Uechi Ryu Karate is an Okinawan style, which originated in China and was brought to Okinawa early this century by Kanbun Uechi. The name Pwangai-noon (my spelling) was used to describe the style. It means 'half hard, half soft'. It is characterised by upright stance, circular hard and soft (evassive) blocks, open hand and one knuckle techniques and kicking with the big toe. About the Uechi-Ryu style of karate