Dear Mattson Sensei,
Kimo Wall Sensei has asked me to express his thanks and appreciation for the really enjoyable time he and Mr. Liu had at the '96 Summer of the Dragon, Tiger, and Crane Uechi-ryu Summer Camp. We met many wonderful people and made many new friends. He particularly wanted to thank you and the other senior teachers for the interest and enthusiasm that everyone showed, and the respect and courtesy and hospitality shown by all.
Please share our thanks with all those involved with the '96 camp. Looking forward to another year of hard training and good health, until next year,
Yours respectfully,
Giles Hopkins
Okinawa Kodokan Goju-ryu Karate & Kobudo Univ. of Massachusetts at Amherst e-mail: giles@physed.umass.edu
Sensei Mattson: I had mentioned at camp that my new belt was very long for a size 6. To date I had been wearing the garden variety Century belt which measures 117" long. The new belt measures in at 126". The quality is superior to Century which is a poly blend. Is it a Shureido? My '94 Shureido catalog shows size 6 as 120" and size 5 as 115". It would appear that I should wear a 5 in the premium brands. What is the length of the size 5 that you supply? Anything in the 115'" to 120" range would be good. I had the kanji character for chestnut put on the belt and would have just cut 6 or 8" off the end had it not been there. Advise at your convenience.
Regards, Rich Castanet Richmond VA
Our belts are longer than Century's. I did the measurements on all belts, size 1-8 and posted them on the Products/belts page. The quality is what we expect from Shureido, but the price is less than half of Shureido's. Also, the quality of the embroidery is much better. GEM
More from Rich. . .
Bill Glasheen will be working with Ron Klein and we in Richmond VA are looking forward to adding a formal weapons program to our training. The subject of weapons training within the Uechi system might make a good topic heading in the forum.
More on chickens: I work for GE and a large business within GE is aircraft engines. If you have flown, at one time or another you have been moved by a GE engine. As for using chickens, a serious hazard also exists when a bird is ingested by an engine. As with windsheilds, the engine plant used a gun to fire fresh (not frozen) chickens into test engines. Needless to say, a 50,000hp engine didn't even burp. However, with fresh birds, on occasion a stone or other hard object was in its craw and that is when engine damage occured. This was critical research in designing a safe and reliable jet engine. For those concerned, the birds were humanely dispatched before the test.
Regards, Rich Castanet Richmond VA
Having just joined a school taught by Ed Barry, ( a Walter Mattson student-5 Dan). Is there any way to attend more classes in other schools?I guess what I am asking is there an affiliation between different uechi-ryu schools, and if not, how could I increase my traing other than the normal 4-5 classes a week? Pay for more? Please advise. Thanks. Joe D'Amico
If you are currently taking 4-5 classes a week, you should consider cutting back to 2 - 3 a week. It has been my experience that students "burn out" when trying to maintain an unrealistic schedule. Your karate should compliment your life, not dominate it. People who train with a realistic schedule attain their goals a bit more slowly, but the important thing is that they have a better chance of staying with the program long enough to achieve those goals.
You didn't state your rank. . . I'm assuming you are a new student. . . my recommendation regarding training at other schools is to wait until you get your Shodan rating, then ask your instructor to recommend other dojo to visit for expanding your perspective. In the meantime, you can participate in special activities, such as my annual summer camp, to see other disciplines and arts relating to your Uechi-ryu.
Hope this has been of some help. Keep in touch and good luck with your training. GEM
Sensei Mattson,
I began training under Bob Bethany while in high school. Prior to
leaving for the service I was promoted to yon kyu, at his dojo. While
overseas I was able to train at a Uechi dojo in Okinawa for a few
months and have been looking recently to continue. I have been training
with several generic type schools, and still enjoy sparring, but would
like to attain my shodan in Uechi Ryu Karate Do. I was told Bob Otto
was in the area of where I live but I have not located his dojo or any
other in the area of Orlando Florida (where I live and work). If you can
assist me in locating a Dojo nearby it would be greatly appreciated. I
understand there is a Uechi school in tampa, but that is over an hour
away. Thanks again, I know your busy, but any help you can give me
would be great.
pic@netpass.com
Any Uechi dojo in the Orlando area???
The chicken test:
In a recent issue of "Meat & Poultry" magazine, editors quoted from
"Feathers," the publication of the California Poultry Industry
Federation, telling the following story: It seems the US Federal Aviation
Administration has a unique device for testing the strength of
windshields on airplanes. The device is a gun that launches a dead
chicken at a plane's windshield at approximately the speed the plane
flies. The theory is that if the windshield doesn't crack from the carcass
impact, it'll survive a real collision with a bird during flight. It seems the
British were very interested in this and wanted to test a windshield on a
brand new, speedy locomotive they're developing. They borrowed the
FAA's chicken launcher, loaded the chicken and fired. The ballistic
chicken shattered the windshield, went through the engineer's chair,
broke an instrument panel and embedded itself in the back wall of the
engine cab. The British were stunned and asked the FAA to recheck
the test to see if everything was done correctly. The FAA reviewed the
test thoroughly and had one recommendation: "Use a thawed chicken."
Ron Klein submitted this article! For once, our FAA is not the subject of the joke!
Sensei Mattson, I tryed to sign in but was refused because I didn't include my password. I've been told many times by AOL not to reveal my password to anyone (my wife doesn't even know it). Could you please contact me and explain why this is nec- essary? Also, I was very gratified to see your review of sensei Dollar's book. We at the Antioch dojo are very proud of him and his work. Thank you very much.
Scott T. Stephens, 5 kyu
AOL is correct in warning you about giving out your AOL password! However, when you log on to the "Lets Talk" Forum, you create a new password, just for the Forum! When you visit the Forum for the first time, go to the bottom of the page and click on the "Registration" button. Fill out the form and click the "OK" button. If all goes well, you should receive a "Success" message. You will then be asked if you wish to "Log on". If you click the "Yes" button, you must log on using your "User name" and new "Password". When you go to the forum after registering, simply click on the "Log on" button at the top of the page. Good Luck.
Sensei Mattson, I just wanted to say that I had an incredibly great time at Summer Camp. This was my first camp experience and I can't wait for next year. The highlight for me was being introduced to Kobudo through Sensei Wall. He was fantastic, as well as John Hopkins, his assistant. Thank you for your time and effort into making this a memorable experience. See you next year! Sincerely, Stephanie Veron
Dear George,
Congratulations on a great camp, I'm truly sorry for having missed it again this year. It sounds as though you've outdone yourself once again, from what I see in the reviews. My third son was born this past July and my wife needed all the help she could get(It would have been quite selfish of me to leave her with the load to bear alone, although my heart was with you all). We have an 8yr old, a 2 yr old and the new one; all boys.
My question is this: Is there a "DOJO KUN" in place for Uechi-Ryu as developed by you, people near to you or the SOKE; I would need the pronounciation as well as the translation. I really like how some of the traditional Goju-Ryu schools incorporate it into their opening and closing bows.
Next, the portrait set advertised in the "Products Section" has how many of who & what size. Obviously it would have Kanbun & Kanei but does it include ChouTzu Ho & yourself and if not, can I get them. I currently have nice large ones of Kanbun & Kanei but would like Chou Tzu Ho & yourself.
Also, I would like to inventory a few of your books for sale to our students, what is the procedure and pricing for club owners.
I check your site every day. I congratulate yourself & Susan once again on all your efforts and I can't wait to finally meet you. You may reply to this address or my home address of: uechi@rogerswave.ca.
Daniel Portelance UECHI KARATE ACADEMY(Ontario, CANADA)
We missed you as well, Daniel! Hopefully you will be able to come next year.
Regarding a "Dojo Kun" : I believe Kanei Uechi created, what might be considered a "Kun" , or rules, when he wrote the "Dojo Conduct" and "Principles of Practice" which are displayed in all Uechi-ryu dojo. For a translated copy, check out pages 16 & 17 in the "Black Belt Test Guide" (Peabody Publishing Co.) You may also obtain a "Dojo Photo Set" on this site. The pictures of Kanbun and Kanei Uechi are 11" X 14". The pictures of Shushiwa, Kanmei and gem are 8 1/2" X 11". If you wish larger pictures, contact Peabody for information. Uechi dojo are entitled to a discount on all Peabody books. Email Peabody Publishing Co. (peabody@usa1.com) for information.
Finally. . . congratulation from all on the birth of your 3rd son! You forgot to tell us his name! GEM
Dear Sir,
Could you please tell me if there are any Uechi-ryu clubs or instructors in sweden ?
Yours sensearly
Niklas Lindholm
e-mail: niklas@datastugan.se
I'm not aware of any Uechi clubs in Sweden. Perhaps one of our readers might know of one. What part of Sweden are you from? My father came from Mora Sweden! GEM
George, this is Tony Dorangrichia, Bob White's student. I was at camp this month. I met so many new people that I did not get all of their names and addresses. Or even last names. I was hoping you could help me. I was especially interested in the canadian group. There is a Marco in Kitchener Ontario and a Jaqueline in Halifax Nova Scotia. They both run Uechi schools. I know this is not much, but they are both Jim Meloni's students so if you cna not locate them perhaps you could give me Jim's address and phone number and I could contact him. Thanks.
Jim Maloney and his students who run dojo in Canada, are listed in the dojo section of this site. Go to the Table of Contents and click on "Dojo listing". Jim's last name is Maloney.
Mr MATTSON,
I'm currently taking Uechi Ryu here in Okinawa. I found your article very interesting. I have not read the whole article yet, but do plan on doing so tonight before I go to practice.
I would like to discuss some of your findings in order to get myself into better conditon, in a safe manner. The training is very rigorous and I "sorely" (pun intended) wanted to quit within the first couple of weeks.
Please email your reply to me at: roblesj@emh.kadena.af.mil.
I believe the article in question was written by Mr. George Chapman. His telephone number may be found in the dojo listing on the Uechi-ryu Website. Mr. Chapman conducted seminars at the camp this year, on the subject of conditioning and will, I am sure, be happy to share this information with you. GEM
I have taken six years of Uechi Ryu, and four years ago I had to stop training with my teacher, because he stoppped teaching. I live in Great Barrington, MA, and I was wondering if you could send info on class that are in my area, because I am very interested in continuing my studies. Also please send info on your classes as well, and how far is it from Great Barrington, MA.
Sincerely, Matthew Tortoriello
P.S. Thanks a million
Great camp. Just what we've come to expect. It gets better each year.
If there are about 10,000 Uechi students in the US, getting 10 percent of them to next year's camp should be an attainable goal. Let's aim towards that for 1997. I will help.
Meanwhile, it would be helpful if dojos would discuss your camp year around to build up enthusiasm instead of waiting till the 11th hour to mention it. Students need time to plan and to save for the event. So tell all the Sensei's out there to not wait until the applications are published to start telling their students about it. Going to camp ought to be part of the whole Uechi-ryu training process.
Thanks for all the hard work you and Suzie put into the festivities. And another thank you to all the Sensei's and others who pitched in to help make it a fun weekend and a great experience.
Myrna Riquier
P.S. Suzie asked me to send her an emial reminder that I had ordered three copes of the new Kanei Uechi photo. Great photo!
Thanks for volunteering to help make the '97 camp successful. Actually, there are more than 10,000 Uechi students in North America! And hopefully many more will take advantage of the camp experience in the coming years. The only way the students will know about the camp is if the instructors talk about it and encourage support and participation. Those instructors who do support the camp, discover that students who go, become better students and stay with their Uechi-ryu longer. Last year's preregistration process was very successful and I will be doing it again this year. The best way students and teachers can help build participation is to let your friends and fellow students know what a great time you had this year and encourage them to make plans to attend in '97! GEM
George:
You got my curiosity (not to mention I'm always on the lookout for good books). Please send me the info on Harvey Liebergott's book that you mentioned in the "What's New" section.
I also think that some sort of obituary page would be a nice idea. What you may want to consider is making it a part of the Dojo Forum so that anyone can post an obituary note on a deceased Uechi-Ryu practitioner or close family member of one. The main problem with this approach is that pictures would not be posted as well. I not sure what you have in mind when you ask if anyone would like to help create an obituary web page. I figure you would want to keep the downloading of any pages (other than the Forum) and pictures onto the server centralized at your location. At any rate, I have neither a scanner nor an FTP program so I could not help with these aspects; but if you are looking for someone to help design such a page or provide some ideas for its appearance, I would be happy to help in any way that I can.
Thanks.
Glenn Humphress
th20405@ltec.net
Lincoln, NE
The book, "Scissors, Paper, Rock", began as a "Memories" book about the Summer Camp experience following the 1983 camp. Harvey got carried away and expanded the book to include many fascinating interviews and commentaries regarding the martial arts. It is a very different martial arts book. . . no pictures! It can be purchased from Peabody Publishing Co. for $20 plus shipping. Email "peabody@usa1.com" for more information. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson, I would like to extend my deep felt appreciation for all that you did for me, in particular, and for Uechiryu in general. Last weekend's camp was truly a martial arts EVENT. Sensei Wall, hit the nail on the head when he mentioned that he expected good martial arts, but was so very surprised to find the level of instruction to be equal to any found anywhere in the world. Quite true. I would like to publicly thank Sensei Kimo Wall, whose skill and knowledge of Okinawan Budo is matched only by his enthusiasm and love for the art. It was interesting to see an "outsider" to the Uechiryu system throw himself so completely into the camp... and be so warmly accepted. I would like to thank those all of the instructors that were so quick to adopt a newcomer within their ranks despite their very busy schedules. I would lke to especially thank all of you who joined my humble introduction to Iaido. I pray that you learned a little more about martial arts, Uechiryu, and yourself in the process. That was my intent. Several people asked me about contacting sword arts within the Boston area. Alex Markauskas is an Uechiryu dan training in Iaido. His phone # is (508) 692-2281 and e-mail is: < agm@swl.msd.ray.com > His instructor is Barry Poitras, phone # (508) 263-2768, e-mail: <BujinNews@aol.com> I believe he has one class on Mon. nights. Finally, I would again like to thank you, Sensei Mattson, for having the energy, skills, and forsight to host such a meaningful event. Sincerely, John Ray
Sensei Mattson: Just a short note to say that all of us from the
Pepperell Dojo had a great time at camp this year. This was the first
time I could fit it in with my work/travel schedule and I plan to block
off time for next year as soon as I get my '97 calendar. I met a lot of
great people and made many new friends. The learning experience was
terrific as well. I particularly enjoyed my first accupuncture experience
with Sifu Liu - what a demonstration he put on! The man truly has
thunder in his body. Thanks for bringing so many different styles and
experience together.
Best, Alan Ventura
Great camp, great people, great content, great weather! Next year I am going to ask you to arrange for that kind of weather for my family vacation. What was the size of the group at the camp? By the way, are the camp camo pants cotton or a blend? Hope to see you again next year.
Regards, Rich Castanet Richmond VA
To get really great weather, you must hire Jim Maloney to perform his no-rain dance! We don't have the final tally, because of all the late comers and day trippers. but Sue estimates the number around 350. Watch your mail for pre-registration forms for next year's camp and information about the new camp uniform. GEM
Hi George,
I hope all is great with you. I understand that the summer camp went well. We had a few people from our dojo attend and they were very pleased with the various seminars.
My question to you is: Are you aware of any Uechi Dojo In the Cinncinati area? It doest't matter what their political affiliation is. We have a student who will be studying in in Ohio and we would like to give him some info about Uechi Ryu in Ohio. Can you help us out on this?
Thank you very much,
Sue Bertrand
Check the dojo listing. Also, post a notice in the "Dojo Roundtable", under the last topic.
George: . . ., my instructor, Dave Lamb, and the students who went to the summer camp last weekend had nothing but praise for it. Those of us who did not go heard many a story in class last night, as well as began to work through what they had learned. I was particularly pleased that Dave and some of the students had attended the Kyu Kumite seminar and that Dave has decided to incorporate it into the class. Dave had learned Kyu Kumite when he started in PanGaiNoon 15 years ago, but his instructors stopped teaching it soon after that, and I learned Kyu Kumite when I was first in Uechi Ryu 11 years ago. Both of us enjoyed this exercise and felt that it had several useful techniques in it, but found it difficult to effectively practice without a partner. Needless to say, neither us remembered how to do it, although we had talked about trying to work through it from the books, by the time I joined his class seven months ago. The Kyu Kumite seminar at your summer camp has turned this speculation into reality, and with greater accuracy than > > would be possible from the books.
Dave has said that the summer camp gets better every year and, by that token, that this year was the best. He always has high praise for the quality and diversity of the camp that you run. My goal is to attend the summer camps starting next year. Being an amature historian interested in the history of Uechi Ryu and other Okinawan martial arts, I am disappointed that I missed the rare opportunity to hear Dr. Li Yi Duan's discussions. I am confident that future camps will have equally informative seminars however and look forward to attending them.
I also want to add that I think you do a great job with this web site. It is one of the most informative and useful web sites I have ever seen on any topic, and it truly brings the Uechi community closer together. Having work on a web site for a college instructor, I fully appreciate the time you must spend to maintain a constantly changing web site of this complexity. Thank you for going to that trouble. Glenn Humphress th20405@ltec.net Lincoln, NE
George, just wanted to express our appreciation for a TREMENDOUSLY good time at the summer camp. The best so far, in my opinion- Evan was most impressed. It will long reside in his memory, I think. On another note, with regard to the dojo list- Wayne Benfield in Spring City, PA teaches Shorin Ryu and Ryukyu Kempo, not Uechi Ryu, and my Area Code is now 610 instead of 215; therefore the listing for me should read 610-287-8043. Thanks again for another inspiring weekend.
Mr. Mattson,
My name is John Hollingshead, and I am a 9th KYU in Kobyashi Shorin-Ryu in pearland, texas. A friend of mine, Adam Guerra 1st dan, (son of Silvario Guerra, 8th dan Kobyashi Shorin-Ryu) wishes to contact Allan Dollar, about a trip that he is taking to Okinawa. He wish's to get information about the location of the tombs of Kanie and Kanbum Uechi. He would also like some history of Uechi-Ryu, and if possible pictures of Kanie and Kanbun Uechi.
We would appreciate a reply,
Thanks.
j.p.
John P. Hollingshead III (KB5SXH) [JH1180] President Texas Data Systems Pearland, Tx (713) 485-0394 Fax: 485-8223 avdeal@hollingshead.com http://www.hollingshead.com/~avdeal
Allan's Email address is listed in another message. All of the Okinawan instructors know where Kanbun Uechi's tomb is located. Best to contact Kanmei when you get to Okinawa to get directions. Besides Allan's book, check out the "products" section in this website for other good reference books on the history of Uechi-ryu.
Mr. Mattson: Thanks for your reply. . . .. I am curious about other "mates" from that era, including Chris Ball, Dave Tardiff, Greg Angelakis, Jon Rix, and others. Best Regards, Dave Kalman
Hi George,
We were wondering at my dojo if belts are included in the price of the emboidery. Also what is the brand name of the belt? There are a number of us who would like to get our belts embroidered. We all use the Shureido belts and we like that brand very much. We could have an order of as many 15 belts. What can you do for us? How long would it take to have our order delivered? Please tell me how to go about this. Do we need to send a copy of our name in kanji from our Black belt certificates? How does all this work? Please send info.
Thank you.
Yes, the belt is included. We have a Japanese person do the embroidery, so all you need do is send your name as you wish it to appear on the belt. The belt quality is equal to Shureido. Delivery is about 2-4 weeks. GEM (See the products section for detail order information.)
I am sorry to bother you, but I was unsure whom I should email. I have trained with Sensei Dollar when he was in St. Louis a few years back. I studied under Sensei James Foley in St. Louis for several years. I have since quit going faithfully, and have kind of lost contact with my old "family." I would LOVE to get a hold of a copy of this book. How would I go about purchasing this book. Thank you very much, Kevin Bates
Kevin@intecnet.net
Allan's Email address is "cherokeeco@aol.com".
Dear sensei Mattson,
Thank you again from my dojo for allowing Uechi sensei to visit my dojo on Wednesday. It was a great experience! I wanted to let you know that my students and I had another great time this past weekend. Everyone learned something to take back to the dojo and share with the others. For me it was extra special as I have made a new friend in Uechi Kanji. He and I were able to spend a lot of time together learning about each other. I hope to continue our friendship over the coming year with him staying in Massachusetts.
I wanted to ask you about Kimo Wall sensei as I didn't get to ask him about his style. Could you tell me what style(s) he teaches? He was definately a highlite on Friday and Saturday night. He and his students were exceptional! Also, what happened to Rick Clark this weekend (I meant to ask you, but it slipped my mind)?
Thanks again for a great camp!
Yours in Budo,
Mike
Thanks for your support Mike. Kimo studies Goju in addition to his Kobudo. Rick had another commitment that prevented him from attending. GEM
Mr. Mattson: Thanks for your reply. . . .I am curious about other
"mates" from that era, including Chris Ball, Dave Tardiff, Greg
Angelakis, Jon Rix, and others.
Best Regards,
Dave Kalman
The best place to look for old "mates" is on the "Dojo Roundtable". We have a special topic for people looking for old friends. GEM
Dear George:
FANTASTIC!!!! That's the best way to discribe your summer camp. My students, as well as I had a great time. It was really nice to see old friends, such as: Larry Tan, Dave Mott, Al Worton, Jimmy Maloney, Van Canna, Art Rabsea, Bobby Kaiser, Ed Huff, Mike Casanellie, Duncan Macloud, so many others, and especially-- Bobby Campbell, and many others from the OLD HANCOCK STREET DOJO.
It was also equally as good, making new friends. Such as John Ray,
Noah Mandell, Mike Murphy. You and Susan did a great job!!!
Everything was first class. My students truly enjoyed themselves, and
had a great chance to meet many new people (New Friends).
Thank you again.
Respectfully
Jay Salhanick
I've been asked by Mattson sensei to give my first hand account of the '95 World Pre-Taikai held in Okinawa,August of last year, sponsored by the prefectural gov't.
I am a Shorin-ryu student of Onaga Yoshimitsu sensei, and was involved at virtually all levels during the '95 tourney. I competed, was well as participated in all the technincal (judges & coaches meetings) as well as the beurocratic meetings. (I hold the dubious distinction of being the Canadian representative for the '97 world Tourney).
Yagi Dai-sensei said it best in the recently published history of the Zen Okinawa Karate-do Renmei, "At the last 1995 Taikai, the Zen Okinawa Prefectural Assoc.'s Kata had changed to the Japanese "Shitei-kata"....for the next one ['97 World Taikai] we are not planning to participate at the Taikai unless it is truly an Okinawa Karate event."
I think this statement clearly sums up mine and many other poeples' feelings about both the 1995 and the 1997 World Taikai.
I long ago given up on "sports" karate, and was very discouraged to see the Okinawan Karate-ka resort to clear violations of the rules simply to win a medal. This was clearly not the "spirit" any of the Dai-snesei taught.
I feel that Okinawa lost a wonderful opportunity to show the world what traditional karate is, and instead invited the world to come and see how they have been trying to catch-up to the mainlanders in "Japanese style sports Karate".
I wish the Okinawan teachers and Prefectural gov't would have had better demonstrations and seminars. Rather than invite the world and show how they spent a year training a new generation of Karate-ka to do WUKO style kata and Kumite. And in all honesty, WUKO rules and traditional Karate are like oil and water. Most Kumite winners came out more damaged than the loser.
I don't have much hope that 1997 will be much different.
But, I'm curious to here other poeple's comments.
Daniel Kogan Shinjinbukan (Canada) Shorin-ryu Karate-do
***********
Thanks for your comments Dan. Until we get the Forum working properly, I'll be posting questions and comments regarding the 1997 Okinawa Karate and Kobudo World Tournament in the letter's section. Last year's event was quite controversial and our readers would like to hear from anyone who has direct knowledge of what happened!! GEM
Hello Sensei Mattson. I am a happy student at Mike Rozumek's Karate Center in Pepperell, Massachusetts. I am wondering about some Uechi Ryu history. If you could e mail me at: WKLZ53B it would be greatly appriciated! I am 16 and an Ikkyu. Please write back. - Jason Panagiotes
I hope some of our readers will contact you Jason, and help you
with your quest to learn more about Uechi-ryu history. Check out
the many great Uechi-ryu books (reviewed in the "Dojo
Roundtable Forum) for in depth information on this subject. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson:
I wish to apply for membership into the Uechi-ryu Karate Association, NAC.
My intial training in Uechi-ryu was from 1983 to 1985 under Charles D. Shultz in Elizabethtown, KY. I earned the rank of San Kyu shortly before the class ended in 1985 when Mr. Shultz had to move to another state for employment reasons. (Please see #21 in the "General Discussion Forum" in your Uechi-ryu Forum for more information on Mr. Shultz.) My San Kyu Certificate of Proficiency was issued by the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association, Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. It was Certificate of Proficiency Number 7 (I assume that means the seventh San Kyu certificate issued by Mr. Shultz), dated April 6, 1985, and signed by Kanei Uechi as President and Charles D. Shultz as Instructor. It would be possible for me to scan this certificate and ship the file to you if you want supporting documentation; a snail-mail copy is equally feasable. The requirements for my San Kyu test were significant increases in my exercise, kihon, and sparring abilities since my last test; significant development of my Sanchin; acceptable performance of all kata through Seichin and Kyu Kumite.
It was not until January, 1996 that I found another Uechi-ryu instructor teaching anywhere near where I lived. David Lamb teaches Uechi-ryu every quarter at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, and is a member of your association. After eleven years without an instructor, my primary goal at the moment is relearning what I once knew. I did continue to practice to a limited extent during the past eleven years, but I am clearly not at the level I was at when the former class ended. The past seven months have been very productive with respect to this relearning process. Mr. Lamb has been very patient in allowing me to work through the various techniques the way I was taught originally, while showing me the way he was taught (where such differences exist) and helping me to determine which way works best for me. While Mr. Shultz was a very good instructor, that intial training occured over a brief period and at a time when I did not have the maturity or perception to fully appreciate and expand upon what I was learning. Over the past seven months, I have experienced an exponential increase in both my breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the art and in where it can lead me. While what I have learned is still (and, realistically, always will be) overshadowed by what there is left to be learned, the feeling that I am again beginning to accomplish something is a refreshing change over the stagnation of the previous eleven years. I credit Mr. Lamb (and to a large extent your web page which I also discovered in January, 1996) for this change.
I apologize for rambling on a bit in the last paragraph and I will stop now. If I can be of any further assistance while you make your decision, please ask.
Thank you.
Glenn Humphress th20405@ltec.net Lincoln, NE
Thank you for your letter and interest in NAC. To set the record straight, only dojo and instructors join NAC. The purpose of the association is to help teachers do a better job working with their students. As an active, in good standing, member of an NAC dojo, you are also a member of NAC. Regarding promotions: NAC is only interested in the standards for Shodan and above. Individual dojo set standards for pre black belt ratings. GEM
Mr. Mattson: What seems a lifetime ago, we met at your home (I
think?) on perhaps a couple of occasions. I was introduced to you by
Bob Gosselin, with whom I had studied martial arts at St. John's Prep
in Danvers. Bob may have purchased some Sai or Nunchaku from
you. I was also training with Michael Barreda, who you may also
know. At the time, I recall flipping through your Okinawa photo album.
(I sure hope you're the same G. Mattson!) Anyway, Bob had lots of
potential as a martial artist; I didn't follow his progress after 1978.
Unfortunately, Bob was also a very confused, if not disturbed young
man. That may have been just the consequences of being a teenager,
but I don't really know what happened to him. I've drifted into and out
of the martial arts, and recently made a renewed personal commitment
to integrate my Karate training into my lifestyle. I've overcome a few
nagging physical problems that were undiagnosed for years
(exercise-induced asthma in particular). There's no disincentive for
physical exertion greater than passing out cold halfway through Karate
every class. It was only a few years ago that a doctor was able to
figure out what was wrong, and how to treat it. Here in the San
Francisco Bay area, I'm now studying Seigokan, a branch of
Goju-Ryu. Seigokan is a hard style, with somewhat primitive training
methods (lots of straight-leg pushups, deep knee bends, and intense
Sanchin). I found my instructor, Marcos Collaco, at the Y although
most classes are led by other black belts who volunteer. I like the
simplicity and the intensity; however, I do worry about the
consequences on my 36-year-old body. I also worry about the
continuity of the style. There's probably just one other Seigokan
teacher in North America. At present, I would estimate that I function
at the level of a green belt. I had performed so-called "soft" techniques
for so long, I find it an interesting challenge to adjust. The unstated
Seigokan philosphy seems to be to let your opponent hit you until he
tires out. <g> Seigokan is definitely an "in-your-face" style that favors
clashing over redirecting. Perhaps later in the style, after I absorb more
of the basics, I'll get to see more of the style's subtlety. In the
meantime, I do enjoy it. I apologize for rambling on like this. I was
excited to find you on the Web after my recent review of your book. I
have two Web sites (www.dbmsmag.com and
www.internetsystems.com), so I spend a lot of time now surfing
around.
Best Regards, Dave Kalman (dkalman@mfi.com)
Thanks for your letter. Sure "jogged" my mind trying to remember names. I do remember you, however, and am very pleased that you are back with the martial arts again. Perhaps you will hear from others who trained with you and Bob. Keep in touch. GEM