Japan began a program of universal male conscription in Okinawa in 1897. In 1897 at the age of 19, Kanbun fled to Fuzhou in Fukien Province, China both to escape Japanese military conscription and to fulfill his dreams of studying martial arts with Chinese masters. Kanbun later told students he was the only survivor of his small "dugout" row boat trip to China, and he was rescued by a Chinese martial artist who eventually introduced him to another Chinese martial artist. Upon arrival in Fuzhou, Uechi took residence in the Okinawan boarding house Ryukyu Jyuentaku Hall. He initially took up the study of Kojo Ryū with another Okinawan named Matsuda Tokusaburo. Makabe Udun, an instructor at Kojo "dōjō" mocked Kanbun for a speech impediment and appearing "slow minded". Makabe nicknamed Kanbun as "Uechi "Watabugwa"" (big belly or good-for-nothing Uechi). The offended Kanbun Uechi sought training elsewhere, but his resolve to learn Chinese martial arts was even stronger.