The Significance and Importance of a Seminar Presented by the Headquarters Dojo

The conduct of a teacher is transmitted to those who are learning, whatever the traditional performing art.  The same is true for the instruction and practice of karatedo.

 It is heartwarming to see the spread of Uechi-ryu Karatedo around the globe.  However, a divergent set of values may become propagated related to the conduct and the sensitivity of the teacher.  In the end, the learner can become misguided. 

 Shotokan-ryu, which has been passed down from Gichin Funakoshi, is an example of the complete divergence that has developed.  It can be said with certainty that Uechi-ryu also diverged from its roots when those who spread it widely did so in name only.  Uechi-ryu, which was passed down by Kanbun Uechi, differs greatly from other styles because of its clearly established family line.  It goes without saying that faithfully following that lineage is an important mission that gives great significance to the existence of the Headquarters Dojo for the faithful preservation and direct transmission of Uechi-ryu.

 Like science that reaches new understandings through the accumulation of multiple experiments and then puts forth a fresh theory, kata came before theory in karatedo.  In a practice of trial and error over thousands of years of repetitive physical motions, kata arose as effective training for the mind and body, and then theories were developed and brought into the present day.  Like science, karatedo did not begin with theory; it developed theories through accumulated training of the body.  In short, it is important to be aware of what you are experiencing. 

             A famous sword is evaluated by the number of times it has been hammered in the forging process.  Uechi-ryu Karatedo, which has been tempered by training, bears a strong resemblance to the process by which a famous sword is produced.  Swords that have not been hammered, or imitation swords, break easily because they are brittle.  A sword heated and hammered repeatedly having its impurities removed will bend flexibly but not break. 

 

                                                                                    Kanmei Uechi
                                                                                    Grand Master                                                                                     Uechi-ryu Karatedo
                                                                                    Okinawa, Japan

Translation: 
Jon D. Mills, Uechi-ryu Karatedo, Godan
Harvard University Asia Center, Manager