Uechi-Ryu Zankai

[emattson]

Article by Mr. Zhou
Sent by Seizan

Uechi-Ryu Zankai: Created by Toyama Seiko, the last active student of Uechi Kanbun after the modernization of Uechi-Ryu in the 1970’s. Toyama practiced what he called the “archaic style” privately, and is said to have retained many techniques not found in the kata. He kept a very low profile as the style was doubted by the modern generation, but after Uechi Kanei’s death in the 90's he began practicing openly. In 1998, his training hall had only one student left, and he was about to close down, but he was visited by an American, Gordon Breyette, whom he later named Seizan. Seizan resides on Okinawa, and is now President and Owner of the Zankai.

Currently, karate has an estimated 14 million members around the world.

On the morning of September 23, 2023, Okinawa Karate Do Uechi-Ryu Zankai Hong Kong Branch Owner Mr. To Kachun, along with Mr. Douglas Tang and Mr. Sun Jingwei, met with members of the Fujian Province Huizhen Hall Tiger Fist Club to hold profound discussions regarding traditional martial arts, the sources of Tiger Fist, the flow of their martial art inheritance, and development of the art’s direction. At the meeting, Professor Sun Chongxiong recalled that in March 1983, representatives of the Uechi-Ryu Karate Association came to Fuzhou for a friendly visit, and in that year Zhou Zihe and Tiger Fist martial arts cultural study group experts conducted much research on behalf of those guests. Dr. Li from Fujian Normal University gave a detailed introduction of Okinawa and Fuzhou traditional culture. Tiger Fist Club President Zhou Zhihui made a detailed introduction to the attendees, and addressed the guests’ various matters and questions raised regarding Zhou Zihe and his hometown.

In the afternoon, representatives from both sides practiced and exchanged martial arts routines. President Zhou Zhihui also presented the guests with two books, "Tiger Fist" and "Swinging Jianghu Road" (also known as “Paving the Hero’s Road”).

A group photo was taken after the exchange. Mr. To of the Hong Kong Branch of Uechi-Ryu Zankai was highly satisfied with the exchange and expressed his hope for more frequent contacts and exchanges in the future.

The next day Mr. Tang and Mr. Sun went to Zhitian Vil-lage, visiting Zhou Zihe's former residence and tomb. Later at the Headquarters of the Huizhentang Tiger-Shaped Fist Club, President Zhou Zhihui introduced his blueprint for the Fujian Province Huizhentang Tiger Fist Club Headquarters to the guests.

[emattson]

Uechi-Ryu Zankai Hong Kong Branch
Ancestor-Search Trip to Fuzhou
September 23, 2023

Introduction by Seizan

A visit to Fuzhou and Zhitian took place in late September 2023, with three Chinese researchers representing the Uechi-Ryu Zankai meeting representatives of both the Zhou Family and the Guo Family kung fu groups. Many critical questions were asked and answered, with novel information previously not publicly stated or shared elsewhere. The Zhou and Guo kung fu associations demonstrated forms and techniques for the Zankai visitors, who in turn demonstrated the Zankai’s archaic-style kata. Both sides were excited to exchange and discover find some similarities in techniques, concept and philosophies, and future exchanges of this nature are hoped-for by all sides.

The following article was written with the authorization and approval of Mr. Zhou Zhi Hui, a fourth generation relative of Zhou Zihe’s Zhou clan. Mr. Zhou Zhi Hui is a Fujian Nanyu County Zhitian Village native, Chief Manager of Fujian and Nanyu construction firms, CEO of Fujian Huizhentang Herbal Biotech Company, and the fifth-generation lineage holder of Zhou Zihe Family herbal tradition. He is also Head of Zhou Zihe Kung Fu Culture media promotion and communications, leading promoter of Tiger-Shape Boxing in Fuzhou high schools and universities, the Fuzhou Tiger-Shape Boxing Club chairman, and the leading overseer of numerous Fuzhou Village renovation and beautification projects.

From the original article by the Fujian Huizhentang Tiger Boxing Club: The purpose of the Fujian Huizhentang Tiger Boxing Club is to recover, protect, inherit, organize, and develop Zhou traditions and cultural heritage, to support Zhou Zihe Martial Arts cultural exchanges, and for the research, dissemination, and promotion of various martial arts activities and competitions.