<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';" lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This article introduces "Defending to the Four Directions," techniques that add challenge to Uechi-ryu while incorporating and building upon the traditional katas which

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... have formed the basis of the style. Making changes within a style's training methods just to be different without any other purpose is of little value and actually destructive to the system. This article describes a meaningful and realistic addition to the practice of hojoundo, the formal exercises incorporating basic movements. "Defending to the Four Directions" is intended for advanced students who have mastered Uechi-ryu's foundamentals. In addition, the practice is well-suited for adaptation and adoption into other martial art styles.<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></span></span></p>