ANDRE TIPPETT

7th Dan - Uechiryu Karate

Andre Tippett has an extensive martial arts background in Okinawan karate. He holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu (way-chee-ROO) karate, maintains a teaching certification of qualification as a Shihan (Master Instructor), and teaches Kobudo, holding the rank of Sandan/3rd degree black belt. He began training in Uechi-Ryu in 1982 under Steve Banchick, Kyudan/9th degree, before joining the Okinawan Karate Club. Tippett started his martial arts journey in the early 1970s with Bando, Japanese karate, and while at the University of Iowa before being drafted by the Patriots, he trained with the University of Iowa Shorin-Ryu Karate Club from 1979 to 1981. In 2021, Tippett Sensei started a Karate Club at Curry College. Tippett Sensei successfully ran his Uechi dojo in the Dedham/Norwood area for about 10 years.

 Andre Tippett began his professional football career when he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (41st overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft out of Iowa. Tippett spent his entire 12-year Hall of Fame playing career with the New England Patriots. He played in more than 150 games for New England and is the franchise’s all-time record holder with 100 career sacks. He set the Patriots franchise single-season sack record with 18½ in 1984 and from 1984-85, Tippett recorded 35 sacks, a total that stands tied as the second-highest two-season sack total by a linebacker in NFL history. In 1985, Tippett helped the Patriots to their first AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Andre Tippett was named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. He earned Linebacker of the Year honors from the NFL Players Association for three straight seasons from 1985-87 and played in five career Pro Bowls. He retired following the 1993 season ranked No. 7 on the NFL’s all-time sack list. Tippett recorded multiple sacks in 30 career games, including seven games with three or more sacks. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, joining John Hannah as the only two players to earn induction to the Hall of Fame after spending their entire career with the Patriots. Tippett was a New England Patriots Hall of Fame inductee in 1999 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Tippet’s other on-field accolades include the New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team (2009), University of Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame (2007), National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2009), the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2012), the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame (2021) and the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame (1990).

 Following his retirement from football, Tippett joined the Patriots front office as Director of Player Resources (1994-96) before serving as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel (1997-2003). He then moved to community affairs as Football Development and Promotions Director (2003-07) before being named New England Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs in 2007.

BO (Staff) REQUIRED FOR SEMINAR

Ideally straight, not tapered

Seminar details: Yamanni Ryu Kobujutsu (Bōjutsu) and traditional Karatedo. Participants will gain insight into the distinct body mechanics, fluid movement, and timing of Yamanni Ryu, and how these principles directly elevate their empty-hand training.

 It’s an honor to share a part of Okinawan tradition that’s shaped my path, Yamanni Ryu Bōjutsu.

I began training with Toshihiro Oshiro Sensei and now study under Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime. Alongside that, I’ve spent a lifetime in Uechi Ryu Karatedo, known for its power, tension, and focus.

On Seminar day, we’ll explore how Yamanni Ryu’s flowing, efficient movement can deepen your Uechi Ryu, sharpening timing, distance, and body mechanics.

What we’ll cover:

• Yamanni footwork and rhythm

• Awareness of timing, space, and centerline

• How it ties back to kata, bunkai, and kumite

• Choun No Kun Sho Kata

You don’t need to be a weapons expert, just bring the same spirit and effort Uechi Ryu asks of us every day. Please bring a Bo, straight preferably vs tapered Bo