Chatan Dojo USA

Uechi-ryu Karate · Richland, Mississippi

Train the old way. Stay for the people.

Chatan Dojo USA teaches Uechi-ryu, a traditional Okinawan karate built on Sanchin, close-range technique, and hard conditioning. Beginners are welcome.

See the class schedule Visit the dojo

上地流UECHI-RYŪ

Who we are

Uechi-ryu in Richland, rooted in Chatan

Chatan Dojo USA is a Uechi-ryu karate school in Richland, Mississippi. The dojo is named in honor of Takamiyagi Sensei's Chatan Dojo in Chatan-cho, Okinawa.

Sensei Kenney opened the school in Richland in August 2006. Today the dojo holds classes for kids starting at age 6, youth, teens, and adults, along with weapons training for yellow belts and up.

“With proper training, you can have a 20- to 30-second advantage.”

Sensei Kenney on women’s self-defense, “30-Second Advantage,” Jackson Free Press, April 2011

Class schedule

When we train

DayTimeClassWho
Monday6:00–7:00 pmWeaponsYellow belt and up
7:00–8:00 pmMake-up classAll ages and ranks
Tuesday & Thursday6:00–6:45 pmKidsAges 6–9
7:00–8:00 pmYouthAges 10–13
8:00–9:00 pmTeens and adultsAges 14 and up
Saturday11:00 am–12:00 pmWeaponsYellow belt and up
12:00–1:00 pmMake-up classAll ages and ranks

Missed a class? Come to the Monday or Saturday make-up class.

Test prep

Belt requirements

Class counts are minimums. To advance, students must show solid development of every requirement for the rank and proper dojo etiquette. Irregular attendance may add time before a promotion. Ask Sensei about test fees.

Teens & AdultsAges 14 and up

Approved sparring pads are required for any test that includes jiyu kumite (free sparring).

Teens and adults rank requirements
RankBeltMin. classesKnowledgeTechniquesKataKumite
Jukyu10th kyuWhiteBeginning————
Kyukyu9th kyuWhite, yellow stripe5A, BA—Yakusoku 1
Hachikyu8th kyuYellow10A, B, CA, BSanchinYakusoku 1–2
Nanakyu7th kyuYellow, blue stripe20General Knowledge 1A, B, CSanchinYakusoku 1–3
Rokkyu6th kyuBlue30General Knowledge 1–2A, B, C
Kitae A		Sanchin
Kanshiwa		Yakusoku 1–4
Jiyu (sparring)
Gokyu5th kyuBlue, green stripe50General Knowledge 1–3A, B, C
Kitae A, B		Sanchin
Kanshiwa		Yakusoku 1–5
Jiyu
Yonkyu4th kyuGreen70General Knowledge 1–4Hojo undo
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Kanshu		Yakusoku 1–6
Jiyu
Sankyu3rd kyuGreen, brown stripe95General Knowledge 1–5Hojo undo
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Kanshu
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–7
Jiyu
Nikyu2nd kyuBrown130General Knowledge 1–6Hojo undo
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seichin
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–8
Jiyu
Ikkyu1st kyuBrown, black stripe175General Knowledge 1–7Hojo undo
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seisan
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–10
Jiyu
Shodan1st degree black beltBlack*250
(min. 2–2½ years)		General KnowledgeHojo undo
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seisan
Seisan Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–10
Jiyu

*Students ages 14–16 are awarded Jun Shodan, a black belt with a white bar.

DragonsGrades 4–7

Younger students may need extra time to develop each rank. Get approved sparring pads by Nanakyu.

Dragons rank requirements
RankBeltMin. classesKnowledgeTechniquesKataKumite
Jukyu10th kyuWhiteBeginning————
Kyukyu9th kyuWhite, yellow stripe8A, BA—Yakusoku 1
Hachikyu8th kyuYellow15A, B, CA, BSanchinYakusoku 1–2
Nanakyu7th kyuYellow, blue stripe30General Knowledge 1A, B, CSanchinYakusoku 1–3
Rokkyu6th kyuBlue45General Knowledge 1–2A, B, C
Kitae A		Sanchin
Kanshiwa Mijikai (short form)		Yakusoku 1–4
Jiyu (sparring)
Gokyu5th kyuBlue, green stripe70General Knowledge 1–3A, B, C
Kitae A, B		Sanchin
Kanshiwa		Yakusoku 1–5
Jiyu
Yonkyu4th kyuGreen95General Knowledge 1–4Hojo undo A
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Kanshu Mijikai		Yakusoku 1–6
Jiyu
Sankyu3rd kyuGreen, brown stripe125General Knowledge 1–5Hojo undo A, B
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Kanshu
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–7
Jiyu
Nikyu2nd kyuBrown170General Knowledge 1–6Hojo undo A, B
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seichin Mijikai
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–8
Jiyu
Ikkyu1st kyuBrown, black stripe220General Knowledge 1–7Hojo undo A, B
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seichin
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–9
Jiyu
Sempaisenior studentBrown / black280
(age 12 min.)		General KnowledgeHojo undo A, B
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Seisan
Kanshiwa Bunkai		Yakusoku 1–10
Jiyu
TigersGrades 1–3

Younger students may need extra time to develop each rank. Get approved sparring pads by Hachikyu. At Nikyu, students move up to the Dragons program.

Tigers rank requirements
RankBeltMin. classesKnowledgeTechniquesKataKumite
Jukyu10th kyuWhiteBeginning————
Kyukyu9th kyuWhite, yellow stripe10AA——
Hachikyu8th kyuYellow20A, BA, BSanchin Dani—
Nanakyu7th kyuYellow, blue stripe40A, BA, B, CSanchinYakusoku (drill) 1
Rokkyu6th kyuBlue65A, B, CA, B, CSanchin
Kanshiwa		Yakusoku 1–2
Jiyu (sparring)
Gokyu5th kyuBlue, green stripe90General Knowledge 1A, B, C
Kitae A		Sanchin
Kanshiwa		Yakusoku 1–3
Jiyu
Yonkyu4th kyuGreen125General Knowledge 1–2Hojo undo A
Kitae A, B		Sanchin
Kanshiwa
Kanshu		Yakusoku 1–4
Jiyu
Sankyu3rd kyuGreen, brown stripe170General Knowledge 1–3Hojo undo A, B
Kitae A–C		Sanchin
Kanshu		Yakusoku 1–6
Jiyu

Tigers study guide

Knowledge 1: Makoto Code

  1. I will treat my dojo and everyone in it with RESPECT. (Saho = good manners)
  2. I will DO MY BEST in my dojo, always. (Ganbarimas = to succeed / persevere)
  3. I will only use karate for SELF-DEFENSE if I need to. (Mamoru = to defend)

Knowledge 2: Terms

  • Kiotsuke: attention
  • Rei: standing bow
  • Seiza: kneeling position
  • Anza: cross-leg sitting
  • Mokuso: eyes closed, relaxation
  • Zarei: kneeling bow

Knowledge 3: Factors of Sanchin development

  • Stance (centered base)
  • Strength
  • Concentration (self-control)
  • Tiger's eye
  • Dragon breathing

Knowledge 4: General information

  • What is your belt rank?
  • Gi: uniform
  • Obi: belt
  • Migi Ashi Mae: right foot forward
  • Hidari Ashi Mae: left foot forward
  • Go Kura Sama: thank you for working hard
  • Domo Arigato Gozai Mashita: thank you very much
  • Jumbi Undo: warm-up exercises
  • Hojo Undo: technique combinations

Knowledge 5: General information

  • Yakusoku Kumite: prearranged sparring drills
  • Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karatedo (style name)
  • Tiger, Dragon, Crane (3 animals of the style)
  • Makoto: heart of honor
  • Okikukai: Okinawa Karatedo Association

Skills 1

  • Dragon Stance (Sanchin Dachi)
  • Horse Stance (Kiba Dachi)
  • Tiger Claw Guard (Shizentai)
  • Spear Hand Position (Nukite)
  • Circle Block (Mawashi Uke)
  • Palm Block (Shotei Uke)
  • Boxer Fist Punch (Seiken Tsuki)
  • One-Knuckle Punch (Shoken Tsuki)
  • Tiger Paw Punch (Hiraken Tsuki)
  • Front Kick (Shomen Geri)
  • Side Kick (Sokuto Geri)
  • Round Kick (Mawashi Geri)

Skills 2

  • Tiger Stance (Neko Ashi Dachi)
  • Straddle Stance (Shiko Dachi)
  • Low Block (Gedan Hajiki Uke)
  • Middle Block (Chudan Hajiki Uke)
  • High Block (Jodan Hajiki Uke)
  • Cross Block (Watari Uke)
  • Back Kick (Ushiro Geri)
  • Knee Block (Hiza Uke)

Skills 3

  • Crane Stance (Sagi Ashi Dachi)
  • Sword Hand Strike (Shuto Uchi)
  • Spear Hand Strike (Nukite Uchi)
  • Back-Fist Strike (Uraken Uchi)
  • Swinging Elbow Strike (Yoko Hiji Tsuki)
  • Upward Elbow Strike (Tate Hiji Tsuki)
  • Wrist Blocks (Tate Uchi)
  • Palm Strike (Boshiken Tsuki)

Kitae (blocking drills)

  • 1: Arm rubbing (Kosuri)
  • 2: Arm tapping (Kote Kitae)
  • 3: Leg tapping (Kashi Kite)

Jr. Tigers star system

Good classes*Star award
15One gold
35Two gold
65One red
105Two red

*Classes completed with full participation and appropriate behavior.

Study guideDragons, Teens & Adults

The letters in the rank tables (Knowledge A–C, Techniques A–C, Hojo undo A–B, Kitae A–C) refer to these lists.

Knowledge A: Dojo Code

  1. I will treat my dojo and everyone in it with RESPECT. (Saho = good manners)
  2. I will ALWAYS DO MY BEST to listen and follow instructions in my dojo. (Ganbarimas = to succeed / persevere)
  3. I will only use my karate skills for SELF-DEFENSE if I need to. (Mamoru = to defend)
  4. Through karate training, I will develop HONOR and learn how to make good choices. (Seijitsu = honesty, sincerity)

Knowledge B: Basic positions

  • Kiotsuke: attention
  • Rei: standing bow
  • Seiza: kneeling
  • Anza: cross-leg sitting
  • Mokuso: eyes closed, relaxation
  • Zarei: kneeling bow

Knowledge C: 5 factors of Sanchin development

  • To build a strong physique
  • To develop the primary defensive stance
  • To master the proper breathing method
  • To develop a penetrating eye and acute insight
  • To foster intense concentration and awareness

Techniques A

  • Dragon Stance (Sanchin Dachi)
  • Horse Stance (Kiba Dachi)
  • Tiger Claw Guard (Shizentai)
  • Spear Hand Position (Nukite)
  • Circle Block (Wa Uke)
  • Palm Block (Shotei Uke)
  • Cannon-Ball Fist Punch (Seiken Tsuki)
  • One-Knuckle Punch (Shoken Tsuki)
  • Tiger Paw / Flat Fist Punch (Hiraken Tsuki)
  • Front Kick (Shomen Geri)
  • Side Kick (Sokuto Geri)
  • Round Kick (Mawashi Geri)

Techniques B

  • Tiger Stance (Neko Ashi Dachi)
  • Straddle Stance (Shiko Dachi)
  • Low Block (Gedan Uke)
  • Middle Block (Chudan Hajiki Uke)
  • High Block (Jodan Hajiki Uke)
  • Palm Strike (Boshiken Tsuki)
  • Sword Hand Strike (Shuto Uchi)
  • Knee Block (Hiza Uke)

Techniques C

  • Crane Stance (Sagi Ashi Dachi)
  • Back Kick (Ushiro Geri)
  • Spear Hand Strike (Nukite Uchi)
  • Back-Fist Strike (Uraken Uchi)
  • Swinging Elbow Strike (Yoko Hiji Tsuki)
  • Upward Elbow Strike (Tate Hiji Tsuki)
  • Wrist Blocks (Tate Uchi)
  • Cross Block (Watari Uke)

Hojo undo A (technique combinations)

  • Sokuto Geri: circle block, side snap kick
  • Shomen Geri: circle block, front snap kick
  • Mawashi Tsuki: circle block, hook punch
  • Seiken Tsuki Shotei Uke: circle block, cannon-ball punch, palm block, cannon-ball punch
  • Shomen Hajike: slide step, finger strike
  • Kiono Shipa Uchi Tata Uchi: four-way wrist strikes

Hojo undo B

  • Hajike Uke Haraken Tsuki: high block, flat-fist punch, middle block, punch
  • Shuto Uchi Ura Uchi Shoken Tsuki: circle block, chop, backfist, one-knuckle punch
  • Hiji Tsuki: circle block, elbow strikes
  • Tension Zensoko Geri: tension step, circle block, front leg kick
  • Tension Kosoko Geri: tension step, circle block, rear leg kick
  • Tension Shoken Tsuki: tension step, circle block, single-knuckle punch
  • Kiono Shipa Uchi Yoko Uchi: fish-tail wrist strikes

Kitae (conditioning drills)

  • A: Arm rubbing (Kosuri)
  • B: Arm pounding (Kote Kitae); arm tapping for Dragons
  • C: Leg pounding (Kashi Kite); leg tapping for Dragons

Hojo undo equipment

Nigiri-game training jars

Grip jars for traditional conditioning. Hold them by the rim and walk through your stances to build grip, forearms, and a rooted posture. Each jar is shaped, carved, and finished by hand.

$190 per pair

Call or text to order

(601) 941-3739
Four nigiri-game jars in gray and brown finishes with a carved crest
A pair of black nigiri-game jars with a red carved crest

Visit

Find the dojo

Call ahead or stop by during class hours.

Address
121 Industrial Drive
Richland, MS 39218
Phone
(601) 941-3739
Email
chatandojo1@bellsouth.net
Get directions