Aug, 1997 Mailbag

August, 1997 Mailbag

HI George

Though I would write you a note about more Uechi Dojos doing AAU. I've been involved with the AAU sense 1989 and I am glad that more dojo's are getting their students into AAU competition. I have over the years learned what works and what dosen't work for AAU competition. I have been a gold medal winner in sparring, kata, and weapons ( always a medal winner in all three) and place in the top 10 two years in a row at the AAU Nationalsin all three.

If you chose to post this, my EMail address is JVandelaar@aol.com my dojo number is 1-616-963-6889 I am willing to help anyone that wants to win!

o meadeto gozaimas ( congratulation on 9th Dan)

have a great day John Van De Laare GoDan
Battle Creek Budokan

Thanks for informing us about the AAU. I thanks many people have been given the wrong impression of the AAU and its role within the martial arts world. If you have the time, perhaps you can write a couple of posts in the "Point of View!" forum. I'd like to learn more about the AAU and suspect others may feel the same way. GEM

A big congratulations goes out to Mattson Sensei on his promotion to Kudan (9th Dan). Few individuals have worked so long and hard to expand the base of traditional Okinawan arts here in the States over the years. It is a recognition well deserved.

Take care.

C. Bruce Heilman

Email: "ikkf@enter.net"
Web Page: "http://www.enter.net/~ikkf/"
Reading, Pa. USA

Thanks Bruce. Coming from someone so respected in the Martial Arts is indeed an honor.

Greetings all,

I thought I'd give a bit of a review of Rick Clark's Ao Denkou Kai summer camp. There were three days of training, a minimum of 24 hours of hands on

sharing and training with some great martial artists from varied styles. After the training there were many far ranging discussions that lasted into the wee hours fo the morning. But that was okay, because in the mornings Master Clark brought in Sifu Shiming Tang (Jimmy) to get us going with practice of the Tai Chi 24 form and some great energizing Chi Kung. Also teaching at the camp was Sensei Ron Klein (Sichidan Uechi Ryu karate, sichidan Yafukobudo)showing us the finer points of some close range small stick techniques "Chessen kun bo Kata" The chessen kun bo was a favorite of all the people I interacted with, once in the hand, kata applications from most any form were enhanced which is why it was so popular, it can be adapted to any form or style to gain an understanding of vital point manipulation and grappling as well as blocking and striking. Ron Klein also put on an excellent display of kubodu which all enjoyed, from Jiwa to spear.

We worked through Nagare no kata the Ao Denkou Kai signature kata, a two person grappling, locking, throwing, vital point manipulation kata. We practiced flowing with Arnis/Eskrima sticks as well as locks. There was a display of how to use and adapt sticks to traditional kata to gain an understanding of how to develop stick dynamics and power generation while maintaining the structure and movements of kata. An easy way to teach sticks without developing or learning a new kata.

As has come to be expected, there was the Rick Clark no hands throw demo, very impressive! The mind leads the chi, as I recall.

Of course there was plenty of vital point work, and new ways to get "better pain". Our fingers, wrists, elbows, etc.... are all much more limber now.

I had a great time at the summer camp! :-) But there wasn't enough time to work on all of the things I wanted to work on. :-( However the things we did work on were a lot of fun, there was very much "good pain" quite a bit of "really good pain" and a great deal of sharing and exchange of information. I'd like to say Thank You! To Dave Carr and all of his students for setting up the camp and running a show that was completely hassle free for the guests. :-) Also Thank You to Rick for putting on another super camp! (Domo arigato Sensei) <Bow>

Rick will be in the following areas if you wish to get an idea of what he's about. Check out the website if you'd like any more information. http://www.tardis.ed.ac.uk/~steven/adj/

Saturday 13 September Albany, New York, USA

Sunday 14 September SUNY, Stony Brook, USA

Friday 26 September Edinburgh, Scotland

Saturday 27 September Edinburgh, Scotland

Sunday 28 September Macclesfield, England

Tuesday 30 September Ashley Croft, England

Thanks,

Jerry Becker

The more I know, the more I know, I don't know

mattson-san,

congratulation and all the best from Shudokan Austria

Markus Pasterk

Dear All, (published on the Cyberdojo Network)

Recently I participated in Sensei George E. Mattson's 3 day Summer Camp, called "SUMMER OF THE TIGER, DRAGON & CRANE" Martial Arts Festival. I feel that a little report for the CDJ on this camp is needed...

During three hot & humid full-packed days (Aug 8 - 10, 1997) any participant from any Karate style/school/Budo flavor could join in seminars covering Uechi-ryu Karate, Kobudo, Healing Arts, Pressure Point Instruction, Ground Fighting, Grappling, Chinese Fighting Arts, etc... at the desired level of instruction (beginner, intermediate, advanced). Each day started with Sanchin instruction by Sensei George Mattson at 6:60 AM on the beach.

The second day marked the arrival at the Camp of Sensei Kanmei Uechi and his son Sensei Kanji Uechi. In the morning, in a extraordinary gesture from Sensei Kanmei Uechi everyone witnessed the promotion of a totally surprised Sensei George Mattson to Kudan (9th Dan) for a lifelong devotion to the development of Uechi Ryu Karate.

The third day Chinese MA's (from Fuhzou, China) performed a (the?) Chinese Lion Dance. This day (and the Camp) ended in one big session with the Chinese people instructing everyone in Chinese MA.

The atmosphere during this 3 day Camp was one of openness, friendship and sharing. All the sessions were highly interactive, questions were welcomed, different viewpoints were addressed and explained. The teachers present were always willing to explain basic and advanced concepts in general and private sessions.

Being a Shito Ryu Nidan from Belgium (Europe) with fifteen years of practice I feel that this 3 day Summer Camp was one of the best camps I ever participated in. I have yet to see the same kind of initiative that works (!) in Europe! I cannot do otherwise but to recommend the next Summer Camp of Sensei George E. Mattson to every Uechi Ryu and non-Uechi Ryu Budoka.

Kind Regards,

Patrick.
--
Patrick Wauters
E-mail: Patrick.Wauters@Belgium.sun.com

I also wanted to ask about Simon's findings. Is the name of his Sifu that taught him the two katas publicly available (not that I can afford to go to China but I want to know the history behind a kata in case someone asks me where it came from)? When you spoke to Simon did he say that the students learned Fu Sheu Xia (Tiger Coming Down the Mountain) before they learned Supraumpi? (Forgive my spelling if is a little off!) Are you relatively certain that Simon's Sifu is a direct student of Shou Shi Wa (Kanban's Sifu)? Were they also doing Sanchin, Sesan and Sanseiru? Do you think that Kanban Sensei did Supraumpi but didn't teach it to anyone else?

Do know much of the history of Shou Shi Wa? It seems like the Taoist had a little different format that the Buddhist monks. The Taoist seemed to practice more of the internal arts like Tai chi and Pa Kua but yet Pai Gai Noon almost seems more like the Buddhist five animal styles. I have also wondered about the numerology aspects of katas broken down into categories like "three battles", thirteen steps, 36 steps and 108 steps. Some of the books I have read about "Dim Mak" talk about 36 basic vital point strikes and a total of 108 vital points. These numbers correspond with the names of the katas and I have wondered if Sanseiru had 36 hidden vital point strikes and that Supraumpi had 108 hidden techniques. I know you don't have a crystal ball but I respect your opinion so let me know what you think about the numbers in the katas? Do you know anything about the history of Pai Gai Noon in terms of the evolution of this style and it's sister style that became Goju-ryu (Shorei-ryu). I have wondered if some style like Hung-Gar Kung Fu was the original forefather of these styles but there seems to be a missing link. All the karate katas have a different look to them than the Shaolin or Hung-Gar Kung Fu forms. Do you know anything about this missing link between the five animal styles and Shou Shi Wa's style?

Thank-you for writing your first book on Uechi-ryu otherwise I would have never discovered this wonderful art.

Brandon~~~

Great letter Brandon. I'm going to post it on the "Point of View!" Forum. I'll contribute my 2 cents at that time. Bet you will get lots of mail on this one! GEM

George:

Just a quick note to add the following link for the Gin Soon Tai Chi Club.... http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/4687/

Best regards and hope all's well. PhilS

Dear Sensei Mattson:

Just a note to say we all had a great time at the summer camp and we look forward to seeing you next year.

The official opening date of the Uxbridge Uechi-Ryu Karate Academy will be this fall. Hopefully I will have additional students joining us at the camp
next year.

General correspondence to the Uxbridge Academy may be sent through one of my students Tim Koressis (KORTIM@msn.com).

C. PINGUET

Let me know when you have an address Chris. I'll post it in our "Instructor's" listing. Good luck with your new dojo. GEM

Dear sir,
please let me know if there are Uechi Ryu schools located in the north part of Italy,
best regards,
Antonio

I'm going to start a new forum, just for those people looking to find a dojo, instructor or friend. Check it out this weekend. GEM

George, I am writing on behalf of Ed Carnes. We have corrisponded in the past over kids events. Recently Ed took three students to Disney to the AAU finals and was hoping you could post the letter I attached at the end. Along with talking of the students, you will see an interesting story that I think many people would appriciate. Thanks,
Mark Hruska

AAU Karate Nationals
On July 1st the Hidden Mountain Dojo took three students to the Nationals held at the World Wide Sports arena in Disney World. The students competed in Kata (forms) and kumite (fighting). B.J. Hruska is from Williamstown, Ma. He competed in the eight year old beginning division. Out of 26 competitors he finished 23rd in Kata and 22nd in kumite. Travis Cooke is from Grafton, NY. He competed in the eight year old beginning division. He finished 22nd in Kata and 7th in Kumite. Jimmy Sneed is from Williamstown, Ma. He competed in the nine year old beginning division. Out of sixteen competitors he finished 9th in Kata and 13th in Kumite. I would like to thank Melissa Hruska and Steven Sneed for chaperoning the trip down and back. Thanks also to Teresa Cooke for flying down early and registering the students. A very special thank you to the Williamstown recreational committee for making it possible for these students to attend this event. Without your support this trip would not have been possible.
Again thanks to all,
Ed Carnes

P.S. Along with good things, unpleasant things happen. Fortunately, some of these bad things have good endings. While at the Nationals, two young ladies who were to compete were attacked by a rapist. The police had been looking for this man for months. He had raped other young women and was looking to strike again. Not knowing why these two (helpless?) young women were there, he attacked them with the intention of rape. But as he soon found out, the young women were well trained in karate and they refused to be his victims. This rapist is now severely bruised and behind bars.
Congratulations ladies, job well done.

--Mark
Congratulations to Ed and his students for a job well done. And I really enjoyed the postscript to your post. GEM

Sensei,
I have been practising Uechi for over six years under the guidance of Sensei David Mott in Toronto. For the past two years I have been spending most of my time in Poland where there is not a single organised Uechi dojo. I would be grateful if you could assist me in my search for other Uechi practitoners who either live in Poland or visit the country on regular basis. My coordinates there are:
Andrej Chodan
ul.Michalowskiego 43/34
80-300 Gdansk
Poland
tel. (011 48 58) 56 63 32
I am an advanced Nidan-level Uechi student.
Best regards,

Andrej Chodan.

I just checked the "Instructor's Listing Andrej and discovered an excellent Uechi teacher in Poland! Keep up the good work. GEM

Sensei,
Thanks for changing the info on my page. One more minor change if you would? On the instructor listings page for MA, the number listed for "Greg Postal's Shoshinkan" should read (617) 926-3200. Also, I would be very interested in participating in the Publication review. Could you use the same username/password combo as for the forum? Also, some names to be added to the list of those attending the meeting are: Mike Aceto,
Fedele Cacia, and Danny ___ (he is a former student of Tim Ford's, a
godan, who teaches out of maybe Quincy?).
Domo Arigato,
Greg
P.S. Is it okay if Wes comes along to class this Saturday? Unless I hear
otherwise from you I will assume this is allright.

Wes is always welcome at my dojo Greg. And thanks for the update to the meeting minutes. Danny!!!! You better get around more. People will forget you! GEM

I recently went trough your August mailbag and I saw many letters of congratulations to your 9th dan promotion. I would like to join everyone who sent you their congratulations, though it might be a bit late, but as they say - better late than never.

Yours in arts,

Andrej Kozuh, maybe some day more than Shodan - working on it
E-mail: andrej.kozuh@bigfoot.com
kkkranj@usa.net
Home Page: http://phobos.fov.uni-mb.si/shohei
P.S. What happened to your chat page? Did you cancel it?

No. . . my new server was not compatible with the IChat format. I'll have a new and easier chat program up and running by the end of this week. GEM

Mattson Sensei,
I wanted to thank you for a wonderfull summer camp experience. This was my second year at camp. My first year at camp, I learned how open our organization is to new ideas. It is wonderfull to be able to see and try elements of other styles, and to be able to ask about our own system "why do we this in this particular way?". At my own dojo, we are always enouraged to think for ourselves, to try new things, and ask questions. I appreciate such openess, it seems the only way to grow as a system, and personally. This second year at summer camp I realized what a family uechi is. Seeing people from a year ago, camp is like one big family re-union. I have seen no ego's at camp, no one ups-manship. I have only seen people glad to see each other again, and glad to meet new people with something in common. The best part of camp for me, and in fact everyone from my dojo that has gone seems to agree, is sanchin on the beach. Perhaps it is a lack of beaches here in the mid-west, but it is a wonderfull thing. :)

Also I have received my third issue of Bugeisha magazine. I have enjoyed many of the articles in the magazine, and especially enjoy you sharing your knowledge of Uechi and karate.

Congratulations on your promotion, and happy birthday!
I'll see you on the beach next year!!!
Matt Cox
(of the lincoln nebraska clan)
--------------------------------------------------------
These lands are ours. No one has the right to remove us, because we
were the first owners. The great spirit has appointed this place
for us, on which to light our fires and here we will remain. As to
boundaries the great spirit knows no boundaries. - Tecumseh, 1810
*
Crash 24601 - crash@inetnebr.com - team os/2

George

Congratulations are most definitely in order.

I was not part of the initial flood of e-mail to you because I viewed your promotion the same as I have viewed many of my promotions, certificates, and raises - an anticlimactic period on the end of a very long sentence. My reaction to the presentation was "but of course!" I should probably cherish such event more, both for myself and for others like you.

Anyhow, this is my own private expression of both congratulations for you and thanks to you. However words don't do justice.

Bill Glasheen

Dear Mattson Sensei and Susan;

Once again, thank you both so much for organizing and pulling off one of the most enjoyable parts of my martial arts life, summer camp.

As usual, the level of instruction, variety, and sheer volume of information and training was fantastic.

Many congratulations on your 9th Dan. I can only imagine the pride you must feel. You have truly added another to your many accomplishments. I consider myself extremely lucky to learn from and train with you. I am sure there are many others that could only wish to be closer to your classes.

Again, many thanks for all you and Susan do for us, your students.

Chuck Micciche

Mr. Mattson,
My last e-mail was sent before I could correct my written mistakens. I am not too fond of this computer. Anyway, my sensei is Marc Snodgrass in Elkhart, IN. He is on your instructor's list. I try to work out each day, that might be why I haven't responsed sooner. I work at a tattoo shop, I do tattoos and body piercings. I only have my tongue pierced because I would not want to get punch in the stomach while wearing a navel ring. Women and body piercings is probably something that Kanbun never thought about in his days. I have wondered whether there are still people who pratice Paignoon(I am sure that I did not spell that right. Sorry I don't have a book around to check the spelling)? I have to get ready for my day. I hope you have a pleasant Monday.

The dragon is watching,
Marissa

Dear Sensei,

just wanted to let you know how much I like your web site..also, I love watching the kata and bunkai of uechi-ryu as I practice goju-ryu.

I also have met Bill Glasheen on a couple of occasions... he is a very good example of a karate-ka in every sense of the word.

I don't know if you would be interested in this but please visit my web page at www.erols.com/joemason..I hope you find it interesting..
josh cane

How have you been? Hope things are going well . I'm sorry I missed your camp I have been busy lately. I wanted to ask you before I put my URL out on the search Eng.'s if it is ok to use Mr. uechi's animation gif.. the one of him doing a sanchin strike. I wanted to get permission from you first. before I put my web site out there.
If you have any problems with that I will take it out if not I thank you in advanced. come check it out http://www.xtdl.com/~dand/karate.htm thanks again
Dan Dovidio

Thanks for asking before using the picture Dan. This original work of art was done for the Uechi website by Peter Kimmins. You may use it, but please give proper credits. I've posted your new site. Excellent information on your page. Hope everyone will check it out. GEM

Great Lakes Region Update

The NAC schools in the Shinwakai have had quite a summer. At the Michigan AAU State Tournament three competing schools (Shindokan-South Haven, Budokai-Manistique and the Budokan-Escanaba) won gold medals in 60 of the 72 divisions. The Shindokan (an enrollment of 20 students) earned 11 gold, 20 silver and 7 bronze in the State Tournament. Shindokan students Drew earned a 3rd in sparring and Justin a 6th place in weapons at the AAU nationals in Orlando, FL. Shindokan students also placed in sparring and kata at the Junior Olympics in Charlotte NC. Congratulations to Rick and Lori Lambert and the Shindokan Dojo.

Congratulations to Robert Krantz (Marquette County Budokan) who recently passed his examination for Shodan in Uechi-Ryu Karate/Shinwa Uechi Budo. Examinations in Yafukobudo were also recently held; congratulations to Sherry Curtice-Nikyu, Debbie St.Vincent-Sankyu and Dustin Willette-Sankyu. The kobudo examine included kata (sai, bo, jiwa and eiku), kata interpretation and bunkai applications.

Dave Moyle returned from his visit to Japan. Dave (owner of the Delta County Budokan) was examined by Makabe Sensei for his shodans in Shorin-Ryu Karate and kobudo at the World Headquarters. Dave passed his examinations-congratulations!!!! Dave also had the honor of training with the SOKE of Muso Jikkiden Eishen Iaido Chiba Dojo.

Dave received very precise instruction, a beautiful hakama and Iai. Dave will be returning to Chiba in 1998 at the invitation of the SOKE to be examined for his Shodan in Iaido. With permission, Muso Jikkiden Eishen Iaido will be offered as an integral part of Yafukobudo. Many thanks to John Ray (Rokudan-Iaido) for his kindness in arranging a direct link for our organization with the SOKE.

The World Federation of Karatedo Organizations (WFKO) is the highly regarded international martial arts accrediting body. WFKO has chartered the Shinwakai and Yafukobudo as fully accredited martial arts systems/organizations following their extensive review process. Dr. Ronald Klein received his Class A Instructor's Certifications and Sichidans in Yafukobudo and karatedo ("Shinwa-Uechi Budo"). The Shinwakai will represent WFKO in the Central/Midwestern states. The Instructors and students of the Shinwakai and also the Yafukobudo Association wish to thank the Senior Practitioners of the many styles and Ryu (SOKE) who have sponsored us. We will continue to train with honor and dignity.

Thank you!!!!! The membership of both organizations voted to maintain membership in and continue to represent the Uechi Ryu Karate Association:NAC in the Great Lakes Region (whom we also thank for support). This was for us a significant honor and the result of a great deal of dedication and hard work on the part of our instructors and the dojos!!

Ilene Reardon represented the Shinwa Dojo at the American Women's Self Defense Association (AWSDA)Convention in Chicago. The Shinwa Dojo (DVR) is a corporate sponsor of AWSDA. She reports having a wonderful time and participated in self-defense training of outstanding quality. Check out AWSDA's website!!!!!!! The AWSDA Convention is a MUST for anyone offering serious instruction in self-protection/self-defense. We encourage the NAC schools to offer Women's Self Defense classes and to support the AWSDA ( 1-800-43 AWSDA, email: AWSDA@nais.com). Ron Klein received his membership in the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers (ASLET), thank you Phil Messina of Modern Warrior and other ASLET members.

Ilene Reardon, Susan Dankert, Lori Lambert and Richard Lambert have completed the requirements for certification as Instructors in Self-Protection from DVR. The requirements include: 50 hours of instruction (20 as an assistant), 12 hours of firearms training, tactical baton, kubaton, pressure points, compliance control, ground techniques, psychology/behavioral training, CRP/first aid, vehicle self defense and competency based examinations of selected materials. Congratulations!!!!!

Uechi Ryu Kata and other arts provided the basis for Ron Klein's course in self-protection recently concluded in McMinnville TN. A segment of the course satisfied the States of Tennessee's concealed and open carry requirements for tactical baton. Certification were issued through the State certified Academy of Personal Protection and Security ( Nashville TN, 615-360-6002). A segment on the newest civilian self defense sprays was presented by Mr. Tune of APPS. Ron Klein would like to thank the people of McMinville, and also Mr. Tune who served as an "Uke" for the PPCT applications segment of the workshop. This was a civilian course whose participants ranged in age from 12-60+ and was a real community effort to "stay safe."

We welcome Mr. Jason Neimi and the American Shukokai of Michigan as members of the Shinwa Kai. Mr. Neimi's school is located in beautiful Ontonagon Michigan (906-844-4077).

Up coming events from the NAC schools in the Great Lakes Region: August 22-24 Rick Clark's, ADJ camp in Aurora IL (Jerry Becker and Ron Klein will be the Uechi guys)

Sept 17.-Dec.12 Two 6 week "Women Only Self Protection-STAY SAFE" courses, Wednesday evenings 6-7:30 Millwoood MS Kalamazoo, MI 616-375-3073.

Sept. 27 Black Belt testing-Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Escanaba) 906-786-3404

Oct. 4 Budokan Open Karate Tournament, Escanaba Michigan-906-786-3404

Oct. 11 Black Belt Testing-Michigan's Lower Peninsula (South Haven) 616-637-8616

Oct. 18 Ryukokaku Karate/Kobudo Workshop with Master Shinyu Gushi (Escanaba) 906-786-3404 (tentative schedule).

Additional scheduling for kobudo and Uechi Kata seminars in South Western Michigan will be posted later.

Yours in Karate Do

Shinwakai-NAC Great Lakes Region

DEAR SIR,

I STUDIED UECHI-RYU (IN 1989) UNDER THE CAREFUL INSTRUCTION OF RICHARD A.PERKINS, OF FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE, HOWEVER, IS THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STUDY SINCE 1989. AT THE TIME THAT I WORKED OUT, I WAS IN THE U.S. ARMY. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE ARMY SINCE SEPTEMBER 1989.

I AM CURRENTLY WORKING FOR THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF CALIFORNIA. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET BACK INTO UECHI-RYU, HOWEVER, I LIVE AT LEAST 150 MILES FROM THE NEAREST DOJO. IS IT POSSIBLE TO WORKOUT VIA THE COMPUTER (INTERNET), OR WITH BOOK STUDY.

I WOULD APPRECIATE IT GREATLY IF YOU COULD GIVE ME SOME ADVICE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE,

BRUCE.

Sounds like a great Forum Topic Bruce. I'll post your questions on Bill Glasheen's Forum. GEM

Hello Mr. Mattson

You received a letter from a Mr. Todd Chambers in your August 97 mailbag - he seemed to be looking for a dojo to work out in, I assume a Uechi Ryu/Shohei Ryu dojo. If he will contact Gordi Breyette through his homepage, Mr.Breyette can direct him to a shohei ryu dojo there at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. I don't know Mr. Todd's Status, but if he is near there, he may want to check it out. They fall under Gordi and Sensei Takamiyagi.

My Shohei Ryu dojo here in Brinkley, Arkansas officially opens 8 Sep 97. Would it be o.k. to list this dojo in your listing? If so, my information is:

Jody McFadden, Shohei Ryu
dojo located at: 507 Martin Luther King Drive, Brinkley, Arkansas

If you need any other information, please let me know!

Thanks
Jody

Thanks for the information Jody. I'll pass it along to Todd, in case he doesn't see your posting here. Also, I'll list your dojo next update to the "Instructor's Directory". GEM

The date and location for the GOLDEN GATE '98 Koshukai and International Tournament has been confirmed. June 10-13,1998!!

This years event is open to all traditional Okiwawan karate and kobudo styles. Koshukai training will be conducted for all styles Wednesday, Thursday and a black belt test and officals seminars on Friday.

The 13th Annual International Tournament will be held Saturday the 13th! Master Seiko Toyama and Kiyohide shinjo are confrimed from Uechi ryu. Goju ryu, Shorin ryu and other instructors to be confirmed when we return from the Okinawan Karate and Kobudo World Tournament in Okinawa. Nineteen of us leave Monday August 18 for that event.

A mailing with a request for a tournament package will go out to everyone late September.

I hope every one is well and training in good health!!
Sincerely,
Alan Dollar

Congrat on your 9th George! Im respectfully impressed. I really would love to visit your school in the near future, thats if I can get past my knee and shoulder injuries. I saw your pic in the enterprise w/Kanmei and Kanji, Uechi its too bad the reporter didnt spell their name right. Well, gotta run, keep in touch George,
Take care,, Dan C from Halifax, Mass

Sensei,

My sincerest thanks for the honor of being part of your annual camp.

I was overwhelmed by your organizations open and sharing attitudes, you have a beautiful group of people, (a direct reflection of your personal dedication and sacrifce). You have given the history of Martial Arts yet another hero, with leadership and compassion so needed in these times, thank you for being a guiding light for so many.

Being in attendance during your special time has increased my vision of what the Arts are meant to be and will be an inspiration always, your true Heart has reach yet another. If there is ever anything I can humbly assist you with please do not hesitate.

Again, thank you, congratulations and Happy Birthday!

Yours in the Arts,

Evan Pantazi

A very good day to you from Rotterdam,Holland! I have just read on the net that you have brought Uechi Ryu to the US in 1958. Can you tell me which date is it that you celebrate as the begining. All the best
Dragan

I began teaching at the YMCA in August, 1958. GEM

Dragan Replies:

Hi !
Tank you for your reply.It is a bit strange that no one asked before. I am sure it is something you celebrate. I as well as many others can only hope we could ever do the same.
Rei
Dragan

Sensei Mattson. Hello,my name is Jeff I am studying Uechiryu for the first time and was wondering if you could give me some advice to help me.I'm studying with a good friend of mine who is a fourth dan and he's very good ! I plan on joining a school in september here in Pittfield Ma where I live and continue to work with my friend on my spare time.My goal is to become a black belt and be the best I can be and to make this art a life long endevor. I hope you can tell me a few things to help me down the path to Uechiryu Karate Do. Thanks you very much. Hope to here from you . Jeff

This sounds like a good Forum topic, Jeff! I'll post it for you on Paul Giella's forum. GEM

First up, CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS!!!...For yourbirthday, 40 years training and most of all your 9th DAN promotion. Witnessing these events was quite moving for all present, you could literally feel the heat rising in the group as the presentations unfolded. Same for the David Mott promotion which hit me deeply, I felt very privileged to bear witness to these fantastic events.

This was my first Summer Camp, but will not be my last, I'M HOOKED! I can really appreciate how tired and exhausted you and Susan must be today. Irealize that you probably won't rest, get started on next year, right? I was a pleasure to finally meet yourself, Sensei Maloney, Sensei Wall, Sensei Durkin, the list goes on and on, reputations preceeded all and were well-founded.

Thank you so much and see you next year.

Daniel Portelance
Uechi Karate Academy
Aurora, Ontario
uechi@rogerswave.ca

A summary of Generation X and their Office Lingo:

Blamestorming - sitting around in a group discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed and who was responsible.

Body Nazis - hard-core exercise and weight-lifting fanatics who look down on anyone who doesn't work out obsessively.

Chainsaw consultant - an outside expert brought in to reduce the employee headcount, leaving the top brass with clean hands.

Cube farm - an office filled with cubicles.

Ego surfing - scanning the Net, databases, print media, and so on, looking for references to one's own name.

Elvis year - the peak year of something's popularity -- Barney the dinosaur's Elvis year was 1993.

404 - someone who is clueless, from the World Wide Web error message "404 Not Found", meaning the requested document couldn't be located -- "Don't bother asking him, he's 404."

Idea hamsters - people who always seem to have their idea generators running.

Mouse potato - the on-line generation's answer to the couch potato.

Ohnosecond - that minuscule fraction of time in which you realize you've just made a big mistake.

Prairie dogging - something loud happens in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.

SITCOM - stands for Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage.

Stress puppy - a person who thrives on being stressed-out and whiny.

Tourists - those who take training classes just to take a vacation from their jobs -- "We had three serious students in the class; the rest were tourists."

Uninstalled - euphemism for being fired.

Xerox subsidy - euphemism for swiping free photocopies from a workplace.

Hi George,

Congratulations on 9th dan!

Hardy

Hardy Kornfeld, M.D.
Associate Professor
of Medicine and Pathology
Pulmonary Center, R-304
Boston University School of Medicine

DEAR MR.MATTSON,

UNTIL READING READING YOUR YOUR MAIL BAG PAGE I DID NOT REALIZE YOU HAD BEEN PROMOTED TO 9TH DEGREE BLACK BELT. AN HONOR THAT IS VERY RARE TO RECEIVE. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE ONLY UECHI-RYU DOJO IN INDIANA. I AM THE ONLY FEMALE BLACK BELT IN INDIANA. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING YOUR DATES FOR THE 1998 SEMINAR WOULD BE. I AM ALWAYS UP FOR A GOOD DISCUSSION OF UECHI-RYU.,FOR THERE THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN.

MARISSA, SHODAN IN INDIANA

Thanks for the very kind letter Marissa. Is your dojo listed in our directory? If not, please send us more information. Next year's camp will be held the 2nd weekend in August. Don't forget to put the dates in next year's calendar. GEM

George: I just looked in you dojo list and the information concerning me is now dated. The corrrect info is:

Bob Galeone
Northern Virginia Budokan
Alexandria, Virginia

703.461-9300
e-mail: rgaleone@aol.com

Thanks for taking care of this for me.

Bob Galeone

Dear Sensei Mattson and Susan:

Just a quick note to tell you that the summercamp far exceeded anyexpections I had ....I heard it was good, but had to find out first hand how fantastic the experience was....the excitement of meeting and hearing the "seniors" and the strong sense of "family" was truly rewarding and motivating...I hope to make it to Buzzard's Bay next year with my family and with many more colleagues from Halifax...

Alas, I left my "summercamp" 97 teeshirt in the dorm (I guess) and was wondering if I can buy another, if there are any left, as I hate not to have some keepsake from my first camp? (I tried lost and found, but had no luck!)

Thanks for all of your hard work and help, best personal regards.

Regards, Jeff Morris

Susan sold-out of the camp t shirt, (and just about everything else!) but will be making up a few more for those who missed out. Watch for it in the products section. GEM

To whom it may concern:

I would like to offer my hearty congratulations to the representative, instructors and members of the Shinwakai. Your accomplishments speak for themselves. I deeply appreciate what your group does for martial arts, as well as for the people and organizations (NAC et al) that you choose to associate with. Thank you so much for blazing the many paths that others may walk on.

I look forward to working with the many representatives of your talented group.

Sincerely,
William P. Glasheen, PhD
Renshi rokudan

Dear Senesi Mattson I have been on a quest in serch of a dojo in Ottawa for a few months now.I am a college student just new to the area I was taking leasons from duncan Macleod in Nova Scotia, I would appreciate it if you could mail me back to tell me if there is or not a dojo in Ottawa.

DOMO jason McMaster (ROKYU)

Someone else was looking for an Ottawa dojo a couple of months ago. My friend Steve Radulovich said he is not aware of a Uechi dojo in his area. Sorry. GEM

Hello from Tokyo! I hope that everything is going well. Thank you for the assistance in trying to find a Dojo here in Japan, but I'm still looking for one that will be close enough to work. I really miss being able to zip over to Gold's Gym and work out with everyone (not to mention missing the group in general ;) I am currently searching your WEB site for videos so I can work out with people I know, even if it's not in person!

Other than the above, everything is going great over here. Sally and I were married in June and our jobs are going very well. Living in Japan is a constant challenge, but we are learning new things every day so it all worth it. Please say hello to everyone for me and we'll see you back in the U.S. before you know it.

Regards,

Todd Chambers

Dear George,

Congratulations, this year's camp was the best ever!
Lisa, The girls and I had a great time. Ariel and Julie made some new friends in the kid's classes and E-Mail will be flying soon.

Excitement over Evan Pantazi's Kyuso seminars was enormous and sales of the Inner Secrets Video: "Sanchin", exceeded expectations. We have been asked to do a number of seminars and I am going to teach classes on Kyusho applications from Uechi Kata at Evan's Dojo to keep up with the demand. Evan and I would like to sponsor the web page for September to advertise the Video and my Uechi / Kyuso classes. Let me know what you need .

Thank you for your enthusiastic support.

Best Regards
Steve DiOrio

George:

Just a quick note to add the following link for the Gin Soon Tai Chi Club.... http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/4687/

Best regards and hope all's well. PhilS

From all of us at Illinois Uechi-ryu Karate, Congratulations on the promotion to 9th dan. You are definately a treasure to Uechi-ryu Karate.

Brian Boelke

E-mail : ILUECHI1@aol.com

Congradulations Sensei-

I heard about your promotion at Fidelle's DOJO on Wed. night. I'm really sorry that I couldn't be at camp this year to witness this event. Please accept my best wishes, I for one know how hard you worked toward this goal.

I will be away next week on vacation in Canada but look foward to seeing you the week after.

Your Student ....... Marty

Dear Sensei Mattson:

Congratulations on your promotion to 9th Dan. That is quite an honor and recognition of your training, skills, and devotion to Uechi-Ryu.

Summer camp looks to have been an awesome experience. I'd like to plan on the next one now, so when you have the dates, let us know so that I can get it down in stone in my daytimer!

Regards,

Jackie Olsen

Master Mattson,

Just a quick note to tell you that I have linked the Uechi site from one of my pages. If you visit my site and click on "About the President of The Defender Group" you will see the words Uechi-Ryu highlighted as a link.

I studied under Master Jim Maloney between 1973 adn 1979 before I transfered over to Army Intelligence and had to move away.

I look forward to re-kindling an acquaintanceship with some old friends. Brian Bailey, in Nova Scotia, is one such friend.

Talk to you soon.

Michael Fournier
President

The Defender Group
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/defender.group

I understand that I'll be visiting Nova Scotia later in the year. Watch this site for specific dates and information. GEM

Dear Master Mattson:

It was with mixed feelings that I received news of your elevation to 9th Dan at the Summer Camp this past weekend. I was delighted that you were properly honored for the huge contribution you have made, and continue to make, to Uechi-ryu, but I was extremely disappointed at not being present to witness the ceremony. This is the first camp I have missed in the past five years; reinforcing that old adage, "If you snooze, you loose". I will definitely be back next summer.

In any case, please accept my heartfelt congratulations. Wish I was there!

Brian Hutchinson
Dave Hunt's Karate Academy, Bedford, Nova Scotia

We all wish you were there as well Brian.

Dear Sensei Mattson;

I have been a regular visitor to your homepage for the past 3 years. I always forget my user name and password...I know I should of written it down, but I have move and changed my service provider and my address 3 times... My husband John and I are originally Sensei David Mott's students, and we have since moved to Nova Scotia where we are attending Dave Hunts Karate Academy.

I love the site and consider visiting it a high point in my week. I would like to become more involved and keep in touch with other Uechi practitioners. I believe there was a list at one time for students, their email address and their dojo, this is where I think I have myself listed a few times. This message is a bit long winded so I won't take up much more of your time.

Could I please have a new password?

Thank you,

Darlene & John McLean ;]

Your new password is "in the mail". The NAC Forum is restricted to NAC members, since we will be discussing association matters. The other restricted forum is for people who wish to work together creating, editing and generally helping in publishing articles for publication. GEM

Dear George:

I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much my student's and I enjoyed this years summer camp. My student's all had a great time. They loved the selection of different martial art techniques. We all loved the pressure point session by Jimmy Maloney, and the sessions by Sensei's Dave Mott, Ed Huff, Kimo Wall, Clarance Wilder, as well as the judo, and grappling sessions.

This was a fantastic summer camp. I saw old friends, and made many new friends. As so did all my students. As always, everyone was so friendly. We are looking forward to next years camp already. It was so nice to see everyone training and working out together.

Please keep up the great work...........

Sensei Jay Salhanick - Godan
Traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate Institute

Hi George,

Just wondering why I can`t get on the chat page. I`ve got the plug inbut I keep getting a server error when I access the page or conference page. How was summer camp? and did my cousin get ahold of you regarding the cd-rom stuff?

That`s all for now,

Wayne Paulsen

Working on the chat page, Wayne. Stay tuned!

On behalf of the Lincoln Uechi Ryu dojo and our instructor, David Lamb, I want to express congratulations to you on your promotion! With all that you have done, and continue to do, to promote quality Uechi Ryu training in North America and to advance the style, the promotion is well deserved.

Glenn Humphress
th20405@navix.net
Lincoln, NE

P.S.: don't forget to update the title page of your web site to reflect
your promotion!

Sensei Mattson, congratulations on your advancement to 9th dan. Please visit my Pulse Page, http://www.ici.net/cust_pages/uechi/uechicurrentevents.html to witness the moment I captured for you. I have a few more pictures of the camp to post, maybe tomorrow.

Chris, Dennis, and I enjoyed the camp very much and are looking forward to going again next year.

Allen

VONNEGUT COMMENTS ON INTERNET HOAX
What conclusion is drawn by novelist Kurt Vonnegut about the Internet hoax falsely attributing to him a speech he hadn't written or delivered? "Some jerk infected the Internet with an outright lie. It shows how easy it is to do and how credulous people are." The "MIT commencement address" that Vonnegut never gave was actually an essay written by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich (whom Vonnegut has praised). The essay began: "Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 1997: Wear sunscreen.'' The origins and purpose of the hoax have not yet come to light. (AP 7 Aug 97)

Hello George,

Thanks for the camp. I was there until the very end. By Sunday afternoon, my mind was still ready to absorb more information, although my sore muscles preferred to have a break.

I learned an incredible amount of skills from many talented teachers, and truly enjoyed it. I know that I have a long way to go before I come close to practicing this art correctly. But I feel the inspiration I got this weekend will help me out for many months.

I really enjoyed your Sanchin by the Sea, and would like to attend your classes. Can you please let me know where and when your class meets? I know Saturdays in Newton, MA, but no details.

Regards,

Yasemin Isler,
Gokkyu,
Alan Azoff Martial Arts Academy, Lexington, MA.

Hello Sir...

I wanted to thank you for a wonderful learning and sharing experience at your camp this year. Your Uechi-ryu people are wonderful, talented and loving. A fine representation of you and martial arts people. It was a great honor to be able to bring the Karate Aerobics program to the camp and meet the many seniors and students. Your promotion was very touching as Uechi Sensei presented you your 9th Dan. I will always remember your humble smile and his.

Sanchin on the beach each morning was so insightful. Although I had trained in the hard way of Goju, your comments to find the softness and finer execution points of the kata, brought new awareness to my training format. The Chinese demonstrations were so facinating. It brought back some very familar training days I had in Wing Chun.

The most important thing among the thousands of things I learned, was to look for the similarities not the differences of other styles with our UPKUDO system. And there were many. People find what they look for. I came among you as a stranger, looking for new friends...and I found some. As we said our good byes, I couldn't help but feel like I was leaving my family but taking with me much more than I came with. Thanks goodness for email, so I can keep in touch with my new martial arts brothers and sisters. Thank you again for making this possible.

I will be sending you the VHS tape of your promotion, Chinese teaching on Sunday and Lion dance if you like.I left my camp T-shirt. If there is a way I could buy an XL one and a picture of this year's group, I would appreciate it.I would also appreciate a link on your page to my new audio tape "Move It". If you want I can send you one with the Video tape I am making for you or you can download the information from my web address is listed below and the section is "The Music Store". If you know someone who may be interested in distribution of these tapes, please let me know. Talk to you soon.

--
Anne Radke
Pres Among Other Things
Alpha
Web Page Design & Hosting ~Promotional Items~Displays & Graphics
(904) 514-4333 ~ Fax (904) 514-4335
http://www.alpha-online.com

Sensei:

Thank you so very much for inviting and allowing me to teach at the camp. I realize that you were "taking a chance," considering that 1) you had indicated that you were not familiar with Yamani Ryu bojutsu, and 2) especially considering the fact that you did not know me, so I hope that the material and I met with your expectations and standards.

I greatly enjoyed meeting everyone, and got a great charge out of the character, spirit, and quality of technique at the camp. Thanks, again, Sensei!

And last, but definitely not least, I would like to congratulate you once again on attaining Kyu Dan. Witnessing the award ceremony is something that I will never forget.

Sincerely,
John Hassell

Hi !
Tank you for your reply.It is a bit strange that no one asked before. I am sure it is something you celebrate. I as well as many others can only hope we could ever do the same.
Rei
Dragan

Dear Master Mattson and Susan,

Just like to thank you very much for another year of fun and fellowship -- meeting a lot of new people and renewing friendships with people we met last year. We had a wonderful time of training, learning, and sharing. A great second year -- certainly an event to look forward to each summer.

Wishing everyone that attended this year's camp a great year ahead. Keep training, and don't forget what you learned. A special thanks to all of the great teachers that shared their time, energy, and knowledge. Looking forward to next year.

And a very special thanks to Susan Mattson and all of the hard working people behind the scenes who made this year such a success!

And, of course, once again, congratulations Master Mattson on your promotion to 9th dan.

Train hard, train often!

Kimo, Giles, and John

Dear Mr. Mattson:

I just wanted to thank you for yet another wonderful camp. I had a great time and enjoyed both the Uechi and non-Uechi seminars very much. Please let me take this opportunity to thank all the instructors at camp - you were great.

I look forward to next year!
Lisa Ivy
Northboro

Dear Sensei Mattson,
After talking with other Australian Uechi Ryu teachers I have been able to correct and clarify some of my earlier mistakes in the original article I sent you. I would greatly appreciate it if you can put this one in place of the former article.
We were happy to have Josh Cohen from the Boston Uechi Ryu club come and train with us recently in Perth-the first American visitor to our little group.
Thanks, bests wishes
John Long
Perth Shohei Ryu club
long@museum.gov.au

Thanks for the updated article. I'll post it this week. GEM

Congratulating you on receiving 9th Dan !

Admiring your achievments for the last 4 decades and wishing you a lot more successful years of practising and teaching .

The students of the Dojo in Rotterdam and Dragan

Aloha George, this is Jack Montayne a Uechi student formerly of Dave Lamb's class in Lincoln Ne. I am now on the island of Maui, Hawaii and would like to know if there are any other Uechi practitioners on the island.

Was Dave at the summer camp this year? and how was summer camp?

I hope to attend in 98.

Thank you,
Jack Montayne

Just to let you guys know...

Like the "Smithsonian" piece (written by my employee, the "real" Harvey Rowe), the Vonnegut piece (sunscreen) is purely fictitious. He never spoke at MIT commencement in 1997.

Damn good piece anyhow. Believable!

Bill

Dear Mr.G.E.Mattson!

With greetings to you and all students, Sempai & Sensei, good weather and proper Kempo (Karate-Do) spirit for your Summer Camp (Gashaku)

Your brother on the Great Way
Traditional and spiritual Kempo&Kempo Yoga Association
"White lotos"-Zagreb, Croatia, Darko Jambrovic (Ensan Tomio)

First up, CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS!!!...For your
birthday, 40 years training and most of all your 9th DAN promotion.

Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Seminars

The Hakuho Association of New York is sponsoring the five seminar in the New York Area from October 19-26, 1997 in Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. Sensei Okabayashi Shogen and his team of shodan will return for the third annual tour with seminars in Michigan, Canada, and New York. He will add to techniques he has already shown us, and continue the essential practice of principles.

Sensei Okabayashi Shogen was awarded the Kyoju Dairi in Onohaito-ryu sword, and has received the Kyoju Dairi in Daito-ryu in 1976 from Takuma Hisa. He practiced with the Takumakai for many years and formed the Hakuhokai in 1995. He looks forward to continuing training with past New York students and meeting new students interested in Daito-ryu.

The New York Training schedule is:
(Please call to confirm time and Location)
Sunday 2pm October 19
Shin Budo Kai W 14th St NYC
(212) 691-1378

Wednesday
8pm
October 22
Pima Academy Jersey City, NJ
(201) 432-6441

Friday
8pm
October 24
Shin Budo Kai W 14th St NYC
(212) 691-1378

Saturday
2pm
October 25
Graham Lewis, Hicksvelle L.I.
(516) 938-8079

Sunday
2pm
October 26
Shin Budo Kai W 14th St NYC
(212) 691-1378

Seminars will be 2 1/2 hours
$50 per seminar, includes Hakuhokai Video Tape
Discount for three or more seminars
Michigan Training Schedule for October seminars
please call Dan Sharp (313) 483-3937

For more information contact:
http://www.inch.com/~sritter/daito2.htm
Hakuho Association NY
Box 7863
Jersey, NJ 07307
(201) 610-0086

THE KARATE WORLD FEDERATION

How can I check this... Is there a WEB page of Info I can find out about Certification.Many of the other studios around the area also have various "CERTIFICATIONS" BLACK-BELTS, DEGREE's?

Who say's so.....

If I get into this, and I'm serious about it, I want to know that the person I'm PAYING is really what he says he is.

Thanks for your help.

Considering in L.A.

Sapphire

Interesting questions. . . and very valid ones. Unfortunately, there are many dojo out there, being run by unqualified individuals. The traditional systems have been split up so much, it is very difficult to tell the real thing from something created by a self made "master".

The martial arts are much different today than 50 years ago. . . or even 30 years ago. Each dojo must be judged on its own merit, each teacher measured by his/her own abilities. As in many purchases, the martial art's consumer must become very knowledgeable. You must research the subject, determine what you want from the experience, then carefully check out and select the very best teacher to follow.

Don't be impressed by "Hall of Fame" certificates. These can be purchased by any person claiming to be a black belt.

Good luck with your "quest". Keep in touch.GEM

Dear Sensei George Mattson,

I am writing to thank you for the gift of the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" book that you included when I ordered your "Uechi-Ryu Karate Do" book back in mid/late March. I really appreciate the gift and have enjoyed reading it.

As you might recall during our conversation, I had previously studied under the late Forrest Sanborn and Carmine DiRamio from 1969 until 1982. From 1982 thru 1984, I was Charles Earle's student. Although I do not actively study Uechi Ryu at this point. (I am currently a student of Hung Ga under Sifu Bill Fong and a student of the Old Frame Chen Tai under Werner Olle.) However, because Uechi-Ryu has been a large part of my life, I read both books with a sense of pride and nostalgia. Both books bought back great memories - especially your "Uechi-Ryu Karate Do" book since my father had bought me an copy when it was first published in the mid 1970s.

I apologize for the lateness of this thank you note, but because I recently got married, went on my honeymoon, and have had numerous work related commitments, I am late in thanking you. Again, thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.

Kindest regards,

Jeffrey A. Wong

Thought you might be interested in two new martial arts books that are already top sellers and have received outstanding reviews: SPEED TRAINING and POWER FIGHTING.
Check them out at LWC BOOKS
HTTP://www.aracnet.com/~lwc123/

Loren Christensen

Mr. Mattson,
My name is Jessica Dunton, and I have a question for you in terms of the traditional arts. Our dojo has recently (within the past 2 years) received approval of accreditation through the Nihon Renmei (All Japan Budo Federation), through my Sensei's teacher, Master Kobayashi, who has many dojo all around the world. Because of this new affiliation, we are looked upon as a traditional Japanese dojo--just like would be found in Japan. This was a big step for us in many areas. We practiced as a traditional school before, however, some of our style (goju ryu) was incomplete. We were missing some of the most important kata, Miyagi Chojun Sanchin, being one of them. This was due to the my Sensei's previous teacher's incomplete learning of the system when he studied while he was in the Phillipines in the early 70's. I am told there were many 'mixed stlyes' at that time. But he eventually took ill, and Shihan Kobayashi worked with us a few times over the course of about 3 years, and decided he would teach us. In the course of his teaching, we have learned there are many things that a dojo needs to represent, humbleness, and good examples to others being very important. One of the struggles I have had is with the concept of Sempai. I am 17 years old, have been studying with Sensei for 8 years, and just reached my brown belt a little over a year ago. I am the most senior student there (most of the time), and I am looking for suggestions on how I can improve my role. I am worried my ego will get in the way--which is the exact opposite of the attitude I am trying to help the more jr. grades to understand. I am told that this 'struggle' I am going through is something I should be going through now. I am just so worried I will do or say the wrong thing, and scare off potential students, rather than helping them learn the true art of karate. I have other questions, but this is a good starting point. I am sorry to have made this so long, but I wanted to have you be fully aware of the situation.

If you can help please e-mail me when you have the time. I trust any suggestions you may have will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you greatly for you time.

In the Spirit of Budo,

Jessica R. Dunton

More from Jessica in the next letter.

Mr. mattson,
Thank you for answering my questions. Now that my sensei is studying with Kobayashi Sensei, we do have a complete traditional goju system. We also have the other pieces which he gained from Kobayashi Sensei. I guess what I need help with is understanding not just my role as a person as sempai, but how that role should be played (by anyone) in a traditional dojo. Sensei has been very helpful in explaining what that means, but we really haven't had a lot of experience with that concept. I thought maybe you could give me some suggestions, where you have been brought up in the traditional budo. I would very much appreciate it if you would post my last message on your bulletin board. Any input would be very helpful. Please leave it up for a week or two. That should be sufficient.

I also wanted to ask you about public image. Since we now have our own dojo, it is important for us to be able to clearly demonstrate to the public exactly what it is we are offering to them. We want people to understand that what we teach is different from the sports styles (such as Taekwondo and others), which make up a majority of the martial arts population where we are located. However, we want people to see what we offer, but it feels conflicting to advertise in some ways that the other schools do, for some of what they project is based on ego. Do you have any suggestions on how we can advertise and keep a healthy student enrollment, without sacrificing the art?

Thank you once again for you time. Your suggestions have been very helpful. Please e-mail me when you have a chance.

In the way of budo,
Jessica

I'M VIEWING YOUR WBSITE ON THE WEBTV SYSTEM. IT'S VERY GOOD. I WILL LEAVE YOU SITE POSTED ON THIS 32" COLOR TV FOR THE NIGHT . JUST KIDDING !! VERY IMPRESSIVE WEBSITE, ITS' MUCH FASTER ON THIS SYSTEM THAN ON MY COMPUTER. SEE YOU,
DAN DEWOLF
DDEWOLF@ADELPHIA.NET

Mr. Mattson Sir,
I am interested in attending this festival in Bourne. I am from the Worcester area and have a black belt in kempo. I would like very much to come and see not only what I could benefit from your demonstrations, but also how I could learn the Uechi-ryu system. Please e-mail me any information that might be helpful. Thank you for your time and generosity.
Sincerely,
Scott Johnson

ps: my girlfriend's parents have a cottage in Orleans that I will be staying at from Aug.19-22, if I could visit the Do-Jo it would be greatly honored.

Could you please change my e-mail address on your instructers list to durquhar@gr.cc.wa.us thank you very much
Dwaine

Sensei Mattson:

Please list our dojo in your directory (if you think it is appropriate.)

"Mark and Connie Flynn, Albany, New York, 518-357-0579"

We are students of Senseis Robert and Lisken Dus.

Thanks,

Mark and Connie

Dear Sensei Mattson,

Here's another book I highly recommend:

Morgan, Forrest E. "Living the martial way: A manual for the way a modern warrior should think" Barricade Books Inc., 1992. ISBN 0-942637-76-3 (paperback)

Cheers,
John Lovas.
Dave Hunt's Karate Academy.

Hi, George from a new net surfer, more lost than found. Nice to see so much open info out there. Lets keep the dialog going. Same family tree no need to loose sight of that.

Rick Potrekus

Hi my name is Billy and I study uechi ryu and have for almost 3 years and would like to know what you know about this style.

I would appreciate it if you could write back and tell me what you know.

Well I have to go so bye

Billy

I wanted to send you an email to ask about two things. First of all, I really enjoyed the video on the Supraumpi kata. You had mentioned that you wanted to go to China to visit the Kung-fu master that lived in Fukon province. Have you made it there yet? If so do you have any video tapes that show this kata done by Uechi-ryu or Pai Gai Noon practitioners instead of Goju-ryu practioners (I can imagine you inviting my to come out to the east coast for your summer camp but that is way too far for me to travel this year.)

Secondly, I really like the shoken t-shirt, do you have any XX-Large sizes in any other colors than black?

Thanks again... maybe someday I can bring my family out to the east
coast. Brandon~~~

george how are ya doing??? havent talked to you in a while,, i havent been working out, have a real bad shoulder problem.think its from > snapping out my sanchin strikes too hard.. need a good chiropractor,
know any?? email me if you can. dan, halifax ma thanks for the reply george. could you please email me to let me know when youre camp will be?? since i started with bob bethoney, two years ago, he has been trying to correct my sanchin arm strikes, its hard to correct them after doing them wrong for 6 years. if i can, i'd love to attend your camp seminar. talk to you soon!! thanks, dan cleary

My seminar at camp will be focusing on the correct way to perform Sanchin... so you won't get injured! Also, we have 2 Chiropractors presenting seminars at the camp. They are really great about helping out. Hope you will be attending.

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