The IUKF was excited to receive a message from Sensei Paul Kronschnabl, a Renshi Rokudan from Germany. We have shared his message below:
We are proud to share with the IUKF community that we have been back in my dojos, Regensburg and Pettendorf, for three weeks after the lockdown was released.
After a month without contact, it is not as smooth as it should be, and we certainly need more practice in sparring and grappling. Fortunately, everything is going well so far, and I am incredibly pleased that no one quit in the lockdown time.
The sensei of a Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate Dojo asked for a workout with my students and me, so his students can learn something about Uechi-Ryu. I am so happy that we can work out together in a couple of weeks and learn from each other. I am personally excited to learn some block techniques and Karate-ka that I do not yet know.
We look forward to what the future will continue to bring to us and the Uechi-Ryu community!
We are excited to announce that the IUKF will provide the Shihans (head instructors) of all IUKF-member dojos in good standing with an autographed copy of the Black Belt Test Guide by Sensei George Mattson as a gift from the organization.
We would like to note that while the IUKF will continue to use the Black Belt Test Guide, but there are some concepts that may require updating and further clarification. Among those issues include time in grade. Any updates on the IUKF website will supersede the published paperback Black Belt Test Guide.
I want to state that everyone has a “letter of the law” to follow. However, honorable people live by the “spirit of the law.” I understand some of the writings can be ambiguous, allowing those who’ll manipulate the system to find alternative translations.
Trying not to be too ostentatious, the IUKF will not accept anything less than “the spirit” in connection with Sensei Mattson’s writings.
I am defining the meaning of several phrases found in Sensei Mattson’s Black Belt Test Guild. Please be informed the IUKF will consider all factors in regards to our master rank promotions.
Found in the RANK REQUIREMENT SUMMARY CHART
Years in Grade:
This phrase does not mean simple chronological passing years. The spirit of this term means years of honest, continuous, consistent, dedicated workouts.
We advance in grade due to the maturity and continuous improvement of our art through training on the dojo floor.
The IUKF is now informing everyone, the phrase “years in grade” will be defined as “years in grade training.” All training must be verified by the “home dojo” and applications for advancements must be received from the Shihan of your dojo. If you do not have a home dojo, please contact me, and I will help offer you suggestions.
Minimum Years and Average Years:
Sensei Mattson’s suggested time in training is for Senseis to follow. This does not mean you can quit training and show up with the recommended time looking for a promotion. That is the primary reason the IUKF no longer accepts applications from ronans. All applications must come from an IUKF dojo in good standing.
The IUKF also suggests dojos and Shihans understand and consider why Sensei George Mattson published the “minimum time and average time.”
Students who come to class 3 to 5 times a week exhibit an exceptional desire to learn and excel in the art. For example, this student will accumulate over 150 workouts in 1 year or 750 workouts in the 5-year minimum time frame.
Students attending classes 2 times a week would be considered “average.” Calculating 50 weeks in a lunar year, 2 workouts a week would equate to 100 workouts credited to each year. If we multiply these 100 workouts a year, times 5 years, we would only total 500 workouts. Hardly seem fair or acceptable in comparison to 750 from exceptional students, does it?
The IUKF’s position on these minimum and average years will include suggested workouts. All relevant years must consist of 100 adequate workouts each year. For example, an average student at 2 times a week will accumulate 100 workout hours in 1 workout year. Therefore, the sensei should recommend this student for advancement with not only the suggested years but verify the workout hours.
Please note the IUKF will maintain respect for our honored ranking system and request all dojos to follow these guidelines as published in Sensei Mattson’s Black Belt Test Guild. Ranking should not be a self-serving right but an honor bestowed to you by your peers to recognize your effort and accomplishments.
Also, note there are financial advantages in honoring the IUKF guild lines along with presenting a more mature student.
Thank you for your understanding and respect for your art.
A healthy hello to all our IUKF members, dojos, and Uechi-Ryu students. I thank you for your dedication to the advancement of Uechi-Ryu during these trying times and your commitment to a respectable organization where we can all be proud to wear an IUKF black belt.
As a supportive organization, the IUKF has been running an online workout for all our Uechi-Ryu communities for many months now. People from all over the world are gathering twice a week to perform and practice their katas to keep them fresh in our minds. This way, when this pandemic is over, we can all return to our respective dojos without missing a step.
The IUKF is here for all Uechi-Ryu practitioners, so there are absolutely no charges nor demands. We simply meet together online to enjoy each other’s company while staying healthy and maintaining our Uechi-Ryu training. Please contact me, and I will add you on to my list of people to send workout information.
Also, be informed, the IUKF Senior Board, in recognition of the financial difficulties we now face, has determined to return all dojo contributions. After we’ve made final assessments of which contributions are from dojos and not promotion applications. I will send a check in the amount you’ve paid and mail it to you.
Thank you for being loyal IUKF members and faithful Uechi-Ryu practitioners.
Winterfest was a smashing success this year, we all had a fantastic time learning and interacting with Uechi practitioners from all over. We also had the great pleasure of Janet Okazaki taking photos throughout the seminar! Here are some of them for you to enjoy!
At Winterfest, we learned!
We practiced!
We laughed!
AND We did weapons!
We are all excited to see what next year brings! We hope that you will join us!
