Reviews of Uechi-ryu of Los Angeles

Jeremy Sensei and Shihan Mike run a good fun class with a lot of positive energy.The instructors and other black belts are patient and go out of thier way to make sure you understand not only the mechanics but also the meaning of the techniques.

I've been studying with Sensei Dedonato for about 2 years during which time I've greatly improved my karate practice, thanks in large part to the individual attention Sensei Dedonato gives to each student. The training is a lot of fun with a strong focus on traditional Okinawan karate and self defense.

Uechi-ryu of Los Angeles instructors and training partners embrace a philosophy that values and respects the skills and talents of all participants.

The head instructor (Michael DeDonato) goes out of his way to personally work with each training partner so as to assist with integration of mind, body and spirit through traditional training methods including forms.

For the price ($60 per month), you would be hard pressed to find greater martial arts training value. The head instructor holds a Master Instructor license from Okinawna and a Sixth degree black belt.

Many of the training partners are also serious black belts including some very tough women.

A couple of caveats-

1) If you are looking to put your tween daughter into a martial arts class you will have to look elsewhere. The training is for serious adult martial artists.

2) DeDonato sensei (at his web site http://www.uechi-la.org) states that classes go from 8 to 10 pm. on Monday and Wednesday nights and on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Location is quite convenient at Club Fais DO Do on Adams Blvd in L.A. Often times, the instructors get caught up in teaching and will work with training partners until they say "enough - we want to go home" which may be an extra 30 minutes to an hour.

3) There is contact involved in the practice of this traditional Okinawan system called Uechi-ryu. The contact is slowly built up via "iron body" conditioning. Impressive levels of hardness are demonstrated when sensei "tests" senior training partners. New training partners may be put off by the physicality of the "testing". Just remember that new training partners are slowly (over a long period of time) brought up to a strong muscular level of hardness.

4) Would-be Ninja's need not apply. If you are looking to be a ninja or earn a black belt in under 12 mos., go elsewhere. This is traditional karate training which requires discipline and much practice.

More info can be found at:

web site: http://www.uechi-la.org,

twitter: @Uechila,

Facebook: Southern California Uechi

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_146662866070

Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Okinawan-Karate

Email: Miked@uechi-la.org

Phone: 310 710-6334