2008 Uechi-ryu WinterFest
Symposium Jan. 25 - 27, 2008

This year's Martial Arts WinterFest will be quite a bit different from other "Fests" I've hosted. The theme will be "Building a strong Uechi-ryu Core" and the emphasis will be on the method of teaching Uechi-ryu I have used successfully for many years, based on what I originally learned on Okinawa.

In this era of mixed martial arts, many Uechi teachers are losing confidence in their "core" Uechi strengths and skills. Instead of focusing on what students are really searching for, teachers are attempting to shore-up their programs with eclectic methods that have no relavency to the Uechi system.

This year's symposium will review the Uechi core system and demonstrate how practitioners of all ranks can achieve their personal goals, regardless of what they may be. We will explore how the system, like the hub of a wheel, can relate to advanced and unique specialities within the martial arts, but always with a strong link to the core (hub).

Best,
George E. Mattson

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Join George Mattson and his Florida students for three enjoyable days in the sun this Winter.

Of course you can come early and stay on with your family for an extended vacation. Although we have Disney World and a number of internationally famous tourist sites, our WinterFest host town and surrounding areas are also a perfect place to spend time, exploring the senic splendar and quaint village atmosphere rivaling European destinations.

A good website for information on Mount Dora

New: Susan has checked out the local motels in the area and recommend the following:

Days Inn & Suites - 15000 U.S. Hwy 441, Eustis, FL 32726: Tel 352-742-8022
Comfort Inn & Suites - 16620 Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757: Tel 352-383-3400
Best Western Lake County Inn & Suites - 1380 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778: Tel 352-253-2378

Besides enjoying your free time in Florida, the students of George Mattson have organized the following schedule for WinterFest:

Friday, January 25, 2008: The first annual WinterFest Golf team championships. [details will be sent to all registrants]

The tournament will begin at noon. All participants will be invited to attend a post-tournament party and barbaque, prepared by Darin Yee. [details will be sent to all registrants] The tournament will be conducted at the beautiful Eagle Dunes course, one of the most interesting and beautiful golf courses in Florida. (often played by tour professionals) There will be putting, chipping and other challenges following the round of golf.

Saturday, January 26, 2008: George Mattson will be teaching his unique brand of Uechi-ryu, assisted by his black belt students and attending senior Uechi practitioners. He will be teaching and reviewing his complete Uechi program in a symposium format - where all seniors will be encouraged to try out Mattson's unique and sometimes controversial teaching and physical practices, then discuss ways these methods might compliment other methods that are being practiced today.

The Uechi-ryu symposium will be held from 8AM until 4PM. Lunch will be catered and served at the facility.

A post symposium party will be held at a local restaurant.

Sunday, January 27, 2008: A free day in which participants are encouraged to take a tour or participate in one of the many activities available.

Cost of WinterFest Symposium.: $200. [IUKF members. $150] Lunch included.
(Members must be active and paid-up for 2007 to receive this discount)

Please make your flight reservations early, to get the best rates. Click here for hotel/motel/bed&breakfast facilities near WinterFest. Make your reservations early, since January is a very busy tourist season in the area.

We will be handling all symposium registrations. We must have full payment and e-mail application in hand by January 2nd, 2008. Click Here to Register.

Susan Sussman, Administrator

WinterFest Support Team
Patty Dando
Tim Dando
Jim Baggett

The Schedule:

WinterFest 2008

Join us for an enjoyable and interesting Weekend!

Friday:

Eagle Dune Golf Course Golf Tournament : - noon - 4pm. Golf challenges : 4pm-5pm. [after that, free time]

Saturday:

BUILDING A STRONG UECHI CORE SYSTEM

Mount Dora, FL Community Building.
Corner of Donnolley and 5th Ave.

8AM Welcoming ceremony

8:20AM: Uechi warm-up

• GEM Stretch - KongLi exercises QiGong exercises [Discussion regarding the relationship and need of balanced exercises]

9AM: The Sanchin Method:

• Active "awareness" Sanchin [with QiGong breathing]
• Full focus - level one speed Sanchin [with sensitive "checking" and "Uechi" breathing.]
• Full focus - level two speed Sanchin [with "checking" - "touch" thrusts and "Uechi" breathing.]
• Full speed - level three speed Sanchin. [no "check" - "speed" & "power" thrusts and "natural" breathing.]
• Discussion relating to when these "levels" are taught and what each level is designed to accomplish.

10AM: Konchiwa - the GEM method:

• Kata performed using the four levels learned in Sanchin.
• Kata multiple attack Bunkai, performed using the four levels learned in Sanchin. (based on student's abilities) 

11AM: Kanshu: The GEM method:

• Kata performed using the four levels learned in Sanchin.

11:15AM: Seichin: The GEM method:

• Kata performed using the four levels learned in Sanchin.

11:30AM: Seisan: The GEM method:

• Kata performed using the four levels learned in Sacnhin.

 11:45AM: The secret training method revealed

• Worth the price of the symposium!! 

Noon - 1PM: Lunch Break. [food provided by hosts]

1:00PM: The three levels of "Kyu" kumite

• Set one - levels A, B and C.
• Set two - levels A, B and C.
• Set three - levels A, B and C.
• Variables: Using Sanchin levels of speed and power
• Variables: Scenarios introduced. (creative initiative of teacher) 

2:00PM: The three levels of "Dan" kumite

• "Sensitivity" level (work on timing, distancing, control)
• "Intuitive" level (work on coordination, discipline, confidence)
• "Realist" level (build on skills developed - hone your techniques and continue to build confidence) -

3:00PM: The three levels of Jiyu Kumite

• "Sensitivity" level ("soft" hands, slow motion, full contact - gain confidence in Uechi techniques in a safe manner) 
• "Intuitive" level (middle speed -{relate to Sanchin levels} -
• "soft" hands, middle speed, full contact - emphasis on Uechi techniques, strategies, breathing and building confidence.
• "Competition" level sparring. Building up speed, power and accuracy based on student's ability. Determined by a competent and experienced Coach/Sensei.

3:30PM: Scenario role-playing

• Using your Uechi-ryu as a practical method of self defense - designed to safely introduce methods of testing your Uechi-ryu in potentially life-threatening situations.
• ??? Summary, Review and Discussion - 6PM: (Or whenever we decide to break)
• Pizza Party on the Community building patio. (subject to change)

Sunday:

Free day to tour, play golf or enjoy the Mount Dora community.