Uechi-Ryu Karate Hojo-Undo
The Hojo Undo is a codified sequence unique to Uechi-Ryu Karate, created by Kanei Uechi with the pedagogical aim of assisting students in their progression. The techniques practiced in the Hojo Undo are designed to appear later in the basic and advanced katas, making it a foundational training tool.
Examples of Traditional Hojo Undo Techniques:
- Shōmen geri: Front kick
- Sokutō geri: 45° kick
- Seiken zuki: Closed-fist punch
- Mawashi zuki: Circular punch
- Hajiki uke hiraken zuki: Tiger paw block and punch
- Shutō uchi, Uraken uchi, Shōken zuki: Hand edge strike, back-fist punch, and Shoken (one-knuckle) punch
- Hiji zuki: Elbow strikes
- Tenshin zensoku geri: Evasion with a front kick (front leg)
- Tenshin kōsoku geri: Evasion with a front kick (rear leg)
- Tenshin shōken zuki: Evasion with a Shoken punch
- Shōmen hajiki: Finger thrust strike
- Koi no shippo uchi, tate uchi: Vertical carp-tail block
- Koi no shippo uchi, yoko uchi: Lateral carp-tail block
The Hojo Undo is an essential part of the Uechi-Ryu curriculum, allowing practitioners to build strength, precision, and an understanding of the applications found in katas.
Traditional Training
In most traditional dojos, training sessions typically begin with Junbi Undo (warm-up exercises), followed by Hojo Undo practice. Afterward, the focus shifts to the practice of Katas and Kumite.
This structured approach ensures that practitioners are properly prepared physically, while progressively building skills through foundational techniques before advancing to forms and sparring applications.
