Check out these awesome pictures of IUKF’s Cuba promotions and workouts! Cheers to our Cuban Uechi Family and all of their hard work. Congratulations to all.
Updates from IUKF Cuba
Fun Photos from Winterfest 2022
Here are a few fun photos from Winterfest 2022 (more to come!)
As a reminder, everyone is invited to join next year and every year going forward.
For more information about the next Winterfest, please inquire with Darin Yee.
P.s. Don’t need to smoke a cigar! Just join us for some great conversation before dinner with Sensei Mattson.
The IUKF in Cuba!
The IUKF is proud to announce that we are now represented by incredible practitioners in Cuba! Read on to see pictures!
This picture is from a martial arts festival in Cuba. All the different recognized styles and teachers were present, including Uechi-Ryu. Uechi-Ryu is now an official recognize style in Cuba!
We would like to recognize Noslen M. Torres, who is the IUKF’s Cuban authority for Uechi-Ryu.
A small demonstration in the Antonio Maceo Park, Cuba.
Una pequeña demostración en el Parque Antonio Maceo, Cuba.
Sensei Jorge Félix is the representative of Kokusai Shinzen Ryu Tai Jutsu Kyokai for Cuba.
Sensei Jorge Félix Representante de la Kokusai Shinzen Ryu Tai Jutsu Kyokai para Cuba.
Sensei Eddy Joaquín is the representative for Cuba for Ryuei Ryu Karate Kobudo; he is a direct student of Master Tsuguo Sakumoto.
Sensei Eddy Joaquín representante para Cuba de la Ryuei Ryu Karate Kobudo, estudiante directo del maestro Tsuguo Sakumoto.
Gregorio Emilio Morales is the representative for Cuba for Muso Shinden Ryu. Picture features Iaido, Jorge, and Félix.
Gregorio Emilio Morales representante para Cuba de la Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido y Jorge Félix.
Shihan Nubia Bregado is the teacher of Shotokan Karate and Naginata. He is the President of the National Association of Martial Arts.
Shihan Nubia Bregado, maestra de Shotokan Karate y de Naginata. Presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Artes Marciales.
Master Roberto Vargas Lee.
Maestro Roberto Vargas Lee.
Sensei Darin Yee – Online Workouts
Hello All,
I hope all is well with everyone and you are practicing good health habits. I thank all the support I am receiving from everyone for my promotion.
I wanted to announce that I am coming back online to teach beginning on April 11 until I need to stop again for a torn bicep operation followed by a shoulder rotator cuff operation. Hopefully, these operations will allow me an acceptable degree of normalcy.
Uechi-Ryu Online Workouts:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Click on this tab below
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/944384045
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Type in the access code where asked:
Access Code: 944-384-045
Thank You from IUKF President on New Rank!
I have been receiving many congratulatory messages and well wishes from friends and associates worldwide, and I am thankful and humbled by their comments and acceptance. I realized long ago, you are only who others believe you to be. As we all know, there are always people who will preach their messages of discontent and hate for whatever reason. I am so happy that the hundreds heavily outweigh the few.
There are many Uechi-Ryu organizations I could have turned to for advancement. I am so proud to have been honored by the IUKF, being acknowledged and promoted by Sensei George Mattson, the pioneer of Uechi-Ryu in the Americas, north and south. I am not implying that Sensei Mattson is the only person in this country to have studied and trained in Okinawa, but Sensei Mattson was the very first to bring Uechi-Ryu to light, starting in the northeastern region of the United States of America. Evident in the congregation of Uechi-Ryu dojos in the New England States and Canada.
As I realize this promotion demonstrates the pinnacle of our ranking system, this does not mean there is nothing else to learn. Martial arts are so vast, and Uechi-Ryu is so complicated and diverse that there is enough room for advancement and improvements for two lifetimes. I promise I will continue to train, study and learn from all sources until I am unable.
Martial Arts have been my passion since I was 7 years old. Throughout these many years, I have accumulated much knowledge. Some useful and some not so much.
However, as the president of the IUKF, I have committed to sharing all the information I have gathered. As senseis, we must realize that should be our desire. To be more direct, that should be our objective.
I do not use the word “teach,” as this might indicate that my path is imminent. I will always say that I am “sharing,” which gives everyone the option to receive or politely pass.
This promotion does not place me above anyone. Anyone who feels their rank means superiority in any shape or form has been walking the wrong path. We are all brothers and sisters heading in the same direction. Due to the extra time I’ve started my journey puts me a few steps ahead. Nothing more and nothing less.
I look forward to the day when those whom I walk in front will be leading me with strength, honor, and respect.
Darin Yee
President-IUKF
Judan-Hanshi