The Deadliest Karate Style For Self-Defense

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Comment below what time you understand what style I'm talking about! 🥋

[@felipecavalcante8419]

0:30

[@barrytaylor7816]

My first style of Martial Arts

[@jonassteggo3330]

used google translate on the japanese letters and it came out as uechi style so im going to guess it's uechi-ryu

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Google translate? That’s cheating! 😂

[@TuckerD.]

I was actually going to guess Motobu-Ryu or Goju-Ryu until I saw the dead give away at 4:16. Uechi-Ryu

[@menachembenyakov]

After 50 years of Uechi, becoming a licensed instructor more than 30 years ago I have come to appreciate the health aspects of the style. Rather than focus on the hard body conditioning aspects I focus on the speed, flexibility and overall sense of well-being that comes from well executed kata. In my twenties and thirties I was a scrapper. Now, closing in on 70 years of age, I treasure my health and mobility. Three Sanchin kata a day keeps the doctor away.

[@clFer777]

Sir, if you did that conditioning on your youth, how is your bone and joint health by now? I have read a lot of 'keyboard warriors' but not from a fresh perspective. Regards.

[@menachembenyakov]

@@clFer777 You just asked the best question. Repeated contusions to any part of the body have a detrimental effect on bone and joint health. That is not my opinion it is a medical fact. The toes were not designed to be repeatedly hit with hard objects to toughen them. Neither were the knuckles of the hands. Both my hands and my toes suffer from the abuse they have taken over the years. In olden times people had to suffer these types of traumatic injuries because they had no choice, today we have different options. Makiwara and heavy bags have their place but are better used to ensure proper alignment and appropriate use of strength while hitting. Arm rubbing and pounding should be used to strengthen and increase sensitivity to the body movement of your partner. Instructors should use Sanchin testing to test for balance and tensile strength rather than hardness. The best advise I can give is do but don't overdo and take care of your body because its the only one you have. Thanks for the great question. All the best to you and yours.

[@clFer777]

@@menachembenyakov Very clear response. Then it goes as "everything has it's own place and time". Even now, with all this considerations, it's a pretty tough training. Thanks for your time.

[@GestzugaTenzu]

Sounds a lot like the style I practice, Kyokushin Karate. We do a lot, and I mean a LOT of conditioning through sparring and so on. Regards.

[@gmeister3022]

Do you still teach? If so: אשמח לשמוע איפה, אני מחפש כבר הרבה זמן מקום כזה בארץ

[@joshualeedrummer4042]

I'm a BJJ guy, but dabble in other styles. I really appreciate how you educate and promote REAL karate.

[@josemartincobosortega1295]

What is BJJ??

[@michaelterrell5061]

@@josemartincobosortega1295 it stands for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

[@jacobbritton7359]

Just checked out your music. Nice work on the kit, man!

[@joshualeedrummer4042]

@@jacobbritton7359 thanks brother!

[@kickhick7tree1]

Super dope to have a BJJ guy actually respect other styles! I love the techniques and training of BJJ, but most guys I know that do it are super douche bags and have no respect for other styles 😞

[@jimwalker5412]

Ive practiced Uechi-Ryu for more than 40 years, one of the best things I ever did, from the very begining i realised I had to become an expert in one thing:- turning up at the dojo on a regular basis, everything else will fall into place

[@jean4j_]

Could you compare Uechi-Ryu and Goju-Ryu?

[@jimwalker5412]

@@jean4j_ hi, sorry i dont know enough about Goju -Ryu to be able to compare them other than to say they are sister styles and closely related.

[@thelastgeneration1926]

I can't wait to learn it

[@sgoldon3886]

@@jean4j_ Goju-Ryu is the more similar style to Uechi-Ryu. Both styles got a close origin and their base is: “Half hard, half soft”, but Uechi-Ryu is a little more hard (regarding all the techniques, regarding the Katas, and regarding body conditioning). There are more details I could comment. I suggest to visit Chip Quimby Sensei KZbin channel…

[@Niko121ful]

I practice Uechi Ryu for almost 10 years being my main base style of karate, and what this video says is nothing far from reality, it is a style that was created mainly for self-defense and not to be the first to attack, in this way the postures were adapted to these situations, I feel very proud and honored that you have decided to talk about this wonderful style of karate that to this day, is still not well known in the field :) thank u jesse! Oss

[@rodgod2624]

Strike first Strike hard No mercy sir -John Kreese 😂

[@sgoldon3886]

I also practice Uechi and you are perfectly right!

[@MarcusArmstrong037]

For those curious, the three original kata from Uechi-Ryu are Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryū. Currently, they are taught as the 1st, 5th, and 8th kata in the system.

[@vladimirputindreadlockrast812]

I learned Sanchin, Kanshiwa kata, and Seisan from Frank Gorman. I think it was in that order.

[@teovu5557]

Uechi kanbun didn't learn the last Kata the fourth one in china. There is a Chinese fujian system called Tiger respecting first huzunquan whose first 4 forms are sanzhan,shisan taibao,sanshilou shou and yibailing shou. And one of the masters from the 1890s has the same name as uechi'd teacher shusiwa or in Chinese Zhou zi he known for his tiger boxing and toe kicks.

[@jonasbisgaard2807]

Can you share link, with all the katas in the system?

[@shawntailor5485]

Ok my shotokan teacher showed us some of the differences with Sanchen etc. As opposed to JKA ,Aka, shotokan and a brief synopsis of differentiatial applications that I found very interesting

[@shawntailor5485]

​@@teovu5557 wow ,seargent Green had a toe kick I couldn't believe ,I thought it was from Kempo. I love history .

[@moniryaseen9056]

I'm a Uechi-Ryu practitioner. What intrigued me about the art is, like Jesse mentioned, the open hand guard. You'd be in an open hand guard and no body knows that you are ready to defend yourself. And Uechi-Ryu's primary block, the Wauke (circular block) is so versatile. The style can be used in both full contact and traditional fighting. You hit hard to the body and you can also punch to the face. Love it!

[@gabrielefrontoni2690]

The third reason is really true; That's why MMA fighter, Thai boxer and full contact Kyokushin karate practicers are very though to defeat, because they are really resistent or insensible about pain.

[@giqwaju3691]

That's why they focus a lot on the open fingers movements. Can't toughen the eyes.

[@coloradoretreats]

@@giqwaju3691 oh yeah? 😳

[@justinweber4977]

​@@giqwaju3691 They are, however, a pretty small target, which is probably a hindrance to some degree.

[@orencio1969]

I have a black belt in Uechi, I started back in 1971, I have a 5th dan in both WTF TKD and ITF TKD, 2nd dan in Tang Soo Do, Uechi is my core martial arts base. Done TaiJItsu. jijitsu, judo boxing and wrestling , and do not know where I wil end, My dad is 86 and a 7th dan in itosu kai, he still teach and practice, I am 60 and still teaching and practicing. Love your well research takes on all subjects in the arts, keep going , God bless

[@solid_fire9388]

the conditioning is close to what we do in Koykushin, those leg kicks and stomach punches are very important ! amazing style, didn't know we have such style in Karate, thanks, Osu !

[@TopTechTrendsX]

It is good to condition though most strikes in the street are on your chin.

[@solid_fire9388]

@@TopTechTrendsX good point but most ppl don't know how to fight or rather don't know that you're a fighter, also i can punch to the chin since there is no rules or judges around me :) most ppl don't even know how to punch correctly and rather randomly throw and bash around with their hands with out even thinking/knowing about how they throw the punch in the first place, or simply a Gedan mawashi geri will put him down for good before he even touch the face...

[@solid_fire9388]

Shubra Pratim Biswas 😂😂 im from Kurdistan, i’m practicing Kyokushin for 4 years now, in kyokushin we have some kata that originates from Goju Ryu which i love 🙂

[@VictoriaWargaming]

@@TopTechTrendsX which is part of the reason for the high hand positioning. you focus on two areas for defense - head and sternum. everything else is protected or toughened.

[@jordansosa7368]

@solid_fire93 try to remember the basics of cqc

[@josephbellone7571]

Thanks for the segment Jesse. As someone who’s been practicing Uechi-Ryu for 4 decades, it’s nice for the style and all the great Sensei that have worked selflessly to help others through the art get some recognition via your channel. Thank you letting other people know that we are quietly here and willing to help others in their practice. Sincerely, Joe

[@bradfoland2127]

You are a great ambassador for Karate. I don’t practice it but the knowledge you share and the demeanor which you share it has given me a respect for it that I never had

[@mattsharkey8437]

I'm a Boxer who has found your channel and really appreciates the great work you have put into educating people on the martial art you love and also it's history. Boxing is another sport that too many people understand incorrectly and has become a shell of what it was meant to be for self-defense. I'm going to incorporate this style into my boxing training and God bless!

[@raymondhollingsworth3643]

My father was exposed to this style while being stationed on Okinawa and learned it. Along with what he was taught in WW2 he used to flip an toss me like nobodies business. I saw him use it twice in real self defense situation. One was unarmed and the other was against a pistol wielding thug. For both it was their last mistake.

[@minifig_studios]

Your dad is cool

[@Starlok007]

Damn, can your dad teach me ?

[@ВячеславПлесовских-р5ъ]

Он всех убил?)))

[@varanid9]

@@ВячеславПлесовских-р5ъ That's the impression I get. Those WW2 vets were tough.

[@djinibhugwansing7467]

Cool

[@Kagemusha08]

My father is one of the highest ranking Uechi black belts in the US. Grew up doing it. It has served me well the couple times I had to defend myself and and gave me a great base when I trained MMA.

[@jean4j_]

Have you used those "crazy" open hands techniques to defend yourself or regular punching/close fist techniques?

[@2gunzup07]

Whats your dad's name where is his dojo

[@2gunzup07]

What mma fights you have Whats your name

[@sloba111]

I've practiced Uechi for some 5 years when I was young and I gotta say that if you do it right, you really become a rock! And that process is not just about conditioning and hitting each other, you start doing that later. Basis for everything, and you can't do it without it or become hard, is Sanchin kata, learning breathing, contractions of the body, concentration... Uechi hardening is not just mindless beating each other like in many other styles, it takes a while but you do become a man of steel...

[@MrAlepedroza]

@David Mack Uechi Ryu is a very rare branch of karate that rarely ever (if ever) got featured in K1 or MMA, so you have no evidence to say Muay Thai wrecks it. Stfu.

[@Sembazuru]

It's been a while since I've stepped into an Uechi dojo, and only reached Rokkyū by the time I lost touch with that dojo. (It was run by Sensei Stephen Drehobl, a student of George Mattson.) But as I recall, we started the arm conditioning almost immediately in Jukyū (White belt). But it was white belt on white belt (with all the lack of skills that entails) and we used it to not only condition the arms but to also help develop accuracy and focus. Power came later.

[@sgoldon3886]

@@MrAlepedroza Exactly.

[@FallChildsin13]

I trained in Uechi Ryu with Masters James and Linda Thompson in Kalamazoo,MI. I also trained in Aikido with them as well.

[@varanid9]

Uechi-Ryu, of course. Simple, straight-forward and stresses lots and lots of repetition and physical toughness. Augment it with Judo and you have a great overall fighting system.

[@markings6370]

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that you are one of the main reasons why I've fallen in love with the art of Karate. I've binge-watched all of your Okinawa and China traveling videos, along with many others. I've enrolled in classes, and I'll be starting my first lesson in a few days. Thanks for doing what you do, and make sure to keep at it.

[@mikemcgee9812]

Thank You for putting this together. I have been practicing Uechi Ryu for 30 years, I am a 7th Degree Shihan Master instructor. One of my Sensei's, Master Shinyu Gushi would often say "Uechi Ryu no sport Karate." Uechi Ryu is very effective as a self defense style. As Jesse mentioned, this style is not a sport style and has many techniques and "weapons" that can cause a great deal of damage to the attacker. The conditioning we do and the practice of Sanchin kata prepare us for contact and control of pain. The Sensei in the Video shows Kiyohide Shinjo 9th Dan, Head of the Kenyukai in Okinawa and Shai Hai from Israel. Excellent examples of Uechi Ryu and how it is executed.

[@richardjones332]

Jesse, I thought You said Styles don't really exist and don't matter?

[@jean4j_]

@@richardjones332 They do exist and they do matter. However people shouldn't draw boundaries between them and they should practice things from other styles.

[@RyanNadel]

Been studying Uechi Ryu for 3 years now. I love it, it is very practical, the focus is all on conditioning and effective techniques. I do have to point out the photos of the founder are actually the founders son, Kanei Uechi. A photo of the founder Kanbun Uechi does not appear to be in your video. Anyway it is an awesome style! Thank you for doing this video. I would love to see you do a more in depth video of Uechi Ryu. @Jesse Enkamp

[@drob492214]

I knew from the picture that this was Uechi Ryu! This is the style that I have found myself most comfortable with and am proud to say I have been a student of for the last 16 years in the US. I very much appreciate your videos, your perspective and the enthusiasm you bring to sharing the joyous aspects of the study of Karate Do! As usual, you make several very good points, but I can't agree more that it is the manner of study and application that makes any style workable.

[@kenweagle3546]

I practice this style way back when I was in my 30s . I liked it no jumping around no high kicks . Never made black belt cause I started a job that worked nights for a few years and never got back in to it . But have to say that you never forget the blocks and strikes . These do actually work you block you strike you always face your attackers . . When ur attacker moves towards you either shift to the side or backwards or u attack when they attack you . Miss that style

[@MG-bi6mq]

Researching Uechi Ryu helped me to understand the traditional conditioning exercises taught in my Baguazhang and Arnis. Pavel Tsatsouline incorporated Uechi Ryu breathing and conditioning techniques into his early exercise routines. Many people who practice kettlebell lifts today unknowingly practice little bits and pieces of Uechi Ryu.

[@robertmurphy346]

It's so nice to see someone else talk about Uechi. I have done Uechi all of my life.

[@jean4j_]

Would you be able to compare Uechi-Ryu and Goju-Ryu? I can't choose between the two

[@robertmurphy346]

@@jean4j_ in terms of? Effectiveness or movement?

[@primaco44094]

As A fellow martial artist and instructor for 43 years. I appreciate what you do and how you present it. I respect your skill and dedication. I find it refreshing and enlightening and appreciate your willingness to teach a lot of which is not spoken. A lot of which I wish I had learned when I was being instructed. My base is minna Jiu Jitsu from mr. kovac ( for which I am grateful) in 76, I received one of my bb from mr. Wallace as well( which was fun in itself). Anyway keep being you, very inspiring .

[@TheShihan111]

Pangai-noon/Uechi-ryu. I wholeheartedly agree, this is the best style for self defense . I recognised Kanei Uechi, in the photograph.

[@shinjaokinawa5122]

My Sensei, a Lifetime ago.

[@Tygrus]

@@tonymontana3949 apparently it's a form of White Crane from Fukien though Sushiwa taught him Tiger

[@rdekanic]

Hi Jesse, I am a 68 year old man. I want to thank you for the educational videos you have posted on KZbin. It is the fighting spirit of Karate that has kept me going after a severe brain injury. I have learned a lot from your videos. What are some of the lessons I have learned during my years of training? To be polite, never to pick a fight, to use my skills only if there is no other way out. To persevere in the face of adversity. To honour the teachers who taught me, and to remember the past masters with gratitude. While I cannot train in a dojo any more, my daughter has kept the martial tradition alive in our family. She is a JKA Shotokan sho-dan black belt. Funakoshi Sensei always emphasized the spirit of courtesy in Karate. Please keep up the great work. To my mind Karate will always be, first and foremost, a way of of self-improvement and a way of peace. Hardships will come into our lives, no matter what our circumstances. It is good to prepare for them. All the best from Calgary, Canada.

[@SenseiSeth]

Dangit, I didn’t even guess it until you said the answer 😂😂 glad I get these history lessons 🙏 Thanks sir!

[@therandomchannel4005]

oh is you again

[@therandomchannel4005]

ITS*

[@everythingbodyweight7012]

Awesome!I also think in my humble opinion that some Japanese hard full contact styles of Karate such as Kyokushin, Shidokan Karate (Kyokushin,Muay Thai & Judo), Seidokaikan Karate & Kudo(Karate,Judo & boxing) are as effective for self defense as their Okinawan counterparts.

[@thebrownbaldy]

You had me at "one of his students killed a man". In all seriousness, honestly I practice for self defense myself, I have no interest in competition (s).

[@estebanbagneramonicaut1472]

I think the same thing

[@matthewk6731]

Train like you fight. Fight like you train. Competition is a game of tag. If you train to play tag you May fight like it's a game of tag and pull your punches.

[@akumabakemono1447]

@@matthewk6731 I think competition is not necessary, but sparring its mandatory (full contact, no point system).

[@Daniel73-23]

@@matthewk6731 Or you understand that you should fight like you do your board breaks

[@dontneedtoknow5836]

@@akumabakemono1447 full contact is not something you use when teaching. Sparring should not be to damage or take your partner out of training. It should be to work on skills with one another in a more free flowing combat vs drilling through kata and basic combos. But ya. You get more from 1 five minute spar than you do from one that ends in 1 punch.

[@sgoldon3886]

Learned Uechi-Ryu since I was 15 until 22 years old in South America. Is it really a unique style. A real Sensei punches the students… And Kote-kitai is the name of the conditioning exercises for doing with a partner…

[@rfercid]

After training Shito-ryu for 50 years, and Wenzhou Wuzuquan nearly 15 years, I started training Shinjo Family Uechi-Ryu Kenyukai two years ago. And, from my knowledge, I agree with you, my feeling is that. In the technical aspect, apparently simple techniques include several techniques in one and the use of Meotode is constant, as well as the use of Metsubushi in the defenses in Wa uke, especially to fix the opponent during the tsukami-hikiyose process of the other hand. A very interesting Style in which the applications of the Eight Norms or Ba Zé of White Crane are seen (as in Shito-ryu). There would be a lot to tell about this Style in the technical aspects.

[@danilodibujo]

I also think is the one who preserved a more "chinese" flavor.

[@cjlogic6908]

It combines Dragon, Crane, and Tiger kung fu. 😁 That's why I love it.

[@dewaynedawkins4573]

My favorite because of this

[@akumabakemono1447]

This style of Karate looks like Tong Long (Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu): both fast, direct and efective.

[@maycon4948]

Goju Ryu too

[@edge309]

Hi Jesse, Great video. I guessed pretty quickly - I studied Uechi Ryu under George Mattson and Ron Ship. I agree with everything you said. It can be brutal and, yes, the training is tough and painful, but the conditioning you can achieve is remarkable. It is good to see the style is being "re-discovered". It is a true art of defense, definitely not appropriate for sport or competition. Keep up the great videos - you have a new subscriber.

[@AxelHarnetOtakuNews]

You know Jess, your videos are really well made and anyone can learn from your videos, from the beginner to the teacher. I really feel like I learn something even a little thing in every video I watch ! And I would like to thank you for it !

[@vladimirputindreadlockrast812]

Uechi Ryu is easy to identify in the first few seconds. I had never heard of it until my college roommate in 1977 introduced it to me. He was a brown belt then, but he recently earned his 8th dan in Okinawa (took him close to 50 years...think about it). His teacher was Walter Mattson (a student of George Mattson, no relation). He took me to a big Uechi exhibition in Boston in 77 or 78 (John Hancock Center). I remember a Master Tomiyosi doing Sanchin, and giving a speech about the importance of Sanchin. He told a story about a student who practiced Sanchin so much, he untied a rope tied around his wrists, and became a successor. I followed my friend's lead and studied for a while under Frank Gorman, a contemporary of Mattson. Both learned Uechi Ryu in Okinawa as Marines. Although I primarily studied kempo and kung fu, to this day I still do my Sanchin, Kanshiwa, and Seisan, and do the various empty hand exercises involving hiraken and shoken, though not to the degree we see in this video. They are easy to do in the kitchen while cooking dinner.

[@orencio1969]

Walter Mattson was never a student of George Mattson he was a former marine and learn Uechi Ryu while station in Okinawa. This I know because I tested for my black belt in Framingham Ma at his school. My first teacher was Bill Finnety at the Y in downtown Boston, later Ed Huff, Clarence and Campbell at Mattson Academy at govt center and finally Michael Z in Jamaica Plain for my black belt. Any good to know many are still hanging. Keep it up.

[@vladimirputindreadlockrast812]

@@orencio1969 Thanks for that explanation. It was over 40 years ago, I didn't know all the details.

[@mr.masuka1310]

I love the more aggressive styles that focus more on moving in rather than retreating. I like the video!

[@S57771]

As someone who does Uechi Ryu, thank you for sharing this video. This style might not be so flashy or have as many moves but at the end of the day that’s not what karate is about. It’s about self protection, and for that you have to take and dish out punishment if needed. After doing it for 2 years boy do I feel like I’m way further along in that. For example, one time I was doing leg conditioning exercises with my sensei, and he nailed me so hard in my shin that the next day I had a thin bump of new bone over the area he struck! That’s the real deal lol

[@R_lulu]

- Martial art created for survival -Time of peace comes -Adds different kata to the art so the users can survive It checks out

[@anundbabajee9327]

Took a drink each time he said "this style". Emptied the bottle and came to tge conclusion that "this style" is the best.🤪

[@barrysmith916]

Thanks Jesse for digging into the martial arts history.

[@TavaresAdriano]

I believe that any style, if focused on self-defense is effective.

[@MrRaccoon879]

Aikido would like a word with you.

[@theultimatek.i.m.m1504]

@@MrRaccoon879 😂😂😂👏👏👏 good one!

[@heliuma2]

Ryan Aikido practiced as self defense is called Judo.

[@lordofwarnick1557]

Aikido, without large modification for self-defence, could not be called self-defence. It is just an exercise for nourishing your body and soul.

[@TavaresAdriano]

@@MrRaccoon879 Thank you! No need, I’m already talking to the Shotokan!

[@jb4688]

7 seconds ...Shinjo on the left..I started practicing this style back in the 60's in Boston!

[@shinjaokinawa5122]

with George Mateson?

[@jb4688]

Shinja Okinawa yes

[@evsta100]

@@shinjaokinawa5122 much lineage in the Boston area. Good stuff

[@GarySuley]

So those 6 year old ATA taekwondo blackbelt kids in my neighborhood don’t know self defense? Way to ruin my Sunday. 😔

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Say hi to Ronald McDojo from me! ;-)

[@luvlife2786]

@@KARATEbyJesse Good come back

[@razorslice99]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@raksh9]

You can now take their lunch money with impunity. Except maybe police issues later.

[@krisbrownlow2880]

@@KARATEbyJesse Now be nice. I started out in an ATA school in the 1980s, they were not all the same. My instructor was trained by the U.S. Military during his service in Vietnam. Among many, many other things he taught us was to be respectful of other schools when we went to tournaments. We cheered for all participants, booing was never allowed. Eventually, my instructor left the ATA but continued to teach in his own school which still exists today. As far as ATA 6 year old blackbelts. I would put my money on any ATA student over the average school bully. "Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit" are not just words, they are a way of life to the TKD practitioner. Best to you. I always enjoy your videos.

[@tomjeff1743]

most can absorb a straight punch but few can withstand the pain of a punch that drives at an angle across the abdominal fascia and isn't withdrawn but drives "thru" their body by punching at a downward angle and then upwards.

[@aldenhaverfield655]

Wonderful, young Sensei! I started Uechi-ryu training two years ago. As far as Japanese/Okinawan styles go, it is not well known here in Charlotte, North Carolina(this area is overloaded with Tae Kwon Do schools). I had attained green belt in Shorinji Kempo Karate, not to be confused with actually Shorinji Kempo, but I really wanted to study an Okinawan style. I'm currently not training owing to health issues, but I will be back in it soon, hopefully! Keep sharing your knowledge, young Sensei!! Oss!!

[@hugopetruspons]

I wasn't aware of this style at all, thanks a lot for bringing it here Jesse.

[@KamranHaider]

You are indeed a Karate Nerd. It’s a treat watching you and learning things about this great sport, 🙏🙇‍♂️

[@ryancross4481]

Jesse Sensei, great video as always. Always filled with great knowledge and insight. I definitely agree Uechi Ryu is one of the most effective. Goju Ryu I would say another great art for self-defense. Extraordinarily similar to Uechi Ryu as both have White Crane and Naha-te roots and, both have pretty much stayed the same as was originally intended. Thanks so much for the sharing of your knowledge. Arigato Gozaimashita. Your Friend from 🇺🇸, Ryan

[@FedericoMalagutti]

This kind of video is probably my favorite one. I mean, I like all your videos Jesse Sensei, but as an Historical European Martial Artist, I love history!!! Si learning all the insights behind the evolution of a style, the stories about it and its masters... Is extremely cool!

[@Friday0089-c7p]

Been in Uechi for 21 years. Thank you for the great video. Can't wait to do some body conditioning this week.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Best of luck!

[@johngault7329]

I spent 6 years training isshin-ryu karate. My sensei's instructor, Master Everett, was taught in Okanawa. We used the cocked back fist style in some of our drills. It was beneficial in getting the technique down. In the rest of the drills we used open hands in sparring stances. We were taught takedowns, throws, joint locks, holds, self-defense, and very few katas. Our dojo would take home most of the trophy's at the open tournament we entered. In fighting, but never in kata/form. Thing was, sensei didn't believe in tournament fighting. It wasn't realistic in actual fights. So he insisted on heavy contact sparring. I must say that it has served me well. I have rolled/trained/sparrred/etc with wrestlers, bjj, judo, taekwondo, and boxers. I have never felt out of my element. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to study under my sensei in the style I was.

[@moniryaseen9056]

Keep up the great work Jesse!

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks, will do!

[@johnsmith9430]

I was a practitioner of uechi ryu and now I am. You are right. Extremely defensive martial art. One wu shu master from Wudang Mountain, who has never heard of Uechi ryu, told a person I know after the Uechi ryu demonstration - A practitioner of this skill is a person who simply stands and waits and ends the fight with a single blow.

[@2gunzup07]

Lol you people have amazing imaginations

[@SwampYankeeProjects]

Omg you finally covered my style it was great! I did it for 12 years 3-4 nights a week and because of the conditioning I did then it still takes a strong impact to bruise me and I haven’t been training for 13 years

[@walterjackson7420]

I agree completely. Of all the styles, Uechi-Ryu; (Pangai-Noon) is the absolute best style for self-defense. I would give Wing-Chun an honorable mention, too.

[@jean4j_]

How would you compare it to Goju-Ryu?

[@kevinsmith9875]

Having training for several years and obtaining my black belt in Uechi Ryu I will agree with you. It’s not flashy or Hollywood karate but it’s brutal and as Master Gushi used to teach us….karate not fair!

[@hirorop5367]

Thank you for another fascinating and informative video. I train in Shotokan how we I’m very thankful to be exposed to so many other Martial Arts styles. Master Gustavo Gondra of Argentina, he is a Uechi-ryu Master, gave my father (a Shotokan Master) a copy of his book “Okinawan Karate”. I will study it even more now after watching your video 🙌

[@sgoldon3886]

Hi Hiroro, I’m an Argentinian Uechi-Ryu Karate Do practitioner and I know Gustavo Gondra Shihan personally, and I know that, apart from many differences, he likes Shotokan Karate Do!

[@RyukyuStyle]

my grand parents are from okinawa on my dads side, and i was raised by my grand parents on my moms side and dont know my dad or his parents really at all. i always just thought they were japanese and i never knew anything about the history of okinawa. i really appreciate these videos and the preservation of the history because its allowed me to understand my heritage a bit more.

[@ianmcleod7502]

We do most of these exercises in our Goju Studio, the only thing different are the hands, and even that is not far off at times.

[@TheAirlock]

This video was wonderful.

[@benjaminvega7186]

There was no way I could have guessed, my knowledge of karate is severely limited but, I love being able to learn new things every day

[@Drega001]

I got so hype watching this. I went to the dojo in massachusetts when I was a kid. I was watching the kata thinking "I know this entire kata, what the hell? No way!!!" Shout out to Sensei Murphy. Thank you for teaching me.

[@luvlife2786]

Another good teaching moment. I'm amazed at how much knowledge you have of the various things dealing with martial arts. It's also great that you share your knowledge with everyone. GOOD JOB...

[@shinjaokinawa5122]

Thank You for this Video it is a trip down a lane of memories. Student of Master Kanei Uechi Futenma City Okinawa 1970's. I miss the old days and honor My O-Sensei.

[@contedivalpelline]

I knew it was Uechi Ryu from the outset because I have seen it before, although I have never practiced it. I fully agree that independently of our styles, the keys to being able to use karate for self defence are conditioning and building up our tolerance to pain and being hit and kicked as part of our karate practice. In the Western world I see Uechi Ryu as being appropriate for students in their late teens or as young adults. We will not find many parents who want their kids to be "Uechi Ryu -ed" nor is it likely to attract many seniors. Makiwaras are gone from most western dojos or the homes of karatekas, let alone breaking wood or baseball bats with the body or forearms. "Sport karate" is bringing an ever greater focus on katas (which is good) and "sports kumite" (which I find goes against the intended purpose of karate). Great video as usual, Jesse Sensei.

[@sgoldon3886]

I’m a Uechi Ryu Karate Do practitioner, I have two wall Makiwaras and your analysis is perfectly right.

[@Adam_K_W]

Thank you for this video!! In St. Petersburg, Florida, Sensei Ted Kresge (author of "The Encyclopedia of Karate and Related Arts) taught Uechi Ryu for over 20 years. He had Dojos all over Tampa Bay up to around 1982... during That time, he had more than 26000 students come and go. He only promoted 52 people to Shodan before retiring to become an evangelistic teacher after becoming convinced that we were living in the end times. Many people who know nothing of him ridiculed him for going down that path and dismissed him and all of his students. This was unfortunate, but people are prone to do this, nothing to be done about it. Incidentally, Mr. Kresge also founded The US OPEN Karate Tournament in St. Petersburg and hosted it for a number of years before he went a different way. In any case, thank you so much again for this video. I knew instantly which style you were going to talk about! It made my day!! BTW: I am #52.

[@mgfittipaldi]

Uechi rocks, has saved me lots of times

[@jb-ks9kh]

Jesse, your a good man and i love your videos. And as much as i agree with what your saying about competition. Wayne otto, arguably one of the best kumite fighters ever and his instructor terry daly, who also competed at worl level are both uechi ryu practitioners. Keep up the good work, greatly appreciated.

[@geraldaitken478]

In high school I did Kyokushin, another relatively practical style. When I went to college in Baltimore and there was only Taekwondo, many of my fellow students were shocked at first by my direct aggressive sparring style.

[@chocopato]

Cool

[@michaelhubbard4023]

I loved the content of this video. As a black belt in shotokan I can appreciate other styles and approaches to martial arts. I learned karate as a kid for self-defense first not to be flashy. I then did a few tournaments. Know I practice karate again for self-defense, conditioning, tradition (studying the art) and for overall health.

[@granadosvm]

When I moved to USA there were no "big four" styles dojos near my home, so I was lucky enough to train for three years in a little know style named Wa-te Ryu. The conditioning of arms by practicing block against block with a partner I already knew from before, but some of the conditioning in Wa-te Ryu did, included repeatedly hitting your shin with the club to get it to "iron shin" to be used to dead stop your opponent kicks. Our sensei in Wa-te Ryu once said "when you are facing an opponent, more than the one that has built a lot of muscles, you have to worry about the one whose tears have left track lines in his face, because the strong one might throw at you punches that are hard enough to stop you, but there is almost nothing you can throw that will ever stop the one who has thoroughly conditioned his body."

[@cyrilharris]

Enjoyed the video. As a former practitioner of Shorin-Ryu Karate, back in the 1970s. I remember a Uechi Ryu school we’d compete against in tournaments. I was very proud of our style and remember thinking how silly their style looked in kata competitions, especially the peculiar breathing technique that accompanied their moves. After watching your video, I realize now how misinformed I was and now I have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for a style I thought was useless. I continue to apply my karate exercises regularly , for health benefits and I’m also very appreciative of values of life I was taught through Master Wongs Shorin-( Matsubayashi) Ryu

[@OccamsRazor76]

My first introduction to karate was as a Uechi-Ryu student in Florida in the 90s. I actually didn't even know there were really other karate styles back then. The last 4 years I have been practicing Shito-Ryu with my children (there are no Uechi-Ryu dojos nearby), and although I still love practicing it and find value in it, I find that it is definitely lacking in the hardcore self-defense aspects that Uechi-Ryu contained. I had never point sparred in my life (it was all free sparring) until now, and katas were definitely not for competition. I feel lucky that I was exposed to Uechi-Ryu first, so that is my "native tongue" in karate so to speak. I still do my iron body conditioning (with a pvc pipe instead of another person) and approach my current training with some of that mindset. Don't mistake me, karate as a whole has so many wonderful benefits outside of self-defense, but when it came down to focusing on quickly incapacitating another person in self-defense, Uechi-Ryu was awesome.

[@joet.6019]

Who did you train with?

[@OccamsRazor76]

@@joet.6019 For Uechi-Ryu it was Frank Gorman in the Tampa Bay Area.

[@joet.6019]

I lived with Frank. He is like a father to me! He is one of the greatest Masters. He is still kicking it in CT living with my uncle!

[@OccamsRazor76]

@@joet.6019 Glad to hear he's doing well. Even though I was only able to train with him for a few years he was a great teacher, and I still use a lot of the concepts I learned from him in my current karate practice.

[@joet.6019]

The five purposes of Sanchin! And, of course, the big three, mind, body, and spirit! He is still an amazing teacher. We call him a walking fortune cookie! I can't find anyone to train with here in Delray Beach. I know some folks on the west coast, but no one near here.

[@JHerrND]

Jesse I have done this style since 1962. I started at Minot AFB. Then in 1964 I was assigned to Kadina AFB Okinawa. Downtown Koza I was able to discover Seiyu Shinjo's dojo and train their. I am now 82 and still do the origrinal three katas,

[@AdobeCADman]

Thank you, Jesse Sensei, for discussing the difference between defensive karate and competitive karate, or the origin of karate.🙂

[@djdeex-mansfreestylemusicm7815]

Another work of art. You my friend got it. 👏🏼

[@france9695]

3:57 Throw down was brutal 4:30 Give and receive. I’m a giver 😂 5:06 Umm ouch 6:23 History of Uechi Ryu. Interesting!!👍🏽

[@Cetok01]

I studied Uechi-ryu back in the '70s for 3 years, until my sensei retired. My sensei was a former (WW2) Marine Raider, who after the war studied from Kambun's son, Kanei. I still do some of the stretching exercises each morning. Good memories.

[@hugogomez765]

Thank you for enlightening me again, Enkamp Sensei. Through this video and the movements of the karatekas that appear in it, for example 3:35, I was able to understand old Kung fu movements that I practiced before Karate and that seemed useless or weak to me, and from what I see they can be lethal. You always give me a new motivation to keep training. Thank you! A goal hug from Argentina!

[@sgoldon3886]

Uechi deriva en gran parte del Kung Fu. Si estás en Baires podés entrenar Uechi con uno de los más grandes Senseis del mundo, el Ingeniero Pablo Turkenich Sensei!

[@GOBRAGH2]

Very interesting! I've read a little about that Uechi-Ryu style in the past, but I never got to see a kata, never met anyone or train with anyone who studied it, and didn't know the history of it so I really appreciate this video.

[@OkurkaBinLadin]

I was guessing Uechi Ryu the moment you mentioned conditioning :D

[@ryanhill7318]

Very interesting! I originally came from a Kyokushin background and now train exclusively in Gojuryu. I really appreciate the Okinawan body conditioning and focus on health and practicality

[@sydmcgrath6420]

To be honest I've been in martial arts for over 35 years and have never even heard of Uechi Ryu. This tells me how little information is still available on true Karate in the world, or at least in certain countries. When I think Karate styles I usually think Kyokushin (the "most violent"), Shotokan (the most "aesthetic", which was my first martial art) and Goju Ryu.. the "most technical" (which I learned in conjunction with a few Chinese Kunggfu styles). Interesting fact: I recently read that Chojun Miyagi the founder of Goju Ryu, who moved to China to study after his Sensei had died, based Goju Ryu on his studies of Baguazhang (the Fist of Eight Trigrams, a highly evasive soft internal style said to be designed to fight 8 people at once). Apparently "Goju Ryu" means "hard and soft style". Knowing both martial arts, I can finally see how this is true and in my opinion this conjuntion makes Karate much more effective than a plain striking hard style (like Kyokushin and others that focus on striking).

[@sgoldon3886]

I’m a Uechi practitioner: You’re right. Note that Goju Ryu is the most similar style to Uechi Ryu and “hard and soft style” is often associated to Uechi Ryu… as well.

[@ncdave4]

Glad to have found this video.. I studied Uechi-Ryu for several years and I've always believed it is the deadliest karate style there is. Our katas are not for show but rather to build up your body, mind, spirit (sanchin). I'm thankful for the progress I made (2nd degree brown) and for my senseis who took the time to train me. Even though I've not practiced for many years, I still retain the confidence to be able to defend myself.

[@mariustresorus942]

That makes me think of Hung Gar kung-fu (body conditionning, few kicks and always low, lot of open hand and grabing, very strong positions).

[@RamonChiNangWong078]

@@shevetlevi2821 I agree with the southern mantis/chu family style, the Phoenix eye fist, the beggar hand are very similar

[@LandonTBrock]

I've been looking for another karate branch to start training to further my knowledge and this just sold me on going ahead with Uechi-ryu as that style. Thanks Jesse.

[@JohnVmc2]

Oh, i recognize this style, we have a cool fantastic version of this in the Art of Fighting videogame series, hehe.

[@arragintdude2027]

Thank you for shining a spotlight on this style. I was lucky enough to train for years at antioch kenyukai shubukan under Alan Dollar Sensei who trained under Seiyu Shinjo and Kiyohide Shinjo in Kadena Okinawa

[@monitor4728]

I like the style I just feel the conditioning of the hands and feet is to extreme for long term practice . Looking at the hands and toes of long term practitioners I was shocked to see how bad the fingers and toes were . They were twisted and gnarled ...sometimes to much of this conditioning can have the opposite effect if you do it for a number of years.

[@HkFinn83]

Yeh I think the hands get calloused, body toughens up etc from just general sparring and training. No need for anything more than that

[@bkirkham]

Uechi Ryu Karate Do Ken Yukai! I studied under Kiyohide Shinjo-Sensei for 4 years in the Honbu Dojo. Great video.

[@jtelevenoyd1571]

I suspected uechi-ryu when you pointed out this style's lack of lack of flashiess and its near-absence from competition. The bit of kata 3:12 - 3:13 convinced me, though, because rightly or wrongly I don't know of any other style that uses the protruding middle knuckle of the index finger like that. The section on body conditioning starting at about 4:09 clinched it. I don't have a background in uechi-ryu at all, but a couple of long-ago co-workers in New England did. It's memorably unique. (I moved around a lot, so my my own background is a 3-way collision of tang soo do, shorin-ryu, and yoshinkan aikido. Never even got within dreaming distance of a black belt in any of them, but each of the three has proven useful in its own way.)

[@ztillusion]

I was searching around the internet for the karate style I used to practice a long time ago, I couldn't really find anything. After watching some of the moves and conditioning they did in this video I remembered doing those exact same moves. I never realized I was taught such an interesting style.

[@aliveoutside248]

These days with so many people actually training to really fight i would go with the run away style karate. No offense but really...

[@billh.1940]

I never lost a fight that I didn't have.

[@zeke1eod]

The intense body conditioning and violence of attacks are very well hidden in the "watered" down "mcdojos" almost lost. Sir have you any knowledge about the snow leopard style that was all offensive moves originally? Thanks for sharing, stay safe, and God bless

[@fadechicobuarque1989]

That add, though. You know what they say. Timing beats speed.

[@chrispucilowski2082]

Uechi Ryu was always about pragmatism not flashy techniques in my view as Uechi Ryu student. Very good for self defense but also for body health. Sanchin sanchin sanchin kata all day and whole night :) Thank you Jesse sensei for this video.

[@Donatellangelo]

Supposing this is true, I would...ahem, like to learn the 'defensive' aspects of it.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Sure, just find a sensei.

[@KarateSensei71]

I recognized it immediately. My best friend is a black belt in this style and I studied it back in the 1970's. I never earned higher than a green belt. Great style for fighting and conditioning.