About Me

My name is Lionel Reynaud (リオネル・レイノ), written in kanji as 麗野莉雄念.

I am an Uechi-ryu Karate Teacher (IUKF Jun-Shihan Title) and 4th Degree Black Belt.
I’m originally from France, after having spent time in Spain and in UK; I currenty live near Toulouse, a beautiful city in the southwest of the country.

International Uechi-Ryu Karate Federation

My Uechi-Ryu Karate teacher in the United States is Master George Mattson, who was a direct student of Master Kanei Uechi.
Mattson Sensei founded the first Uechi-Ryu dōjō in the United States and is a central figure in spreading the art across the Western world.

Since 2019, I’ve had the honor of teaching regularly in his online dōjō, working with students from the U.S., Italy, the U.K., France, and more.

In our online sessions, we focus on “The Old Way” of Uechi-Ryu Karate.
Although online teaching presents some challenges, it’s incredibly rewarding and helps preserve traditional methods.

In July 2025, I was promoted to 4th Dan (Yondan) by Master George Mattson.

Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Oryukai (上地流唐手道欧琉会) – The Community of Practice

In 2021, I founded the Uechi-Ryu Karate-do Ōryūkai, a community of passionate practitioners committed to realistic, traditional training.
Ōryūkai welcomes karatekas from all organizations to come together and train without barriers.

I also teach online classes through Ōryūkai, allowing students from remote areas to study Uechi-Ryu no matter where they are.
Spreading Uechi-Ryu Karate beyond borders is something I care deeply about.

Uechi-Ryu Karate in Europe

I am also a proud member of the Uechi-Ryu Karatedo European Community, which was founded by Master Yukinobu Shimabukuro to promote Uechi-Ryu across Europe.
Each year, the association’s president, Didier Lorho organizes the French Cup, a major Uechi-Ryu karate event.

During the French Cup, we are honored to welcome Okinawan masters who lead high-level seminars.

In 2024, Master Sadanao Uechi himself visited France for the event.

Uechi-Ryu in Toulouse: The Shubukan Dōjō

Here in Toulouse, our Uechi-Ryu dōjō is called Shubukan; this is wher I teach assisted by Sophie Palierne.
We hold classes every Monday, with a group of ten dedicated students.

At Shubukan, we also offer training in traditional Okinawan kobudō, under the guidance of Olivier Causse a teacher of the Koburyū style.

My Life Before Karate: Cycling

Before dedicating myself to karate, I worked as a professional cycling coach for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
I was part of the French national team coaching staff during the London and Rio Olympic Games, where my cyclists earned bronze medals.