• The Student and The Master
• Our Tree of Uechi-Ryu
• My Personal Uechi-Ryu
The Student and The Master
To the reader, please do not make any more of this than a student’s inquisition for knowledge and understanding.
I have been a student of martial arts for over 47 years. In 1988, I was honored with “master” status by the Government in Southern China. Although Hung-Gar was my major influence, I’ve also studied other systems such as Choy-Li-Fut, Southern Mantis, Tai-Chi and many more which have affected my outlook and understanding of Uechi-Ryu.
I’ve also realize I’ve been a student of martial arts many more years then some of my teachers. My Mantis teacher has been studying for 22 years. I was learning the Drunken Sticks from another master with 17 years of total training.
To some, that may be an issue. I was honored these gentlemen took the time to make sure a foreigner like myself got a chance to study authentic Chinese Kung-Fu the way it was meant to be taught from the land of it’s origins.
As in many cultures, we are taught from the very beginning to honor and respect all who preceded us. We should always thank and appreciate anyone and everyone who has contributed to our knowledge and skills.
Does this mean we should not or can not exceed our teachers? Does our respect for one now become our hurdle or road block? Are we limited to never exceed our teachers? Will our curiosity for more knowledge offend the very people who helped pave our roads? Should we stop training when we notice our skills being heighten to a level rivaling that of our masters?
To me, the answer is simple. I need not ponder on the issue of any of my student exceeding me for that is my wish. If any of my students should exceed me in knowledge and understanding then I have done my job well.
Our students are our seeds to the future of our art. From the strong roots which we have provided, they should flourish with larger trunks, longer and stronger branches and greener leaves. They become who they are because of our encouragement and their hard work. We as teachers, only provide the materials and the tools. They will honor us as we honor Master Kani and Kanbun Uechi.
If our intentions are that no one is allowed to sit with the master and this is the teachings to our students, then this art, with each generation, will certainly be doomed to be diminished and will fade from existence. My hopes are that my students learn all I have to offer and with proper training, add and compile to our collective teachings.
I have been to many dojos where students are told “this is how” a technique is used instead of “this” being one of the options. We are all individuals. We all have our assets and short comings. To train and teach students to be exactly like oneself is something I would never do. My encouragement is for them to become who they really are and be the best that they could be.
Our Tree of Uechi-Ryu
As students of this particular martial art, we are all connected to the tree of Uechi-Ryu. This is a huge, thick tree rooted to our proud origin as Pan Gai Noon. The original tree was first grown in China. Kanbun was the person who brought the seed to Okinawa. George Mattson was the one who planted the Okinawa seed here in North America.
In the progression of our tree, we as sensei are the branches connected to the tree of Uechi-Ryu. Our many branches of the tree grow strong and sturdy. We are able to hold tremendous weight and fend off mighty winds. We stand fearless through merciless storms. When all is said and done, our tree is still here standing proudly with all our branches together in the warm loving sun.
Our students are our leafs. Some may come and some may go. Those who stay will draw from the big, strong branches that draw from the stock, our tree of Uechi-Ryu, who draws from our strong roots of Pan Gai Noon. Some day, these leafs will grow into branches and bear their own leafs.
Together, our tree will continue to grow stronger in our own direction. We stand second to no one because we are deeply rooted and we can rely on the support of other branches connected to our tree. Yet we must stay connected to enjoy the benefits of the entire tree.
If evil, ill winds break off a branch as it sometimes does, we must work diligently to reconnect. If we are unsuccessful, this separated branch may begin a new, slow growth. On many occasions, this broken branch will grow deformed and unrecognizable. In the worst case scenario, this branch will not be able to re-root and will be washed away by the cruel competitive world.
We should all realize as different branches, we will not all look the same or reach in the same direction. We will not have the same amount of leafs. Regardless of our differences, we are all connected to the tree of Uechi-Ryu. Together, we are sturdy and strong on the path on Bushido.
My Personal Uechi-Ryu
For many years, I have been studying southern style kung fu in southern china especially around the Fujhou Providence. The concentration was on styles which contain movements similar to those which we practice in our Uechi-Ryu.
As a result, I’ve found our movements in almost every major system practiced in southern china. Most if not all our Uechi-Ryu movements are contained in the original, authentic hung gar style whose master form is the “Tiger – Crane double image”. Although the movements are not performed with the same insight which we are taught, they are all done in the same motion and taught the exact way which they are to be used. There is very little room for various, individual interpitations.
I know there are people who think my practice of Uechi-Ryu resemble kung fu and not the Uechi-Ryu karate everyone else has practiced their entire martial art life. I do not disagree. My practice of Uechi-Ryu does very much shout “kung-fu”. After 50 years of kung fu and 40 years of Uechi-Ryu, my practice of the martial arts has to reflect my life’s studies. After all, where did Kanbun Uechi study? Was it not kung fu in southern China?
As to the knowledge to our movements, I’ve studied several systems which contained our movements and endorse each and every concept. There is no incorrect usage of movements just how each fits us as individuals. On the other hand, we must not dismiss movements which we do not use as an individual, they may be a better fit for our students.
Due to the lack of interest for debates, I refrain from teaching that which I’ve gathered in my life of studies. Now that mortality became an issue due to my age, I feel I need to share that which I’ve accumulated these past 50 years.
God willing, I will be attending George’s “Winter Feast and Summer Camp”. There is so much to transfer and these events are so short.
At this time, there are some whom has arranged to work out with me one day a week. I am demonstrating our Uechi-Ryu movement and the matching kung fu movements with its purpose. I will also incite you to think about these movements and further understand them as well as understanding yourself. After all, we do not work to fit the art. We work the art to fit us as individuals.
