March, 2002 Mailbag

New Mailbag Feedback Bulletin Board  
Respond to letters, Ask questions,
Say hello.  Read what others have written.

MailBag Feedback Forum archives.[please do not post to this archive forum]

Note: for some unexplainable reason, I ended up losing the February Mailbag. I always start a new mailbag by copying over the old one. In this case, I somehow saved the January issue for both January and February. Hmmm... I knew you were wondering about that! :)

Sensei, This is a picture (attached) that my Iaido sensei took of me doing a bow before the Iaido test. However, completely by accident someone stepped in front of the camera and did a vertical cut. They are pretty high ranking (for Iaido at least) and I'm pretty sure they are a nidan or shodan or maybe sandan. Anyway, almost magically, the instant the photo was taken, she closed her eyes in a blink. So, in the picture, the tip of the sword is clearly visible, but then as you move down the blade the sword starts turning invisible because of its speed, and finally the Tsuba/handguard is stretched about 2 inches because of the speed. A VERY good picture, and VERY lucky to get at that exact instant. Well, I thought you would find this interesting, so enjoy.


David 

CALLING ALL MARTIAL ARTISTS !

I have decided to write a cookbook with recipes from martial artists and their families from around the world. Everyone knows how much martial artists love to eat. If you or your family member would like to have your recipes in print and included in this one-of-a-kind book, I will need the following:

1. Your recipe and instructions 2. Name of person submitting recipe 3. Martial artists name, rank, school, style, and address 4. If possible a picture

If you are interested I will need your recipes by March 31. You can email me at clara4309@attbi.com or mail to my home address at 4309 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226.

Thanks, Clara Hogan

Hey guys and gals let's do this. Clara did a cookbook a few years ago that was really nice. Please also forward this to your students and associates and encourage them to support this effort

Thanks Jack Hogan www.jackhogankarate.com

Mr. Mattson,

I studied with Master Uechi in his old dojo in Futenma town from 1981 to 1984 while I was stationed in Okinawa. I was disappointed to learn upon my return to Okinawa in 1995 that after Master Uechi's death, infighting had left the dojo and his strict adherence to the style in disarray. I've maintained my training faithfully since my last evening in the dojo in May 1984 but I've never been able to bring myself to study in an American dojo. In fact, I've studied on and off with Steve Harrington before and since leaving the dojo but Steve has also digressed into other styles. 

As you know, acceptance into the dan in Okinawa is quite time consuming and I had to leave the dojo only two months before I was to test for 1. dan. Can you suggest texts or videos, true to the Uechi-Ryu style, that I could use to sustain or even advance my training?

Thanks for your help.

John McLean 

Hi John:

The forums are a great place to keep up to date on the system. Also, our store contains many videos and books on the traditional Uechi system. I hope you have Uechi-ryu Karate do... Master Kanei Uechi posed for nearly all of the photos. You should really reconsider studying at an American dojo. There are lots of wonderful teachers here who may not equal Uechi sensei, but are nevertheless capable of passing along his knowledge.

Best, George Mattson

Dear Mattson Sensei;

I hope this e mail finds you in the best of health and spirits. 

I am acquainted with Simon Lawley, who recommended quite some time ago that I contact you. Although I am not a practitioner of the Uechi style our arts have similar origins. I have studied in China and Okinawa. Also, I want to let you know that I have owned several of your books since the 70's and they have provided a great source of motivation for me over the years. 

The roots of the Okinawan styles originating in the Fujian area intrigue me. I am interested in contacting the Fuchow martial arts association. Could you provide me with contact information? I'd also like to get on a mailing list with your group if possible.

My background in martial arts began in 1970 and I have studied Fujian Crane Boxing, Taijiquan (China) and several Okinawan systems. 

I hope that you don't think my request too forward, but I have great respect for your accomplishments and writings. 

I look forward to your response.

Grant Campbell 

Hope that you have good luck with your search. Stay in touch. Hope Mr. Li can help you. GEM

Sensei Mattson, A while ago I was reading about Sanchin strength on your web site discussions. I wanted to add something to it but cannot now find it. It would probably still be of interest so I have sent it to you.

San Chin strength is derived from the use of postural muscles to control force reactions to arm movements. By flexing both the ankle and the knee the soleus muscle in the deep calf is tensioned. Bending both the knee and the hip bring the rectus femoris, deep in the front of the thigh, into contraction. The bent hip and the straightened lower back pull up the Psoas muscle and the erectae spinae muscles on the mid to upper back. All these muscles are slow twitch endurance muscles normally used for walking but not much used for just standing. The calf and thigh are pinnate muscles that have chevron pattern muscle spindles and are able to deliver a disproportionate amount of force for their size. All of the Sanchin muscles are among the strongest muscles in the body. Of course in a good Sanchin lots of other muscles are also active. Sanchin is unique in that its posture simultaneous recruits them all to stabilize the body with their powerful contractions. With such a stable foundation all force developed in a blow will be applied at the point of attack and not whip back into the body to be dissipated within the muscles. . . .

George Chaplin Uechi Ryu San Francisco. 

Always good to hear from you George. Thanks for the information. GEM

Hey my is Thomas and moved to Orlando Fl. 6 months ago, and I'm looking for a Uechi-Ryu school in my area, can you Mr. Mattson help me. Thank You my E-mail address is . . .

Hope David Berndt contacted you Thomas. GEM

Hi George, I was wondering if there is any way you could help me find some Urchin practitioners here in Ft. Lauderdale? I was once a student of DJ Lippners and then Mark Neurohr. I've tried to commute to Rick Potrekus in Lake Worth, however it's much to far to make it on a regular basis. I'm really missing my karate training. Do you think you could post something on the web site to help me make contact with others in the same situation as me? Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ron Strescino

OK Ron. HEY>>>> Where are all the Ft. Lauderdale Uechi practitioners? I'm going to be visiting the area this month and would like an opportunity to work out with you! GEM

Mr. Mattson (not positive what the proper etiquette for this is, ill go with this..:)

Myself and a friend of mine have just seen your Video Magazine #10 with Kanei uechi demonstrating kata and some video footage of some workouts on Okinawa. Long story short, we noticed in the background of 2 or 3 of the clips a large black man training alongside everyone else and we were curious if that was Julius Scott. our Sensei was one of Julis Scott's students but we have never had the opportunity to meet him or to see his techniques executed, even on tape. We curious if you could either confirm or deny this for us.

Greatly Appreciated,

Ben Siegel 

Hi Ben:

Not sure. It was a long time ago....

I spent time training with this person but was not able to see him outside of class. I believe he was in the armed forces at the time and always had to get back to the base following class. 

Sorry. Perhaps someone will be able to help out if you posted your question on Bill Glasheen's forum.

Best, George

Hi Art: Saturday 'ol timers class.. Justin Testa, Al Kunian and others... 9am -10am. If you feel like staying, you are welcome to attend 10-11:30. Just remember not to spar with Mike Hurney!! :)

I'll answer your other questions as asked..

Best, George

1. Is the elbow strike timed so that it happens when the right foot hits the floor, or do you plant the foot first and then strike?

****It can be. It can also be used as a grabbing/controlling movement, followed by the elbow strike.

2. Is the current version of this move still a horse stance (weight centered between the two feet), or a more forward leaning stance (with weight at least 60% on front supporting leg and body moving into the strike)? 

*** We really don't have "horse" stances, rather a "long" Sanchin, which looks a bit like a cross between a horse and leaning stance. Teachers work with students on an individual basis to develop their "personal" stances, rather than have everyone fit into a template or to look like Bob Campbell or George Mattson.

3. Does the Seisan jump (back) start from a horse stance or a forward leaning stance? 

*** see #2.

I ask because, in the video tape you sent me, I think I heard you tell the class that there is no horse stance in Uechi Ryu. Right now I'm in Colorado till 2/15, so I won't get to check the tape till I get home.

Best regards, aa 

 
 Subject: Greetings from Bangladesh.


Respected Shihan, Good day to you sir. I hope everything is all right. I would like to know your interpretation about, what is the meaning of " Morote Chudan Yoko Uke the opening move of Kata Sanchin, Sesan, Suparinpei, Sanseiru ect ? and what are the major differences of the same katas in Uchei-ryu and Gou -ryu ? Did you visit India?

I will be very thankful if you be very kind to answer my questions.

Thanking you in advance for you kind co-operation.

Imran Rahman National Karate Coach. Chief Instructor JKF Goju Kai Bangladesh. 

Hi Imran:

Thanks for writing and for posing such an interesting question about our kata.

First though... I was unable to visit India. With the terrorist concern and conflicts between India and Pakistan, my wife would not let me go. :)

I'm still planning on going, but must wait until things quiet down a bit.

Regarding "Morote chudan yoko uke", I'm assuming you mean the opening double thrust. (Yoko [side]) may be referring to another move though...

Anyway, the opening move of Sanchin is stepping into a stance while drawing hands up and towards hip area. This could represent a number of application (bunkai). For instance, it could represent grabbing someone and pulling them into a headbutt! On the other hand, it could simply represent a "preparation" movement... a chambering of sort, prior to a double spear-hand thrust.

A good topic for our forums. Go to http://www.xpres.net/~gmattson/ubbs/ and ask the question on Bill Glasheen's forum. You will get many answers.

Best, George Mattson

Subject: sanchin

Mattson-Sensei, 

Although I am a practitioner of Hung-Ga, I have studied other arts and have learned a few variations of my favorite form Sanchin Kata, Sam Jien Kuen. From Kyokushin-kai, to Okinawan gojo-ryu, to "village Hung-Kuen" versions, The search continues. 

I have seen the Uechi-Ryu version, but have never studied it. Have you done any research into the original versions of these forms? I have seen Ngor-Cho's version, first in a book, then at a tournament in which Alexander Co, the Sifu was there, and demonstrated it. I immediately ran up to the front, excited to see live what I had only seen in photos and line drawings. I have to say, I was disappointed. 

What information are you willing to share on the origins, and variations of this form? I am probably the only Hung-Ga Sifu who includes this training in his school. I have spoken to many others, and they never even heard of the form, and if they did, merely look at it as some weird 'kuh-rotty kata" and then make some remarks about keeping the system pure. I am a staunch traditionalist. 

What I teach is Hung-Ga, with no additions, or changes to the forms. My curriculum, HOW I teach, and what methods I use to develop specific attributes in my students, however, is of course my own, and Sam Jien Kuen (Sanchin-Kata) is simply part of the method to my madness;-) 

Also let me also add, one, I am a big fan of Uechi-Ryu. I have your books, and they are getting dog-eared, and worn. I am also a fan of Sensei Buzz Durkin, and Sensie Khuory who can have such high enrollments, and great retention teaching a system which is not relying on flash, and glitz. It reassures me that it CAN be done, and I never have to become a belt factory, or compromise my integrity or that of my art.

Regards, Rik Kellerman

Hi Rik:

Thanks for writing and sharing your Sanchin experiences with me. I wish I could be more help, but little is known about the kata, other than what has been passed down through the ages from teacher to student. My teacher passed down to me what he heard from Kanbun Uechi and what he learned from his research. Essentially, that the Uechi Sanchin was what was originally taught to Kanbun and Kanbun taught it unchanged. Chojin Miyagi modified what he learned, emphasizing power moves, heavy breathing and closed fist, calling it an "exercise" rather than "kata".

Robert Campbell, one of my fist students, has studied many of the Chinese systems, extensively throughout Asia during the past 25 years and feels that that the 5 Ancestor's system is legitimate and that there probably exists some common roots in China. 

During my visits to China, when we discovered some of Uechi-roots with the help of the Chinese, our main link to a Sanchin source was a 4th generation student of Shushiwa. His Sanchin resembled what we do, but looked much closer to the goju version. This and other research has led many of us to believe that Kanbun did not study exclusively with Shushiwa. Many of us believe that Kanbun was probably a class-mate with Shushiwa and probably trained with him in more than one system. (I was originally told Kanbun had studied 3 systems while in China.)

We Westerners like our research to be orderly, accurate and well documented. Unfortunately, this is not the Chinese way. If you get a chance, you might enjoy the 3 articles I wrote for Bugeisha Magazine. One the them deals with this subject. (You can find the link on the Uechi home page)

Simon Lailey has spent the past 15 years researching the various types of Sanchin that exists in Southern Martial Arts systems. He spent lots of time in China, where he discovered what he believes is Uechi-ryu's lost 4th kata. (video in our store) He sort of dropped out of site a couple years ago, but if he contacts me, which he does on occasion, I'll put him in touch with you.

If you can attend our annual SummerFest, please try to join us. Lots of serious martial artist from many Southern Chinese systems attend and share research and techniques. Sounds like you would really enjoy yourself.

Stay in touch.

Best,

George Mattson

Hello, my name is Martin, I am 16 years old and I live in Argentina and I am begining my last year at secondary. I am 4ºkyu, I ´ve been studying karate uechi ryu since 1998 I was wondering if you could tell me where can I get a grant because of practising karate, uechi ryu, anywhere, usa, uk, europe,.... Please answer to micha268@hotmail.com at you earliest convinience Thanks a lot Martin 

Hi Martin:

Do you study with Carlos Cirzia?

Unfortunately, the economy in America, although not as bad as Argentina, is still suffering. Not many opportunities for scholarships in the martial arts.

I will need more information before trying to help you:

1. Why do you want a scholarship? 2. What do you need the money for? 3. How long do you plan to study in the country giving you the scholarship? 4. Are you getting any financial help at home or from the government?

Please tell me a little more about yourself as well.

Regards, 

George Mattson 

Mr. Mattson,

I own your book (the 6th printing in 1993). I studied with NYC Uechi-Ryu for 2 years. I will be visiting Okinawa in June. I would like to know what you would recommend seeing. I have been told I might consider visiting the Uechi family burial plots. I would like to know where they are. Is the dojo in Fatenma still in existence? Is this considered the main dojo? I will only be visiting for 2 days.

Regards,

Tony 

Dear Mr. Mattson,

Are you the George Mattson who came to our dojo in Wilton Manors where DJ Lippner was sensei?

I am trying to fine a dojo here which teaches Uechi-ryu. Do you know of one that is local?? My daughter is interested in back into it.

Thanks

Liz Thornhill

Hi Liz:

Please get in touch with Ron! OK? GEM

Dear George-

My name is Katherine Piszczak, and my father used to be stationed on Okinawa between 1989-1991. While I was there with my family, I was enrolled in the Camp McTureous Dojo, under Gordi Breyette. I currently am searching for a dojo somewhere around my school so that now that I am older, I may continue my studies, and now that I am old enough to attain iikyu, get it. (I left the island a month before the special iikyu came out for underage blackbelts.)

I noticed that there is a dojo at the University of Virginia, and was trying to get in contact with Sensei Breyette so that I could get some materials emailed to me or mailed to me so that I could resume my studies and workouts. A 7 year time span is a bit much to remember all of the Sei-Ryu kata.

I guess my point to this email is asking if you had an email address with which I could get in touch with Sensei Breyette, or whether you could help me find someone who could help me.

Thank you very much for any help you could provide for me.

Sincerely, Katherine 

That was an easy request Katherine. Hope you got in touch with UVA members and resumed your training. GEM

Kudos to Van Sensei!

Dear Van Canna Sensei,

I have been lurking over at your Self Defense Realities forum for a few months now, it is definitely one of the best martial art resources online. While I don't study Uechi ryu now, it was the first martial art I was exposed to at the YMCA at the tender age of 12. I finally registered to the Martial Arts Forums but didn't know if I should post this so I am e-mailing you.

I lived in Japan for two and a half years and while I was there a junior high student in Kuroiso, Tochigi killed a subsitute teacher by slicing her neck from behind and stabbing her twice. As he used a balisong, the reaction(at least at the junior high where I was teaching) was to have a teacher meeting to discuss the characteristics of the knive and what can be done to limit knives in school. Nothing was really said about what would motivate a young student to do such a thing to someone else. Though there are stabbings all the time in Japan, the one big thing that separates them from us is the general inability to access firearms.

For one I think it is a good thing. As we see what some decry as the deterioration of traditional morals in Japan, the one saving grace is that there will probably never be a Columbine there. For the few people that are allowed to carry firearms in Japan(ie hunters), they are strictly monitored to ensure they will not misuse them. Japan is not a gun society, and probably never will be. Perhaps this helps keeps violent crime deaths to one of the lowest percentages worldwide for industrialized nations. Though I was shocked and feel that the stabbing was horrendous, it is just another example of the changing times for the Japanese and will hopefully open their eyes to the need to better deal with their country's social problems.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights about the martial arts and life on the forum. I hope to meet more budoka like you in the future.

Sincerely,

Mance Thompson

Mattson Sensei, 

I am living in Japan and came across an article about Uechi-ryu in this months Karate-do magazine. It seems to have alot of info., especially about san-chin, and some wonderful old pictures of Uechi-ryu greats. When I saw that a young Toyama Sensei was in a couple of the pictures I thought of sending it to Van Canna Sensei, who from my reading of the forum seems to be in some sort of contact with him. With that in mind, I am writing to you to request Mr. Canna's email address. I could also just send it to you and if you could get it translated I'm sure it would be of interest to many of your people.

On a side note, I would like to say how much I think of you and the organization you've built. I am one of those nasty lurkers who has never posted to a forum but reads them faithfully (I wonder how many guys like me are out here). Because of this you know nothing of me, and forgive me for being presumptuous in thinking I know something of you....but because you are always open and sharing I do feel I know a little about where you're heart is about karate; as well as the heart of many of the exceptional other forum leaders and readers. Although I'm not an Uechi-ryu practitioner, it has never stopped me from listening and learning to the various voices on the forum...it is the same karate after all. Or as I heard in Vietnam recently, "Same, same but different". I've been in Japan for three years now, but will be returning to the States soon...I hope to someday make it to one of your camps and meet you in person.

Sincerely, 

John Ratigan 

HI M. MATTSON, 

I AM LOOKING FOR LEARNING UECHI RYU KARATE I AM LIVING IN MONTREAL, QUEBEC CANADA. I AM A BLACK BELT IN AIKIDO AND ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN UECHI RYU HISTORY SO IF YOU KNOW ABOUT A SCHOOL IN MY AREA PLEASE LET ME KNOW, THANKS , 

SERGE BELANGER.

Another easy request. Hope you have already begun training with Dave Mott! GEM

 Subject: Hello and a question

Dear Mr. Mattson, 

I doubt you’d remember me but I studied at your Downtown Boston dojo for three years from ‘76-’79 (I was a brown belt; I had previously studied Uechi for 2 years at another dojo). You only occasionally instructed my classes but we chatted on a number of occasions. I left Boston to get my MBA at Dartmouth, and then moved to Europe—leaving Karate behind, unfortunately, for many years. For what it’s worth I have tremendous memories of your dojo and some great instructors—Bobby Campbell, Clarence, etc—It really was a foundational experience for me. I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and am a management consultant and writer (I have a best-selling business book that came out last year called “Clients for Life.”)

My 17 year old son recently begin studying Shotokan Karate in earnest (reminding me of myself, when I started Karate at around 18). So, 22 years since my last class at your dojo, I decided to join him. Aside from saying hello after many years, I had a question: is there a relationship between Shotokan and Uechi? Many of the moves and stances are quite similar (they utilize both circular and linear movements, for example). I was also struck by the warm-up routine and stretching exercises: virtually identical to the Uechi workout I used to do. At this dojo they also do traditional Okinawan weapons—Sai, Bo, etc; I used to practice a Sai kata at your dojo. 

Thank you for your time. And congratulations on the growth of Uechi—I was very impressed by your web site! (PS—where is Bobby Campbell today?)

With warmest regards Andrew Sobel
-- Andrew Sobel Advisor to Management 10 Bishop's Trail Santa Fe, NM 87506 

I do remember you Andrew. . . Congratulations on achieving many wonderful goals in your life. I am indeed impressed. Hopefully you will drop into our Forums from time to time and share some of your wisdom with the thousands of martial artist who read and post there.

Actually, it sounds as though you are studying a offshoot Shotokan system. The traditional Shotokan techniques and exercises are as different from Uechi-ryu as water and oil! There are many "highbred" systems out there, that mix and match styles. . . Or perhaps because you have been away from formal training for so long, you recognize some of the generic karate techniques we also practice in Uechi, but are not really a part of our system. 

Any chance that we can exchange books? I have a couple of new titles out that you might enjoy. One of my students (Harvey Liebergott) wrote a wonderful book based on the Summer Camp experiences. He interviewed many of the Okinawan masters and non-Okinawan seniors. Bob Campbell is featured in one of the more lengthy interviews. Bob, by the way, is still living and working in Hong Kong. He has been there for quite a few years.

Please wish your son the best of luck and to you. . . Be careful in your training. Most Shotokan dojo specialize in sparring big time. . . Not the best for guys our age. Make sure you control your progress, emphasis and direction. Stay healthy and train for a lifetime.

Best, George 

ps. We have a dojo in N.M. You can look him up in our "dojo/instructor" listing. Mike Herrmann: Albuquerque NM: 505-292-3675 email: "iac1@unm.edu" Stephen Vosa: Albuquerque NM: 505-268-8797 

Hi George, I'm delighted to get your invitation, and to be kept in the loop. Though I can't make it out this year, I'm thinking of ways I can combine a family visit with Summer Camp attendance. Yes, I remember the 1983 camp and very fondly. It actually had an enduring effect on my understanding of Uechi. Just to let you know, I am actively continuing my study and progressing, both technically and in understanding. It gets more exciting and rewarding all the time. Besides self-study, I work out with Jerry McDonald a couple of times a month, and visited with Joe Graziano recently. He was Forrest and Carmine's student, then Walter's, now Shinyu Gushi's. A very knowledgeable and powerful karateka. I still think of you frequently, and though I can't visit this year I hope to in the not too distant future.

Paul Haydu

Hi Mr. Mattson I recently began studying Uechi-ryu Karate for about a month now with Sensei Bob the classes are at the North Shore health club he is a great teacher also and I also get help from another student named Margaret she said you know her. I really enjoy my classes in Beverly and hope to continue other schools for the future. 

I also just purchased your book Uechi-ryu Karate Do (by G.E. Mattson) which is wonderful my question is 1) which video should I consider or other book that are good for people starting out like me I am 35 but in good shape and love to do this since I started a month ago 2) I also live in CT and spend a lot of time in Manhattan and may have to move back to CT in the near future for work so I would like your recommendations on other instructors for CT and Manhattan area. Your web site is great and thank you for your time! Robert P.S. my home email is .... I also signed up for your site.

Robert L. Taylor Product Development Coordinator COR Technology Enterprise Optimizer River Logic, Inc.

Hi Robert:

Thanks for the note and compliments. Always nice to hear that people enjoy my books and that they appreciate Uechi-ryu.

Are you coming to camp ? You don't want to miss Master Ryuko Tomoyose. . . 

Anyway, regarding Conn and NY teachers: Please go to the "Instructors" link, which can be found on the home page. John Spenser is a fine teacher from Conn and Dave Finkelstein can recommend a number of good teachers in NY.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Best, George Mattson

Mr.Mattson, 

I live in ST.Louis,MO and I was wandering if you know of any uechi-ryu dojo's.I studied under Bill Keith in FT.Lauderdale.FL and I'am desperately missing uechi-ryu. If there are no dojos in my area could you recommend a style similar to the uechi-ryu style. Thank you sir for your time and hope to hear from you soon. 

Sincerely Yours 

Mike Wilson 

Thank you for your response Mr. Mattson.

I didn't realize that there was a color choice. I would still like a white shirt with the shoken logo on it in large. I will keep the black one, it's nice too. Of course, the backordered navy polo with logo I still want too.

By the way, I emailed you a couple weeks ago about Uechi-ryu instructors in New Jersey. Just wanted to know if you received it and had any info for me.

Thanks again,

Graham Hooper

Subject: style questions

Dear Sir,

Is Uechi-ryu a specific form of Karate, or do other forms of martial arts also follow Uechi-ryu philosophy or technique? Would I be just as well served to learn Jujutsu as I would Karate? I apologize for my naivete, but I am trying to decide which form of martial arts might be most interesting a helpful for me.....Thanks for your information........Tony

Uechi-ryu is a very flexible system of martial arts that is a fantastic base from which students can build a well-rounded and flexible self-defense arsenal. 

Regardless of which system you select, I would recommend that you include a method of grappling/ground fighting, plus a method that emphasizes stand-up techniques. Uechi-ryu has the added advantage of being an excellent close-in method of self defense, plus blends well with the grappling arts.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Best, George Mattson 

 =======================================

George,

Thank you for your reply. Should I simply ask a school if it teaches the methods and philosophy of uechi-ryu, or how would I go about finding if the school I select offers that method? Also, does uechi-ryu Karate offer the different areas that you mentioned; namely grappling, ground fighting and stand-up techniques? Thanks again..........Tony 

Very difficult to answer Tony. You must watch a few classes, (different ranks) and determine yourself if the philosophy of the teacher represents what you want from a program. Teachers don't know what you mean and may give you an answer that will turn you off, in spite of the fact that they are good teachers.

Wish I could be of more help.

George 

Subject: where to study

Hi Mr. Mattson, I'm a student of Uechi-ryu and have recently moved to Las Vegas and was wondering if you know of a dojo that I can continue to work out in this area. I did get my black belt about 10 years ago and am interested in working out again. I studied under Ernie Howland at Brockton Mass. I did attend a few of your classes at your dojo in South Boston. I would appreciate anything you can tell me about any of the dojos in this area. 

Thanks 
Loretta 

Hi Loretta:

I'm not sure if there are any dojo in Las Vegas. Maybe you should start one!! :)

If you have the chance, post your question on the "Looking for dojo/instructor" Forum. Most people who post there get contacts.

Stay in touch and good luck,

George

 Subject: the features of the forum

Hi,

I don´t know who will read this post now, but first of all I would like to say it is great that the Modern Arnis Coalition has found a good home here and that it is moderated in a good way. I also loke the idea of real names.

What I would like to mantoion here, if we could add a few features to this forum.

This is only the 2nd forum that I am member of so I can only compare it to martialtalk.com and I am not comparing content (of course not) but they have some features, thai I think are good and that would make surfing through the forum much easier:

1) when you get on the start page, you have a button "new posts" that will list all the new posted messages from all different forums. This way you non´t have to search so much for new contributions. I know you have the lit lamp in front of every forum, when there are new issues, but still

2) When you are in a thread, again you can click for "unread messages", which will lead you straight to the not yet read post. Here for every thread I have to keep in mind, what the last post was, so that I can start reading only the new stuff.

3) When you are in a forum, you have the pink envelopes, when there are new contributions to the threads. But after you have read them, they are still pink. In the other forum they turn to yellow, so you know immediately, what you have read already and what not.

4) When you come in a forum, you can see on the other forum a - how many contributions were made to the threads and who started it, just like here, but you can also see, b - how many members have read the thread and c - who posted the last mail to the thread.

5) You can send attachments like pictures, als long as they are smaller that 100 kb.

Please take this as constructive suggestions, in order to make the surfing in this forum even more enyoable.

Keep up your good work.
Best regards from Germany

Dieter Knüttel ABANICO Video Productions 

Hi:

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. I'll pass your letter on to Scott Danzinger, who is in charge of the forums. I do know that our "board" may not have some of the features you mentioned. We are one of the first sites to use forums and have experimented with quite a few before settling on the "Ultimate BB". There are newer boards that have more features, but Scott keeps reminding me "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

See you on the forums.

Best, George Mattson

What you write about is not fight or flight "syndrome". You speak of "fight or flight response" Fight or flight syndrome is when the body continues to stay in a fight or flight state long after the external stressor is gone. 

The blood still has the fight or flight hormones running through it and the brain is still reacting as if the event is still happening. You are talking about the fight or flight reactions not syndromes.


Michael Croutch, D.C.

Thanks for the information Michael. GEM

Hi george a read your email a also sow the pictures in the web thier are good, the boys liked a lot

Pablo Pizarro

Thanks for writing Pablo. Hope to see you and the other Mexican police officers here on a regular basis. GEM

P.D. a see you in summer camp

DEAR SIR, MY NAME IS SINOSH KUMAR FIRST I WANT EXPRESS MY FEELING FIRST I JOINED GYM AND I WORKING VERY HARD BUT I COULD GET MY DESIRED RESULT . THEN MY FRIEND TOLD ME TO JOIN KARATE BUT I WORRIED BECAUSE I AM ALREADY THIN BY PRACTICING IF I BECOME MORE THIN SO I LEFT BACK THE RESULT FROM YOU MY HEIGHT IS 5.3 AND WEIGHT IS 50

I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR RESULT THANKYOU --- 

KINGSINU KUMAR

Karate is great exercise, but you must also eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water and get sufficient sleep.

Best, George Mattson 

ps. If you post your questions on the Forums (Bill Glasheen is an expert in these matters), you will get lots of free and helpful information.

Hi there George,

I would like to offer my services to submit articles to your website. You Can confirm my quality of Work with Halford Jones who is on your Forums as i write for his magazine Fillipino Mag. I would also like to list my schools here in South Africa but i see you don't cater for South Africa in your Dojo listings. Will appreciate if you can accommodate my requests.

Kindest Regards Morne Swanepoel President Jeet Kune Do Unlimited - South Africa President World Taiji Boxing Association - South Africa Website www.jkdu.co.za

'Knowledge is not power, the ability to apply your knowledge is true power' 

Hi Morne:

By all means, please submit any article you wish published on our site. I'll post it on our articles section and publicize it on our home page.

If you send me a list of your dojo, I'd be pleased to list them in our "dojo listing" section. We simply don't have any listing in S. Africa that I know of. . . hence the reason for no listings. GEM

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