I welcome all e-mail and will answer everyone in as timely a manner as possible. Don't be surprised if you find (or don't find) your message in this section. However, if you are concerned about your letter finding its way into the "Mailbag", simply include in the header or at the beginning of message "personal" and I will honor your request. GEM

Memories:

Dear George:

Hope you like the picture from the Braintree school in 1964. I am the one in the front row on the left. The late Carmen and Forrest are in the picture. Hope you got my message on the website. If Charles Earle is around, my first instructor in Quincy back in 1962, please give him my regards,

Peace,

Gary L. Gorldfarb, MD

I remember the dojo well Gary. Our first Japanese black belt exchange student, Yoki, was a guest instructor at that dojo as well as our dojo in Brockton. Thanks for the memories. GEM

Uechi-ryu Exercise Concern:

Subject: concerned san-dan 
 
Dear George, 
 
This past year I have frequented both a chiropractor and massage therapist for sports related injuries and rehab. When doing their analysis they both were shocked over the circular neck motions within the first set of the traditional exercises. Citing that it is probably the worst thing one can do to ones neck in terms of stress and wear. I encourage that you confirm this through your own sources. They did suggest a strengthening exercise by tilting your head toward your shoulder and pulling slightly in that same direction with your same hand on the opposite side of your head, like flexing your bicep muscle with your hand cupped over the side of your head. I lobby for a change, and encourage it all the way to Okinawa. Please provide feedback. 
 
Yours in Uechi-Ryu, 
Maurice Soque(Suki) 
Falmouth, MA Dojo

I've heard this before Maurice. I've been doing this exercise since 1956 and my chiropractor says I'm in excellent overall condition. (67 years old). 
 
I'll check with my guy regarding this exercise and will post your message on our forums to see what the rest of the medical community has to say about it. 
 
I do appreciate your concern and promise to have our specialist make a recommendation for change or to retain the exercise. 
 
Best, 
George Mattson 

Looking for a Dojo:

Mr Mattson: I took Uechi-ryu a number of years ago with a sensi by the name of John out of Woburn Ma. I would like to start up again and bring my son. Are there any Dojo's on the north / northeast of Boston?

Thanks very much

Ted

Lots of good dojo north of Boston Ted. Check the Dojo/Instructor Listing. GEM

Hello Sensei Mattson,

My name is Rich Johns I am a former student of yours. I studied at the Hancock St. Dojo back in the 70s.I received my Shodan At Mr Bethanys Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Jerry Serino in 1985.

I was wondering if there are open courses that you still run ? I would attend a course with you near Gillette in Boston. years ago. I left Uechi after my shodan and Studied Tai Kwon Do under Sab Billy Blanks for many years. I am interested in studying Uechi Ryu once again.
Thank You

Lots of great dojo in New England Rich. You may also enjoy attending Sensei Van Canna's Wednesday classes at Brandeis and my Saturday sessions at the Hut. Info can be found on the Home Page. GEM
 

Mr. Mattson, can you refer me to an instructor/dojo in the white plains, ny/fairfield county, ct. area?
thanks,
Lou

Louis C. Kirven III, esq.

Looking for information:

Dear Hanshi George E. Mattson

 Hello from Comodoro Rivadavia city ! ( windland )

I search about the "old system" Uechi Kanbun; and wish you help me... what is reference "tobikomi", "Jiyu kobo" and "ikkyodo"? Please, appreciate you personal reference; I look any website but is important for my and Uechi-ryu group you opinion .

Thank you, sensei George,
Best for you,
mario and uechi members.

I'm not familiar with these terms Mario. However, I'm sure Gordi Breyette can help. I'll forward your request to him. G

Collectibles:

 Subject: Uechi Ryu Book

Sir, at one time you had offered on one of your older web sites, a complete book describing the system, kata's, etc. including pictures. Do you still offer that book and if so are any available for purchase.

Respectfully, Stef Theodore

Hi Stef:

We have quite a few books and videos for sale on our site. Click on

http://karateworld.safeshopper.com/

for our secure store. We also have rare "Kihon" for sale. Most of this massive book is in Japanese, but the photograpsh are excellent. Recent copies have gone for as much as $7500, depending on condition.

Best, George Mattson

Dear George:
. . .
I also forgot to mention that at Christmas I found a little gem to tuck in Dave's stocking...a hard cover edition of your first book The Way of Karate! I found it in a downtown used book store and it was in mint condition for $15! Canadian! I couldn't believe my luck! Dave was very pleased to have the book for his collection. We'll have to get it signed next time we meet, please. Out of curiosity, how many hard covers were produced? Dave has always had your soft cover version, but this was a special treat to see.

Hope you are both well...and enjoy Florida!
Thanks again,

Joanne Hunt

Ironically, my second book has become far more "collectible", mostly because fewer "Uechi-ryu Karate Do" were printed than "The Way of Karate". I didn't keep track, but I believe there were over 30 printings of the hardcover book. The most valuable one is the first printing, which had a special cover material discontinued after a partial printing. I still searching for a copy of that one! GEM

Florida Move!

Hi George:

I understand that you are moving to Florida. Is it going to be full time or will you be a Snow Bird ? Let me know when you are coming and if there is anything I can do I will gladly help as long as I am not working. 

I apologize for not being able to attend the last promotional and workout, but I had to cover at work.. When you get settled in and start to workout, please let me know and if it is alright with you I will come for a workout periodically. I would really enjoy that let me know what the cost of a class would be and I will try to take a couple of students once in a while.

Welcome to Florida I look forward to seeing you.

Jon Cierri

Thanks for the kind words Jon. Susan and I are looking forward to being in Florida during the Winter months. I guess that will make us "SnowBirds" ! :) However, I will still remain active at the "Hut" and will continue to run SummerFest and the Uechi Championships every year in New England. Looking forward to working out with you and the other Florida seniors while I'm there. GEM

Mass Challenge Coming up!

This is the New Mailing Address for the Brockton Uechi-ryu Karate Academy and
the Mass Challenge registration forms. In the future please send all
correspondence to this address.
Thanks
Len

PO Box 3657
Brockton, Ma. 02304-3657

Video Services anyone??

Hi George,

And Happy New Year!

Thank you for the compliment on the peewee football. It is a youth organization my friend (the head coach in the video) is in.

I am starting up Misty Mountain Video in a few weeks. Actually I just have to register the name at the county office. My main goal actually is to do martial art training/seminar/tournament tapes and dvds. I am getting professional DVD creating software to do pro menus and sub menus. The pee wee football thing is something I fell into as a favor but there may be potential for all the Brentwood teams next year. I also have near term plans for a printer that print to DVD's. Labels are no good. The glue on the labels screws them up. And I have already looked into DVD cases in bulk.

So if you need to revise/update your inventory with super clear, multiple angle shots, slow motion, pro edited DVD's & tapes... .

Scott Danginzer
scotttd@optonline.net

Good luck with your new business Scott. You've done a great job with our video site and I can highly recommend you to anyone looking for Video/DVD services. GEM

Remember Me??

To Van Canna:

hi stranger,
long time. our computer screwed up and sat that way. The last time Pat and I saw you over in Halifax it was great to see you. You told me that I should get back into training, that was a while ago.

Well I finally took your advice, I've been back at it for about a month now. I've got a small class, 9 or 10 and they're a good bunch. Three of them are former students from years ago, two of my sons and a few more young ones--19-20 year olds,

so theres a cross section, us old folk and the young and full of piss and vinigar. I've got one girl that brown belt also, so it's good for my brain. and I need it. but it's coming back, I've got George Mattson's book, it's a great help but would you suggest any videos of Uechi Ryu that I should get hold of? I need all the help I can get to jar the memory.

It's great to be working out again though. I hang drywall for a living so you'd think I'd be in good shape, but it's a different ball game. Stretching and body pounding remind you of what kind of shape you're really in. We started up easy, just for the old body's sake, but now we're beginning in earnest to do a proper workout.

Any suggestions old buddy?

Well Van, this will be short, I don't even know if your e-mail address is the same. Hopefully it is, and this got to you. I will try to stay in better touch, and you and yours have a very Merry Christmas my friend.

Your old '70's student
Larry Mac Dougall.

Hi buddy,

Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family. I talk about you so very often. Also mentioned on the forums about you and family tripping all that distance just to come over and see me in Halifax.

So glad you are back into Uechi. It is a very healthy discipline.

Go here http://karateworld.safeshopper.com/12/cat12.htm?656

It is G. Mattson site where you can buy books and tapes.

Suggest you buy tapes vidi-mag 17, 18-A, and 18-B.

That will give you much of what you need. Also write to G. Mattson at above for more of what you may need.

I have ccd George on this message. Also would suggest you attend our next Summer camp in August to really get back into the swing of things.

Happy holidays, my good friend.

Van Canna

Good News For SummerFest Participants!

Subject: How about a second chance? 
 
Mattson-sensei- 
 
I managed to get the weekend of the Summer fest off. Kami says I can go as 
long as I take her. Any objections at a second chance to meet? 
 
Rory 

That is great news Rory.... I'm looking forward to meeting you and Kami. 
 
I'm sure you both will enjoy the experience. We work hard and have lots of fun. Hopefully you will be able to be one of the presenters during the weekend. 
 
Best, 
George 

Hi gang,

Two quick things. I am just dubbing the tape of Daves promotion now so I will have a copy to send you. He didn't want to see right after so I held it for a few.

Second, just for the record, I have earned my Kodokan 1st Dan in Judo as of Jan 10th 04. I just wanted you both to know that I went the distance and got it done. Now the real learning takes place as you both know. I will be working with the group here in NYC showing them how to meld uechi and Judo together for a very powerful combination of self defense.

I hope all is going well and look forward to seeing you at the camp if my timing is right.

Very best,

Chris Ronzoni

Congratulations on your judo dan ranking Chris. I am very proud of your accomplishment in this very difficult sport.

Hope you can make camp this year. Perhaps you can show us what your are working on relating to Uechi training.

Stay in touch and please say hello to David and the other Uechi

practitioners in your area.

Best, George
====================
Will do George. Thank you for the kind words. Let's talk soon.

Have a great weekend, Chris

Happily Found a Fine Dojo:

Hello Mr. Mattson,
I hope you are well. I am happy to report to you that my daughter is now training at Rick Martins dojo.

She seems to like it. I personally have not watched a class yet. . . . Thank you for your input on Mr. Martins credentials. I enjoy the newsletter you provide also. Good job. I saw your article on the dojo and reality training. In my opinion, The "traditional" dojo in the USA is geared more toward training one's mind and body over real self defense. This began with the Okinawan and Japanese arts being "watered down" to large western occupiers. For example Jui Jitsu to Judo and Tuite and Te to Karate. I think the most effective reality training is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For most fight scenarios, excluding Hollywood, it's the best one on one system today. Thank you for your forum sir.
Regards,
Bruce

Passbook Questions:

Mr. Mattson,

I was looking in the passport book and I have a question(s). I am missing some of my certificates of ranking. Right now I have found just one and it is for SANKYU. Also I was wanting to know who do I get to enter that in the passport book? I am still looking for the others. They may be up in the attic. I will look this weekend. I thank you for your help. I have started to read the book and it is very interesting to read it again and learn enough more.

Sincerely Charles Roberts

Hi Charles:

The kyu rank records are for your benefit more than the Federation's. We are more interested in your dan ranks and your time/ time in grade information.

You can enter in any kyu information, taken from your records or certificates.

Keep track of all seminars and workouts you participate in. They count towards you future promotions as well.

Best, George

WhatsNew Feedback:

Hi George,

Your "What's New" article of Feb 17,2004 hits the nail on the head. I can tell you put a lot of thought into that article. As always, keep up the good work. We all look to you for true leadership.

Jerry McDonald

Thanks Jerry. GEM

Subject: WhatsNew

Mr.Mattson, I read your article in "WhatsNew" and I found it very interesting. All the time I was reading I had one thought that keep coming back to me. How was the Grand Masters look up on by their elders? I wish there was answer like a merging of thought and practice. For I see some good in the new, but I see more in the past. I may be wrong, but I hope there will be a way.

Take care and God be with you.
Sincerely
Charles Roberts

Thanks for your comments Charles. My message was that we should not abandon the old while researching the new. Also, if some wish to follow the new or old, they should not be held up to ridicule by the other group.

Best, George

Okinawan Tournament:

Dear Sensei George,

Hope all is well with your family and friends. I had an opportunity to "surf the web" this week, while I'm taking time off during my kids vacation week. I happened to notice you didn't have my dojo listed in your Uechi-ryu directory. Please include my dojo: Neves Uechi-Ryu Karate Academy, 135 Essex Street, Lynn, MA 01902 (781) 595-8870. We're open Monday through Thursday and in the Summer on Saturdays. There are 5 Senior instructors. I teach every Thursday from 6pm-9pm. We welcome all practitioners to train with us. Bring your sparring gear if you love sparring like I do.

You may be interested to know that a team of us recently competed in Okinawa at the "2003 Okinawa Karatedo & Kobudo World Tournament". Quite a world force of competitors in kata and kobudo. Vicious competition, very strict judging. I and my student Carlos Cardoso made the semi-finals (he in Adult Male, I in Senior Male) but lost in the finals. Nobuhiro Shinjo won the Senior Male division. Over 900 competitors overall. We learned alot!

By the way, it was sad to see the passing of the many Uechiryu sensei's. Anne Sevin, Ahti Kaend. Mike Deluty. I hope they're in a better place and still training.

Keep the Faith and hope to hear from you again soon.
Manny Neves,
7th Dan Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do,
WOKSF and Friend to all of you who love the tradition.

.Hi Manny:

I'll get your dojo posted ASAP. I can't list a dojo unless the teacher request it.

I heard that the Okinawan event was a great one. Congratulations on your performance. (I'll post your letter, with your permission in our March Mailbag)

Stay in touch,

Best, George

Old picture information

Dear Sensei Mattson,

Recently I was in a discussion with a Wing Chun student and we were talking about Bruce Lee. I remember a picture my Sensei Bub Pelham had hanging on his wall. I believe it was a picture of you, Bruce and then 13year old Jim Maloney. Is there anyway to get a copy of that picture? I'm also attaching a couple of pictures of Bruce training at your school I believe, and was wondering who that is with him?

Thank-you and looking forward to your reply, Cheers!
Corey Baird

I believe Jimmy was older than 13 Corey... Bruce was at the Cambridge Street dojo a couple times, promoting movies and for photo shoots. If I had known how famous he was to become, I would have had my picture taken with him. As it was, I let my students enjoy the experience. The pictures have been widely circulated and are on a couple places in our website. The guy with Bruce Lee is Jimmy Corey! GEM.

See you next month
GEM

Copyright 2003 Eastern Arts & Humanities Center, Inc. All rights reserved.