December, 2000 Mailbag 

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Dear Sensei and Susan and Tia!

Best wishes from our bavarian christmas celebration. We really enjoyed the party and we just wanted to send you greatings. We hope you are well and see you next summercamp.

Best regards

Benita, Thomas, Susanne, Paul, Martin,Helmut, Beatrice, Alois, Georg, Cemi, Ralf, Luise the cat! 

Hi, Maybe you can help me. I trained in uechi ryu years ago in Boston. I have since move to Miami, Florida. I have realized that few martial arts are as effective as uechi, and I am interested in continuing my training in uechi. I have not been able to find any > schools teaching uechi-ryu here. Do you by any chance know of any uechi schools in Miami, or near by? Any help would be really appreciated. 
Thank you,
Rodney 

I'm sure there are Uechi practitioners in the Miami area, but I'm not aware of any dojo. I'll post your letter (without email) in the Dec Mailbag. Also, I recommend you post your question in the "Looking for a dojo or instructor" Forum.

I'm sure you will hear from a couple of people.

Keep in touch and good luck with your search.

Best, George Mattson

Hi George, In the last year, I have had some long discussions with one of my female students on the practice of Kotekitae. She has attained Shodan and has been working out with us for about 8-10 years. She is now a Cardio-vascular technician and feels the practice of kotekitae, especially the leg conditioning is cause for serious concern. She has discussed it with doctors at her hospital and they agree with her, that practice should not be performed on the human body. I, of course disagree and have managed to toughen my body over the years thanks to it.

Last night we compared various points of view on the practice and I am finding that most slender women are experiencing the same problem at least in my dojo. She is about 110 lbs and quite a petite women. Marie-Anne, my wife, has experienced the same difficulties, namely burst veins and the like. We compared and I have muscle that overlaps my shin bone and they have bone that overlaps the muscle. I said jokingly: "...at least when you kick, HE will feel it"

I have never had a problem with conditioning and if Uechi-Ryu consisted of just Kotekitae, I would still be there with bells on but I am 220 lbs and a pretty heavy and solid man. They have heard me teach and say again and again that they should never reach the bruising point with their conditioning however, it should continuously progress.

My question to you is basically one of "have you heard this argument before". How do you feel about it, do you have an argument that I can use to retort or a variation that slender women can use to achieve similar results.

I have read the George Chaplin article some time ago and tried to explain the process of the thickening/tightening of the fascia surrounding the muscle tissue, but men have done this for many many years where as women have done this for the last 20-30 maybe and if that. Is it a question of physiology or of "center of gravity", etc...

You can feel free to share this with whomever for discussion or to a high ranked woman of petite stature who may have some advice or points of view on the topic.

With affection,

Daniel Portelance 

I personally don't think it is a man vs woman issue. Many men have the same problem with conditioning. We just don't talk about it. Many just quit!

I'll post your letter on Bill's and Lori's forum. Please jump in and contribute your comments and experiences as a teacher.

Best, George

Mr. Mattson,

I am a former student of both Walter Matson and Art Rabesa who stopped studying Uechi when I moved overseas in 1978 and never resumed.

I am now a 45 year old LtCol of Marines working in the Pentagon, and want to start again.

Art refered me to you for referal to someone teaching Uechi in the Washington, Alexandria, Arlington area.

Semper Fi,

Paul Maubert 

Good to hear from you Paul. Also pleased to learn that you wish to resume your Uechi-ryu. Please contact Rich Castanet and Bill Glasheen, two excellent Uechi instructors in your area. I'm sure Rich will have lots to talk over with you regarding his recent experience with the Marines. Check it out at this link: http://www.xpres.net/~gmattson/ubbs/Forum11/HTML/000668.html

Good luck with your training and please stay in touch.

Regards, George E. Mattson

Today, 19 November, 2000 C.E., my son Jeremy, age 15, tested for first degree (ChoDan) Black Belt in the Traditional Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwon Association.

He passed. Splendidly.

His test consisted of 1) doing his 3 forms at brown belt level for the judges, plus a surprise form (it was from our green belt level {6th & 5th gup [kyu to you Okinawan-types!]}, one which tests balance severely) which he was told of three seconds before he had to start it; 2) breaking 3 1" boards with a technique of his choice - had he taken the test after turning 16 it would be a techinique chosen for him at random; 3) sparring 2 rounds in TKD armor - and Jeremy had never worn the armor before.

FORMS: 

His forms were done well, quickly, balanced, with power. He did not lose balance in the green belt form that is notoriously hard in that regard.

BREAKING:

Jeremy was offered the choice of having the boards secured by a mechanical holder or held by people. To my surprise he chose the latter: this used to be a great issue for him, as he would pull his kicks rather than take the slightest chance of hurting a boardholder. He used a skipping-in sidekick and broke all three boards cleanly on the first try! See the picture.

SPARRING:

Jeremy had never worn the armor before. I had thought that might be a slight disadvantage. I was wrong: it actually had a hidden advantage.

Both of his opponents were larger, and they may have had better technique. But Jeremy, who for years had been a defensive fighter, took control of both bouts, brought the fight to them, pressed them both and chased them around the mat. My admonitions of the advantages of taking charge in sparring bore splendid fruit!

At the end of the test, one of the master instructors mentioned that we all needed more work on the sparring in armor, in that many people suddenly forgot they were traditional Chung Do Kwan fighters and dropped their hands, for which he blamed Olympic TKD. One of Jeremy's opponents admitted to me that once he had the armor on he started sparring like a sport's fighter.

Jeremy kept his hands up; he's not had the chance to develop Olympic sports bad habits.

I am proud of his achievments - he deserves the promotion.

So be afraid: be very afraid...oh, not of the boy and his belt. 

But next week he turns 16 and is eligible for a driver's learner's permit!

Be afraid. Be very afraid....

Attached are pictures of sparring, the break, and his form (in which he leaps on an imaginary torso with both feet while sending a crossed-arm strike into the hapless victims throat....) The form in question was Pyong-Ah O-Dan (5), which may be familiar to some of you as Heian Go-Dan or Pinan O-Dan; "you say tomayto and we say tomahto...."

Jeremy's address is ThePeanutButterMonkey@Hotmail.com should anyone want to congratulate him directly - but send me a copy, please?

Our teacher, Grandmaster Choi Young Sik, 8th Dan and head of the Association, told me that Jeremy was the best student our Jewish Community Center has produced - and I believe him. But I plead guilty as to bias.

'student' - but for today, JEREMY'S FATHER.

Today and every day. 

Congratulations to both father and son! GEM

hello, Mi name is Michanie Martin and I practice karate since 3 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, my sensei is Gustavo Gondra. Well, I visited your page and it´s quite good, I practice Uechi, and I found it very interesting would like to start a relationship between mail´s, and IF you want?.... so, tell me about karate in England, that is where you are form, aren´t you? Thanks, and sorry if I bother you, 
Martin Michanie 

No bother Martin. However, the best place to ask questions is on our Forums. GEM

The new Delta front end! Bet the kids love this one..

Thanks Al. Great picture. I'll post it in the December mailbag. By the way, I hope to have your great article on the test scanned and posted in our "Articles" section later this week.

Best, George 

Dear Mr. Mattson, Not being a student of Uechi-ryu this may seem a dumb question. I have both your books on the subject plus a video on the kata's and a video from Mr. Gushi. My question is when you start sanchin I have noticed in the videos and your books that some start with a right foot step out 1st and another book and video step the left foot out 1st. Which is correct or does it matter? In Goju we step right foot 1st so I am just curious. Again I have never studied your style but am very interested in it. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely, Dana Acly Genjikai Karate 

To whom it may concern,

I am a final year degree student at the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, studing journalism. As part of my course I have to get work published and I would really appreciate a chance to get work published on your site as I have a deep interest in martial arts, especially Ju Jitsu. I have been a member of a Ju Jitsu guild for over three years and have acheived 3rd kyu (green belt) status.

One feature idea I have is about the women's Judo champion Sharon Rendle. She has just returned to her home town of Grimsby (also my home town). I have a contact number for her and could probably arrange an interview with her about why she has returned to Grimsby from Australia, and what her plans are now etc.

Other than that I could write a general piece on Ju Jitsu itself and my involvement with it, if that would be of interest.

Please get back to me and let me know what you think, or if you have any ideas you would like me to pursue. Please reply to my email as it is important to my course, although I do appraciate that you are very busy.

Thank you, Yours in anticipation, Miss Jennie Croft.

As our readers know by now, Jennie has a new column on the home page of Eastern Arts! gEM

Dear Sensei Mattson, Just found your marvelous site. I'm not going to get involved in the empty force debate, but I always thought people practice this so they may be able to predict and physically react to an attack much like stuntmen do or kids do when they "playfight". Question: Science always strives to re-create an outcome of something to verify it is "real". How about all the stuff that happens that can't be recreated by a scientific double blind test because it may happen only ONCE and never again? Then are we to think that these happenings never happened? You know, like falling in love for the first time, etc.? Science has its uses but I don't think it has answers to everything. While the Amazing Randi is a specialist in his own right, I would sure like to see him recreate some of the physical things martial artists can do or yoga practitioners in one of his "tests". If he can recreate the extreme flexibility or power a practitioner can perform by setting up one of his "tricks"-by golly, I'll learn from the man! 

Yours, 

Patrick Hodges 

Thanks for writing and looking at 'empty' force from another perspective. Certainly we can find valid reasons for everything we do. Thanks to Mr. Mooney, we were able to isolate a single claim and disprove it's existence. As I've stated before, this should not discourage Mr. Mooney or students of this practice, from continuing to explore the possibilities of 'empty' force.

Best, George Mattson

Dear Sensei Mattson:

Thank you for the leads your provided me with in regards to my continued training in Uechi-Ryu Karate Style. I have talked to many who can assist me unfortunately due to scheduling I cannot meet with various people. I hope you can help me seek someone whom I can train and learn with in Whittier, CA. I have interacted with Sensei Ahti Kaend and Sensei Michael DeDonato. 

Hope you can help me.

Hector Galvan

Sensei Mattson, We have moved our website to www.ArizonaUechi.com. Hope you are well.

Randy

Hi! I received the enclosed note on my RCN account and since I can't mail from there while at work, I've copied the contents and enclosed it here for forwarding. It came from Chris Deresky, whom you may have met last April when she and her sensei, Steve Will, came up from New Jersey to attend the seminar with Nishime Sensei.

When you have a moment, please read Chris's note.

John

Subject: A little boy needs our prayers. Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2000 08:54:59 EDT From: "Chris Deresky" <c_deresky@hotmail.com> To: spij@rcn.com, bdragon@bellatlantic.net, busho@sprintmail.com, blm@eponline.net, dailong@juno.com, txn4evr@earthlink.net, KARATEASD@aol.com, arubiano@rcn.com, alowell@enter.net, ederesky@rand-display.com, EGooder@aol.com, shirocpm@apci.com, rldnd@worldnet.att.net, covalfamily@worldnet.att.net, fwarner@flexicon.com,


I would like to indroduce you to a brave young man. His name is Corey Bethune. Corey is 9 years old and one of my karate students. Corey is full of energy and has a smile that will melt your heart.

Last Easter, Corey was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors removed the tumor and sent him home. Over the summer, he returned to the doctors for a check-up only to find that the tumor has returned. Tomorrow morning, Corey will be undergoing his 2nd surgery for this disease.

Let's all take a moment from our busy lives and say a prayer for young Corey and his family for a safe and speedy recovery.

If you'd like to send Corey a Get-Well card, his address is:

Corey Bethune 295 Rt 31 Oxford, NJ 07865

or if you'd like to send him an email card you may send it to my address and I will see to it that he gets it. (He does not have a computer)

Sincerely,

Chris Deresky 

Mr. Mattson,


My daughter one day was watching me meditate using the healthy balls. She wanted to see and play with the chimes. To keep her from braking the chimes, I thought of away for her to practice mediation and use something in place of the chimes. I went to the hobby shop and got her two wooden balls that would be of equal size as the chimes to her hand. By doing this it would let her practice on control of the two wooden balls while she is mediating. Thank you for listening to my idea. May God be with you and your family.


Sincerely Charles R Roberts

Dear Sensei Mattson, 

Thank you for your fast response! I have been into martial arts for almost my whole life (I'm close to you in age). Your book was among the first in my martial arts collection and I have been reading with interest all the news about Uechi Ryu on and off for the past years. I must say you have spread the banner in a most generous way. I spend part of my time researching Fujian Chinese styles and often wondered about the origins of Uechi. I believe it is dragon, tiger, and crane? Anyhow, it is a mighty system (I've had friends in the style). The one form I practice from Fujian is Shaolin Wu Jueh(Shaolin 5 of a Kind)-it is tiger, crane, leopard,ape, and snake. These are 5 sets(katas)of 5 different strengths. When I look at some moves in Uechi, I also see a bit of monkey. On and off, I've dabbled in Fujian Crane, and Fujian Dog(really rough on my old body-he,he). Being that my mother was Hakka Chinese, I've also done a lot of research in the Hakka styles and see a bit of a relationship to Uechi too. I am one of the "old timers" (ouch-terrible description) in the Hawaii Ching Wu Association since 1963. Being that you probably have close ties to Okinawa, I've heard that there are styles there that have never been exposed outside of Okinawa. True? I don't know how much are fanciful tales. I've heard there is an Okinawan snake system. True? Anyhow, nice meeting you. Yours, 

Patrick Hodges
(now there's a nice Chinese surname-ha!) 

Thanks for the kind words Patrick. I enjoy working out and enjoy teaching what I know to others. The web reaches more people in a day then I could personally touch in a lifetime. I get thousands of letters from people who are helped by the forums and articles. Many resume their training after being inactive for years. These are stories that make me feel real good.

Since most of the Okinawan martial arts either came from China or were refined by Chinese influences, I would suspect that elements of everything (style wise) are found within Okinawan styles. Scratch Uechi-ryu a bit and I could point out many 'snake' techniques within our kata and applications.

Stay in touch....

Best, George 

George, Van,

I've been on the forums for awhile now. I must say that the Uechi-ka that are there have one of the very best, positive and open martial arts communities I've ever seen.

I've been going to see Margaret Chojin for awhile to help me get "put back together" and I'd been contemplating a return to a dojo for a while. I checked out dozens of dojos and walked out every time for one reason or another. In my appointments with Margaret, she's been treating me at Gary Khoury's dojo in Tewksbury... about 20 minutes or so from work. I met Gary and Bobby and was invited to watch a class. I was even offered to come and work out a while for free! (Unheard of these days...) What GREAT Uechi-ka and GREAT representatives of your style and organization!

Both of you have been great in your support and answering my questions...

So, I wanted to tell both of you, who I respect so much... That as of today, I've had my first "official" Uechi-ryu lesson/class at Khoury-sensei's dojo. (He said that was the fastest he'd ever taught Sanchin... ;^)

Anyway, THANK YOU BOTH! I plan on having a lot of fun and love being a ku-kyu... I'll enjoy every minute.

Now we can go out sometime with a couple of bottles of sake' and talk about the "old days"... ;^)

Thanks again,

Bart Kincaid 

Good for you Bart! You couldn't have selected a better dojo anywhere in the world.

Best, George 

Sensei Mattson, first let me compliment you on the web page,it is excellent. I discovered this page about a year ago. I am a former student of Sensei Jim Maloney's.I left Halifax in 1979 and have not had the opportunity to train in a uechi dojo since. To make a long story short,discovering the uechi web site filled me with a tremendous sense of quilt,as I had ceased all training long ago. I have resumed training and have been at it for about 6 months.I haven't felt this good for years! I have resumed a journey that was started many years ago. I now realize that I follow a trail that has no end , I look forward to what I will discover along the way. 

I live in Banff National Park, Alberta , Canada, The nearest dojo is 4.5 hours north. (9 hour drive,3 hour work out,quick shower,10 hour work day,hmmm I train without the benefit of a sensei these days, still have to save time to eat and sleep)

To those of us who must train with out the help of a sensei, the video clips and articles on the site are of great benefit.I realize that books and video are not the way to study uechi......but your video series is outstanding! To those of us who must study alone these are tremendous aids. As are the books. I particularly enjoyed VidMag 20,the kata's performed at two speeds really helps to watch the form in slow speed one can focus on the technical aspects: but the viewer also appreciates the power when you perform the kata in another speed. 

The Maloney 3 pack is also excellent,Good to see Sensei Maloney again even though just on video. The man has not lost that special sense of humor and he is a lot faster and seems to be more powerful than he was 20 years ago.(like he needed to, he was almost god like in ability back then) (I wonder what Scott thinks,poor Scott). Glad to find the link for Sensei Maloney's home page ,nice to see all he has done for his people,this is a truly great individual.

The thing that really pleased me when I found the Uechi site was how much the style has spread in the past 20 years. When I lost touch with the Uechi community in Canada their were 4 dojo's (Kentville,Truro,MahoneBay,and Halifax N.S.) Today Uechi has spread to 50% of the Canadian Provinces,this growth rate also is evident in the US and internationally.That small little dojo in Boston seems to have planted some seeds that grew and grew and grew. What was once a small obscure group of karateka is now a large vibrant community.

I am however disturbed by the splintering of uyechi-ryu into several other related branches.We seem to have entered an era of political struggle. What was once one large family (Uechi-ryu) has now splintered into uechi-ryu, shohei-ryu, pangai noon,etc. We also seem to have a growing # of governing bodies emerging. This seems to have started in the early 90's. Not knowing the history this is confusing. Why are we splintering into so many different groups? Are we all not one family who study the teachings of Kanbun Uechi? Do we not risk losing what we can learn from each other by turning our backs and going our own way? If the roots of the tree remain in tact, the tree is strong? If we chop the roots into several clumps and replant them what do we achieve, several strong trees, or do some of the trees grow less strong or die off ? A family that is strong can have many branches, what is important is that the family tree does not lose any of it's branches.

Sensei Mattson I am confused by all of these new governing bodies and style names. Where can I learn more about this issue?

sincerely Laird Elliott Banff Alberta

All good questions Laird. We discuss these issues on the Political Forum. Please drop in and participate. GEM

Hi Nestor (Folta):

I just learned that you lost your father. Susan and I wish to send you and your family our sincere condolences. 

I just lost my father a few months ago and understand the pain you are going through.

Although we only met your father once, he struck us as a wonderful and caring person. 

Sincerely,

George and Susan

Dear Mattson Sensei and Susan,

George, I'm very sorry to hear that you recently your father. Your sorrow is shared by me. My heatfelt prayers are for your father, you and your family. I know that you are a very thoughtful and caring person. These qualities must be passed on from your father. Isn't it amazing that although we think we want to be so different from our parents, we take on some of their finest qualities.

Thank you both very much for your condolences. I was very fortunate to have my father live with me and my family here in Virginia over the past 9 months. During that time, there were many blessings right up thru my Dad's last breath, and even to now. I was able to get really reacquainted with my father after living apart from him for so many years. Mayumi, Nestor and Naomi were very helpful, and my father's time around the twins solidified his memory for the next generation. Mayumi was just the best - to take in my father as if he were her own, and care, and love him every day - boy, do I love that gal. My family, including my mother and sister, were all at my fathers bedside as he moved on without pain and with dignity. I count all these in the many blessings.

I now plan to re-focus my energy and commit to the spread and growth of authentic and traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do.

George Mattson,

I am in Fairbanks, Alaska where there are no current Uechi Ryu schools. I have a Green Belt right now from a school in Greenville, Texas. I have your book Uechi Ryu Karate Do (the leather bound edition with a signed nameplate; some numbskull sold it to a used books bookstore.) The question I have is this: how do I receive any additional belt rankings without any school up here. Do I continue to train and learn the different katas from the book (as I am doing with Kata Seisan) and then fly down somewhere for testing or do you have a distance education program? I have though about buying some videos on Uechi Ryu but have found none that I would trust. 

Do you sell a video series that has all Katas from Sanchin to San Sei Rui? The styles the offer up here are shotokan, tai kown do, and wing tsun. I tried taking the first two as a way to keep my martial arts skills up. The problem was no kata Sanchin in shotokan (they claimed they had it) and to many high kicks in tai kwon do. After Uechi in-fighting sparring against them they didn't like me leg trapping them or throwing them to the floor by stepping in. Also tai kwon doists do not like it when the star black belt kicks you full force while you stand there in full-tension Sanchin stance and you don't budge or wince. It was then I learned the power of Sanchin. I barely even felt the kick. Of course I prompted him to do it so I don't understand why they were upset. :) I have currently started a Kung Fu/Karate club here. There are six of us. I am actually teaching Uechi Ryu to a native of China. I love the irony. I plan to learn Wing Tsun as it seems to be a more similar style at least as far as the fighting goes. The only thing different I have really done is use Dr. John La Tourette's speed hitting information with Uechi Ryu. This is mainly for fighting though. What I did was take the basic drills you gave in the front of your book and applied his principles to them. It works very well. I can now hit up to 14 times a second using Uechi strikes. It removes the idea of cocking your punches and locking them. You flow more. Also the wa-uke block gets turned into a trap. From what I have seen learning Uechi Ryu allows you to easily use techniques from other styles (like the section in your book showing Choy La Fut, Hugn Gar, and Wing Chun moves adapted for the Uechi artist). As to your forum about the removal of the classical ways vs fads. Here is my say: Uechi Ryu is Kata and Kata is Uechi Ryu. Let the katas be the basis for this. 

Yes a martial artist should weight train and endurance train. I believe the speed hitting techniques should be added to Uechi Ryu for the fighting. BUT NEVER SHOULD THE KATA TRAINING BE REMOVED! It wasn't until reading the speed hitting book that I understood that Uechi Ryu teaches flow hitting. For instance: stance: left foot forward; wa-uke block off left foot; elbow strike to rib cage with right arm followed by right back fist while switching to right horse stance; switch to left sanchin stance while strike with the left palm to the jaw; right backhand strike (sideways) to nose philtrum; left hand side strike to throat first with left hand then with right hand; followed by to sideways backhand strikes to the philtrum (left hand then right hand) followed by right elbow to jaw with left eye rake and then the double palm strike for 13 hits in a second. So as you can see Uechi Ryu is still a viable style if it teaches this.

But again if you know of any way for me to continue my Uechi Ryu training please let me know.

Thank You,

Chris Thomas 

Hi Chris: Sorry to hear about your inability to find a good dojo. I get lots of similar letters from around the world.

My suggestion is to form your own study group and continue to practice what you already know. Seems as though you are a well rounded martial artist, in spite of your only being a Uechi green belt. I know lots of black belts who don't have your 'savvy!

Anyway, I have a couple of suggestions for learning via video tapes and CD.

If you want some good basic tapes (white - green belt) I recommend 18 and 19 "Vidmags". The System "Overview" contains everything we do in Uechi-ryu, including bunkai and prearranged kumite. For more advanced kata understanding, try vidmag 20 on CD or Video.

When you are ready for sparring training, I highly recommend Gary Khoury's sparring video. A fantastic 90 minutes of Uechi drills, tips and strategy.

Plan to attend our annual SummerFest, held on Cape Cod the 2nd weekend of August yearly. Everyone from around the world attends. You can read about it on the Uechi-ryu.com site.

You might consider joining IUKF to keep up to date with world Uechi happenings.

Good luck and stay in touch.

George Mattson 

Dear George Mattson sensei,

Press Release askSensei.com

A New Content Web Site for All Martial Artists!

Using a question and answer format, askSensei.com has organized valuable information into general areas of health & fitness, mind & body, art & nature, traditions, training & technique, and learning & teaching. New questions from readers are posted regularly and askSensei.com will compile an extensive archives of material for martial artists of all styles. In addition askSensei.com will offer reviews of books & videos of interest, and section devoted to inspirational quotes and images, which they call "miso soup for the spirit."

The creators of askSensei.com are Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer (authors of "Martial Arts Mind & Body" and "The Secret Art of Health & Fitness".) With many years of experience in martial arts and physical education, they are committed to putting the "Art back into martial art" and "martial art back in Nature."

Thank you for your time and attention. www.asksensei.com

Please contact: Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer

e-mail: myquestion@asksensei.com

Title: askSensei.com

URL: http://www.asksensei.com

Category: sports/martial arts/magazine/education

Description: Martial Arts site in English/Spanish using a question and answer format. Intelligent, healthy and artistic approach, by Claudio Iedwab & Roxanne Standefer, authors of Secret Art of Health & Fitness, Martial Arts Mind & Body, Peaceful Way.

Thank you again.

Best, Claudio & Roxanne www.asksensei.com 

Hello,

Please, let me introduce myself : I am Alain Wenessia, Martial Art trainee, from Paris.

For 2 years, I were working on a site about martial arts. It was hard but now I am proud to tell you that it's done now.

Now in these pages you can find :

1. the biggest DATA Base of Martial Arts Pages in Internet (more than 8000 pages now) : all these pages are classified according to their category, country, language....

2. Some martial arts Definitions (I might write some wrong things : please tell me)

3. a place for classified ads . So if you organize a seminar, tournament, exhibition, or you need an instructor or an uniform, or you want to have new friends, this section is for you. It's for our Martial Arts community and it's all free.

4. a Gallery : not a lot of thing right now, but if you want to be on these pages, contact me.

5. Special reports or a spotlight (Opening around december).

Please visit this site at : http://www.wenessia.com

I need your help again : I will be happy if you can mail me your opinion about my page and don't hesitate to include a link to my site in your site and to forward this mail to all your Martial Arts friends.

Thank you and have a good day (and visit www.wenessia.com).

Thank you for reading my message.

Best regards.

Alain WENESSIA


Mail : alainw@club-internet.fr www.wenessia.com, Portal to Martial Arts



PS : I am french, so I am afraid that my english is not very good : if you find some bad words... please tell me.

Schedule December 9, 2000 Registration: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m

Conditioning and Fitness Seminar 9:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m

Presenter: Pedro Bennett Black belts in Kenpo Karate, Kenpo-Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Certified Shootfighting instructor, Certified Olympic (Pankration Instructor) Trainer, Ki Therapist, Boston Public Schools Science Teacher, B.S. Chemistry, M.Ed..

Pedro Bennett will demonstrate and discuss the importance of conditioning and fitness. This is a must seminar for those of you who seek to improve stamina and endurance. He will focus on using Chi/Ki as an aid in body maintenance. He will also discuss the kinesthetics of self-defense.

Break 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Shootfighting® Seminar 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. photos with Bart Vale following the seminars

Presenter: World Shootfighting® Champion and Certified Olympic Coach, Bart Vale.

Cost: $50 pre-registration $60 at the door Location: 1779 Central St. Stoughton, 

Massachusetts 02072 (781)-341-6068 Note: Pre-registration due, Nov. 29, 2000. Make Checks payable to Pedro Bennett



Shootfighting! What is it?

Shootfighting® is a complete fighting system. It combines Muay Thai Kickboxing and total body submission grappling. You'll learn to capture a victory over anyone from an experienced street fighter to a trained grappler. Shootfighting® will enhance any style. It makes the stand up fighter and the grappler stronger by eliminating the limitations of each. Shootfighting® is a registered trademark of the International Shootfighting® Association and the World Shootfighting® Commission.

There are currently three main organizations sanctioning matches and teaching the style. Of these the oldest and largest is the Fujiwara Gumi (family) run by founder and former champion Yoshiaki Fujiwara. The current world champion of the Fujiwara Gumi is Miami's Bart Vale, The first foreigner (American) to reach the highest levels of the sport. Vale who coined the term Shootfighting® to describe the style, combined the wrestling and muay thai techniques he learned in Japan with his experience in American karate and kickboxing to advance the sport further. He is presently attempting to promote regular matches in Florida and California. Pedro Bennett has trained directly under Bart Vale for the previous six years. He is one of Bart's first generation students. He is also a certified Olympic Trainer in Pankration under the direct guidance of Bart Vale. 

Good luck with your seminar Pedro. Hope you can be with us at camp again next year. We all enjoyed your dynamic seminars. gEM

 Hello Mr. Mattson

Sorry to bother you but, I would like to know if you know how one tries out for the K-1 (in Japan). I saw it several times on TV when I lived in Tokyo; however, no one seems to know how to try out. I have nothing against kick boxing, kung-fu, or any of the other fighting styles represented in the K-1. As a matter of fact I like them all! I just happen to think that Uechi training (if training hard) can prepare someone for the K-1. Winning the K-1 is something I want to really go after. I've been training really hard (on my own) eight hours a day. Too much time on my hands.. Right?? Ha ha ha! ! ! In my training I've included weight training, plenty of cardiovascular training to go along with it, and kumite of course. I'm not trying to be the next Bruce Lee, nor do I have something to prove. Fighting in the K-1 is just something I want to do. Currently I am a shodan, I will be going to Tokyo next month to test for my ni-dan with Keisuke Fujimoto (Kanto Plains OkiKuKai). Sorry if I've bored you with what others call a silly dream (of mine). Thank you for your time. Respectfully Yours, 

Andrew J. Serrata 

Perhaps I'm behind the times Andrew, but I've never heard of the K-1! Sounds like the "ultimate fighting" series or one of it's many imitators. Chris Delori, from BC has been in a couple of these events and has fared very well. Also, Tony Blauer has trained students for these events quite successfully.

If you really wish to get the answers, post your question on Gary Khoury's forum, which can be found by clicking http://www.xpres.net/~gmattson/ubbs/

Gary lived in Japan and fought in quite a few tournaments. He should also be familiar with the K-1 series.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Best, George Mattson

Hello Mr. Mattson 
 Sorry about that.. Just so you know, K-1 is a kick-boxing tournament. About half of the competitors have karate training and the others some form of kick boxing... The tournament has no weight divisions.. Sounds like fun.. Doesn't it??? Thanks for the luck! -Andrew Serrata 

Dear S. Mattson

I am an latino american apprentice of Uechi that is interested to know some aspects of the history of the style. In fact, I have had access to some videos elaborated by you and also to their book, the one that I have not been able to read like I wanted, since I have difficulties with the language. However, through the sailing for internet, I have had news of the different associations of Uechi. In fact, I have not been able to establish the differences clearly among them y.eso it has produced me cietas confusions to the moment to elaborate a current panorama of Uechi. For it, I go to you for that I think that in their professor list and investigator could clear up these doubts. For example, here I have several queries that I would like to clear: 1. Although the style one is which the difference is among Okikukai (Nakahodo), Soke (Kanmei Uechi), Kenyukai (Shinjo), Sohei-Ryu (Nakahodo?) 2. Is Sohei-Ryu the continuation of Okikukai or is something different? 3. That you know about the association Shubukai (Satoru Shinki)?. 4. For I finish, to what federation or association you belong?I don't have clear if you are of Okikukai

Together with their answer, I would like that it indicated me that it paginates web I can visit to clarify with certainty my doubts. Grateful of their attention, he greets him sincerely

Edison Ramirez

Good day Pepe:

Most of your questions may be answered at this site: http://uechi-ryu.com/nac_soke.htm

You can learn more about the Federation I belong to at: http://www.uechi-ryu.com/iukf/

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Best, George Mattson 

Good Morning Mr Mattson,

My name is Jeremiah Lauriat, I had written to you about a month ago asking about the Uechi Book because I was going up for my Sandan. You had asked me to write to you and tell you how the test went. I tested on Friday, November 3rd and Mr. Durkins dojo in Atkinson, NH. Along with me, tested another gentleman for his sandan and the majority of our ikkyu students for shodan. We all passed and from what I have heard, we greatly complimented. I have been training for nearly 10 years now and never have I been as nervous as when I performed Sanchin and Konchin in front of Master Uechi himself. It was such an honor. There were so many important people there including Master Maloney and Master Thomas, it seems to have made this rank a prominent memory in my Uechi training. I thank you for taking the time to read this and writing back earlier, and I also want to thank you graciously for everything you have done for Uechi-Ryu and its followers. If it wasnt for you, I wouldnt have this type of honor in my life, and it means a lot. Thank you sir. Take care. Jeremiah Lauriat

Student of Daniel Dovidio of Manchester, New Hampshire.

Congratulations Jeremiah. Sorry I missed your promotional, though I heard it went very well.

Best, George Mattson

Dear Mr Mattson, I studied under your old Dojo on Cambridge St. and would like to take it up again. Are there any Dojos north of Boston, in the area of Malden, Medford? 

Thank-you 

The Chailles have a dojo there. I believe their dojo is listed in our instructor's section. GEM

George,

I left a message with Dave. Dave returned the favour and left a message for me. Dave directed me to James Walker (the same person you had recommended earlier that I couldn't find via the phone book), but Dave also had James' cell number. I've now left a message with James so hopefully my son and I will be joining a new club in the area in the very near future. BTW, I know there is also another Ueichi Ryu student floating around this city somewhere. I believe he was a Gokyu when he moved to the city last year. I know he couldn't find a Ueichi-Ryu club so he started to take Tae Kwon Do. I'll track him down to see if he's interested in rejoining Uechi-Ryu. Thanks again. Cheers, 

Lloyd Lewis 

Dear George, 

It's been a while since I wrote you, and I'd like you to know that I've continued to practice my Uechi daily. It guides my other exercises and gives them a focus. In return, my progress reflects back on the rest of my life and enhances it greatly. It's hard to think of things being the same without our art. This apart from the health-giving benefits of Sanchin and the self-defense abilities which brought me to it at the beginning. It's a long time since Columbus Avenue, but it seems like yesterday. Having pre-teen and teenage girls is an adventure and when I'm not working evenings in the ER, I like to be at home with the family. Naturally, this affects the amount of time available to work out in class. So I concentrate on kata and hojoundo at home, as well as conditioning; I've "discovered" the considerable value of using home-made nigiri game. And when able to work out at class, I join Jerry McDonald who is doing a good job of keeping a San Diego Uechi class going. How are you and Susan? Sounds like you're staying very busy, and that's good for all of us. If we're in Boston next summer (my oldest may audition for an intensive with the Boston ballet) then we'd try to get together. Likewise, if you and Susan find yourselves in the San Diego area, we would love to see you. All my best to you and Susan,

Paul Haydu

Dear Sensei Mattson,  

Please add our names to your instructors directory. Gary Jones Greenville,Tx. 903-883-2882 E-mail gjones@koyote.com Jana Jones Greenville,Tx. 903-883-2882 

Please let everyone in your circle know if they come to the Dallas area and would like to workout at our Dojo just give us a call. Everyone is welcomed. 

Thank You, 

Gary and Jana 

Thanks for your letter Gary. Good to hear from you. I just finished posting your information to the "Instructor's Listing". If you get an opportunity, post your notice on the "Looking for dojo/instructor" Forum. I get quite a few request for Uechi dojo in Texas and John Ray is the only one listed.

Hope you can join us for camp one year.

Best to you, your family and students.

George Mattson 

Please provide telephone numbers, addresses of Uechi-Ryu dojos primarily, WA state. Oregon and Northern California. Thanks. 

Tom Rigor

Please check out the "Instructor's" section, which can be found at http://uechi-ryu.com/dojolist.htm. You might also post a message on the "Looking for a dojo or instructor" Forum. Good luck. Let me know how you make out.

Best, George Mattson

Dear sir,

I thank you for responding to our message and we have already the occasion to visit your site.

But we want to receive an official invitation to participate in your championship.

sincerely yours President of ligue.

Dear Sir:

You and your students are cordially invited to attend and participate in our Uechi-ryu World Championships, to be held in Marlboro, Massachusetts (Near Boston) on May 20, 2001.

You are also cordially invited to field a five person team to participate in the Uechi-ryu World Championship Team Competition to be held on Cape Cod Massachusetts, on August 12, 2001. This event is held in conjunction with the annual SummerFest and Martial Arts Festival, one of the largest ongoing event in martial art's history.

Best Regards, George E. Mattson 

Hi. I've been searching for a video that would teach me uechi ryu/shohei ryu. I've searched the web and my sensei (sp?) gave me your name. He told me you had a set of videos teaching the basics of kata, etc. Can you help me by any chance? Or point me in the right direction?

Thanks so much for your help.

Tammy 

Hi Tammy:

We have quite a few videos and CDs that should help.

Please click on http://karateworld.safeshopper.com/ and check out the Videos and CD section.

Many of our videos are featured on our Multimedia section, located at http://www.abcisp.net/~gmattson/video/vidmag.html

Email me if you have any specific questions.

Regards and good luck,

George Mattson

Dear Sensei Mattson, 

Thank you once again for your reply. I realize you are very busy, so no need to reply if you don't want to. First of all, where is a website that I can link up to in your organization? I am more interested in reading about training methods and the like. Yes, I realize thet Uechi Ryu has snake also. I'm quite sure there are quite a few things in Uechi that I am not aware about. It also has quite a few things that are like Southern Preying Mantis. When I started in Ching Wu here, the first set we learned was called Lim Tau Kuen-it has the feel almost like Wing Chun's Little Idea form(Siu Lim Tau Kuen). It was all dynamic tension and we still do it. Maybe one day, when and if we meet, I'll show it to you. Now, I am able to practice it with little physical strength and can get juices flowing even more so than some of the younger crowd. I can only guess that it comes from Choy Gar. We also practiced a kind of high pitched ki-ai very similar to Bruce Lee(no, he did not invent this unique ki-ai as some say...) Oh well, enough prattle for now. Your, 

Patrick

Sensei,

I studied Uechi-Ryu 20 years ago at the Brockton Community School program with Bob Beatrice. I achieved my Green belt, but stopped studying after high school. I would like to begin Uechi-Ryu again with a good instructor in the Northern Virginia area and I've found the Dojo listing on your web site. Do you have any recommendations for a good Dojo? Also, do you know the whereabouts of Bob Beatrice these days?

Thanks,

Chris Donnelly

George you probably do not remember me it was long a go in 1977 I was a student of John Conroy's at the time I received my black belt I am asking if you know what happen to him? Thanks 
wes capwell 
jacksonville, florida

Hi Wes:

John is practicing and teach Taichi in Rhode Island. gEM

I have recently started taking Uechi ryu (started January 1999) and am interested in making my own makuarwra. Are there different kinds? and would anyone know where I could get plans to build one for myself or our dojo?

thank you 

Norm Hissa Nipigon, 
Ontario (thats east of Thunder Bay in northwest Ontario) 

Go to the "articles" section and check out the Makiwara article, with plans. If you are looking for something else, post your request on Bill Glasheen's forum.

Good luck and stay in touch.

George Mattson 

Dear hanshi George, 

Our dojo support to next camp in Pinamar, Argentine to uechi friend, shihan carlos ciriza. In my county, Chubut have great expectation for the next camp with your assistance in Argentine!

regards.- Thank You. 
mario abel molaroni -4° Dan uechi-ryu

I hardly ever forward email that contains the phrase "Please pass this one." This time I felt I could make an exception. Please indulge me this one time. 

Subject: "SENT BY A MARINE"



'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.....

”PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

You knew, sooner or later, that some one would bring up our election dispute. . .

Fore!

A proposed revision to the rules of golf is being sought in So Florida which will replace the traditional call of "FORE". Once a player has hit an errant shot he will be allowed to call "GORE" while the ball is still in

flight. He can then replace the ball in the same spot and hit it again.

The player can do this until he is satisfied the ball is going where he

intended to hit it in the first place. This will cause the time of play to be extended until such time the player can claim the hole. This revision is

causing some consternation to the PGA but proponents say it is only fair. A recent test of this new rule was recently played out in an exclusive club in Palm Beach County Florida and the first hole only took 7 days to complete!!!!

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