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Congratulations to Uechi Ryu Karate Do practitioner, Antonis Tzounis, who officially completed all government paperwork and opened his first Uechi Ryu Dojo in Volos. We will be visiting Argo Dojo on January 31st for three hours of Ryu Kyu Kobudo Training and Testing! We are proud of you!
. UECHI-RYU UECHI-RYU OKINAWA KARATE-DO(CONTENTS OF THE SYSTEM)Uechi Kanbun's PANGAI-NOON system broughted from China, was consisted of three Kata, one Bunkai, and several conditioning and techniques of training. This system is also denominated as 'system of the tiger, crane and dragon', because it characterized by what these three animals symbolize:- Tiger giving strength and vigor,- Crane giving softness and graciousness and- Dragon giving swiftness and unpredictability.Together, this three animals symbolize firmness, briskness and flexibility. This are basic psychophysical characteristics developed by the system.This system belongs to 'half soft - half hard' KARATE-DO systems, and its features certain specialties, which are difficult to come across in other karate schools, such as:- A stroke with the tip of the big toe 'SOKUSEN-GERI';- A stroke with the bent thumb 'BOSHIKEN-ZUKI' and- A soft, circular block 'WA-UKE'.The greatest specialty of UECHI-RYU is SANCHIN-KATA, a form of isometric contractions, synchronized with a concentration and specific way of breathing - which is the basis of this system. It is an original Chinese form known as 'a form of complete tension and complete relaxation'.The base of this system was the KATA: SANCHIN, SEISAN & SANSEIRYU.
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Ihor Rymaruk, director and chief instructor of the Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate School in Amsterdam, N.Y., began his study of various styles of karate in 1963. He started his journey into Uechi-Ryu in 1971, and opened his school in 1974. Since 1976, he has focused on the technical aspects of Uechi-Ryu, believing it to be one of the most useful martial arts forms in terms of practical self-defense and in the promotion of mental and physical fitness. Connection to OkinawaOver the years, Master Rymaruk has made several extended trips to study Karate on Okinawa.
During his visit to Okinawa in 1982, he studied under the direct tutelage of Grand Master Kanei Uechi at his Dojo in Futenma. At the conclusion of Rymaruk's intensive study, Grand Master Uechi awarded him a certificate of Advanced Study and the Certificate of Instructor, thereby bestowing upon him Grand Master Uechi's personal endorsement and formal approval to teach and promote the art of Uechi-Ryu Karate Do. Since then, Rymaruk’s school has been honored with visits by various world recognized Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Masters. Though the years, Ihor has received many high praises for the quality of his students and for having 'one of the best dojos in the USA' from the Okinawan Masters.In addition to his school, Rymaruk has:.Taught at local schools, colleges, and hospitals.Given seminars for law enforcement agencies.Been published in the major Karate magazines.Made appearances on radio and television to promote Uechi-Ryu.Hosted his own television program called 'Uechi's Karate, Art, Health and Self-Defense.' InnovationIhor developed the Martial Arts Conditioning Hammer, ' which allows individuals to continue their conditioning without need of a partner or bulky equipment.In 1995 Master Rymaruk founded the United States Uechi-Ryu Karate Association.In 2007 he shared his technique, published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, which allows for a more applied practice of Uechi-Ryu basics through the incorporation of movement.
Outside the DojoIn addition to being a Uechi instructor, Ihor is an avid photographer. He is also Vietnam combat veteran (1966-67), and received honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps in 1968.
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