General overview of grades

Entering Uechi-ryu. Practicing Sanchin stance and open hand strikes.

Untouched mind ready to hit traditional Sino-Okinawan discipline.

Hojo Undo. Drills for strengthening and conditioning the body.

Connecting mind (white) and physical growth (green).

Mastering 8 main principles of Tiger, Crane, and Dragon techniques.

The student begins to control their animal self - finding stability.

Sanchin Kata and muscle tension testing through strikes (Shime).

The tree is planted deep and can withstand hard impacts.

Introduction of hard Uechi-ryu blocking using forearms and shins.

The tree bark begins to harden, turning into unbreakable brown wood.

Bunkai practice and Kanshiwa kata (Understanding the Crane form).

Earth accepts the white purity - connection of strength and softness.

Seisan Kata - one of the original 3 forms, demonstrating Tiger's explosiveness.

Heavy trial requiring perfect focus and physical pain adaptation.

Regular free sparring and conditioning through Kotekitae (body hardening).

The gate to the master world (Yudansha). The student is nearly ripe.

Kanshu Kata and fierce defense of the iron body principle.

Readiness to take hits and responsibility.

Full candidate for Shodan examination.

Darkness slowly embraces the brown color, birthing a master.

First level of Yudansha. Perfect Sechin Kata.

Initial mastery level, shedding illusions.

Kata Seisani and instructing capabilities.

Hardening of character.

Fully qualified Uechi-ryu teacher. Kata Sanseiryu.

Third master rank, recognized by organization.

Expert execution of half-hard, half-soft principles.

Permanent mastery.

Last rank based strictly on technical execution.

Transition to honorific titles.

Master of the Way. Title awarded by international Uechi association.

Panels denote duality - fire and purity, hard and soft.

Highly qualified Okinawan expert.

Harmony of life and martial art.

Highest Kyoshi level (or Hanshi). Teacher for an entire generation.

Authority that doesn't need force.

Title awarded to living legends and guardians of original knowledge.

Embodiment of Dragon, Crane and Tiger in a solid red whole.

Reserved for heirs of the Uechi family (Kanbun Uechi, Kanei Uechi, etc.).

Source of the art, continuous flow.