The Institute

Within Oryukai (欧琉会),community of practice, you can get an exclusive access to the Uechi-Ryu Kenkyujo ( Uechi-Ryu Institute).
This on-line program is mainly focusing on teaching the karate of Kanei uechi Sensei and Tomoyose Ryuko sensei.

Uechi-Ryu Kenkyujo

The Institute (Kenkyujo) learning program is based on the traditional Uechi-Ryu training system (10 Kyu system) as practiced in Okinawan schools and recognized by the International Uechi-Ryu Karate Federation.
Through this program, you will learn all the katas as well as the Kyu and Dan Kumite (also called Yakusoku Kumite).

For practitioners interested in the history of the style, you will also have the opportunity to learn the original forms of the katas and additional katas such as Suparenpei.

The Program

Uechi-Ryu Kenkyujo offers various types of classes:

• Online lessons via the platform.
• Individual video sessions.
• Group online classes.
• In-person group lessons.
• Personalized individual lessons.

For practitioners far from the Toulouse region, the best formula we recommend is access to the platform combined with video lessons (both group and individual) for regular follow-up.

For those closer to the Toulouse region, it is also possible to attend private lessons and join the classes taught in Toulouse by our Sensei.

Notably, the combination of distance learning and platform access has proven effective in terms of progression. Since the launch of the online program, we have welcomed practitioners from numerous countries across three different continents.

Educational Content of the Platform: Karate, History, Japanese

The learning platform includes over 300 instructional videos ranging from white belt to third-degree black belt. The learning levels before black belt are called Kyu, and there are 10 levels before reaching black belt.

The learning platform contains over 250 instructional videos, covering levels from white belt to third-degree black belt.

The learning levels prior to the black belt are called Kyu, and there are 10 levels to progress through before achieving the black belt.

In addition to the technical content, you will also have access to:

• Historical videos
• Japanese language introduction lessons
• Exclusive content released every two weeks

All video lessons are available in French and English.

Specific Training Blocks

Specific training blocks are also available for practitioners wishing to deepen their knowledge and practice.

The 3 Levels of Practice

The Uechi-Ryu system is based on eight katas, which may seem fewer compared to other styles (e.g., Shotokan has about 30). However, for these eight katas, we have three levels of practice, allowing practitioners to work with different dynamics based on their level.

‘The Old Way’

A special training cycle has been created to better understand the original methods of training in Okinawa, referred to as The Old Way by Americans.
This approach combines the teaching methods passed down by Ryuko Tomoyose (a student of Kanei Uechi) and transmitted to George Mattson.

‘Yakusoku Kumite’

Essential application exercises, Kumite help practitioners better grasp techniques and two-person training.

In traditional Uechi-Ryu, there are two types of Kumite:

Dan Kumite: Required for obtaining the first Dan (black belt) and higher ranks.

Kyu Kumite: Practiced until achieving a brown belt.

‘YinYang’/Inyo

Understanding the application of Yin/Yang in techniques
The concept of Yin/Yang, or In/Yō in Japanese, is not merely esoteric—it has significant practical applications in Karate, particularly in Uechi-Ryu. This principle can enhance your understanding of balance, power dynamics, and the flow of techniques.

‘The Ancient Katas’

For practitioners eager to explore the history and evolution of their style, this module provides access to original techniques and the forms of the old katas, such as the two versions of Furui Seisan and Daini Seisan.

‘Suparempei Swinimer‘

Despite the controversies among purists—and while it is clear that this kata is not part of traditional Uechi-Ryu—students have the option to learn Swinimer’s version of Suparenpei if they wish. This kata is now included in the American IUKF curriculum for practitioners outside of mainland France, offering a valuable addition to their repertoire.