Karate is one of the leading martial arts worldwide-and for a valid reason: it works. The original purpose of it was to teach people to use self-defense. First originating from Okinawa, Japan, they constructed it to teach their people self-defense. So, what’s the most suitable style for that purpose?
Uechi-Ryu is the most suitable karate style for self-defense because it uses raw and highly effective fighting techniques to cause massive damage quickly. Unlike most other karate styles, Uechi-Ryu hasn’t changed to fit the modern world. Instead, it is still suitable for self-defense today.
Many factors have led to my decision regarding which is the best karate style, and this article will explain all the factors I considered.
For example, what do your fists look like when you’re in a street fight? Exactly, they’re closed and ready to throw a punch. So, what will you expect the open stance of Uechi-Ryu to be?
Spoiler alert: it’s an open-handed position, and it’s unlikely you guessed that right away. Rather, odds are-you have guessed closed-handed position. That’s one of the most prominent aspects of this karate style: it’s unique and thus can surprise the attacker.
Everything about it screams self-defense. When you see your opponent with open hands, you’ll assume they’re not looking for trouble. Nonetheless, that’s the entire point of this style – as what’s the best fighting plan? It’s to avoid fighting altogether.
Next up, we’ll discuss what makes Uechi-Ryu the best style for self-defense.
Why Uechi-Ryu Is the Best Karate Style
When considering all karate styles, some pop out to mind when wanting to know which are most suitable for self-defense. For example, one of these styles is Goju-Ryu. And, of course, many others are also effective for fighting, as that’s what martial arts are all about – teach people to fight.
Uechi-Ryu is the best karate style because it involves countless effective and practical techniques for fighting. Hence, those who learn it- will be capable of causing massive damage to their opponents quickly. For example, eye gouges aren’t as uncommon as you may think in Uechi-Ryu.
The following list is 4-characteristics which make Uechi-Ryu such a suitable style for self-defense:
- Open-Handed position
- Effective and raw fighting techniques
- Includes few grappling techniques
- Conditioning training
The following sections will go over each characteristic and explain how it makes the art more effective. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Open-Handed position
The first reason this karate style is practical-is because it uses an open-handed starting position rather than a closed one.
Have you ever watched a street fight? How do the hands of those ready to fight look like? Precisely, their hands make a fist, a signal they’re ready to throw a punch. What if you were to look at someone, and you see his hands open? What would you think?
If I were to look at an opponent and his hands were open, I would assume he doesn’t want to fight. Now, Uechi-Ryu uses this manipulation to avoid fighting if at all possible.
In Uechi-Ryu, your opening stance will be with open hands. As a result, most people you’ll fight will think you’re unprepared. Truth is, you’re ready to take them on since you’re in your opening stance.
When I first witnessed this occurring, I was surprised. How can a style endorse such an ineffective way of fighting? I was wrong. Once you see this martial art in action, you’ll understand how the open-handed stance actually boosts the trainees’ fighting ability.
This is what I imagined karate looks like. However, the case is different with this style, and that’s what makes it unique. Eventually, if you come to a fight open-handed, you may calm your opponent down and let the fight not happen. However, if your opponent attacks, you’ll know how to react and disable him quickly,
Effective and raw fighting techniques
The second reason is-this style of karate uses effective and raw fighting techniques. Eventually, the only thing that matters is which movement it uses to cause damage. For example, if any martial art doesn’t teach practical fighting techniques, it won’t be suitable for self-defense.
Uechi-Ryu teaches raw and effective fighting techniques, such as punching, kicking, and few grappling movements. Most karate styles have evolved into self-improvement arts rather than for self-defense. However, that’s not the case with Uechi-Ryu. Currently, it’s still as suitable for self-defense as it was back then.
Moreover, some techniques this art uses are considered illegal in most martial arts other than those only suitable for self-defense. For example, some of its masters use eye gouges as a legal means to their fighting efforts.
Eye gouges are just a single example of how Uechi-Ryu promotes using raw moves to cause massive damage quickly. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see karate masters using these techniques in real fights, solely as self-defense.
Eventually, it all boils down to self-defense. Uechi-Ryu will include everything that fits this purpose. As a result, if you’re wondering what fighting techniques it includes, think about the most effective movements for self-defense.
The following video showcases some Uechi-Ryu fighting techniques. I encourage watching it if you want to see for yourself how effective it really is.
Includes few grappling techniques
The third reason why it’s such an effective style is because it includes few grappling techniques. I’m unfamiliar with any other style that does that. Therefore, I highly appreciate the means it takes to evolve itself into the most suitable martial art for self-defense.
Grappling techniques are the base movement of many fighting styles, such as judo, wrestling, and BJJ. These techniques are the most effective ones in the world of fighting-because a single successful execution of them will lead to a guaranteed victory.
It’s common sense to think that punching is the most effective techniques. But, the opposite is true. In fact, everyone knows how to punch. As a result, many will also know basic defensive moves to counter such attacks.
As a result, punching is on the lower spectrum of the most effective fighting movements. Those who know how to grapple will also be capable of disabling anyone quickly.
Uechi-Ryu includes some grappling techniques—unlike most other karate styles. As a result, its effectiveness will increase drastically.
Thus, grappling is one of the primary reasons I decided to list it as the best karate style for self-defense.
Conditioning training
The last reason is it includes conditioning training. Most martial arts don’t include this type of exercise, as they focus more on self-development rather than preparing for a fight. While that’s entirely valid, that’s not what this article is about.
Conditioning training is when a trainee is being hit by another practitioner to test the first pain tolerance and increase it. That will eventually lead to a reduction in the trainee’s fighting fear, and therefore will lead to better performance in a real dangerous fight.
Such training is often considered raw and unhealthy. I mean, punching and kicking each other as an entire exercise-can’t be as healthy in the long-term. However, it’s a fantastic tool to increase the trainees’ fighting ability and pain tolerance.
Eventually, if you’re afraid to fight, you won’t perform nearly as well as those not afraid of getting injuries. As a result, to maximize your performance, you must ensure you’re not afraid to fight. If you do, the opponent will be at an immediate advantage.
Today, not all martial arts include conditioning training in their workout routine. As a result, they won’t be as suitable for self-defense since their trainees’ pain tolerance won’t be as high. Additionally, many trainees will remain with a fighting fear, which will lower their performance in a real fight.
Is Karate Effective for Self-Defense?
To answer this question, we must first understand its purpose. All martial arts exist for a similar reason: to teach others to use self-defense. As a result, what it’ll teach and preach will link to its purpose. The same goes for karate. So, is it effective for self-defense?
Karate is effective for self-defense because it teaches practical fighting techniques, mainly punching and kicking in many variations. Moreover, it exists for a reason: to teach others self-defense. Hence, everything it’ll teach will somehow link to the reason it exists.
It all makes sense; If you want to study self-defense, martial arts need to be your first choice. Nonetheless, some may be more suitable than others. E.g. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is more effective for fighting purposes than Tai Chi.
It all starts with a why. Karate exists for a reason, a why. That why is also the purpose, the reason someone constructed it in the first place.
Everything it’ll preach will correlate to the why, the purpose. Now, because the purpose is to teach others self-defense, it’ll teach practical techniques for such a cause. Thus, karate is suitable for self-defense and all fighting purposes.
What Fighting Techniques Does Karate Teach?
Karate teaches punching and kicking in many variations and combinations. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. First, it teaches both offensive and defensive moves, which are the core of fighting. Mastering karate will take an extended period of time, 12 years on average.
So, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Although it only teaches punching and kicking, the number of years masters dedicate to master it – is large. However, mastering it is a symbol of one’s dedication and work-ethic.
Final Words
Uechi-Ryu is the best karate style for self-defense because it’s a raw and practical style. As a result, those who master it-become capable of causing massive damage quickly and effectively.
Its purpose is to teach other self-defense by utilizing any means available. Thus, it’ll include some illegal moves, such as eye gouges.
Indeed, Uechi-Ryu is a martial art you should learn if you want to learn how to fight fiercely. Its trainees are capable of using what they learned to defend themselves and their loved ones. Because of that, it’s one of the leading karate styles worldwide.
If you enjoyed reading this article, I encourage you to read a piece I wrote about Goju-Ryu, another highly effective karate style.