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This is the place to discuss sensitive politic issues that need discussing. Please be courteous, use your real name and remember to address ISSUES, not individuals. Thanks, George Mattson
George, I have been reluctant to ask about Uechi's current political situation. I read your WEB page where I learned of the rift in Uechi and properly so you have not mentioned it in class. At your convenience could you just drop me a line on the status. Thanks, Walter no I mean Norm !!!!!!!!!!
To all, TAKAMIYAGI Sensei is no longer VP of the ShoheiRyu (as of Sunday's dan test). It was in today's papers. I will get full translation of the article plus photo and send as soon as possible.
laters,
Gordi
To all:
Seems as though through recent posts (last 6 months or so) it was misconstrued that I somehow was not affiliated with the Kadena Airbase Dojo on Okinawa. To clarify, I have always been a student of Breyette Sensei. In fact, until entering his dojo on Camp Courtney, I had never studied any form of karate. (only my children had studied TKD in the states, and Shohei-Ryu under Breyette Sensei on Okinawa).
As a member of the Kadena Airbase Dojo, Camp Courtney branch, (a branch dojo of the Chatan Dojo) I had unlimited access (from Purple belt and beyond) to Takamiyagi Sensei and his senior Dans and took advantage of this affiliation on many occasions. It was a great pleasure to train under Sensei at Chatan, as well as occasional visits at Machida's dojo in Kitakanagusku, near Camp Foster. Breyette Sensei encouraged all of his students to spend time with Takamiyagi Sensei at the Chatan dojo. Not all of the KAB students regularly attended Chatan sessions, (in fact only a handful did) and preferred to "stay at home". I always felt "at home" both at the KAB dojo, and at Chatan.
In May of this year I, along with a handful of other KAB dojo students, was scheduled to test for Shodan at the ShoheiRyu Headquarters, as was the custom and proper forum for Dan tests. Weeks prior to the test it became apparent that Lt Anderson and I would miss the scheduled test due to Marine Corps operational commitments (the Thailand exercise we are currently involved with). A special Dan test was scheduled for Lt Anderson and I by Takamiyagi Sensei to be held at the Chatan Dojo on 21 April 98. The willingness of Takamiyagi Sensei to hold a special Dan test for Lt Anderson and I shows the strong relationship that Breyette Sensei and his students had with Takamiyagi Sensei.
The week prior to our special Dan test, Breyette Sensei called a meeting with Lt Anderson and I (his two senior Kyu students and both holders of Jun-Shidoins from his Dojo) to discuss his decision to leave the ShoheiRyu and to follow the path of Toyama Sensei. He explained that all of his students were free to continue under the instruction of Takamiyai Sensei and become full fledged members of the Chatan Dojo, or follow him in his instruction under Toyama Sensei.
On 18 April 98 Lt Anderson and I went to meet Toyama Sensei and work out in his dojo. After one evening with this truly great Sensei, we both decided that what we were searching for in our karate training was right before our eyes. We further decided that to test the following Monday at Chatan would simply be unethical, knowing that we no longer desired to remain ShoheiRyu students.
Although we "missed" our Shodan tests, we felt it was much more important to learn the "old way" to our fullest capabilities and to experience this unique opportunity to study under Breyette Sensei with access to Toyama Sensei. That's where it stands today. We are brown belts, and are happy to be so. We enjoyed the Chatan dojo and it's students and Dans. We also know that our Shodan testing requirements are now different under Toyama Sensei's instruction and we look forward to the day that Toyama Sensei says that we are "Shodan". (What greater endorsement can there be?)
So, to restate, I am a Kyu student of Breyette Sensei. Always have been, and will remain so until my stay on Okinawa ends. My loyalty to him and his instruction is unwavering, as evidenced by following his footsteps under Toyama Sensei. I know the heart of this man who has received some "interesting" threads in the forums, pulses, and roundtables. I made my decision, and I happily stand by it. Those who have read any of the articles that I have posted before know where I stand. My position has not changed, only my Sensei's Sensei has changed. (of course in saying that, it implies a GREAT DEAL of change as far as my approach to karate is concerned)
Sorry for the long winded note. It is important for those of us "involved" in things here on Okinawa to speak the facts. I am a simple guy studying a wonderful art, under a dedicated Sensei who allows me freedom to grow and experience Uechi-Ryu. What's his is mine, and vice versa. Funny how something so simple and uncomplicated seems to be blown so far out of proportion, both on Okinawa, and in the postings from the United States.
Sincerely, Drew Doolin KAB Dojo
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To all
I wanted to add my comments to those made by Drew Doolin about Sensei Breyette. Back in 1992-93 I had a bad time with another American instructor who ran classes at the Kadena USO. I would have quit practicing the martial arts if it weren't for Sensei Breyette. Sensei Breyette took alot of his personal time to talk to me, even though I was not one of his students, about continuing to practice and teach what I had learned. He let me come to his dojo on Saturday to practice weapons. The funny thing was, he never tried to recruit me - but as I watched others practicing Uechi Ryu, I became intrigued with all of it - the art itself hooked me. I never looked back.
Yes, the politics can be very unsettling and it has been a tough time for everyone. First it was Uechi Ryu, then the OKIKUKAI (and several other organizations) then Shohei Ryu, then Sensei Breyette made the decision to change over to Toyama Sensei, which is still yet another organization (Uechi Ryu Zankai). But sanchin is still sanchin, etc. I would love to go back to Okinawa for another eight years and spend it all in his dojo, but that isn't possible now. But I can take this wonderful art and teach it here in Arkansas to some troubled kids who are doing great but struggling to get away from the drug culture they grew up in, and it makes you realize that the art is bigger than the political issues. These kids here are not affected by politics, they are trying to survive life, many of whom are living with parents who manufacture and use illegal drugs in their homes. And I am sure that many of you out there deal with the same issues. It's the people who are important, not the issues. As Sensei Breyette once said to me, teach and practice what you know, the techniques are good, even if some of the people are unethical. Be loyal to the art itself...
Well, enough said, that's my 2 cents worth. I don't personally believe that there will ever be a world wide reconciliation (human pride and all) of Uechi Ryu practicioners, but guess what, we all keep practicing a wonderful art - an art form that has been around alot longer than our modern political issues. What keeps us doing this when it's so hard to get along? I guess we are alot more alike than we want to admit.
Jody McFadden Uechi Ryu Zankai Brinkley Karate Academy Brinkley, Arkansas
Subject: Impeachment and who gains? The removal of President Clinton should be closely review to who gains? The action to removal President can be examined by his accomplishment and looking at the reversal. 1. President Clinton re-appointed Allan Greenspan, but Mr. Greenspan was head of the Federal Reserve before under Reagan & Bush. Yet, there was no significant economic change or things got worse under Bush. Where does the credit go for Clinton economic accomplishment? Greenspan. No Greenspan also served under Reagan & Bush. Bush could have done what Clinton has done with Greenspan to balance the budge. 2. Crime under Clinton is finally coming down. Who is to gain by Clinton impeachment. Crime Lords and Drug lords. There were implication that Reagn and Bush had ties to drug activities due to South American government support, but who knowns. Maybe ties are to the republican party remain.
These are only implied association.
WHO GAINS WITH CLINTON'S IMPEACHMENT?
There must be financial reason, not lying or impeding testimony.
Subject: Impeachment and who gains? The removal of President Clinton should be closely review to who gains? The action to removal President can be examined by his accomplishment and looking at the reversal. 1. President Clinton re-appointed Allan Greenspan, but Mr. Greenspan was head of the Federal Reserve before under Reagan & Bush. Yet, there was no significant economic change or things got worse under Bush. Where does the credit go for Clinton economic accomplishment? Greenspan. No Greenspan also served under Reagan & Bush. Bush could have done what Clinton has done with Greenspan to balance the budge. 2. Crime under Clinton is finally coming down. Who is to gain by Clinton impeachment. Crime Lords and Drug lords. There were implication that Reagn and Bush had ties to drug activities due to South American government support, but who knowns. Maybe ties are to the republican party remain.
These are only implied association.
WHO GAINS WITH CLINTON'S IMPEACHMENT?
Stanley Sakamoto stansn@flash.net
There must be financial reason, not lying or impeding testimony.
I don't have a problem personally with organizations splitting up, because I really have no idea why they happened. If they happened because of pride, I would see those that caused the breaks immature. My real problem with the break ups is the tension it can caused between practitioners of each art if those practitioners are prideful in their school. Oh well, at least think about what I've said and how it might effect you.
politics in karate have also rooted in india which had an adverse effect on the students and had made many of the uechi ryu practioners to find thier paths in other styles. also the polictics had made indian karate kas to loose thier standards in various aspects, also deep rooted politics has lead to misguide the students in training, etc.if this prevails then in india then there is going to be a peaceful war between the students and the instructors.
n.elangovan
I haven't visited this message board in over a year. Pleased to see that people are still viewing this site and contributing their thoughts on the subject of martial art politics and it's effect on them.
Since I first posted this board, many events have occurred that have eased the tension among the formerly warring groups. I see a bit more sensitivity in correspondance and interaction among the different organizations. The seniors can't take much credit for this. The students are taking the initiative to communicate, work out together and forget which patch they happen to be wearing.
This is the way progress and change happens. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Regards, George Mattson
Hello everyone! I am helping my sensei to publish a Uechi-ryu magazine. I was hoping some of you might know some stories or details about the early history of Uechi-ryu(i.e. how Mr. Uechi came to teach the style again after leaving China). I am hoping to produce a comic book that tells some of the thrilling tales of this adventurous time! please email me at chuquejpinedo@hotmail.com
thanks, Dylan McNeill Okinawa Karate Academy, El Sobrante
how do you rate muay thai kickboxing? Andy