Kanei Uechi

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:27 am

Kanei Uechi is seldom talked about the forums.
I too am fascinated by the exciting journey to China Kanbun made.
Going out to the forest to fight Tigers.
Being attacked by men behind bushes.
beating back wolves with his bo staff.
Being able to walk across teacups.
These are just a few stories I have read about him.

But look at his son Kanei.
Amazing man as well.

Able to forgive his enemies the Americans, who 10 years prior had destroyed something like 90% of his island. He then allowed his greatest treasure to be taught to them.
Saw to the modernization of the system with Gi's and the Dan rank system.
Saw and promoted the spread of the art around the world.
Somehow kept everyone together in one organization even though there were some senior to him. (really amazing)
Allowed sport Karate and developed the first Uechi tournaments.
I wonder if they argued about rules back then? Probably.
But his events seem to have been well contested by most if not all schools.
Seems to have been well respected by teachers outside his own system.
Wrote a book about the system which could turn out to be the "rosetta stone" some day, in helping us understand the system better.
I've never heard he had anything negative to say about anyone.
Never received a 10th Dan during his life which I respect. Or claimed his own rank that I know of. Don't think he cared about rank. I don't think this is why people respected him.

I've never read of him ever using his art to defend himself.

He is therefore unbeaten.

wish I'd known him.
A great man of budo.

F.

For those of you who did meet him. Please share your thoughts and recollections.

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:33 am

Excellent post Fred.

I think it was in Allan Dollar's book where I read that Kanei Uechi was in the process of being trained for Kamikaze duty before the war ended. Thank God he never had to fly a mission!

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:30 pm

Uechi Kanei lived during a fascinating time of reconstruction and transition for Okinawa from the remants of a feudal society to a modern industrial and service economy that initially developed under occupation.

Every single account I have heard of the man from every single person who met him has included the word "kind." Obviously a fierce martial artist, obviously a visionary who wished to promote an art close to his heart. And in the face of all his experiences - he remained, kind.

His life definitely honors those who came before him and his actions will serve generations of us who follow.

GIESECK · Post by **GIESECK** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:12 pm

If I am not mistaken Kanei sensei recieved his 10th dan in 1977 from Zen Okinawa and later from Zen Nippon. He was alive for both. The only time he wore his red belt was at the ceremony of his promotion. (according to Uechi Hirosada, his nephew)

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:18 pm

Hi Mike,

Hope you're doing well. Our workout in your dojo is one of my fondest memories of Uechi. Especially that longtime "brown" belt that kept asking me to kick his belly with a roundhouse toe kick. A very humbling experience for me.

My best to you and your family.

Do you happen to know if/when Uechi Kanei approach the Zen Nippon to formalize Uechi as as system? My understanding was at some point all the Ryu-Ha had to approach the Zen Nippon (Budokukai) to get their system listed on the "official" list of recognized styles.

cheers,
Dana

GIESECK · Post by **GIESECK** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:41 pm

Hey Dana,

Great to hear from you as always. You are welcome at Nago anytime! btw he is still a brown belt. lol nothing changes much in okinawa.

I do not know the answer off the top of my head, but I would be happy to find out and shoot you an answer.

Take Care,
Mike

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:46 pm

My one and only memory of Uechi Kanei is when he spent a week on Thompson's Island as part of George's "25th Anniversary Celebration" (circa 1984). I had a very nice picture taken with him under the shade outdoors, where he was quietly watching the weeklong activities.

I also remember an evening where the Okinawans were brought to one of the auditoriums on the island where we were having our evening get-togethers. One of my brown belt students, Kathryn Ballenger, led Uechi Sensei by the hand to that auditorium. It was such a striking picture - like a beautiful daughter lovingly leading her grandfather - that the Uechi family member there were scrambling around them attempting to get photos. Later I got to hear his brother Kansei (I believe) and others playing traditional instruments and singing.

My other distinct memory of that week was realizing how sad I felt that I missed out on the best years of Sensei's life.

- Bill

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:58 pm

Bill,
I remember missing out on that weekend.
My instructor told me it was only for Black belt teachers.
Which of course I found out later was untrue.

I consider it to be one of the total losses of my life. Politics as usual.

I also was speaking recently with a retired policeman and Uechika who "borrowed" some police cars to escort Sensei Kanei out of the airport.
Said he got in real hot water, but would do it again tomorrow.

F.

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:45 pm

My instructor told me it was only for Black belt teachers.
Which of course I found out later was untrue.

What a shame Fred

There are few things worth holding a grudge over, but I'd be tempted to hold one over that.

nosib · Post by **nosib** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:47 am

The first time I had the emence pleasure and good fortune to meet master Uechi was at the Kalamazoo dojo of Allen Horton in the summer of 1967. Master Uechi and Mr.Tomoyose stopped there for a few days on their way home from visiting George and the Boston contingent. "Tommy" was Al's teacher for a couple of years '59 - '61 during Al's tour on Okinawa as a marine. It was the first time with bona fide Okinawan Uechi guys and one of them was"THE UECHI GUY!"First impression --these are small people.
We had a couple of workouts (special) for just a few of us higher ranking students -green and brown belts--for as the dojo was only a year and a half old at the time. Individual sanchin and rank kata....I was in karate heaven!
At the end of their visit we had a public demonstration at the fair grounds and master Uechi performed sanseiryu. During the afternoon practice for the demo master Uechi kept making a mistake during the same part of the kata and Tommy would stop him and give him a good ribbing - they would laugh and Master Uechi would start over(geez,they were human!).
January -feb. '82 I made my (obligatory,if your a serious Uechi guy) trip to Okinawa. BY the time I arrived at the Fetuma Dojo the evening class was half over. I guess I appeared somewhat tired as Master Uechi said "you sleep now,you sleep!" and proceeded to pick up my two suitcases and head off down the hill to the hotel behind the dojo. What a sight-etched in my brain forever- that little man (suitcases high as his hip) the all mighty,higest,mucky muck of Uechi,the man himself...the MASTER!!!! carrying my bags!! What The???
For many of the afternoon classes I was the only student! There were a few classes where a couple of other individuals would show up. There were many hours of one on one during my stay...what a treat! all that personal attention...another week or two and I'am sure I could have had his sanchin straightened out!!!!!!!! he he.
The last time being with the man was at the Thompson Island doings in '84. He was a gentle man quick with a smile and I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to spend the I did with him. He is missed.

Mills75 · Post by **Mills75** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:10 am

What a really fabulous time that must have been and thanks for sharing that Nosib. It's great when younger students like myself get to hear those kinds of things especially a man so humble as to carry his students bags to welcome him and make him feel at home.I here stories all the time about the humility the Okinawan seniors display and I think it's great and to be admired. I picture Toyama sensei working on his farm and all the other masters just doing ordinary things that they take great pride in and it's nice to know that. Great men with much humility and nobility for certain. Something to aspire to for us younger guys. Thanks

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:23 pm

Thanks Nosib.

Great stuff. Helps to understand the man. What a memorable time.
F.

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:37 pm

Wonderful, wonderful!

More stories please?

***sitting perched on the edge of her chair with wide eyes and open ears so as not to miss a word***

Kanei Uechi

Kanei Uechi

Wow