What Are Martial Arts?
Martial Arts are exercise habits which, when practiced regularly, develop the student into a healthy, well-coordinated person, both physically and mentally. They teach he or she to utilize both these qualities for self defense, and also teach the student to deal more easily with the difficulties created by stressful modern times.

Where Do Martial Arts Come From?
Very briefly, Martial Arts are a direct decedent of very old fighting systems that were developed by Buddhist monks as a physical and mental discipline in China centuries ago. Martial Arts were developed by observing the natural fighting movements of various animals.

How Do Martial Arts Differ From, Boxing or Judo?
Judo (gentle way) and boxing are primarily sports, with application in self defense. Karate is an art of fighting with some sport aspects. The Martial Arts use hands and feet as opposed to a boxer's hands, and are not primarily involved in "throwing" techniques as in judo.

Are There Different Kinds Of Martial Arts?
Yes. There are many "styles" that may differ in emphasis upon one type of technique or another, or that have developed in another geographic location. To the novice, these differences are academic.

What Style Is Taught at Chicago Uechi-ryu Karate?
Our style is called Uechi-ryu (way-chee-roo), which is from Okinawa. It was originally called Pwan-Gai-Noon, which in Chinese means, "half hard and half soft."

How Does One Benefit From Martial Arts Instruction?
Martial Arts teach self-defense, develop confidence, promote good coordination, sharpen reflexes, and strongly influence self-discipline. The physical and mental benefits must be earned to be enjoyed.

Are Martial Arts Difficult to Learn?
As in any worthwhile pursuit, hard work is necessary for total accomplishment. It would be false to describe karate as easy, but there is nothing in karate that cannot be attained through effort and desire.

How Long Does It Take To Learn A Martial Art?
The masters teach that a Martial Art is a continuing learning and living experience. This is certainly true. It is perhaps better to ask "How does one progress in the Martial Arts?"

How Does One Progress In The Martial Arts?
In our style, there are ten "KYU" or belts that one must earn before being eligible to test for black belt. There are five white belt ranks, two green belt ranks, and three brown belt ranks.

Again, How Long Does It Take?
Each rank has requirements that must be satisfied both in terms of number of classes required, and subject matter learned; Therefore, it is largely up to the student as to how often he or she attends class. On average, a student could be a green belt in six months, and at their first level of brown belt in approximately one or two years.

How Does A Student Get A Black Belt?
After having satisfied all the requirements of the ten kyu ranks, and is recommended by the instructor, he or she may be tested by the American Uechi-ryu testing board which meets twice a year. The board consists of a number of high-ranking black belt instructors. Upon successfully completing the test, the student is then registered with the Uechi-ryu Association in both the United States and Okinawa as an authentic black belt holder.

Can Women Benefit From Martial Arts?
Greatly, and in these difficult times more than ever. Since proficiency is not dependent upon size or muscle, when taught well, the Martial Arts are not only the most effective type of self- defense, but also the best way to relieve stress.

How About Children?
They may benefit the most. We have heard so many parents describe the tremendous positive results they have had with children who lack confidence, have short attention spans, low self esteem, and many other troubles faced by today's children. There is nothing better for them!!

How Can I Get Started?
The way that we integrate new students into our school is through our introductory program. This program consists of two semi-private lessons with a black belt instructor. Each lesson is approximately 30 minutes long. The introductory program gives you a chance to try the training and see if you like it. The total cost of our introductory program is only $19.95. That includes the two lessons and a free karate uniform. The program director will be happy to set up a time for you to come to the school, see the facilities, and talk about the possibility of taking our introductory course.