On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the first Uechi-Ryu course in Slovenia, here is the story of Uechi-Ryu Slovenia.
It's in July 1974 that I did a course of our style in Begnji, in Slovenia, after Mario Topolsek (1942 – 2022), a Shotokan Karate teacher in Begnji asked me to make one.
I started teaching Uechi-Ryu in 1973 to clubs in Lille and its suburbs by doing internships in the North of France. Mario learned of my presence in Lille through a Karate magazine.
Mario had learned Shotokan in Paris, he was already 2th Dan and I, at the time I was 4th Dan. At the internship in Begnji, he was very interested in Uechi-Ryu and its self-defense techniques, free combat and body hardening.
Mario who visits Okinawa 2 or 3 times for training with Uechi Kanei Sensei, was a martial arts researcher, but unfortunately was not active in developing Uechi-Ryu in Slovenia. The development and diffusion of Uechi-Ryu in Slovenia was made by Igor Prasnikar (1956-) who replaced his teacher, Mario in 1979.
Igor was still only 17 years old during my first internship in Begnji in 1974. He came to my house in Lille in the summer 1975 hitchhiked and stayed a week to train with me. Igor was very sporty, talented, energetic and very motivated to master Uechi-Ryu.
By taking advantage of the free combat techniques of Uechi-Ryu, Igor, since his high school days, constantly participated in his country's national competitions to promote the name of Uechi-Ryu. He succeeded in making this style appreciated in his country.
The central base of Uechi-Ryu Slovenia is in Kranj with nearly two hundred members., dont 3 teachers 7th And, including Igor. Several of his students are selected for the national Kata and Kumite teams..
Igor often visited Okinawa and participated in competitions organized by Uechi-Ryu Okikukai and he had many good results. Personally, I was very pleasantly surprised by the high level of Uechi-Ryu Slovenia.
After the 50 years of my first internship, I sincerely appreciate the great efforts of Igor and the cooperation of his students for the development of Uechi-Ryu in Slovenia.
I thank Igor with all my heart for his kindness and for organizing the special course to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of Uechi-Ryu in Slovenia, and also for its warm and unforgettable welcome.
The town of Kranj is located very close to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, where you can spend a wonderful vacation. Igor and his students will be happy to welcome you to the Dojo for friendly training.
Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do à Kranj, Slovenia
Responsible: Mr. Igor Prasnikar
Address: Kaliska Street 21
51-4000 Kranj SLOVENIA
Phone: 00 386 40 871 295
E-mail: igor.prasnikar@t-2.net
Summer internship 1990
Article de Shimabukuro Y. Sensei