Albuquerque, NM
Uechi-ryu Karate Do

Southern Chinese/Okinawan Unarmed Self-Defense
Taught traditionally in Albuquerque since 1983

Uechi-ryu has its origins in India, then to Southern China, on to Okinawa, and to the USA.

Kanbun Uechi traveled to Fuchou China in 1897 to study a superior art of fighting regarded at the time as Pangainoon (half-hard half-soft). He learned three defining forms, Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu, along with fighting and conditioning under the teacher Shu Shi Wa. The style was adopted by the Okinawans and renamed Uechi-ryu after Kanbun’s death in 1948. His son Kanei Uechi added kumite (fighting drills) & bunkai (application of the techiques in the form), along with five intermediate katas. Kanei taught many students in Futima, Okinawa including the first American George Mattson in 1958, who became the father of Uechi-ryu in North America. The style or system has become known worldwide for its effective open hand techniques and unique blend of circular and straight movements with hard and soft applications. The movements are taken from the fast power of the tiger, the precise balance of the crane, and the rooted stance and stepping of the dragon. When combined with circular breathing the forms become a moving meditation.

The Albuquerque Dojo is operated by Steve Vosa who began training in 1971 under George Mattson and Robert Campbell in Boston, MA. Steve worked with top Okinawan teachers Yonamine, Nakumatsu, Shinjo, and Takimiagi in 1974, and met Kanei Uechi and Ryuko Tomoyose in 1984. Steve has been teaching since 1983. See the lineage chart for a simplified historical overview. More historical information is available on request.

• First lesson is Free.

• Classes are mixed ranks with individual attention. 

• Tuition is $65 per month (no contracts).

• For most current class schedule call or email.

Member: Uechi-ryu International Karate Association
USA, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Japan, England, France, Philipines, South Korea, Thailand,
Scotland, Canada, and Costa Rica.

Uechi-ryu Karate Do  •  Steve Vosa: (505) 227-5147 • Uechiryu.NM@gmail.com
10500 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112