April, 2000 Mailbag [Part One] Watch for second section later this week.

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March 2 George: I wanted to write and tell you of my incredible journey to China. This past January I spent almost three weeks visiting various universities in southwest China. The purpose of my visit was twofold. First, I was representing my university for possible faculty and student exchange programs, and second, I was visiting martial art programs at both the university and national level. 

As you can imagine the trip was educational, eye opening, and also puzzling. What was the most interesting, concerning Uechi, however, were the comments made by the wu shu instructors that I met. After demonstrating sanchin, sei san, and san sei ryu it was unanimous that Uechi is an internal system, and the roots or history of Uechi probably originated with the Taoist martial art schools that originated in the Wudang Mountains. 

When I asked them why the following reasons were given: 1. The breathing pattern (we do not exhale on contact, but after) 2. We use counteropposing muscles -100% forward, 100% backward 3. We strike on a vertical axis, rather than the horizontal swinging motion found in external systems

I found this very interesting and did confirm my own thoughts about the origin of Uechi and its use of internal power (qi) and qi gong and Taoist thought.

Now, the question to be raised is in what ways has Uechi changed due to the influence of Okinawan culture and the "bushi" culture of Japan. Even in my own lifetime in Uechi (30 years) the changes are apparent. The way I was introduced to Uechi is not the way they are teaching the style today in Okinawa. In fact, I am kinda old fashion in my views and teaching methodology. The second question to be asked is progress and innovation a good or bad thing.

I obviously do not have an answer, but I will continue to struggle to find an answer that I can train with and pass on to my students.

Joan Neide

Hi Joan:

What a pleasant surprise to hear from you and with such wonderful news!

I've been spending quite a bit of time defending teaching Uechi-ryu the 'old' way and trying to get people to understand the flexible nature of the stances and the benefit of 'after' breathing patterns.

Please visit the Forums and post some comments about your trip for the group. Hopefully we will be able to get at least one article for our website as well. :) GEM

I like the new riddle page. I have played with riddles for years, and it is not very often that I see a new one any more. The last one about he man in police department was new, though, so I can add it to my collection. However, I think the most classic lateral thinking riddle is:

A man dies in a cabin on a mountain. He isn't murdered, he doesn't commit suicide, and he does not die of natural causes. How then, does he die?

The answer follows my signature stuff. [I put the answer at the bottom of this page! GEM]

Curtis K. Hunt, MCSE Support Systems Analyst Undergraduate Admissions Northern Arizona University ...so much more! 

This is a fascinating stream of discourse to find on a martial arts discussion group. Might a humble mental health practitioner suggest that what is really being requested here - a sure fire, pain free way to win verbal contests - is impossible .

No martial artist of any repute would expect to be able to solve a physical confrontation only with a strong projection of personality. Sometimes one has to engage in physical combat. When that ultimate eventuality unfortunately happens it is wise not to expect a pain free, sure fire method of winning here either. There is always a cost to any form of combat. To minimise that cost it is wise to have made a personal prior investment in at least one established form of physical self defense.

To minimise the cost of verbal combat a parallel requirement of investment in systematic skills exists - one just has to know where best to look. One looks for unarmed fighting skills in one of the many martial arts. One looks for skills in swordsmanship in kendo or fencing or similar blade focused system. Might I suggest that one starts looking for verbal skills in the psychological literature on straight (and devious) verbal assertion skills.

Verbal Violence (now unfortunately hard to find), by the late Virginia Satir, is the best commencement book I know to enable people to recognise and respond to verbal combat.

Vince M.

Hope that you will contribute to Suzette's new "Verbal Self Defense" Forum Vince. Meanwhile, I've posted your letter there and trust that many will comment. GEM

George,

A former student of mine recently relocated to San Francisco (another dot.com steal) and E-mailed you looking for a Uechi dojo. The best your web site offered was San Jose, which is a two-hour round trip commute for him. I know there are often unofficial Uechi groups that might not be a formal dojo, but might offer him a chance to work out. Do you know of anyone in San Francisco? Any ex-Boston students that set off in search of IPO fortunes?

Thanks, Jay Nussbaum

P.S. By the way, I'll be leaving Ithaca this June and resettling on Long Island. But I thought it would please you to hear that one of my students, who hopes to test for his shodan this summer, will be taking over the program, which Cornell now wants to make a permanent class. Including the NYC school I started at the NY Sports Club, which is still going, that makes two for me. How many before I gain official missionary status?

I believe you now qualify Jay. Do you wish to be addressed as "Father", Monsignor or something less formal? :) GEM

Dear George

If you or any of our Karate Friends would like to check out our Bali Resort..... we have just opened our Website, check it out

Put the word out to everyone..... we are considering offering special travel-hotel packages to Karate Friends

Web site balipavilions.com

Let me know what you think about the quality of the Web Site, the music you hear is Balinese bamboo drum like instruments

See ya later

Bob Campbell

Susan and I have booked our rooms!! GEM

Hi my email address is ******t and I am a grandma looking for
some information on Uechi ryu for my grandson - he took 2 months of
lessons last summer and then went home to Ashburnham Mass and now I am
looking for a place so he can take it up at home- I did find a place in
pepperall , I believe it was in an industrial park but I lost the tel.
number and now cant find it anywhere on the net - help help please.
I really would appreciate any help you can give me.. Thank you

You should call Michael Rozumek. Excellent teacher and very nice person. His telephone number is 508-433-8620. I've also included his email address in the header.
Good luck. GEM

I'm really trying to find out some real information about what happened recently, as I studied Kempo & Chinese Yoga in Oxford. I'd particularly like to get in touch with some of the people I studied with - Rupert, Hidde, Judith, Thane - I was shocked and upset to read the 'rumours' on the net, but disappointed that they are so short on real information that would tell me what has happened - there were 3 dojos I was involved with, Oxford and 2 in London. I understand there is some sort of support group? Well, apparently you know a bit about all this, I would be extremely grateful if you could tell me what you know.

 Ben: There has been quite a bit written about Terry Dukes and Mushindo on the Internet generally and on the Uechi Forums specifically. I'll pull up a couple of the old threads, which are probably on Bill Glasheen's forum. You can pull them all up by doing a Forum's search, using any of the names in your letter. There is an excellent website listed, which should answer all of your questions. Meanwhile, please feel free to contribute to the threads I pull up or begin a new one. Rupert, Hidde and others monitor the forums and I'm sure will reply to your questions.  GEM

hi Mr. Mattson
im a student studying uechi-ryu in canada.
My sensei mentions your name all the time during a class so i have a question to ask.
i recently was at a tournament where as i participated in some events and i was just wondering how your kata and kumite is to be marked?

I believe you are inquiring about how the officials score the kata and prearranged kumite and how they determine the winner of a freefighting match. Please check out the modified WKF rules, which can be found on the Uechi-ryu Championships2000 page. In summary, we are using the same rules that are used in Canada by their WKF events. Our Championships will again be officiated by independent officials, trained and certified in these rules. Sensei Ron Fagin will be heading up this group. GEM

George,

I own a copy of your Uechi-Ryu Karate Do book. I am interested in the calligraphy in the front of it. The calligraphy I am interested in the Perseverance calligraphy. In the book there is little calligraphy on the left side and large on the right. Which is the correct for perseverance. The reason I am asking is that I wanted to have it tattooed on my back along the tiger I have. I wanted to have the correct calligraphy. I think it is the Large calligraphy that means Perseverance, but I want to make sure. If you could help me in this matter I would greatly appreciate it. Your friend in Uechi-Ryu.

Paul 

A tattoo???? Well, in that event I better tell you a story first: Back in the early 70s, a prominent martial artist was having dinner with his students in Chinatown. Wanting to be politically correct, he asked one of the waiters the Chinese name for 'exalted teacher'. The waiter quickly replied with the title. From that day on, his students were required to address him with the Chinese equivalent of "exalted teacher!"

One afternoon, nearly a month later, one of his students saw his teacher in Chinatown, ran up to him and bowed, addressing him with the "exalted" teacher title. After the student left, a bystander walked up to the teacher and asked him "why did that person call you 'dog shit', then bow to you? True story!!!! Related to me by Bob Campbell.

So Paul.... you better double check with a very trusted person who can accurately translate any Chinese characters you will be permanently attaching to your body! GEM

Hi George - I don't know the SMTP account this is coming from; I'm in a webcafe in Athens; I visited the Uechi page to look for the address of the Dojo in Volos, up by the Pelion, where I'm going next week or so. 

I noted the presidential race poll on your front page and voted, even if I'm not a Yank or even a Reb; for Ventura, of course. Don't know if the poll is of your concoction of if it's run by someone else; but wanted to throw in another option that someone told me long ago that's quite apt: "Don't vote - it only encourages them".

Best regards 

Mike Cleven 

Dear Victoria and Elena,

I am sorry I did not respond earlier. I got your note today, and then found the February note that I had not replied to. I may not understand all your questions. But I will answer the best way I know how. If you feel I have not answered a secific question, then ask it again.

YOU ASKED: Should we include physical (muscles) exercises to it and which of them do you recommend to us? Should physical exercises be executed on the same training with the technics? If yes, in what order relative to technics they should be executed (before or after)?

I ANSWER: It is useful to have physical training that supplements the karate practice. This isn't necessary, but it will improve your karate performance and reduce your risk of injury. I do training with weights, and have received coaching from a trainer at The University of Virginia who worked with athletes from all sports at that school. What you do should be determined by what is available to you. In the past, the Chinese and Okinawans have been very creative with limited resources. If you do not have access to expensive equipment, you can still do a lot. My weight training is similar to the type of work that any Russian athlete would do with weights if he wanted to compete internationally in a sport. I do not train with weights on the same day that I do my karate. If you do both on the same day, then do the karate training first. Also remember that you should do stretching exercises at the beginning and end of every workout.

YOU ASKED:Do we need to execute some kiks and punches separately and in which positions?

I ANSWER: The book that was sent has many kicking and punching exercises. These would be the exercises on pages 37 through 48. I know it is very difficult to learn from books. I will check about other videos that may be helpful.

YOU ASKED: Should we use "makivara" during our training?

I ANSWER: If makiwara is available, then you can use it. I find that training with a heavy bag that has a vinyl or leather surface works well, and I prefer to use that. This is helpful for learning how to be effective with basic punches and kicks. Remember that in the beginning it is more important to do the exercises correctly than it is to do them as hard as possible. You can increase the intensity when you are comfortable with your technique. There are specialzied techniques like the one knuckle thrust (shoken) that should not be done on makiwara or the heavy bag. These are only applied to soft spots on the body in real application.

YOU ASKED: Sorry, but we didn't understand from the book the rules of leading of kumite. (We means those which are going befween the students of Uechi-ryu and are the part of attestation) We read that there are several kinds of it, but we didn't understand the difference between them. Which limitations are laid on the tecnhics? Do the rules conclude weight categories, box gloves?

I ANSWER: You are right, this is very difficult to understand. There are many types of kumite. I will discuss some of the major points to consider. I will understand if you are still a little confused.

* Understand that there are tournaments where people compete in kumite, but it is not necessary to enter these tournaments to practice karate. You would need to do kumite for tests. This usually consists of a 2 minute demonstration with an assigned partner. It is not necessary to "defeat" your opponent. It is only necessary to show that you can apply what you have learned in a safe manner with a training parter.

* In your class, you need to decide whether or not you want to do full contact in your kumite - as you would in boxing. Most people do not, and instead choose to have limited contact. This is what I recommend. That would mean very light contact to the body, and no contact to the head. In most places, people wear protective equipment. For women, this would include a mouth guard, gloves, and foot gear. Sometimes people wear protective head gear, but this is not necessary if you are practicing in a safe manner. Men would wear a protective cup over the groin. You might do kumite without the hand or foot equipment if you have problems getting it, but you should always use a mouth guard to protect your teeth.

* In your class you must consider whether to do kumite in a point format (as you would in fencing) or a continuous motion format (as you would in boxing). Both methods are useful, and I have seen both formats done on tests. The point format teaches you to execute good single techniques. The continuous motion format teaches you to flow well and to execute multiple techniques.

* Most people limit the types of techniques that they use for safety purposes. Most practitioners of our style will do kumite with only closed-hand techniques, even though the style teaches many effective open-hand techniques. Most people limit the areas of the body where they do striking techniques. Many do not do techniques below the waist. Some do limited techniques to the legs, but stay away from the knees.

* You need to decide whether or not you are going to do any grabbing and throwing when you do kumite. Many practitioners of our style of karate do a little bit of this. You should not do any throwing without proper training in how to fall. You should never do throws in a manner where you hurt your training parter. Very serious throwing is only done on mats.

* Weight categories are used in competition. In the classroom and in tests, weight is taken into consideration. However in your training you should learn to work with many partners of different sizes.

YOU ASKED:Could you describe the order of passing the attestation, please? How often do the attestations take place?

I ANSWER: We need to be practical here. If you do not have regular contact with teachers, it will be very difficult to do testing the same way you would if you lived here where there are many karate schools of this style. Whenever we have unusual circumstances - as we do with you - we try to do what is best for the students and for karate. We will discuss this more as you practice and learn the karate.

YOU ASKED: Which ku system is used in USA?

I ANSWER: In the USA, we have 10 kyu ranks before black belt.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you wish. Do not feel you are impolite if you are frustrated and need more than what you have. I am interested in your success. If you are patient with me, I will be patient with you and help you in any way I possibly can.

I enjoy hearing from both of you. I hope Moscow is beautiful in the spring. It is very wonderful here now. I will send pictures.

Sincerely, Bill Glasheen

Hi Master Mattson !! I have a question for you . Some of the students at Robert Bethony's Dojo have been working on thier Dan Kumite for a year and a half, maybe two years now. Thier ages range from 11 to 14 but have been practicing Uechi -ryu for a number of years now. The question is will they be able to compete in Dan Kumite ? The Registration form says this is a Men/Women Black Belt event. The information will be passed along to these students .

Thank You Ed Cragin

Hi Ed:

I really do appreciate that your people wish to support the tournament. Last year we had junior divisions in dan and kyu kumite, but no one entered. This year we eliminated the categories. This is the second letter received on the subject. Here is Richard Baptista's response to the question. For this year, we will have to stick to the rules. Hopefully next year we be able to expand the categories to include the juniors. GEM

George It would be best that we stick to what we have advertised. The Dan Kumite and Kyu Kumite divisions are for adults only. That's what the registration form clearly articulates. From a coordination perspective, the under 17 yrs form divisions are scheduled to start simultaneous with the adult Kyu Kumite and Adult Dan Kumite divisions at 9am.Hence to accomplish this, kids must be precluded from entering adult divisions.This is just a side issue, however. My records indicate that last year we offered a separate youth dan kumite division; we had zero entries. I'm reasonably sure that's why Gary Khory (and we) eliminated the division. There has been no demonstrated need in the past. It is simply my opinion that changing the already xeroxed division sequence, redoing the registration form (which is already copied and mailed out), ordering more trophies, adding new trophy claim checks, adding new score/results sheets to the already assembled ring packets,etc etc just isn't worth it. 

. . . Lets consider the requests for the next tournament but I recommend we don't change the offerings for the current year.  I have this year returned (applications for) 2 Uechi competitors who wanted to enter the adult Kyu Kumite division. One of them was an 8 yrs old girl. Looking at it from the adult side, how does a guy go home after the tournament and relay to his wife that an 8yr old girl beat him, especially when he was expecting adults only in the division! I'll bet that guy never returns to competition. I believe that ,in general, it's best to keep adults and kids separate. It's just my opinion , but most important, I firmly believe that when we deviate from what has been written and distributed, we open ourselves up and that's when controversy will likely arise. I'm hopeful that you will agree with my assessment. If you don't , just let me know. Respectfully Bap

I totally agree Bap. GEM

George Mattson Sensei:

POST IF YOU LIKE.

Thank you for the thought provoking e-mail about the Task Force. I printed it out and will read it carefully and respond in detail within a few days. 

In the spirit of cooperation we do pretty well in this area with regular regional get-togethers for training and socializing. At those events, everyone ascribes to the "When in Rome" approach leading to successful and enjoyable experiences that build bridges rather than burn them. Another example... two Saturdays ago, Folta Sensei and I combined our resources and held a combined kyu/junior Dan test at my place. The fact we are in different Uechi-ryu organizations is not important to us. It was an enormous success with lots of spectators, excellent karate, camaraderie and socializing. We (meaning Folta Sensei, myself, the students and guests) got more out of the promotion events by working together than either of us could have on our own... There is real synergy in that! So right off I see the value in what the Task Force has to offer. Thanks and I hope all is well with you and Susan.

Rik 

I was in D.C. last weekend at Charlie Lee's tournament and Jhoon Rhee was sitting at ringside. The first words he spoke to me were "How is Mr. Mattson?" I told him you were fine etc. He sends his regards. Still can't believe he remembers that I'm your student! I believe I told him many years ago. Over the course of the evening , he came up on stage and without warmup, proceeded to do 110 pushups in less than 2 minutes. Amazing for anyone--but he is 68 yrs. old!  . . . Regards Bap

I'm trying to locate a dojo in Westchester county N.Y. Thanks.
Paul Greco.

Do you have a site, or know of a site that has a list of the order and requirements it takes to get each belt. I just started Karate and was wondering if there was something I could look at see what I had to know or demonstrate to get each belt. I was just thinking it would be interesting to see the order and the requirements for each belt. Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Check out my "Black Belt Test Guide"! (Hint, Hint). Also, the University of Virgina has an excellent guide on their site. (go to our 'links' section) GEM

Mr. Mattson:

What is your custom regarding those who come into your dojo with dan rank from other Japanese/Okinawan karate styles? For example, if a man with a shodan rank in Shorin ryu or Goju joined your dojo, would you require him to start out wearing a white belt, and charge him the same fees you would a complete beginner with no prior training? How do you assimilate someone with advance training in a different style into your dojo?

Sincerely,

(Name withheld)

Interesting question and one that I do not have an answer for. I suggest you post your questions on one of the Forums to get the opinion of the seniors. GEM

Sensei,

Sanchin I've always performed my opening of Sanchin from the V foot stance by simultaneously picking up my heels and moving my heels out to shoulder width position. I've observed other methods like stepping out with either the left or the right foot to shoulder width. I do like the feel of just stepping out. Which method do you prefer that I teach to new students? If you do step out to the left or right at the beginning, should you step back with the same foot at the end?

Test Do you prefer that all kyu ranks get tested? I have been only testing for Gokyu and Sankyu and awarding the stripes in class when necessary. . . .

Hope all is well and thanks in advance for the help.

(name withheld)

I've seen as many openings as there are seniors. Ask Van Canna Sensei, his view on the opening moves. Moving your feet doesn't enter the equation, other than how it affects your attitude and body compression. Tomoyose Sensei told me the "V" stance represented the average posture of an individual. Following the bow, your feet go to a parallel position, which represents the transition to your kata mindset.

Regarding kyu tests, most organizations allow individual dojo to set the standards and conduct the tests. Hence, the decision when and how often to test is yours. GEM

is there any uechi persons in jax,fl? please ?

I am about to re-locate to the NY area from England and would love to continue my study of Uechi Ryu. I have noted the names on your web-site for Uechi instructors in the NY area. Would it be possible to obtain addresses for these dojo so I may find out a little more about them before I arrive.

Thanks Seth Redmond

Mr Mattson:

I am writing to say how very I appreciate your recommending to me Vid Mag 17 Basic Uechi. I have seen about half the tape at this point, and already I am saying to myself as I watch..."this is exactly what I was looking for...someone to breakdown the Sanchin kata step by step!"

Also, I am wondering if you would recommend another of your videos to me. I am needing a video that has the fundamental stances, kicks, blocks, strikes etc. Something that will show how to property form and execute a one-knuckle fist punch, a dragon hand strike, etc, along with kicks, and stances.

Which of your tapes would be best for that?

. . .
Sincerely and with much appreciation,


Rev Charles H Roberts Ballston Spa, NY

Thanks for the kind endorsement Reverent. You might check out the Basic series of tapes, which covers all the areas you mention. GEM

Subject: video and spellings


Mr. Mattson, First of all Cory received the video today and it helped clear up my memory a lot. I do have a few questions for you though. 1: Is "Conchobu" and "Kanshiwa" the same kata, and if so when and why did the name change? 2: Is "Dini Seisan" and "Daini Seisan" and "Kanshu" the same kata? 3: Is "Seiching" and "Seichin" the same kata? The spellings we got from your books: "The Way of Karate", "Master Kanei Uechi's Karate Booklets 3 and 4", and "The Black Belt Test Guide". I would appreciate your time and knowledge in clearing this up for me. 

Thanks again 

Rick Warren

P.S. Is Bob Campbell's e-mail closed down or inactive? We tried to contact him and the message was returned. Also do you know if he has any sort of website?

Hi Rick: The kata Conchobu and Kanshiwa are the same kata. The name change occured when it was discovered that Kanbun's teacher in China was not named Shushabu, but Shushiwa. The kata was named in honor of Kanbun Uechi and Shushiwa, hence the name change. Co vs Ka is merely a translation variation. Dini or Daini means 'little' or abreviated version of Seisan. It was renamed in Kanbun's honor sometime in the 70s. Seichin variations are again translation interpretations. The translations in the Black Belt Test Guide are the very latest, although some teachers still refer to older versions.

Bob Campbell changed his email address. I'm including it in the heading of this message, so he will receive this message. Bob is a moderator of the "keeper of the Dragon's tail" Forum, but he hasn't had time to contribute to it lately. GEM

While flipping through the book "Five Ancestor Fist Kung Fu (Ngo Cho Kun)," my eye caught references to both Uechi-ryu and Goju-ryu. Early in the book, while discussing the history and influence of Ngo Cho Kun, the author states that Pwan-gai-noon did not exist and that Uechi-Ryu is actually derived from Ngo Cho Kun. (The author also declares Kanei Uechi the founder of Uechi-ryu while asserting this.) Anyway, I've never seen this argument made in any other readings and am now kind of intrigued. While the author made numerous comparisons between Uechi-ryu's Sanchin and Ngo Cho Kun's comparable kata, etc., he did not elaborate on the idea that there was no such style as Pwan-gai-noon. Can you provide any information or theories that might explain this? Just curious.

Thank you. Corey Isbell Austin, TX

Hi Corey:

I saw the original book, before it was published by Tuttle. Bob Campbell spent quite a lot of time with the author and his students while living in the Philippenes.

Bob felt their was a connection but did not go so far as to say Uechi came from Ngo Cho Kun. 

Would make for a great topic on Bill Glasheen's or Bob Campbell's forum. Why not post your letter there? GEM

I forgot to mention. Pwangainoon is not a style name, but a attribute of the style. Kanbun never said what style/styles Uechi came from. GEM

Thanks for the immediate responses! 

While I'm not a student of Uechi-ryu, I have been reading a lot about it lately in my history studies and am hoping to visit Mike Nazar's dojo here in Austin very soon. I've almost finished your book "Uechi-ryu Karate-Do" and appreciate the candid articles you include throughout the text. I haven't gained as much real insight from a book since Shoshin Nagamine's "The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do."

When you say "Pwangainoon is an attribute of the style," what exactly do you mean? 

Thanks, Corey Isbell

Characteristic of the style versus the name. Uechi is the name given to the style by Kanbun's students. Pwan-gai-noon merely defines something that is unique about the style. Kanbun did not use the term to describe either his original dojo or the style.Hope this helps, GEM

I see. 

Many books I've read will translate a style's name early on in the text. And as style names, when translated, seem to often describe the main attribute of the style, I've grown accustomed to this line of reasoning. Anyway, it never occurred to me that Pwangainoon was not actually the name of a style from which Uechi-ryu evolved. I've even seen it included in a few lists of the most popular Chinese martial arts styles of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Anyway, thanks for clearing up the syntax. And thanks again for responding so promptly to my inquiries!

Corey Isbell

Answer to the riddle: He is in the cabin of a plane when it crashes into the mountain and kills all of the occupants.

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