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Uechi-Ryu is a discipline of Okinawan karate which combines soft circular blocks with hard, linear strikes, and intensive body conditioning. It is a system of self-defense which prepares the practitioner to overcome challenges, whether from an opponent or from the trials of everyday life. Our goal in practicing Uechi Ryu is to promote health, achieve full control of our bodies, thoughts, and emotions, to be agile and firm, and to preserve a youthful attitude and spirit.

Okikukai is the shortened name of the Okinawa Karate Association, an organization of Uechi-Ryu and Shohei-Ryu dojos affiliated to share our understanding of karate-do. Our Western branch is OKIKUKAI WEST and though we are scattered across the West Coast of the United States, we meet at least twice a year to work out with each other and share insights.

This site will help explain who we are, and what it means to practice Uechi-ryu karate-do. We hope you will come visit one of our dojos.

Instructor: Mehran Shahkar has trained in Uechi-Ryu for over thirty years. He is an Okinawan certified teacher who has over twenty years experience teaching adults and children. He is recognized as a Kyoshi (Master Instructor) by the Okikukai (Okinawan Karate Association) in Okinawa, Japan and is currently graded as a 7th degree black belt. He is Co-Chairman of the West-Coast Uechi-Ryu Karate Association and promotions board.