February, 2001 Mailbag

MailBag Feedback Forum archives.
New Mailbag Feedback Bulletin Board Respond to letters, Ask questions,
Say hello.  Read what others have written.

Mattson Sensei,

I was wondering if you had any info on the World Championships in Atlanta? If you do, could you please send me the info along with the info on the Uechi tourney in May. I will be there participating in all of the Uechi action!

Thank you in advance,

Brandon Blake, Ni-dan 

Hi Brandon:

We hope to field a Uechi team, based on the outcome of the May touranment. Hope you can make it. Check out our website for details: http://uechi-ryu.com/worldtny.htm

I'll send you an application. Meanwhile, watch the site for details and updates. GEM

Hi, I really enjoy your site and am a huge martial arts fan. I found another neat site with a lot of great information too, and thought you might like it too. It is www.fitzness.com. That girl Fitz has a lot of cool tips. I also like the martial info site too! 

Thanks for keeping me up to speed! Dean 

Letters regarding Gary Khoury's Jr. BB test held in January:

Congratulations to Sensei Gary Khoury for an exceptional Junior Black Belt Test!

The test was tough but fair and the kids did an excellent job. It was refreshing seeing kids challenged to achieve their Jr. BB rank. I had to keep reminding myself these kids were all under 14 years old. How old was the youngest? I estimated 11 years old. They were all terrific.

I thought you had a good balance of physical endurance testing, curriculum materials (katas & kumite), and defense activities. The extra credit activities were excellent, although I don't think you should let kids name their invented katas after the instructors - too much possibility of awarding them extra points for a creative kata name!! : )

I could tell that you were proud of these kids, they deserved it. They worked very hard and did a great job.

Thanks for letting me observe. I hope that this test will be used in a regional Jr. BB Test format.

Regards --- Don Brown 

Dear Don, Pat and other IUKF members in attendance Sunday:

Thank you for your support and endorsement of our unique Junior Black Belt test format. We worked extremely hard to make both the students and the day extra special. I think the results speak for themselves.

For those wondering to what Don refers in his post, we actually added an "extra credit" segment in the test where the kids could do a favorite kata again in their own special way, could perform a weapons kata (we teach the kids a foam nunchaku kata) or make up a "Uechi" kata of their own.

Young Michael Mendieta of our school opted for the latter and dubbed the exercise the "Golden Dragon Kata". When he stood to perform, however, he looked at the test board, bowed and announced loudly that he was going to do "Khoury's Kata". I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. In the deafening silence, I think I heard Kanbun's rolling in his grave! : )

And, Don, our youngest candidate was 9 if you can believe it. As you saw with your own eyes, those were not your average karate kids!

Again, thanks for coming!

Gary -

And still another letter about Gary's Junior BB test:

That's great, Gary. The future of Uechi-ryu is in the hands of the kids. Let's make it right for them so they will make it right for Uechi when their time comes. Congratulations to all. Allen

Hello from Okinawa!

This is Naomi at the "Naomi's Okinawa Connection" web site (http://champloo.com/okinawa/).

I'm writing to you to inform you that the Uechi-ryu Karate Association: On-Line Magazine web site is linked from my site, and I'd like you to verify the information I published about your site.

You can go to the linked page from http://champloo.com/okinawa/ (Information -> Karate).

Thank you!

warmest regards,

Naomi

 Naomi's Okinawa Connection

http://champloo.com/okinawa/ okinawa.connection@champloo.com 

Dear Sensei Mattson, My husband and I are e-mailing you today because we have recently moved and we are looking for a local dojo. We recently moved from Wentzville,Mo, where we were students of Sensai Dean Klossner. We are know looking for a dojo in the surrounding area of Kokomo, Indiana. I have spoken to our sensai and he said that you might be able to be of some assistance to us.We would appreciate any help. 

Thank you for your help and time

Misty& Rob Bailey

Hi Dear Sensei:

I need to know, if outside so amiable, as minimum is the age to graduate a boy like Dan Junior.

Best

Carlos.

Not an Federation issue Carlos. Up to the dojo and child's teacher. GEM

Sensei and Susan,

Cian Sion Murphy (pronounced :Kee an Shawn) was born at 7:26pm 1-11-01 in Brockton, MA. He weighed in at 7.5lbs and was 20" long. Mother and child are doing great. Hopefully, I'll have a picture or two later. 

Yours in Budo,

Mike Murphy

George: Thank you for listing me on the Instructor's page. -Joe Graziano P.S. Good luck on your next golf game with Walter. Did I hear him say you'll need it?

Naw... He was my partner and we whipped the competition!! :)

Dear George:

It is my pleasure to write to you.

I am a Uechi-Ryu practitioner of Mario Abel Molaroni´s dojo here in Comodoro Rivadavia. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading one of your books and Mario often comments on your thoughts with me. Besides the practical part, he is very keen on the historical background of all that he imparts.

Last December I received my 2nd. Dan Certificate and find my formal classes and almost daily practice increasingly interesting.

Born in California, I have also resided in Spain, Switzerland, and at present I make my home in Comodoro Rivadavia. Being an Instructor of the Traditional Usui Reiki System, I use it for self-treatments, sessions for others and I have shared the technique with over 800 people.

Do feel our support for GEM in this new Karate do Kyokai Uechi-Ryu Association stage.

Wishing you continued inspiration for this year, Sincerely, Judy White. 

Thanks Judy. GEM

I have been a Martial Arts practitioner for over twenty five years. I have achieved blackbelt/instructor status in several styles from Traditional Karate to internal gung fu. As well I have been a teacher in multiple schools and competed in many tournaments. Now after all these years I find myself alone in my practices and beliefs, having disassociated myself from certain schools and have lost many good friends for my beliefs. 

I can not condone teaching something purely for financial purposes or believe in children, or friends receiving black belts that have not truly earned this, or can not realistically defend themselves when really needed, a small child, no matter how well trained, is no match for a true monster of society that unfortunately exist. Now as a parent I am glad I have kept these morals. Martial arts are a way of life that affects all areas in a positive manner, the love of life, whether ours or theirs, is always kept in mind. Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a great day every day. 

I am always open for discussion. 

Jay C Shrewsbury

Good points Jay. Why not post your article on Bill Glasheen's forum. I'm sure there are many who share your point of view and would comment. GEM

I am trying to locate Frank Gorman in the Tampa/Sarasota area. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. John Napolillo 

Hi George!

I just wanted to let you know that I am no longer affiliated with Sensei Don Joyner in Grand Rapids.

I am now being taught by Sensei James Thompson and Sensei Bill Keith.

I have opened my own school teaching traditional Uechi Ryu Karate as taught to Mr. Keith and Mr. Thompson by Master Kannei Uechi. My goal as an instructor has always been to pass on the art in its true from, as it was given to me. This relationship will permit me to accomplish that goal.

My school is called "The West Michigan Okinawan Karate-Do Association". Classes are help at the Downtown Branch of the Grand Rapids YMCA. Sensei Bill Keith has agreed to join me as the Senior Instructor. All interested parties are invited to attend our classes. 

Our web page can be found at http://web.triton.net/sensei/Karate/wmoka.htm.

George Miller, Sandan

Dear George, 

I was hoping you might have David Elkins email address. He gave me shugyo@rosenet.net and I wrote to him and his email came back as undeliverable. I gave 6 people Harvey Libergott's book "Scissors, Rock, Paper" and everyone thinks the book is great! It is an excellent book. Right now I am reading your first book and I am finding that book fascinating. I was highlighting words of importance to me and I was doing it at the Dojo and MaryBeth said I should just highlight what's not important. There was a lot on the page I was on I wanted to remember. Just a joke. I have a cat book that was showing the dexterity of cats and there were two pictures of cats one in "closed gate" position and the other was in "Sanchin" hand position. It was interesting to me. 
Thank you for your time and help. 
Dorothy Reitman 

All set Dorothy. Dave has your e-mail address now. GEM

Dear Sensei Mattson

A happy new year from freezing Scotland.

I am an avid reader of Sensei Glasheens forum and recently someone has been talking about video footage of Seiko Toyama Sensei. Could you please put me in touch with someone from whom I could purchase footage of Sensei Toyama? I have seen Sensei Toyama perform Sanseiryu kata on one of Sensei Alan Dollars tapes. I cannot help but be impressed and inspired when I watch him. One question though, why does he really tense the trapezius muscles in his shoulders at the start of the kata? In the footage I have of the 1965 demonstration on Okinawa there is another instructor who does this at the start of Seisan kata. In Sensei Dollars book there are numerous old photographs of students and of Sensei Kanei Uechi and a young Sensei Seiyu Shinjo also showing this rounded posture of the shoulders. Is there some significance in this?

One more question, could you give me a contact email address for Sensei Bob Campbell? I came across some interesting material in the archives about information he came across from the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. This was about a group during the Boxer Rebellion who were known in the Fujian Haka dialect as Pwan Gai Nun/strike hard-retreat quickly. I am interested to know if he has researched this information further.

Thank you for your time and consideration with this matter. Keep up the good work.

Respectfully yours

John Cairney Paisley Scotland 

Hi John: I've forwarded your email to Bob. Good questions that should be discussed. There are many different views regarding appropriate/correct posture while performing Uechi-ryu. Uechi, Kanei sensei stressed shoulders down, but not rolled forward. The reason for "shoulders down" is to close the rib cage, protecting against a spear-hand thrust, one knuckle punch or toe kicks. Rolling the shoulders over, in my estimation, prevent fast arm movements necessary for effective arm techniques. If you wish to try and copy this method, be sure to do it under the supervision of someone who knows what they are doing. GEM 

Dear Sir,

Please send me details/Invitaiton of Champoinship by Post/e-mail, I am interested to join the Martial Arts championship. I am also attend the 9th Kosu Natsu Seminar in England & winner of Junior Award. Oss....

Thanking you Priyank Kumar (11 yrs.) Black Belt Ist Dan, India.

Hello Sensei Mattson, 

When you get a chance, please update my Instructor information that is under Canada/Ontario. 

My personal e-mail address that people can reach me at, is "miham@netcom.ca". 

The web site for my school is "www.dynamicmartialarts.com". 
Thanks. 

Michael Ham 

To whom it may concern. Great web page, very interactive. This poll that Mr. Kanazawa has on your web page this week and the one prior.

I would like to e-mail him directly with my answers since both my answers is more then likely what he is looking for, but the pole seems ask the wrong question.

Thanking You In Advance

Don Jeffrey President, Soke Menkyo Kai Soke, 5th gen. Godai Moto Chi - Te Ryu Soke, 2nd gen. Nidai O'Kando Ikiru -ryu Kempo Jujutsu President Ki Development Assn.

Unfortunately, when I reformatted my hard-drive, all my email was lost. Hopefully Ms Kanazawa will read this and resubmit the poll. GEM

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I was wondering if I may pop in for a few minutes over this coming weekend. I used to take Uechi-ryu in the early 80s at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. My instructor was Jerry McDonald. I had almost made it to black belt when he was sent to South Carolina and there was no one to take over in his place, so unfortunately it went no further.

To cut a long story short, I recently found that Uechi-ryu was here in Orlando and that the winterfest was about to take place. I can't attend for instruction and we also have a commitment to be in Daytona but I would like to be able to look in, even if for only 30 mins. or so. Would that be alright?

I have no idea if my old sensei is attending but if he is, tell him I said, "Hi". I have since remarried, so he would be more familiar with my last name as Shiers-Janney. When I was taking classes from him, he had acquired a hardbound copy for me of your twenty-fifth anniversary limited edition, Uechiryu Karate Do, of which I have number 142 of 730, signed by you.

Thank you, Elaine Shiers-Garcia 

Hi Elaine: Good to meet you at WinterFest. Gerry reads the "Mailbag" and I'm sure will contact you. Hang on to that book. If you ever want to sell it, let me know! GEM

I'm new to Uechi online, but have some concerns that may prove interesting as a mailbag or forum subject. I received my sho-dan certificate from an instructor who had trained for 5 yrs in Okinawa. I believe he trained with Seiyu and Kiyode Shinjo. I received my black belt in 1986. My instructor moved away when I was a brown belt, and tested me for Black Belt when visiting for the holidays. Approximately 1yr. later, I visited Ihor Rymaruk's dojo in New York. In 1991 I visited Ric Martin's dojo in Largo FL. And I have recently found an Instructor who has a vast knowledge of "old style martial arts" of Okinawa. 

Although this Instructor is not a Uechi Instructor, he opened my eyes to many aspects of Uechi that I was previously unaware of. I have made the most of my instruction from all of these sources including various books and videos I have obtained. So after all of this training, where does this leave me? Still a Sho-Dan! Although "technically" (according to the black belt test guide requirements) I could be a much higher Dan. 

However, I have no resource for testing or knowing just what level I should be at according to association standards. If I choose to share my knowledge with others, am I "stepping out of bounds" by others standards for teaching? I have had the authenticity of my Sho-Dan certificate questioned, yet my "Uechi" skills have continued to improve. I have even been provided with original footage of Master Uechi performing kata, to watch and improve my own Uechi-Ryu. 

Does my rank or certificate improve or change what I know or my abilities? I soon realized in reality, they make little difference in the street! On the other hand, it is sometimes frustrating to explain to others that I've been in the martial arts for 20 yrs. and only hold a rank of Sho-Dan. Any Suggestions? I often wonder how many other "illegitimate children" of Uechi-Ryu, are out there. Thank you, for any advice you may be able to offer.

Sincerely, 

B. Rosenbarker Campbellsville, KY

Good questions. Let see what others have to say about this subject. GEM

Mr. Mattson, I am writing to you becuase I am looking to start studying Uechi-ryu Karate again, but have been somewhat out of the loop for a while. When I left (I was no longer able to afford classes or get to them for that matter) there was simply Uechi, now as I understand it there have been some...family issues.

I began my, for lack of a better word, survey of martial arts several years ago with a disappointing term at a local kenpo school that isn't worth mentioning. After a short stint with shotokan I was introduced to Uechi by Jonathon Thayer and spent a summer studying with Charlie Earle in Providence. When I went back to school the following semester both money and my car ran out and I was no longer able to continue to train. After several years of working through some personal issues I slowly began to move back tot he martial world through Capoeira Angola (which I studied with Courtney Grey a student of Deraldo's). 

Now I'm at a point where I can afford to look at taking classes again and would very much like to study with the Uechi-ryu. I am wondering what you know about John Fowler. I live in somerville and still have somewhat limited travel capabilities and he is listed as being in the area as well. regardless I hope I haven't wasted your time. my thanks for any information you can provide.

sean m. gomez 

Check out our "Instructor's" site for a teacher near you. GEM

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I am a student with Roger AUdette here in the State of Ohio city of Medina. I was talking to him this afternoon and he was told that there is someone other than him that teaches uechi-ryu in the state of ohio somewhere in Cleveland. Do u know who this is? 

Secondly do u know where i can purchase an uechi-ryu bag a carry bag for all of my equipment?

Please let me know the above if u can. I would appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Mark Poolos 

Check out the "Instructor's" listing Mark. Keep in touch. GEM

Dear Mr. Mattson; 

I've been teaching students mostly children and teenagers for my teacher Mr. Lambert. Teaching others I believe is 50% of the art , it improves the students and myself. My son is in it also for physical therapy for grapho motor dysfunction there's more than one reason for taking Uechi-Ryu now that I see. 

The Uechi spirit flows through our dojo, even though Mr. Klein hasn't kept in contact in allmost 2 years. Sensei David Moyle helps us also keep the spirit alive they both have great hearts of virtue which can't be stopped, me also. One of these days I'll make it to camp and get your autograph on my book. I look at Uechi-Ryu as family or brotherhood where most have the same state of mind, in helping there community, family, and others in need. 

Don't know what you think. Uechi-Ryu is a feeling in your heart that's the hidden part some people just don't get it. But it saved me almost 21 years ago, if I didn't take it I would most likely have been in jail for B and E's like my friends headed that way. Also drugs and drinking like my friends I hung out with headed to, oh well they lost sight of the Big picture. 

Thank You for your time. 

Dan Spratt
Teaching probably kept me in the arts all these years. During the "down" periods, karate has helped me get back on track more quickly. There are lots of similar stories, most with happy endings. You be sure to stay active and out of trouble! And stay in touch. GEM

Response to the Empty Force Test and Rebuttal John David Morenski, M.D.

A previous issue of Swft published an article I co-authored concerning the test of an individual who claimed on a popular martial arts web-page, www.uechi-ryu.com, that he could perform extraordinary feats through his mastery of chi 1. These included healing people of illnesses that evidence-based medicine "had failed," halting physical attacks without touching the aggressor, and even moving individuals without touching them. Also spelled "Qi" or "Ki," chi represents a rather broad paradigm intended to explain many different and often conflicting events. According to proponents, chi is an energy that flows through the body through pathways designated "meridians," which explains many complex physiologic events such as disease, balance, and strength. This broad definition renders the concept resistant to investigation. It is the fault of science, which can measure the attractive and repulsive forces of atoms, that it cannot measure this energy. One cannot examine an "eastern" paradigm through "western" means, unless, of course, misuse of the "western" and "scientific" terminology lends respectability. Reality becomes a subject of interpretation; it becomes relative. Einstein wrote a few things concerning relativity. Quantum mechanics discusses complicated issues in the terms of "probabilities," and there exists this principle of uncertainty. Thus, personal conceptions of reality must be scientific since they are relative and seem to have a lot of uncertainty.

The relativistic approach where opinion and belief can govern interpretation may succeed in art criticism; it fails miserably as a method to describe reality. I am aware of no evidence that the laws of physics prove geographically relative. Sadly perhaps, how an investigator "feels" or "wants" influences his results not a wit. Science attempts to remove opinion and bias from observations. Science makes observations and tries to explain them. Sometimes further observations overturn previous explanations. Proponents of paradigms such as chi tend to work in the opposite direction. They form an explanation and then attempt to find evidence for it. This is not necessarily a faulty method; researchers can think up an explanation and search for evidence to support it. The difference is that proponents of chi accept only evidence that supports their conclusions and ignore anything else. Scientists have to explain unexpected and unwanted results. Researchers may "believe" and "want" cold fusion to happen. Fusion of deuterium should produce neutrons. The scientists have to explain why the experiment produced no neutrons.2,3 Protesting that "western science" cannot "understand" or "apply" does not excuse the lack of results. When proponents specify an aspect of their paradigm, they provide something a researcher may test. The individual offered such a specification. He stated he had the ability to move another person without touching them. Indeed, he claimed he could move another even when separated from him physically and visually by a barrier such as a wall. Whether or not the resources of science can detect the apparent force exerted by the individual no longer mattered; we could test the effect. As the study explained, many explanations for why a person may move exist without resorting to mechanisms that overturn the laws of physics. To remove such influences, the authors created a double-blind study. The individual agreed to the conditions and timing of the test and what would constitute a success prior to the test. That fact requires emphasis given his subsequent explanations for his failure to produce an effect.

The publishers of Swift granted permission to reprint the article on the web-site that hosted the individual and discussions concerning his claims. Publication generated a rebuttal of sorts from the individual (Mattson). By way of fairness, I feel his opinion deserves responsible consideration.

He opens: In the past twelve years of cultivating Qi, I have been able to realize a certain amount of success and have made public my results. I have been greeted with skepticism by a great many people, and have since shown that my abilities are valid in the realms of Healing (sic) and Martial (sic) use of Qi derived from the practice of Qigong. 4

Certainly, a demonstration of the "abilities" would end the matter. Yet, he offers no demonstration, no data, and nothing beyond a written claim. I can claim that I have convinced "a great many people" of my ability to fly. Unfortunately, I imagine the majority would want me to demonstrate it.

The test offered such a demonstration. It isolated a claimed effect of the existence of chi. The individual could not demonstrate his effect under conditions that he agreed he could. Thus, when he continues, "It is sad that modern technology, while advanced, is not yet up to the task of being able to detect or measure Qi. It is hoped that one day such advanced technical know how (sic) will exist, and verify that which has been known for millennia: Qi exists," 4 he avoids the issue. He places the blame on science. Science simply is not good enough to detect the existence of his power. He conveniently forgets that he failed to demonstrate his power. I can just as well claim that my power to fly "has been known for millennia." My audience still wishes me to jump out of the window.

A rebuttal to an argument tends to focus on the elements of the argument. One might expect the individual to attend to the details of the test in order to demonstrate how it failed to reveal an effect which occurred. Of course, he could simply demonstrate the effect under proper conditions. Prior to the test he claimed he could meet the requirements of the JREF for such a demonstration, "any time, any where." Thus far, he has refused to provide this definitive evidence. Instead, much of his "rebuttal" wanders into claims similar to those forementioned. Despite the "sound and fury," without any supporting evidence, it "signifies nothing."

Martial artists did not miss the one very critical problem. Martial arts involve martial matters and despite appearances they proves rather scientific. We are, ultimately, interested in preventing another individual from harming us. In the pursuit of this interest, we often create many wondrous techniques to defeat imagined foes. In the process, we "means test" our precious beliefs. I may believe that no one can avoid or block my kicks. Unfortunately, recent objective tests of this belief in the training halls have failed to demonstrate the invincibility of my techniques. It is hoped that one day such advanced technical know-how will exist and verify my invincibility.

Since the individual could not demonstrate his powers under rather benign conditions that he agreed upon, martial artists did wonder how effective such powers would prove in real self-defense situations. Perhaps opponents will surpass the abilities of modern technology and respond appropriately to the individual's powers. Nevertheless, some of the marital artists who read the article and rebuttal have preferred to stake their faith in other methods.

The patient reader will eventually stumble upon an address, of sorts, of the results reported in the article. The individual protests:

On any given day a champion weight lifter cannot match his best lift, a World-Class sprinter cannot duplicate their best run, and the best fighter's punch could fail against any amount of competitors. Does that mean that those people's accomplishments are invalid or faked? NO. Some will even go to certain lengths to come up with various tests in an effort to validate or invalidate a specific method. Results of such tests, be they favorable or unfavorable, are insignificant when compared the results gained as a whole, and over a broader period of time than one test may allow. 4

Thus, should my preliminary flight-test for the JREF prize result in a completely unexpected personal introduction to the cement below my window, this result and any inconvenient reconstructive surgery and lengthy rehabilitation are insignificant when compared to my results gained as a whole. I suppose readers may wish I provide these results which they should consider "as a whole;" however, they are skeptics and, therefore, obliging them would waste my time.

That remains the issue. The individual offers neither results nor "accomplishments." Anyone can claim anything. The individual tries to hide behind a truth that does not apply to his failure. The champion weight lifter may not match his best lift; one would expect him to lift two ounces. The sprinter may not break his personal best; he should make it out of the starting block. Not unfamiliar to fallacy, the individual ducks under false analogies. He apparently hopes no one will remember that he agreed to the timing of the test and the test conditions. After the fact, he offers the old excuses familiar to investigators of such matters.

I reiterate that he claimed effects with martial applications. He felt the personal and situational conditions proper to demonstrate his claimed powers. He could not demonstrate an influence, let alone a dramatic effect. If he finds his powers so capricious to a controlled and ideal situation, martial artists may wonder how reliable he will find them in an actual attack. He continues: "One such event happened with me a few summers ago in Massachusetts, at a long weekend camp given by a group of Uechi Rya [the style of karate practiced by most of the participants] people. In the venue that was picked, I did not succeed, and I view that as a "Oh Well!" kind of happening." 4 "In the venue that was picked," demonstrates an interesting misuse of the passive voice. He agreed to all aspects of the venue before his demonstration. Self-defense situations generally involve surprise venues, without the opportunity to agree upon the conditions. Generally, "Oh Well!" tends to falter as a response.

Yet, he continues: "Not long there after I went to England and put on a series of very successful seminars, and I was very successful in demonstrating both my Medical (sic) and Martial Qigong abilities to the satisfaction of thousands of people across the United Kingdom. "4 How capricious fortune proves! Had we only followed him across the Atlantic we would have seen all of the results he promised and more. Do not let the damage to the cement underneath my window or my altered visage dissuade you; in another country in the future rest assured I will fly. Regrettably, some will take such statements as "proof." Properly designed and executed objective tests remove biases. Unless the individual performed under proper conditions, his claims of miracles unseen and undocumented remain as substantive to my claims of flight-just so much air.

References:

2Dewdney, AK: Yes, We Have No Neutrons: An Eye-Opening Tour through the Twists and Turns of Bad Science. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1997.

4Mooney, RM: The Use of Energy (Qi) in Martial Arts Applications. [http://www.uechi-ryu.com/use_of_energy%20by%20Richard%20M.%20Mooney.htm], 2000.

1Morenski, JD, Glasheen, WP: "Empty Force" Comes Up Empty. Swift 3: 4; 13-15, 2000.

3Park, R: Voodoo Science: The Road from Foolishness to Fraud.New York, Oxford University Press, 2000.

Author: The JREF has been assured that Dr. Morenski will succeed in preliminary tests of his ability to fly for the million dollar prize as soon as he is back on solid food.

Dear Sensei George, I just passed my rank test today and now I am a Yonkyu. Steve said my Kanshu was the best he ever saw me do. I had just the right amount of power, at my rank, I should have. I can't wait to start learning Dan Kumite. I started learning Seichin and I know it now I have to refine it. 

I can hardly express how excited I am about Karate and how grateful I am to Al Bennett for mentioning to Steve I should be studying Karate and not Michelle (my granddaughter). He changed my life with those few words. I hope I am not annoying you by emailing to you. I do know you are very busy. 
Sincerely, Dorothy Reitman 

Congratulations Dorothy! Always happy to hear good news! GEM

Dear George, I would appreciate it if you could add my wife and I to your Dojo directory. We both just returned back to the states from our third tour in Okinawa. 

I am in the Army and have been stationed on Oki for 11 years eight months total. We are now stationed at Ft. Polk LA. We will be teaching here on base at the Adult Gym and the youth center. We are both students and licensed instructors under Sensei Seiki Irei of the Chatan Ireikan. Our info for the directory is: 
Location: Ft. Polk, Louisiana 
Names: Vince and Sarah Leyva E Mail: Kobudo99@hotmail.com Phone: (337)537-9284

OK! Good to learn that you are teaching. Stay in touch. GEM

dear sensei, i was looking at the site and noticed that the link to the riddle page isn't there. just a comment...

~Sarah 

Hmmmm! didn't notice that. I'll try to find the link and reactivate it. Thanks for letting me know about it. GEM

Sensei Mattson.

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Winterfest! It was great!!!!! It was really nice to have such hands on training with the fantastic presenters.I particularly enjoyed the fact that it was a small group and that there was a lot of individual attention. It was very nice of you to put together the certificate of attendance for each person at the camp, but I must say that I was very disappointed to receive a certificate made out in my husband's name. I'm not quite sure how that came to be but I would very much appreciate it if you could have another one done up for me. I hope you and Susan enjoyed your time on the Gulf Coast and I look forward to seeing you both next time. Thank-you again for putting together such a great camp.


Respectfully,

Lori MacLeod-Doyle 

Sorry for the mistake Lori. Your new certificate has been mailed. GEM

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that Steve DiOrio's Karate School has officially announced New England's next regional workout for Saturday, March 2nd at 9:30 a.m.

The event will be held just off of Main Street in Westwood at the Thurston Middle School. For information and directions, please visit http://people.ne.mediaone.net/sdiorio/karate/regional For printed Material Just respond to this E-mail and I'll mail it this week.

We're looking to make this event our biggest and best EVER! Please start talking it up among your friends, students, teachers, whomever! I've already started receiving calls from those who can't wait to experience the energy and excitement that 150-200 hard working karateka can bring to a room! LET'S TRAIN!!

DON'T MISS this chance to get together with old friends and new for this regional training event! Master instructors will be teaching along side up-and-coming sensations Raffi Derderian, Mike Murphy and a whole host of others.

Lastly, this will be Dan Test candidates, LAST CHANCE to be seen by the Masters prior to this Spring's Dan Test. Show up and be evaluated by New England's BEST!

Hope to see you all there! If you need to, give me a call at 781-270-9553.

Best regards,

Steve

Steve DiOrio's Karate School 

For those of you that have had the misfortune of spending 30 seconds with me in the past 6 mos., you know that my resposibilities as an editor have taken a backseat to the relaunch of the news website I work for, Townonline.com. I am extremely happy to announce that the relaunch was an absolute success, and I am still gainfully employed.

Please go to http://www.townonline.com and check out the new site.

And try to break it. If you find something broken, let me know. Thanks!

Seth Rosenblatt Town Online Regional Editor Popular Music Editor Community Newspaper Company 

Submitted by Bill Bauknecht:
Rights are response to the responsible. 

The following has apparently been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. I hope this guy runs for President someday: 

"We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid any more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal, bed wetters. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim that they require a Bill of No Rights. 

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything. 

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be. 

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy. 

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. 

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care. 

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair. 

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure. 

ARTICLE VIII: You don't have the right to demand that our children risk their lives in foreign wars to soothe your aching conscience. We hate oppressive governments and won't lift a finger to stop you from going to fight if you'd like. However, we do not enjoy parenting the entire world and do not want to spend so much of our time battling each and every little tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat. 

ARTICLE IX: You don't have the right to a job. All of us sure want all of you to have one, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. 

ARTICLE X: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to pursue happiness--which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights." 

DearFellow Martial Artists, 

We are pleased to announce that on September 20th to 23rd2001, we will be hosting a seminar on Matayoshi Kobudo featuring Yoshiaki Gakiya Sensei 8th dan, Kancho of the Kodokan in Naha, Okinawa. The Kodokan is the familial dojo of the Matayoshi family. Also teaching will be Seisho Itokazu 8th Dan, Vice President of the Okinawan KobudoLeague. 

The seminar will be held in Queens, New York and is sponsored by theSeishinkan. The seminar will cover a variety of weapons including Bo, Sai, Tonfa, and Nunchaku. Advanced practitioners will be able to study Iyeku and Nunti. Basics, Kata , Bunkai and partner drills will be covered. 

The seminar will be held over four consecutive days on: 

Thursday 09/20 6PM – 9PM Friday 09/21 9AM – 4PM 



Saturday 09/22 9AM – 5PM 



Sunday 09/23 9AM – 1PM 

The cost of the seminar will be: 4days $175.00 3days $150.00 2days $125.00 1day $100.00 

We are expecting people from all over the world to attend. We have already secured a huge hall to hold the seminar. This is the first of several announcements that will be sent. In the near future we will be sending information on hotels and transportation to and from the New York airports. Those wishing to secure their spot for the seminar can send a check or money order payable to: Okinawan Karate 252-15 Union Turnpike Bellerose, NY 11426 Phone: 718-470-9896 Fax: 718-962-2557 

Anyquestions can be addressed to: 

Michael Calandra Phone : 718-470-9896 Fax :718-962-2557 e-mail : oikddojo@aol.com 

We feel honored to be able to bring in such highlevel sensei from Okinawa and look forward to training together and making new friends. 

Yours in Budo. 

Michael Calandra Kancho Seishinkan 

Copyright 2001 Eastern Arts & Humanities Center, Inc. All rights reserved.