Sensei Bob Noel

I first became involved in Uechi-ryu Karate in 1978 and have been a student for over 40 years. I have been teaching Uechiryu for more than 30 years, first in Massachusetts and now here in Knoxville, Tennessee. I am ranked a Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), and also hold a Renshi certificate  (first level Master) .  I am Shihan ( Senior/ Chief Instructor) of Knoxville Uechiryu Karate School.  I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study under and with some of the very best American Uechiryu Masters.

I am a founding member of the American Self-Defense Federation (ASDF) and Knoxville Uechiryu Karate School is proud to be part of the International Uechiryu Karate Federation (IUKF) as well as the Okinawan Karate-Do Union (OKU).

Uechiryu Karate, the art that Kanbun Uechi brought back to his island home of Okinawa, is essentially the same martial system taught in most Uechiryu schools today. The style has not been simplified or watered-down. Uechiryu is still the vigorous system of self-defense that it has always been. Uechiryu is not about: flash, flying through the air, katas performed to music, tie-dye uniforms, or a fast-track to a black belt. Indeed, Uechi is as far removed from the Hollywood version of martial arts as you can get. Uechi’s rigorous training and the philosophy encouraged in the dojo help to build self-confidence, relieve stress, and foster emotional well being.

I have enjoyed training and teaching Uechiryu Karate-Do for many years. I hope you will give Uechiryu a try and join us for our classes at Knoxville Uechiryu Karate School.