Essential Uechi Ryu

"You get what you put into it" really defines Karate training.  Here is where the "Martial" part of Martial Arts comes in.  Drills and sequences, sometimes by the numbers, do produce the desired effect.  Drills need to be perfected and sequences need to be memorized in order to achieve progressive, goal-oriented training, similar to the famous Shaolin monks and consistent with Karate training in Okinawa.  Karate training is about discipline.  The first discipline is to practice regularly.

Training takes skill and practice to develop.  Some training may be simple; some more difficult. Training schedules may vary, but should always include essential Uechi Ryu: stretching, Sanchin & kata, hojo undo & kotekitai. 

> For fighters: elastics, targets & bags can improve speed, aim and toughness.

> For demonstrations, promotion tests and tournaments: include focus exercises that address your strengths and weaknesses.   

Here is a sample full 2-day schedule:

Day 1

Stretch                         10 min                        Large muscle groups, joints

Hojo Undo                  15 min                        Both sides 4X or 1 side 10X

Sanchin                       15 min                        3 reps (1Sanchin kitai)

Kata                             20 min             

Kick/Punch                 15 min                        Bags, elastics or group techniques

Kote Kitai                   10 min                        Arms, legs

Mokuto                      1-5 min                        Meditation

Day 2

Jumbi Undo                 10 min                        Bottom to top

Hojo Undo                   10 min                       Random

Sanchin                        10 min                        3 reps (1 soft check & corrections)

Kata                             20 min             

Kata no Bunkai           15 min                         Attack, defend

Sparring                       10 min                        With gloves or techniques

Kote Kitai                    10 min                         Arms/legs/stomach

Mokuto                       1-5 min                        Meditation

Be flexible.  One day might be focused on kata, or sparring, or if you're lucky, Sanchin kata only! 

An important aspect of training is actually done after the training session has finished.  It's commonplace in Okinawa that students and instructors gather in light snacks & drinks for fun socializing after a strenuous workout.  These social "exercises" build important team skills in communication and camaraderie.  Sensei Kanei Uechi taught this as well, and was known for his gracious hospitality. 

Uechi Ryu Weekend Workshops for all Uechi style dojos anywhere in the western US.  Invigorate your dojo members with some techniques regularly practiced in dojos in Okinawa.  

Sanchin

Kotekitae

Kata

Kumite

Weekend workshop with multiple group sessions.  

Contact Sensei Pavesi directly for trip details