that list. He is an exemplary example of living Uechi Ryu day to day not just in the dojo. Students tend to adopt the manner of their immediate seniors and instructors. Being a Sensei is a tremendous responsibility and a privilege. This honor has to be earned through one’s own hard training, growth and understanding. Teaching in itself is an art and a gift that is shared with those around them. Because Uechi Ryu combines growth of the mind, spirit and body in its training, so should Sensei be made to fulfill these requirements before they begin to teach others. Otherwise, it is easy to instruct.

Above is all just my humble opinion. I believe that Uechi Ryu deserves to be taught by the best teachers it has to offer. Uechi Ryu students deserve to be taught the whole harmony of mind, body and spirit of Uechi not just the raw physical in your face part.

Jacqueline S. Blackburn, Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Architecture
Technical University of Nova Scotia, P.O. Box 1000, Halifax, NS B3J 2X4
Tel. (902) 420 – 7512 Fax: (902) 423 – 7611 email: jackie@tuns.ca

Nidan in Uechi-ryu Karate

From: Dave Hunt on behalf of Sensei Mattson

Re: NAC Referee Certification

Sensei Mattson asked if I would contact all of you regarding referee certification. He would like to have your ideas and feelings towards the implementation of an official referee program. It would likely involve regular clinics in Nova Scotia to acheive referee status or different levels of proficiency. It is hoped that we could develop “sister” programs in the US and Canada which would be based on the same rules and would standardize the refereeing at all Uechi-ryu competitions including the World Championships.

Your ideas and comments are important and will contribute to the discussion regarding this topic. Please take the time to voice your opinions and write or call me as soon as possible but preferrably before March 30, 1996. When all of the feedback is collected, Sensei Mattson will have a better idea where we stand on the issue and how an official program, if desired, would be best implemented. Sensei Mattson indicated to me that he will likely be speaking about this matter to each dojo owner in the near future.