Page 18 - Martial Science Magazine 2019 JUL Cover DIG

You asked if it was different back in the day. I believe if Kunbun Uechi was alive today, he
would not recognize what we are doing today.

Western and Japanese Karate Uechi-Ryu differs

Yes. Every system of karate is slightly different from each other. Our fighting techniques are in
our katas. A Shotokan fighter will fight like Shotokan. A Kempo student will fight with Kempo
techniques. If Uechi people don’t fight with Uechi movements and techniques taught in their
katas, are they really Uechi-Ryu?

Is there any similarity between the Uechi-Ryu and kung-fu?

Theoretically, Uechi-Ryu comes from China. If the practitioner does not perform Uechi-Ryu
like kung-fu, either that student was taught incorrectly or the teacher did not teach real Ue-
chi-Ryu.

What is the most important thing you teach your students?

Be a real student. Study and explore with an open mind. Know who you are. Know your limi-
tations. Don’t compare yourself with others. Be the best you can be.

What does karate mean to you?

Karate has never been a past time. It is my life. I read somewhere “I gave my life to karate and
karate gave me a way of life.” That is me. I try to live the life of Bushido where respect, honor,
integrity and loyalty directs who I am and how I conduct myself. It is who I am.

Recently Ryuko Tomoyose Sensei passed away. Did you know him? What is the most impor-
tant legacy that he leaves us?

Yes, I knew Tomoyose Sensei. I even made a special trip to Okinawa to meet with him regar-
ding Sensei George Mattson’s promotion to 10th degree Judan. Sensei Tomoyose was Sensei
Mattson’s actual teacher.

What’s your hope for the future of IUKF?

My hopes are that every member of the IUKF will open their eyes and minds to all that is there
for them through our katas. Realize all Uechi-Ryu people around the world are family. Help
and support one another. Share your knowledge so we can all advance. Respect one another.
Listen and learn. Those who knows everything will learn nothing.

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