Hi Friends & Colleagues: Please spread the word on tomorrow's documentary airing. Let's help boost some ratings so that we continue to get national martial arts visibility. Many thanks, John Corcoran Announcement for anyone interested:

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M A R T I A L A R T S : T H E R E A L S T O R Y T H E L E A R N I N G C H A N N E L 
- JULY 7TH, 2000 At 9:00pm to 11:00pm Repeats at Midnight to 2:00am           
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 Beyond the popular imagery created both in Hollywood and Hong Kong, there exists a little known world of secret martial techniques. From the mist shrouded hills of China to small backwater villages in southern India, fighting techniques have been developed that require silent devotion, zealous commitment and above all, fighting spirit. 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY will take a look at a wide variety of techniques, and their practitioners. From the legendary "Beast of Amsterdam," Jon Bluming, whose fists are well-known to the denizens of the Red Light District, to Nan Don Sken, a Thai Boxer whose high flying kicks can easily fell an opponent twice his height, this program is not about Hong Kong myths and Hollywood legends - it's about the "real thing." What's the real thing? Well, they're fighters who can't afford to do endless re-takes on a Hollywood set or who only put on padding and gloves to compete in the ring. These are street-hardened brawlers who know that real fights are over in a matter of seconds, and it's the fighter who gets in the first blow that will usually walk away. But mindless kicking and punching is not what most fighting systems are all about. Many martial arts are deeply ingrained in the folk and religious traditions of cultures around the world, and many emphasize that the same techniques that can kill an opponent, can also be used to heal -- and that fighting prowess goes hand in hand with self-control and compassion. 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY underscores an essential, yet rarely acknowledged martial arts principle: the greatest masters never have to fight. They can, and they will, but they just don't have to. In the words of the late "Vee-jitsu" master, Florendo Visitacion, "the truly powerful are those who are also restrained." Although many Americans are familiar with traditional forms of karate or judo, 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY explores some of the lesser-known but equally effective techniques from around the world, including the fighting forms of Chinese "grand ultimate boxing," T'AI CHI CHUAN; the deadly and ancient art of Indian KALARIPPAYATTU which some claim may be the world's oldest martial art; French "foot fighting," SAVATE, which grew to fruition on the tough Marseilles waterfront; and the athletic Brazilian CAPOEIRA, which African slaves disguised as a dance to fool their Portuguese overseers. Relatively unknown forms of the world's oldest martial art, wrestling, will be explored, including the centuries-old styles of grappling like Viking GLIMA, which is still practiced in Iceland today, and traditional backhold CUMBERLAND WRESTLING in England, which eschews WWF theatrics in favor of down and dirty tussling.

 MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY also goes behind-the-scenes with CBS TV's popular Martial Law series, to watch how Hong Kong's celebrated action star, Sammo Hong, brings his unique fighting style to the small screen. And in contrast to Hollywood, our cameras capture the no-holds barred hand-to-hand training of US Army Airborne Rangers preparing for the next conflict. 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY presents rare footage, some of it never seen before, including silent newsreels of judo demonstrations in Europe; black and white film of famous masters of the Chinese "soft" arts performing in Taiwan, even footage of the most famous T'ai Chi practitioner, Cheng Man-Ch'ing. MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY will go to the heart of disciplines with roots deep in the past, developed through centuries of experience in life and death struggles. Often, truth is stranger than fiction; the reality of the fighting arts is far more compelling than the caricatures frequently presented to the public. 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY features interviews with Robert W. Smith, an ex-CIA agent whose books were among the earliest to shed light on the often murky and misunderstood world of martial arts, and Joseph Svinth, a former marine, martial arts practitioner and historian, whose research has unearthed some fascinating and long forgotten anecdotes, including the fact that even Teddy Roosevelt had a Japanese judo instructor in the White House. 

MARTIAL ARTS: THE REAL STORY is produced and directed by Joel Sucher and Steven Fischler, who have both been practicing martial arts for over twenty-five years. Since founding Pacific Street Films in 1969, they have produced, directed and written award-winning documentary films on a wide variety of historical, cultural and political themes - for broadcast venues ranging from NBC to PBS to a variety of cable networks including CINEMAX, LIFETIME, CNN and COURT TV. They have both received numerous awards and fellowships. In 1978, Fischler and Sucher were the youngest filmmakers to have been recipients of prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships in Film. Notable productions include: Martin Scorsese Directs, a portrait of the director (who was their teacher at New York University) that aired on PBS as part of AMERICAN MASTERS; In Search of Peace, a film marking the U.N.'s 50th anniversary, narrated by Paul Newman; and profiles of actress Jessica Lange and filmmaker Oliver Stone.

Sensei Mattson; 

I would like to express my sincerer gratitude to you and the rest of the " Masters " that gave up your valuable time to sit on the grading board for my Dan test at Dave Hunts Dojo.The pressure of performing in front of " Living Legends " was certainly intense leading up to and of course during our test . This was an experience I will cherish all my life.It didn't hit me until the day after just how awesome this experience really was. I think now it was another of Sensei Hunt's tests. I have certainly thanked Dave for helping make this happen, for few students in this part of the world can say they were tested by the "father "of Uechi in North America ,as well as the honored Masters that we had in front of us.I hope I preformed as you all feel a Shodan should .Again ,my heart felt Thank You ; and if you could extend my thank you to Sensei's Van, Aurthur, Robert, and Clarence. 

Mike 

Hi George, 

I have just returned from the most fabulous experience of my life! I was honored to attend the 10th Open ShoHeiRyu Okinawa Karate-Do seminar in Volos, Greece at the invitation of Vladimir Popovic of the Serbia Hombu Dojo and Michael Grigoris of the Kouros Dojo. 

These practitioners were the strongest and most well-conditioned I have ever seen. Champion free-fighter Maria Sofotasiou is simply magnificent, a fantastically strong and agile woman. And the children! I have been to schools in America where teachers would not even assist a child in tying their belts for fear of litigation. These children are not only loved and hugged but were subjected to a fairly stern Sanchin testing! Their form and technique was very adult-like. 

These children did not "play" at karate, they legitimately trained and practiced. Imagine the future! Michael Grigoris' dojo is very modern and well-equipped, nestled between the incredible panorama of mountains and the pristine Aegean Ocean. I was somewhat anxious about what kind of reception I might have from the Serbs because of last year's Nato bombings in Belgrade but my fears were unfounded. 

I was shown more courtesy and kindness then I have ever known in my life. Please find attached a photo of Maria Sofotasiou and myself on the beach during training. My body may be back at work but my mind is still in Greece with these wonderful people!

Kind regards, Deb Downing/Khoury's Karate Academy

Dear Family, Students, Friends, and Associates,

Hello from the Nagahama Branch Dojo! I hope all is well with you and yours.

The Newsletters for April and May are not posted yet because of the move and confusion caused by setting up and settling in. I hope to have Sensei review them for his approval soon, and am working on the June Newsletter in the meantime.

I would like to briefly bring you up-to-date, though. The building is finished, we moved in on 10 June -- same day the Dojo no Kami was placed -- and we are now beautifying the grounds. Bermuda Grass seems to be the choice for places like Okinawa -- tight growth pattern that chokes out most weeds, thick, short blades, withstands drought and high traffic well, etc.

The essential photos have been placed in their correct positions relative to the Dojo no Kami, and double wood bars on four walls of the dojo afford room for plenty more photos. The guest room is ready, and Sumako has been working hard to get the coffee house ready as well -- visitors will use the coffee house to prepare their meals, and Sumako will teach Beginner and Intermediate English classes there as well. We will also use the coffee house for social functions. The name of the coffee house is Cafe Ikkyodo.

Sumako tested the acoustics of the dojo by practicing koto there several times over the past two weeks, and Motoki tested Ikkyodo's acoustics with the piano. When we're not kiai'ing and stomping around, chances are pretty good there will be music!

Classes began on 19 June. I teach two regular group classes per day, and still have time to attend sessions at the Zakimi Shubukan three times weekly. Daytime slots are open for individual or private sessions all day, whenever I am not teaching a regular class. It is difficult getting the routine underway, as much time is still spent making the house "just right", but we hope things will settle down during July.

If you need the class schedule, fees, or directions to the dojo, please let me know.

Attached is a photo of the finished building from the front -- the dojo is in the lower right, below the street level. My office is under the sign and Cafe Ikkyodo is under my office. The rest of the house is our living quarters. June's Newsletter will feature a good interior photo of the finished dojo and guestroom.

I'll try to get the Newsletters posted as soon as possible. Meanwhile if there are any questions or comments, please feel free to write.

The new regular mailing address is:

G. Seizan Breyette 743-1 Nagahama-aza, Yomitan-son Okinawa 904-0324 JAPAN

Dojo and Office phone: (098) 958-6595

Sincerely,

Seizan 
Dear Folks,

Sorry for the following cor's.

The Dojo no Kami was placed on 12 June, we moved in on 10 June -- that day, TOYAMA Sensei placed the beautiful dojo clock, and set the time -- therefore "starting time" for the dojo, giving permission to begin classes whenever feasible.

Also, my office is seen below the kanji portion of the sign in the front of the building, not taking the entire space under the sign -- that would be TOO much like Heaven, eh?

Sincerely,

Seizan

George, Here's an article that was published in the latest Milo. If you feel it would be appropriate please feel free to post it on the articles section of the website.

Take care,

David Ps. Question: "What did the Oregonian say to the Pillsbury Dough Boy?" 

Answer: "Great tan!"

Thanks David. I posted your article last week in the "Articles" section.GEM

 "Subject: "dojo Mate" post!  Excellent post Paris, well worth wading through endless mindless banter on the CD to occasionally get a gem like your message. I would like to post it on the Uechi web site if possible. Occasionally, our gang gets a little unruly and your words are a great reminder of who we are and how we should relate to one another on the Internet.
Regards, 
George Mattson

 =========================

Mr. Mattson

Please feel free to use my post in any manner you wish. I would be honored to know that my words were of some value to you and your group. P.S. Your book was the first karate book that I read when I started training in 1973. Thank you.
Paris Janos

 ======================
Note: Posted on the VSD Forum

Hello! I am an associate segment producer for a new television series called "Going Home." I am writing you because in my search to find interesting stories for the show I am researching finding a karate student or teacher who is returning home for a special tournament. The individual will have to have moved away and is now returning home for this special event in their hometowns!

"Going Home" follows travelers back to their hometown in an attempt to capture what the sentiment of home means to a variety of people. We are looking for interesting individuals who have heartfelt feelings about their hometowns and want to share their experiences with us. Not only does participating on the show give you a lasting memory of your trip home---it gives you a FREE trip home. Yes, we pay for airfare. If you know of any karate masters or students who have not been home in a significant amount of time and are now returning for a special event please pass on this information. I would greatly appreciate any advice or leads you could give me on how to better search for a karate master with "personality" and someone who is comfortable in front of the camera.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the show please feel free to contact me at : (323) 851-2333 ext. 286. Or of course you can email me at : tholmes@pietownprods.com

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Tolani Holmes Associate Segment Producer Going Home

Sounds like a great opportunity for someone. . . But no way do I wish to go back to Hastings Minn!!! :) GEM

Dear sir, 
I just completed the process from registration to posting a message on the board. Everything seemed to work ok. Thank you for great web site and i wish you continued success with both the site and your endeavors in the martial arts.

Sincerely, WalT

Sensei Mattson;

Yesterday Sensei David Mott returned home from Edmonton after a very successful visit. Though he was here for only two weeks, he was able to pass on an amazing amount of information. His efforts for the last six years have helped in a big way to improve the Uechi community in Edmonton. Energy levels increase every year and some classes now exceed 100 people. As you know, because of his extensive background in Qi Gong, Sensei Mott is very much in tune with the concept of breathing as it applies to Uechi-Ryu Karate. We spent a fair bit of time working on breathing and I believe I saw lots of light bulbs going on over peoples heads.

One of the perks of my position as a co-sponsor of these visits is that I get my few hours alone with Sensei Mott to pick his brain regarding matters related to dojo management and teaching. His value to the Edmonton Uechi community in general and to me in particular is immeasurable and I look forward to many more years of his positive influence.

Best Regards, 

Doug Smith

dear sir or ma'am

what type of karate do you teach, self defense, or attack?does the type of martial arts taught in ryu, have any similar styles to chuck norris, jackie chan or steven seagal?and to what degree could a experienced fighter in uechi-ryu hold up agiasnt seagal?

thank you, 

matt.

Hello again,

The web site keeps getting better and better. I need to update our address. The new Dojo is located at 1401 So. Military Trail in West Palm Beach 33415. The phone is 561-432-2214. We have moved from our club Dojo into a new 2400 sq. Foot facility. It was time to expand and put Uechi Ryu out into the for-front. So far the response has been great. Even during our move and painting etc. we had more traffic than expected.

Keep up the good Work.

Rick Potrekus 

Sensei,

Just bought my plane tickets - I hope the dates on the site are accurate! I should be coming in Friday night. Unfortunately, I will need to miss Friday - I don't really have the leave time, so I'm going to sneak out on the weekend... and hope I don't get called for a deployment between now and then! Looking forward to seeing you then.

Greg Postal

Will you please send info on learning how to do karate with out going to a dojo. This would real helpful so if you would, send it to me.

Sincerely 
Billy Robinson

If you discover the secret, please let us all know! Good luck, GEM

I've just got back from the karate camp that was held in Sackville Nova Scotia. It was a great experiance to be in a class with such great karate instructors, I think I really learned a ot. Thanks a lot and hope to see you at next years camp.

Murray

Hi Murray:

Thanks for your note and good wishes. I really enjoyed myself too and am looking forward to working with you again in the near future. . . . Hopefully at the August camp!! :)

Best, George Mattson

Hi Mr. Mattson: 

I've had the pleasure of meeting you on a few occasions and of training at your dojo. Your early students Carmine DiRamio and the late Forrest Sanborn were my first teachers. I am also privileged to have another of your outstanding former premier students - Walter Mattson - as my teacher for many years now. I am proud today to be among Walter's and also Mr. Shinyu Gushi's senior students. As I am also honored to be teaching my own fine group of students, I would be grateful if you would list me in your teacher directory as follows: "Joe Graziano, Los Alamitos, CA (562) 596-8519/EMAIL: jgraziano1@earthlink.net". 
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita.

Dear George Mattson,


Hi George, This is my daughter Sharlene she was pick to run with the torch on Thursday 15th June .It was a great day for our family as she is intellectually disabled and she is a swimmer in Special Olympics and is trying to go to the paroympics one day. 

Sensei, 
We are planning to attend this summers camp and would like to register via the internet. I have been checking the camp page on the web site but it still says that the service will be completed soon. Will it be finished soon? I would very much like to get our forms in so that we will have accommodations at the Academy. Thank you and we will see you at Sensei Hunt's camp this coming week-end.

Foster and Lori Doyle

Thanks for reminding me that the application link had to be fixed. (We had a great time at the Canadian camp!) gem

Subject: Test

I tested 14 years ago in front of James Thompson and his board.I practiced with Robert Galeone for five years as a white belt and tested for shodan as a white belt, as Bob did not do belt promotions at the time. Felt weird at the time ,as everyone had on brown belts. Passed with a good score. Was a great test and Mr. Thompson does not give away belts as some others. Since then, I lost my certificate in a housefire, but am proud and still practice some at 52 years. Played college football, practiced Goju in my younger days, ut Uechi Ryu and Bob Galeone were the best sport and instructor I have ever encountered. Bob held a camp with Bill Glasheen in Annapolis 13-14 tears ago I attended that was great.Just reminiscing and thanks. Looked for Sheldon Dunn, but cannot find any info or correct telephone. 

Thanks Terry Moore

Good to hear from you Terry. Bob was supposed to attend my Camp two years ago, but had to cancel at the last minute. Jim Thompson has been a regular at our camp, along with Bill Glasheen. Haven't heard anything from Sheldon, but believe he is still working out.

Keep in touch. BTW, have you seen the Forums?

Best, George Mattson

Mattson Sensei,
 I wanted to let you know that I have began taking classes under Gordi Breyette Sensei. I have enjoyed and learned much in his classes and look forward to each one. Thank you for pointing me in his direction!

Thank you again Thomas Nichols 

Good luck with your studies. Thanks for getting back to me and stay in touch. Enjoy the experience.

Best, George Mattson 

I just wrote to tell you i viewed your web page and i was kinda interested in further info on your karate instructional videos., I was also kinda wondering if after I viewed and grasped them well if there was any possibility of testing for maybe a belt . I'm currently enrolled in a tae kwan do school, in the rank of an orange belt.I thank you for your time and I really hope you can send me some info on these topics. thanks again 


¤Jason Neal¤

Check out our "instructor's" link for a Uechi teacher in your area. The video tapes are great supplements to actual instruction and can help speed up the process of learning techniques and history. GEM

I had a chance to practice Mushindo Kempo for 'only three years' in Zagreb, Croatia from 1985 to 1988 and was attracted to continue in London.

Since I have lived in China for the last 4 years (and can speak fluent Mandarin and Cantonese) and found in your forum about T. Dukes that he used some traditional chinese Qi Kong calling it 'Chinese Yoga' I would be glad for any hints on finding further relations here in China of what Dukes pretends to have found himself.

I also spent last two weeks in the Shaolin Temple learning Nei Gong and Qi Gong.

Jaco Anicic

Foreign teacher Academy of Fine Arts Guangzhou, CHINA

A message from your forum that I would like to get more clear answer to:

posted by SEAN C: 

I once used the term "chinese yoga" when referring to the eight pieces of brocade chi kung. I would just like to state that I had no knowledge of this being an actual "method" or whatever, espoused by this totally lame person. I will never put these two words together in the future, for fear of misrepresenting myself.

Sunday (Fathers Day), Jeff, Ed, Stan and I returned from the Austin Texas Koshukai. Kiyohide Shinjo Sensei, his brother Narihiro Shinjo Sensei, Suichi san (Kiyohide's oldest son) and Gushi Sensei shared much with us in terms of training and guidance. We had 4 wonderful sweat-filled days of learning followed by nightly socializing (sweat replaced by sake). A total of 60 to 70 folks were there from all parts of the U.S.

Because the Okinawan Masters stayed in the same Hotel with everyone else (as opposed to staying at the host's home), we could frequently and informally interact and learn a lot of history, culture and other more subtle nuances from them... provided your eyes remain open and head clear. These after hours discussions were some of the most meaningful and insightful moments for me.

Wednesday through Friday, the sessions were broken into groups according to rank and trained with a focus for things at those ranks. Sanchin, kata, bunkai, kumite, stretching, conditioning and mind set (Zanshin) were covered in very great (and sometimes excruciating) detail. Although we Gaithersburg Dojo folks were fortunately not too far afield, we did pick up some valuable improvements, insights and such which will certainly be passed along to you. Also of great interest to me were the sessions focused on "how to teach" this or that.

Saturday, Stanley and Ed performed admirably, earning their Nidan (2nd) and Shodan (1st) Black belts! Your Sempei are to be congratulated for their performance and for representing themselves and the Gaithersburg Dojo so honorably. As with any exam, the Dan Promotional test is also a great learning opportunity; one which you will also benefit from.

The two of us scheduled to test for Godan (5th), fell under a rather new rule requiring a minimum of 4 years experience at Yondan (4th) before testing for Godan no matter what ability level is shown. We each have about 3 years in rank; and the egalitarian application of the rule across the board is completely understandable and is the most fair action. We will be all the better next time. All things come at their proper time... In fact, I was rather relieved that I was then free to focus my full attention on Stan and Ed during the test. The Okinawans were very nice about explaining it all to me over some awamori Friday night/Saturday morning; a memorable experience in its own right.

On Saturday night, the Koshukai ended in the traditional way, with a massive party!! Mike Nazar Sensei was the consummate host; opening his home, attached Dojo and pool for the party; and the weather cooperated. As Master Shinjo explained, socializing is an integral part of the Koshukai. We tear down walls and build bridges in their place. 

At the party, we also had a preview of some upcoming video tapes Master Shinjo is producing as well as a picture-postcard video of Okinawa... a promotion for the upcoming Global Economic Summit soon to be held there.

As equal to their karate abilities, I remain continuously impressed with the Okinawan's lack of egocentricity, their openness, warmth and sincerity.

Outside the Dojo, one has trouble imagining these happy humble men as indomitable warriors. However, step into the Dojo with them, and a curtain of focused intensity like you have never felt drapes the room. It's an environment that commands your full attention and respect and it develops within you a special understanding of the Okinawan martial mind. 

To some, this apparent dichotomy of friendliness and ferocity seems contradictory and maybe even pretentious. It is not. The true nature of Okinawan martial arts training is to foster goodwill, health and happiness.

However, Zanshin attitude in Dojo training develops the spirit-mind just as Sanchin develops the body-mind. To the Okinawans, fighting is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical. Because it is a potent tool, fighting is not used lightly and it is certainly not a toy or a game. It needs to be quick, efficient and ferocious. 

We felt all sides of this reinforced at Koshukai 2000 and we will pass it on to you.

Richard Lostritto 

Dear Mr. Mattson, 

I think that we should all say good bye to Mike Aceto's student Peter. he is moving out of the country to Ugoslavia, his parents homeland. we hope that he will be back for college. he was the heart and soul of our class and we all are going to miss him. we love you Peter! 
Sarah W

I have recently moved to the Lake Tahoe area and am looking for a dojo that teaches uechi ryu or a similar discipline. It does not appear that uechi ryu is offered in my area. Can you suggest any similar disciplines that follow the same style and philosophy? I can then look for that style in my area.

Thank you for your help.

Scott 
I'll post your letter in the July "Mailbag". I'm sure there is a dojo nearby. You might also post a message in the "Looking for a dojo/instructor" Forum. (go to home page http://uechi-ryu.com , then click on the forum lin in the upper left corner.)

Best, George Mattson 
ps. Keep in touch.

 ==================

Hi Folks!

Just 3 quick photos from the 24 June Dan/Kyu test in Atlanta. I was so involved in the test itself, I neglected to assign some to take shots of the test as it took place. Instead, I ended up with a couple shots of the test board and one of Bill in his notorious "green gi"

Bruce

Just heard on the Forums that your student, Norm Asbell successfully passed his shodan exam. Keep up the good work. Since I'm copying this message to Rick Potrekus, I'd like to send my congratulations to him as well.

Best, George Mattosn 

Thank you for the good news. As Bill stated it's about time Norm got kicked upstairs. He is a good friend and we miss him at the Dojo. I am glad that he found an instructor like Bruce to bring him along in his training. I will get with Norm and take time for some good natured ribbing. I only wish that I could have had the ability to get to his promotion. We just moved into our new Dojo and are still trying to find out where to put 25 years of acquired stuff!

So to Hirabayshi Sensei, thank you for taking such good care of our dear friend.

Rick Potrekus

Hi George,

Thanks for sending me another student. I received your e-mail regarding Matt Murphy and I e-mailed him already. I hope to hear from him soon. Camp Pendleton is only about a 45 minute drive from our dojo.

Thanks again,

Jerry McDonald 

Happy to help out Jerry. GEM

I leave today for 2 weeks of training, then I am back again but only for 4 days before I take off June 21 for the UK for 21 days. 

Fortunately AOL has an access number in the UK, so I will be in contact with the office. 

As many of you have probably read in the UNDERGROUND in www.MixedMartialarts.com, one of my assistants and fellow PDR coach Phil Hughes fought his first MMA fight and did great. 

What an experience for him to apply the ‘system’ and have it work like choreography. Though there were several TCMS physical moves he made happen, it was the ‘Replication theory’ and ‘Emotional Climate Training Principles’ that I feel made the difference. 

His composure and inner calm was that of a professional, in fact, it was way beyond his ring experience [which was none!] He was interviewed immediately after the fight and spoke without total clarity and wasn’t even breathing hard. 

"What goes on around you compares little with what go on inside you" 

-Emerson 

Looking in from the outside, some will assume that Phil won with ju jitsu’ [he finished his opponent with a choke], but for those of you new to this forum or new to my research, you will discover with my system, that the mitigating factors in a fight are often determined by the emotional/psychological preparation. Many of these training principles used to prepare Phil are covered in a video we did on the session which is now being edited. We will also show the fight on the tape as well as backstage clips etc. 

Also, Joe Stagner, a frequent voice on the forum, came in from New Hampshire to film the fight with his new SONY digital camera. Should be awesome. We'll be running a special for the video as soon as its back from editing. Details on the fight are in the CONGRATS TO PHIL thread in the MENTAL EDGE forum inside the UNDERGROUND. 

With Thanks… 

PDR graduate Robb Finlayson was in town from Edmonton and helped Phil prepare for the fight by volunteering body parts and brain cells. Rob, thanks! 

TCMS Student and, Evan Blauer [yes, we’re related], clearly a sadist, threw his body with joy at Phil who slammed & twisted him in preparation for the fight. 

Those of you who have called the office know who Matt is, aside from running the mail-order department, Matt is also the Senior instructor at my school and he got the worst of it as he has helped train Phil over several weekends. I’m not going to tell you all the drills we did, but let’s just say that if you owned shares in ice-packs and aspirin last month your portfolio improved :-) 

Those were the main sparring partners that drilled Phil in a specially designed program I put together especially for this fight. But strategy alone cannot win a fight, there must be tools… 

And no win can be linked to just one source, confidence is built over time, so I'd like to extend a special thanks to a couple of people who's skill and insight as instructors helped build Phil's toolbox. 

Firstly, thanks to former student and assistant of mine, Angelo Exarhakos, who in the past helped train Phil in his grappling fundamentals. Without sound fundamentals, no one can go anywhere in any sport. Angelo now runs the most popular grappling classes in Montreal. 

A special thanks to my friends and Walt Lysak and Charlie Lysak and the rest of the Sento gang for taking those fundamentals and polishing his finishing skills, honing his grappling instincts and giving Phil the groundfighting strength & confidence Walt & Charlie are renowned for. 

Last but not least… 

When Phil called me on short notice to say he was offered a fight [replacing an injured fighter] I was reticent, my system is not a ‘competition system’, but he wanted to do it, my schedule was open and so we set up a meeting. At that meeting I asked Phil if he wanted to win or ’win’ using the SPEAR System. He paused and said “Both”. We only had a few weeks to work and due to my schedule I only had 6 days spread out over those few weeks. And so, to the guy who walked the walk… thanks Phil for believing in yourself and in the system and trusting the training & the strategy. 

Tony Blauer

Dear George, 
Could you please change my address in your instructors list. I recently purchased a home in Lakeland, Florida. The current information is: 
Shihan Bob Yogis, Godan 
Uechi-Ryu Karate-Jutsu Kai 
Lakeland, Florida 
(863) 816-0720 
BobYogis@worldnet.att.net 

Thanks and regards Bob

Mr. Mattson, 

My name is Charles Gailon West. I was in the army on Okinawa in the years 62-64 and studied from Kanai Uechi, and was awarded 1st degree black belt. (I wrote you a letter once from there) . After Okinawa unfortunately I let my practice go. It was not´ until 78 that I picked up my martial art studies again in San Francisco, with Tai Chi Chuan, and I am still with it. Of course I have never forgotten Okinawa and my experience at the Futemia dojo. I still go through the San Chi form, from time to time relating it to the internal that Ive learned . I just discovered your web site today, amazing how Uechi style has grown. 

I keep thinking of going back to Okinawa for a visit, but I know it is so different that I would probably be very disappointed and destroy a lot of old memories. Anyway I would like to communicate with Kanmei Uechi if you would be so kind to give me his address. Your looking good in your picture. I congratulate you on making martial arts a way of life. 

Sincerely. Gailon West

p.s. I have a retreat center in Costa Rica if you ever want to do an intensive or your more than welcome. 

Address enclosed. Thanks for writing and thanks for the invitation. GEM

Hi George! 
Thanks for the email! I want you to know that I appreciated the visits that you allowed me to make to your home and class, and the tapes and books I got from you. We've got two children now so I am much more limited in my ability to take off saturdays (my wife's day of rest?) but I do appreciate the attention you gave me and am interested in hearing about seminars that you may be putting on in the future. Also, when Mohegan Sun gets its convention center we should talk again about hosting the masters at a training seminar here.

Best Regards,

Kevin Meisner

Hi Sensei, 

I have just returned from West Palm Beach, Florida, after assisting Dometrich Sensei and Hanshi Tsuruoka is teaching seminars there. Tsuruoka Sensei sends his regards to you. Have you made plans to visit Lexington? Please do not forget to let me know when you do come in. Tsuruoka Sensei speaks very highly of you and your students. Take care Sensei and I hope to hear from you soon. 

Jim Davenport

I didn't realize that their were any 8th dan Uechi teachers in New York.
Where did Mr. Izzo receive his instructions and rating?


Mr. Mattson:

First, let me emphasize that my Uechi instructor, Mr. Bert Randio, is no longer affiliated with Mr Izzo, and has not been for some time.Second, I will have to ask Mr Randio your question, as I really do not know. My understanding is that, at least originally, the Uechi system went only as high as 5th dan, and if that is correct, then Mr Izzo's rank would be the result of some inter- or intra- associational promotion. But I am not certain of this so I will ask about it and get back to you.

When I first moved to this area (I am originally from South Carolina) the ONLY name I had ever heard being associated with Uechi Ryu was that of yourself, George Mattson. Here in this part of NY at least, there are about 4 Uechi dojo. Some are connected to Mr Izzo, there is at least one that is an Okikukai dojo, and another that I am not sure of their affilaition. But so far as I know, none of them have ever heard any affilation with your schools, but again, I am a less-than-knowledgable beginner, so I may be way off base on these matters!

I appreciate you guidance regarding the e-groups and will happily follow you recommendations in this regard.


Sincerely and respectfully,

Charles H Roberts

I was trying to register and am not allowed to use my dads email for privacy concerns and mine is a hotmail service. I am just inquiring as to why you banned a whole e-mail service like hotmail.com?

We had some forum problems with a group of troublemakers who had a dozen addresses on hotmail. I'll check with the moderators to see if we should consider lifting the ban. GEM 

Hello every one! I hope this e-mail will find you and your family are all in best of health and sprits. I have two informations for you. 
1) I'v got my new e-mail adress for Karate as following, so please contact me by the new e-mail adress from now on !
 2) I should open the web site of Okikukai Japan(Tokyo and Okinawa) next week in Japanese and English and Spanish. I will inform you the URL as soon as I should finish the work !

Keisuke Fujimoto 
Head instructor of Okikukai Tokyo, Japan

Say Mr. Mattson this was originally going to Mr.Thompson but I don't have his correct email. So if you don't mind. I'll ask you. Which Kanji would be correct for saying Eight Hands. On the Left is (a), the right (b). Also If possible could you send me the Kanji to say "Eight Hand Circle". Thank you.