About Rank & Promotions

Current As Of 2021

1. Code of Conduct relating to promotions:
2. Promotion Strategy:
3. Dan Kumite Options:

1. Code of Conduct relating to promotions:

Purpose

To insure that all members of the International United Karate Federation are fully aware of their individual responsibilities, to provide guidance in helping members maintain integrity within their dojo, organization and community.

Code of Conduct

AS A MARTIAL ARTIST, my fundamental duty is to develop myself physically, mentally and spiritually; to keep my body honed and fit; to keep my mind strong and virtuous, and to keep my spirit commended to the time honored principles of the warrior ethos.

I WILL maintain my martial arts training to the best of my ability as an example to all; I will maintain courage in the face of adversity, threat or harm; develop self-control; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.  I will display integrity in my decisions, actions and behaviors; I will be exemplary in obeying the rules and regulations of my association.

I OWE A DUTY to others as a practitioner and teacher of the martial arts. I will impart my professional teachings unbiased by personal feelings, prejudices and animosities. I will treat all people with due respect and never act officious or predacious. My professional decisions will be well-reasoned and objective, never given way to personal motives, biases or feelings.  I will not compromise my teachings or the teachings of those who have come before me as I recognize that I am the product of an honorable and respected lineage. I will represent the highest ideals of the martial arts and never employ unnecessary force or violence towards any person.

I RECOGNIZE my rank as a symbol of my commitment to my chosen art and I accept it as a responsibility to myself and others to be honored so long as I am true to the ethics of the martial arts.  I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals and I dedicate myself to this worthy lifelong ambition so long as I am able.

2. Promotion Strategy

IUKF will not engage in speculation regarding the original or “true” way of Uechi-ryu. The membership must agree to approach the study of Uechi-ryu as a mix of art, sport and science. The mix or blend of this formula exists within the individual and not the organization. Teachers are responsible for becoming certified regarding the physical transmission of the art and for passing along their specific interpretation of the formula for Uechi-ryu. IUKF encourages teachers to maintain a well balanced approach to presenting the art to new students, up to the rank of Shodan. IUKF calls this the “compulsory” phase of the student’s training.

At the higher levels of Uechi training, the teacher and student develops a more individual approach and focus to the student’s program. This involves the specialization and direction the student’s training will take. Maintaining this balanced approach for new students while teaching a varied and enriched specialization for advanced students is a very difficult job and one that IUKF will attempt to help teachers achieve.

3. Dan Kumite Options (Effective Jan, 2009)

Any individual dojo may substitute a prearranged kumite for Dan Kumite for IUKF testing. If the substitute is being exercised, the Reginal Test Administrator must receive a film demonstrating the optional kumite at least two months in advance of the test for approval.

This new kumite is then the one established for that individual dojo. This kumite must be performed by all subsequent dan test candidates.

Any Dan Kumite substitution must demonstrate all of the following for the purposes of the test:

  1. Attacking moves (punches and kicks) must be demonstrated and executed at full speed and power.
  2. Defence moves must demonstrate clarity of technique.
  3. The exchange of attack and defence moves must flow without appearing overly staged and be a balanced demonstration of both roles.
  4. Timing, distancing, and effectiveness of technique must be integral to the structure of the kumite.
  5. The optional kumite must demonstrate the fundamentals of stance and the body mechanics characteristic of Uechi-ryu.
  6. All moves must flow from calmness of mind and clear intent.
  7. Karate spirit must be demonstrated.
  8. The optional kumite must approximate the same length as the Dan Kumit.