My Uechi Ryu Lineage
My Kyusho Lineage
SPARRING
In Uechi Ryu the students are prepared, as in many other styles, for combat. Uechi Ryu contains four prearranged sparring routines, Kumite 1, Kyu kumite, Dan Kumite (10 point) and Jiju Kumite. All of the kumite require the student to target effectively.
Kumite 1 is used to get the students used to throwing techniques at each other. This may be the first time that a student has had a chance to block and counter attacks during his training. It is performed at a moderate speed and in a straight line. Kumite 1 is required for 8th Kyu grade.
Kyu Kumite is used to teach the students distance and additional combination work. Students are expected to perform this routine quite quickly. It should be performed with good concentration and with sharp techniques. During the movement of Kyu Kumite students are taught to move to the side and turn in half stances.
Dan Kumite is used in all of the dan gradings. It is very flexible with a variety of combinations. Dan kumite takes on a circular motion. If performed correctly an onlooker may find it difficult to see if it is prearranged or free style. During Dan Kumite students are expected to move through different stances and combinations.
Jiju Kumite is free style sparring. Kyusho Uechi Ryu consists of three types of free sparring, competition, continuous and kata kumite.
Competition sparring uses the WUKO sparring. It requires the competitor to be flexible and to move around the mat easily. It is sport sparring. However, in order to reach the heights of Wayne Otto and Terry Daly you need to practice many hours and show a great deal of commitment both in time and effort. It is a points system. Terry Daly once told me that the mind set is not to lose the points and counter effectively, an art form perfected by both Terry and his student Wayne.
Continuous is the total opposite to the competition sparring. The bout is never stopped and point are accumulated. It requires a different type of stamina and endurance. Conditioning places a strong part. Accepting techniques in order to deliver the strike that will stop your opponent is more the format in this type of sparring.
Kata Kumite is performed slowly. Kata means form. It is continuous in manner but the emphasis is based around form. it helps balance and concentration.