Background

KU was founded by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy one of the world's foremost authorities on development of karate.. Its lineage can be traced back to around 1850.  It is a martial art which seeks to rediscover and study “old school” practices that existing in Okinawa before the development of modern karate. Its primary goal is to provide a systematized program of learning to teach self-defence skills. It provides methods to deal with “habitual acts of physical violence” (HAPV) - the ways in which civilians are commonly physically assaulted by other civilians. Learners also improve their physical fitness, become empowered to achieve goals which they may not have otherwise attempted, appreciate the role of ethics in martial arts and achieve a sense of tranquillity.

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KU is differentiated from many other martial arts by its dynamic body movement (particularly hip rotation and stepping and sliding), the two person "flow drills” which deal with the HAPV .  KU incorporates aspects of several Okinawan martial practices. We use two-person drills to practice striking, limb manipulation and grappling, joint locks and seizing, strangulation and choking, throwing, fighting from the ground and escaping. KU teaches us to use the technique most appropriate for situation at hand. For example, a straight punch is pretty useless for dealing with a rear bear hug where both the victim's arms are pinned by an assailant! We also practice Kata - the solo re-enactment of these two person drills. 

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You'll be amazed how much fun this can be!

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For more detailed information on KU, please visit the Koryu Uchinadi website.

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Or better yet watch the introduction to KU by its founder below.