Membership
Certificates
Dan Certificates
Teacher Certification
Master Titles
  • How do I join the IUKF?
    The IUKF does not accept individual memberships; only dojo memberships are accepted. If you are a dojo owner and want to join the IUKF, send an email to Dan Maestas, the IUKF Dojo Administrator. iukfdojodirector@outlook.com.
  • What if I am not a dojo owner, but wish to join the IUKF to continue my Uechi-Ryu study?
    As stated in FAQ #1, only dojos can become members of the IUKF. Students of an IUKF dojo automatically become “associate members”. To find an IUKF dojo near you, refer to the “Dojo Locations” section of the website. If there is no dojo near you, consider joining an IUKF virtual dojo.
  • What certificates does the IUKF issue?
    The IUKF issues the following certificates: Dan Ranks – Shodan to Judan; Teacher certifications – Shidoin, Jun Shihan, and Shihan; and Master Titles – Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi.
  • What is the cost of an IUKF dan-rank, teaching, and master titles certificates?
    Prices are set by the local dojo. Check with your Sensei.
  • Does the IUKF regulate and test all Dan promotions?
    Dan tests for Shodan to Godan are the responsibility of the dojo. The Sensei’s rank must be higher than the rank for which the candidate is testing. If not, then an IUKF Senior with an appropriate rank must lead the test board for the promotion to qualify for an IUKF Dan rank certificate. Additionally, each dojo Sensei sets the minimum age and time-in-grade requirements for their dojo to ensure they meet the IUKF guidelines for each Dan rank promotion. For the master ranks from Rokudan through Judan, the formal IUKF evaluation and testing process must be followed.
  • How is a master dan-rank awarded?
    A candidate must be recommended by their Sensei, who fills out an application in the “Master Rank Candidates” section of the Sensei Portal and pays the certificate fee. Afterwards, they submit videos of the eight kata and eight bunkai for review by the master rank test board. If the candidate’s Sensei is no longer active in Uechi-ryu, please contact Al Wharton for further assistance options. alwharton8@gmail.com
  • What are teacher certifications?
    The teacher certificates—Shidoin, Jun Shihan, and Shihan—are given to practitioners who dedicate time not only to improving their own skills but also to instructing others in Uechi-Ryu. These certificates recognize the growth in teaching abilities, from an apprentice level to an associate instructor, and eventually to a master instructor.
  • Who qualifies to be awarded one of the teacher certifications, and how does it differ from the master titles certificate?
    Individuals interested in teaching Uechi-Ryu should discuss this with their Sensei and develop a plan to begin by assisting the Sensei, leading to a recommendation for certification. Master titles are granted to practitioners ranked at the master level (Rokudan and above) and acknowledge a broader range of achievements and contributions. In contrast, teacher certifications are typically awarded from Shodan to Godan and emphasize the individual’s teaching skills.
  • What is the process for achieving a teacher’s certification?
    There are minimum rank requirements for each certificate. The dojo sensei, or senior teacher, nominates the individual for the certificate and explains the reasons for the award. An application is submitted in the “Certifications and Titles” section of the Sensei portal. For full information, please visit the Teacher Certification page – https://iukf.net/teaching-certifications/.
  • What is a Master’s Title?
    The master titles of Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi are acknowledged not solely for their rank and experience but also for their integrity, leadership, and contributions to Uechi-Ryu karate.
  • How is a master’s title awarded?
    Master titles certificates are not automatically awarded with a rank. Instead, applying for a certificate is a separate evaluation process with different criteria. Generally, a candidate must be nominated, submit a CV or resume, and provide three references. For full information, please visit the Master Titles page – https://iukf.net/master-titles/.
  • Who nominates a candidate for a master’s title?
    A candidate must be nominated by their Sensei. However, if the candidate’s Sensei has passed away or is no longer practicing Uechi-ryu, a higher-ranked senior Uechi-Ryu practitioner from the IUKF can nominate them. The nomination letter must explain why the candidate qualifies for the title. This nomination must be submitted through the Sensei Login Portal on the IUKF website.