About Uechi-Ryu West

Uechi-ryu Karate-do is one of a few purely traditional systems of karate worldwide. Its direct link to Chinese roots is unmistakable, and the system is practiced in a consistent manner around the world.

Uechi-ryu West is a group of dojos that are members of the Okinawa Karate-do Kyukai (OKIKUKAI), an organization based in Okinawa and international in scope. The dojos of Uechi-ryu West work together to maintain high standards of training and testing, and the methods of instruction are consistent with those of the OKIKUKAI on Okinawa. Uechi-ryu West follows the standards as set forth by our mentor, Master Tsutomu Nakahodo, and the OKIKUKAI headquarters board of directors in Okinawa.

Uechi-ryu West conducts black belt testing on the third Saturday in May, and the  third Saturday in November. Instructors and students of various dojos of the organization host the testing, and the location is announced prior to the test with adequate time for planning.

The test board consists of  ranking Shihans (Master Instructors) from among the various Uechi-ryu West dojo. This board has been in place for a number of years, and has operated under the supervision of the late Ahti Kaend, Kyoshi, 8th Dan. The board continues to operate by mandate from Okikukai. Members of the board have had extensive instruction from Master Ahti Kaend, as well as from senior members of the Okikukai organization in Okinawa.

The results of Dan Testing conducted by the board are compiled and sent to the Okikukai, Okinawa, and all black belts are recognized by and registered with the Okikukai organization in Okinawa. Black belt certificates are created by the Okikukai in Okinawa and then sent to

Uechi-ryu West.