February, 1999 Mailbag
Although I had thought there would not be another reason to use this email group, there
are 2 things which have happened since Rad's death that I would like to share with you.
The first is an acceptance of his poem "Writing in
Water" for the journal POETRY. This is considered by many poets to be the premier
journal (in English), and certainly those who knew Rad as a poet knew that it was the
journal he would have most prized being published by.The acceptance of this poem, which he
sent out in October, was dated on January 7th and the poem was inspired by Keat's epitaph
for himself "here lies one whose name was writ in water". The second thing will
be particularly interesting for the many of you who never knew Rad's passion for and
talent in the uechi-ryu style of karate. He practiced katas and kicks almost every night
before going to bed, and the reason he stopped working out was partly due to pain in an
arthritic toe (caused by sparring) and partly due to Rad's inimitable dislike for no
longer being in top form. It is wonderful to go to www.uechi-ryu.com and click on the
Memorial Site in the Table of Contents. From there, go to the bottom of the memorial page
and click on Rad's memorial sites to read tributes to him from his teacher and students
(thank you George).
I hope that this note finds all of you well. Rena
Remember Miwa?
Dear Mattson Sensei
I have finished my graduation thesis. And I submitted it to the professor.Now I'm waiting
for his evaluation.If he thinks it good,I can graduate in this March.I will try to
translate it in English.Thank you for your help and kindness.Without your help I could not
finish my graduation thesis.
Thank you for informing me that your home page restored.
Miwa Kanazawa
Sensei,
I recently became a brown belt iin Uechi. I don't mean to sound corny, but I seem to be
experiencing a feeling I've never felt in my study of the martial arts.It is a departure
and a return, a strengthening and softening
domo aragoto
R. Chestnut
Great feeling, isn't it! GEM
I am a beginning student with Sensei Julius Scott in Duluth, MN. He informed me that you
brought Uechi Ryu to the United States. I am looking for either a book or video to use as
a reference to refer to when I am practicing at home. I want to make sure I am using the
proper technique when doing a kata or other movement. Can you suggest a book or video
title that I could begin with? Thank you.
Perry Middlemist
Sure can Perry! VidMags # 17, 18, and 19 are a great start to supplement your training. GEM
Hi George,
Thanks for the up date. By the way how do I get on the list of instructors?
Here is my Info. Rick Potrekus 326 North Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, Fl. 33460. 561-582-6573 PB
Shubukan@msn.com I plan on checkin out the info on a
regular basis the site is great.
Rick
Sensei
I am a student of Shudo_Kai Karate and seeking information about a book that was written
by Kanken Toyama Sensei. Do you any knowledge of such a book and if so where one could
obtain a copy or at least review pages from it?
I thank you for whatever information you may have.
Arigato
Dave Cromer
Seattle, Wash.
Anyone know about this book? GEM
Hi Mr. Mattson,
my name is Martin Petre, from Regensburg,Germany.I study Uechi-ryu Karate since autumn
1996 at the Dojo of
Paul Kronschnabl and Helmut Hösl. After the last lesson yesterday, Paul gave me your Book
about Uechi-ryu Karate. I have read the first Chapters and I am very impressed by your
opinion of Karate. As I looked for further writtings about Uechi-ryu , I found the Book
"Secrets of Uechi-ryu Karate by Alan Dollar" at your Homepage. If you could send
me the ISBN - number of this Book, i would be able to order it at my local Bookstore.
Greetings,
Martin Petre
Thanks for the kind words Martin. You can order Alan's book from our site. Go to the books and products page. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson
Could you please send me the dates and times of the 1999 Summer Camp as students need to
organize flights,
accommodation etc. Wishing you all the best for the coming year.
Yours Sincerely
David Shiers (2nd Dan)
PP Sensei Jimmy Walker (4th Dan)
Liverpool
I hope to complete the Camp '99 website by the middle of February. Be watching for
it. GEM
Mattson Sensi,Thank You very much for your time and patience with my questions about
the Superempi video!!I hope to see your web site back up again soon.
My sensi would like to be included in your instructor list...
Darrell Paul Chagnon
Pinehurst,NC
(910)695-7866
My sensi really is a compliment to the Uechi style and the role model that he protrays is
quite incrediable.....I can assure you that if you were to visit that you would be
impressed with all that he does and strives for.
Once again,Thank You
Neal
Dear Sensei Mattson,
I just came across a statement about sitting meditation, that to me seems to be a key
aspect of karate ("moving meditation"): "As in meditation, success is not
so much found in achievement, ... as in untiring striving." from: Davich VN. The best
guide to meditation. Renaissance Books, Los Angeles. 1998. ISBN 1-58063-010-3 pbk.
Cheers,
John.
PS Eight of us Uechi Ryu students spent a total of 7 hours last weekend learning
"Push Hands" from Master Yau-Sun Tong (http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~taiji/) and
his very friendly, helpful Taiji students. Master Tong is a very patient, competent
teacher, and excellent martial artist. Though we were "stiff" initially,
everyone was pleased with our progress. Even this brief exposure left me with the
impression that there is clearly much for Uechi students to learn from Taiji. Naturally,
many years of training would bring far greater benefits, nevertheless, the workshop
(despite gloomy predictions from cyberspace) WAS definitely a worthwhile experience.
Haven't had a chance to look at the forum on energy healing, but just finished a book
by Julie Motz on her work. She has done pre, during and post operative energy healing for
heart transplants, brain surgery and breast cancer patients.
Published last year, the book details her experience at several major hospitals.
Interestingly, she discounts the need for faith. Rather, she feels that emotional
commitment and willingness to experience emotions is essential to health.
A skeptic, her excellent style drew me in. Now, with curiosity piqued, I'm looking for a
practitioner to see for myself.
MFH
Sensei:
I hope that you and Susan are well. I wish you both much happiness, health, peace, and
prosperity in 1999.
I was wondering if you might tell me who will be the kobudo instructor(s) for the tour of
Okinawan master instructors?
Thanks!
John
All the information is posted on the Okinawan Master's Tour page. (find the link at the bottom of the table of contents page.) GEM
Hello Sensei Mattson and Susan,
Greetings from the Nova Scotia crowd....we have been enjoying a virtually snowless winter
here - the other day David and I were out with light jackets sitting in our lawn chairs!
I, for one, would like it to continue - it allows more people to make it to the dojo
safely and class attendance stays up!
I'm very happy to report that we have now established a web page for the 1999 Atlantic
Martial Arts Training Camp
in Halifax and was wondering if you would please post the address somewhere on your site.
You can find us at http://members.tripod.com/karatecamp/ . The site is being updated
regularly as I get more confirmations from guest instructors and more details finalized.
So far, the enthusiasm up here in Canada has been great and students are getting very
excited at the thought of seeing instructors such as yourself and others in our own
backyard. We are honoured that you will be able to join us! We have several links in our
site to yours so that people can read more about Uechiryu and your Martial Arts Festival.
We hope this will be a mutually beneficial way to promote both camps. Please feel free to
make any suggestions or comments regarding the contents of our site - it's our first time
doing something like this and your years of experience and guidance are most welcome!
Feel free to post this note.
Sincerely from up north....Joanne and Dave Hunt
Hello George
Nice to hear from you. These Web sites know how to keep you busy don't they?
I sent you a message just before Christmas . . . However, there seems to have been a
problem with my email with regard to sending messages. There was no indication of a
problem but I have since found out that my messages had not been received. Computers are
like cars. Great when they work and a severe pain in the neck when they don't.
We had a good time working out with Fedele. Getting very confident these days. He even
tried to sweep me!!!! We swapped a few ideas with regard to kanshiwa bunkai. It's a great
tool to work with and to apply advanced techniques to it.
Once again many thanks for your time and effort in all aspects of Uechi Ryu.
Jim Hulse
Fedele had a great time. He is now teaching us some of your great techniques! GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson:
My name is Peter Hanington. I am a Sandan/ Shidoin, and a student of Sensei Neil Dunnigan,
Godan/Shihan, in Edmonton, Alberta,Canada.
I read with interest the email sent to you by "Graham" on the eve of his
shishikyu test, wherein he referred (with proper respect) to Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Smith
as, respectively, his teacher and his teacher's teacher.
I am concerned only with one thing. Apparently Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Smith, nor either of
them, have the samel sense odf respect as their student. He speaks of Mr. Aldridge being a
student of Mr. Smith, who is studied (studies?) with Mr. Kinjo, "...and so on".
The problem is that apparently "Graham" has not been instructed in the true
lineage of his seniors, both of whom attained their Black Belt ranking (John Aldridge to
Shodan, Doug Smith to Sandan) under Sensei Dunnigan. Both of them were my Sempei as I came
up the ranks in Sensei Dunnigan's dojo, and Mr. Smith was, in a very real sense, a role
model for me and others of my rank, and my mentor.
Mr. Smith decided to leave the dojo and set his own course under a new teacher, and in a
different organisation. That , in my view, however should not result in him leaving out of
his lineage reference to his first teacher.
Whatever else we should know about our course as students of Uechi-ryu karate, we should
always have it in mind that in order to know where we are going in this wonderful
tradition, we must always remember where we
have come from. Only in this way will the tradition be born into the future.
Respectfully,
Peter C. Hanington
I agree with you Peter. We should never forget the martial art tradition of being respectful to everyone who helped us along the way. I'm sure the slight was simply an oversight. But thanks for bringing it to our attention. GEM
Hi! I am trying to write an article about a 13 yr old boy who just won the State
Championship in Texas. I have been trying to find some general info about karate and
martial arts to incorporate into my article and I happened upon your website. This website
has given me the most info so far out of the thousands that are out there. My article will
be for young readers, most of whom will know nothing about martial arts. What I am trying
to find out is what the main obective is in martial arts. I know it teaches you to learn
respect and self control. That is the main focus of my article. I am directing it towards
youth who need to "find themselves" and to learn how to direct their energies
positively. I cannot find anything on the Web with simple info such as the color order in
which belts are recieved. If you care to comment (I will probably quote you) or have any
sources you would recommend to me I would be most appreciative. Thanks alot!
Dianna Burows
I guess we assume everyone who visits this site is actively working out with a teacher
or has had basic instruction in one of the martial arts. Perhaps we should address this
area by creating a "beginner" site, where basics can be addressed. Meanwhile, if
anyone can help out here, I'll forward any information to Dianna. GEM
Hi Sensei
Thought I'd say hello after a long time-no see As you probably know, I've been studying
with Buzz Durkin but I have been out for some months trying to get a small business going.
Now just when I'm ready to get back in class, I injure my shoulder snow shovelling. So it
look like I won';t get back for another while. Hope you, your brother John and sister? are
ok Hope to hear from you
Phil Christie
Christie Enterprises
Good to hear from you Phil. For those of you unfamiliar with the name, Phil was the Mattson Academy's PR director during the fantastic days of Cambridge Street. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I'm so glad to hear from you again...I was starting to think you'd dropped me from your
list and was getting ready to write and ask.
I haven't had a survey from you in months.
Are you still doing them? I never go on line I just e-mail...local calls are not free here
and I'm lazy to boot.
Hope you are well.
Best wishes,
Wendi Dragonfire
In case you don't know who Wendi is:
Wendi Dragonfire Sensei, a sixth degree black belt in Shuri-Ryu Okinawan Karate-Do and
a second degree black belt in Modern Arnis Filipino will be presenting a day of seminars
at the Brattleboro School of Budo on Saturday, February 13th.
The schedule is as follows:
When: Saturday 13 February
10:30-11:30 A Seminar for Children on Application of Basic Technique
11:30-12:30 A Seminar for Teen Girls covering Self Defense
2:30-5:30 Adult Seminar covering Application of Basic Technique, Defenses against an
attacker threatening with a knife, and timepermitting, San Chin Kata - the relationship
between tension and relaxation
Cost: $20.00-$35.00 (sliding scale)
Location: Brattleboro School of Budo, in Brattleboro, Vermont
Directions: Take Exit 1 off of I-91 and go left towards Brattleboro proper. At the first
traffic light, take a right, and follow a very curvy road. At the stop sign, turn left,
and at the next stop sign, take a very sharp right onto Cotton Mill Road . As you go down
the hill, you will see the Cotton Mill (a huge 3 story building) on your left. The
Brattleboro
School of Budo is located inside Pam's School of Dance on the 3rd Floor.
Brattleboro is located at the most SE corner of Vermont, just one mile from both NH and
Mass. It is easily reached from Boston, New Haven, NYC and Albany.
For more information about seminar content, contact Wendi Dragonfire at
<wdshuri@molyvos.net>
For more information about logistics, contact Sara Aoyama at <hrabbit@sover.net
Brattleboro School of Budo
Located at Cotton Mill Hill 3rd Floor
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 257-4797
web site: http://members.tripod.come/~Budojo/index.html
PS: Dragonfire will also be doing a seminar for women at Valley Womens
Martial Arts, Northampton, Mass. Feb. 12 1998. For information contact Janet
Aalfs Sensei at: 413 527-0101
To all XpressNet Customers, (Thats us Folks!)
From all the staff at XpressNet, we would like to take this opportunity to thank for your
patience over the last week while XpressNet experienced technical difficulties that
stemmed from the extreme cold weather on January 1st 1999. We apologize for any
inconvenience that this situation may have caused any of our customers. Your continued
support is greatly appreciated.
The problem began on January 1st, when the sprinkler system in our office burst and
showered our entire network. We worked nonstop throughout the day and evening, and brought
the network back up on or about 3:00am. We thought all was well at this point. The system
continued to operate without problems for the next few days. Sometime January 5th, we
experienced a major hardware breakdown that kept us down for a portion of that day, and
lastly another hardware failure on January 7th that kept us down a portion of that day.
All a result from the
water damage on January 1st.
We have learned from the situation and have taken the necessary measures to hopefully
prevent these problems in the future. The system has been tested extensively over the last
few days and it seems to be back to 100 percent.
Again, thank you for your patience and continued support,
Harry Skeffington
President
Jeff Santos
VP Sales & Mktg
Robert Mullaney
VP Finance
Hello, I appreciate your time greatly. I have only one question, it maybe a foolish one
but here it goes. There is a dojo in my area that clams "Even black belts from other
schools that practice the traditional kata need to come to our school to complete their
knowledge.". This style is called Shotokai ko-ryu, is there any truth to this or is
it subject to
interpretation. Thank you for your time and patience. Signed student of Uechi-ryu
What do your really, really think?? GEM
HelloSensei.
It's been quite awhile since I've written to you. I have been reading the forums, and
appreciate your web page.
I wanted to bring you up to date on some changes at our Dojo. (Joyner's Professonal Karate
in Grand Rapids).
Sensei William Keith has joined our staff as head instructor and Dojo Manager. Mr. Keith
has been kind enough to accept me as his student, and Mr. Joyner has encouraged me to
become a direct student of Sensei Keith. We are still associated with the Shoheiryu.
I am still teaching most of the adult classes with other instuctors teaching the childrens
classes due to limitations on my part. (My fulltime job limits my training and classes to
evenings only.)
We are sponsoring a karate tournament on March 13th in Grand Rapids, and have hopes in the
future of expanding this into an all Uechi Ryu Tournament.
Keep up the good work. I hope to be able to join your for your karate camp this summer.
Things are falling into place where I may have enough free time to attend this year.
George Miller
Goodmorning George,
I just read your posting about the site problems. I thought it might be the server
at UNM, but apparently not.
To change the subject: I ran across a posting from '96 that talked about all the
Uechi schools opening up and the various gyrations people were going through to be
certified to teach.
I think I mentioned that I'd started teaching at an elementary school (thus the need
for the liability release). Steve told me years ago that we needed to be
certified, but this is an afterschool program, not a dojo. Steve is supportive of my
activities, but I still feel uncomfortable about it.
I am using the web site to encourage the students to find out more about the system,
but because I'm not certified, I don't formally present myself as a Uechi instructor
(a minor point though, since I tell the children, ages 6-11, that is what they are
learning). Please advise (now that the barn doors are open!).
MFH
Its all boils down to Liability! If you ever get dragged into court, it helps if you have
some kind of "certification" from a reputable organization, showing that you did
due diligence in preparing for what you are doing. Otherwise, you are wide open for
negligence suits. Great subject for the legal forum.
If interested, I'll send you an instructor's certification. I'm assuming Steve has you up
to standards regarding teaching and that you are aware of and agree with the Codes of
conduct/ethics. GEM
Greetings!
In your book, Uechi Ryu Karate Do, you all the katas except sanseirui. Why is that,
and where can I get a description of the kata?
Thank you for your help,
Stephen Connor
Stephen:
Thanks for your note and interesting question. When URKD was written, the seniors agreed
not to publish anything on the most advanced kata, Sanseiryu. We were a bit paranoid that
students under the rank of sandan would try to learn it!!
Aside from that 70s attitude, I don't believe in updating martial art books. Rather, feel
that the old books give a bit of historical perspective that should be preserved for the
newer martial art generations. Instead of publishing another
book on this kata, I've taken the position that the best teaching tool available today is
video. In addition to the "overview" tape, I've just finished filming all the
kata, using professional equipment and editing tools. GEM
Dynamic Integration Training Seminar
This is the second session in a continuing series of Integrated Training Program for the
arts of: KYUSHO - MODERN ARNIS - SMALL CIRCLE JUJITSU
This exciting new concept is designed to bring you into a whole new dimension in your
Martial Arts training. You will learn how to integrate the 3 of the most effective,
adaptive and exciting Arts into one process. You will increase your entering, control and
your ability to incapacitate an opponent. The course will included Weapon Training, Joint
Locks, Takedowns, Controls, Submissions and Pressure Point Attacks. You won't want to miss
this opportunity to fine tune and expand your Martial Arts skills and knowledge. The
seminar will definitely help you understand advanced fighting concepts better and bring
you to a higher level. Due to the space and material that will be presented, we have a
strict limit on the number of participants we will accept. preregistration is highly
recommended.
Saturday February 27th from 1 - 4 pm
at New England Small Circle Jujitsu Academy
2 Merrill Street
Woburn, MA 01801
For more information on seminars:
Call Sensei Ed Melaugh New England Small Circle JuJitsu 781 - 932 - 9366 or
Evan Pantazi (978) 686 - 0025 or email kyusho@erols.com
(special rates for D.K.I. / I.A.F. / S.C.J.I. members)
Directions
From Points North:
Route I-93 S to exit 36 (Montvale Ave). Right off exit.Take 1st Left at the Getty Station.
Left at 1st stop sign. Road bears Right. 1st Left onto Merrill Street. 2nd Building in
rear (2nd floor). From Points South: Route I-93 N to exit 36 (Montvale Ave). Left off
exit. Straight through Lights. Take 1st Left at the Getty Station. Left at 1st stop sign.
Road bears Right. 1st Left onto Merrill Street. 2nd Building in rear (2nd floor).
Thank You for your past support
Evan Pantazi
Greeting Mr. Mattson.
Just a quick note to wish you and everyone a Happy New Year!
I thoroughly enjoy visiting the web site often, and wish I had more time to participate in
the forums.
My email address that you have listed for me in the Instructor List will soon be expiring,
so I wanted to give you an updated email address, and phone number (none currently
listed).
Duane Champoux
San Jose, CA
(408) 532-1880
duane@kinetix.com
Hope to make it to Summer Camp 99.
Best regards,
Duane Champoux
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I seem to remember a listing for a Uechi dojo out near UMass-Amherst. I think it was in
Whateley or Hatfield? I cannot find it on your most current instructor list. Any
information you have would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Donna Abbott
Hello, hope this are well on the coast (things are very cold here on the non-coast). I
just thought you might like to know Dave Lamb's 50th birthday will be coming up February
6th, though you'd never know it by hanging around him! Have a lovely day!
-Matt Cox
Nebraska Clan of Uechi-Ryu
Seem to remember that birthday a long time ago!! :) GEM
Hello,
I am so glad that I am on your mailing list. Sensai Roy Bedard has told what a great time
he had last year. He told me what an approachable person you were. I am one of the
instructors at his school (shodan) down in Tallahassee and he wants me to come with him
this year. I hope I can make it.
I will bookmark your site.
I had a historical question? What were the Uechi's doing during World War 2?
Nice to hear from you (even on mass e-mail)
V/r
Chris
I was recently reading items in your web page's newsletter when I noticed a referral to
"studies" that support the effect of faith on longevity and health. Whenever I
see stories like this I feel obligated to point out the problems with
these kinds of studies and, especially, the way they are reported. To begin with, what has
NEVER been supported by scientific research, and what has in fact been discredited by
scientific research, is the ability of faith ALONE to provide measurable healing benefits.
Faith healing has been demonstrated to be a scam by every objective measure ever applied.
Every year we hear reports of people, especially children, dying unneccessarily because
they were denied modern medical treatment in favor of faith specific practices. What has
been reported recently is the increased survival and improvement in patients of faith who
are undergoing orthodox medical treatments. However, this same effect has been
demonstrated by giving people pills that contain no medication and telling them that they
are powerful antibiotics or pain killers. It is a common effect known as the placebo
effect, and is a demonstration of the
effect the brain can have on the rest of the body. There is no way to seperate this
placebo effect from the "faith effect". Patients THINK they have someone extra
watching over and protecting them, and low and behold they improve faster. The problem is
that these stories are reported as if this effect supported the belief that the patient
has; i.e. that the effect supports the existence of God. This would be the same as saying
that the placebo effect of taking a dummy pill supports the argument that the pill really
contained morphine or some other drug. It doesn't. It supports the notion that positive
attitudes and reduced stress as well as confidence in the treatment are all likely to
increase
treatment effectiveness.
Stuart W. Hazard
Good morning,
. . . We got out of work today due to no electricity. I work at NIST (used to be NBS). The
counties to the south of us must of got hit hard with ice (Marty Dow, Rik Lostritto, and
Don McHoul all live there). It can be over 20 degrees warmer than here just 40 miles to
the south. We will get as much as 10 times the snow but they get more ice. With the
climate apparently getting warmer this is giving us more ice now.
I was reading some of the questions people had sent to you on your web page. Someone had
asked you Kanbun's nickname. I seem to recall reading that it was Sandee. This may be
Chinese (perhaps Fukian dialect) for Uechi I don't remember (I'm getting old timers
disease). There also was a name that meant something like "fool" because he may
have stuttered or had a speech impediment of some type.
Bruce H.
Mattson Sensei:
Greetings from Nova Scotia! I tried to view the clips you indicate are posted in the
"Drills" area on Point of View page.
They would not download as videos. In fact there did not seem to be any clips attached to
those referenced links when I viewed Document Info for the pages. I am running some pretty
up-to-date hardware and software and suspect the problem may lay with the original
posting?
With respect to the "Sigman" thing; I followed the whole discussion on the forum
and was amazed that people will attach such importance to the subtle innuendo that was
exhibited by Mr. Sigman. It seemed obvious that Mr. Sigman had no real interest in
enlightening, only in flattering his own "superior" understanding of the
internal side martial arts. He did not make a genuine attempt to explain his
understanding; meaning either he could not (lacking the language skills?) or would not
(thinking us incapable of understanding?). In any case, someone who cannot or will not
substantiate his point of view should not be taken too seriously. Mr. Sigman may be
wonderfully skilled at Taiji, but he demonstrated an even more remarkable ability to
create rancour. He lit a big fire by shining a very small light.
Your original posting of his correspondence to John Lovas (I was also being copied by
John) was a very small faux pas if any at all. These types of discussions should be
undertaken in the spirit of learning and openness; correspondence should be freely shared
if it holds the possibility of raising or answering important questions. Mr. Sigman's
indignity seemed to relate to his "bad side" being turned up in public rather
than to the issue of breached confidentiality. (Are we to be respectful only in public?)
John Lovas and Mr. Sigman were (are) strangers to each other, not intimate friends sharing
gossip between themselves. John sought only to give his question a broader forum as did
you in posting his correspondence with Mr. Sigman. IMHO, you have little for which to
apologize.
The concern expressed to you by the Kenukai student is unfortunate (the source of the
rumour he cited is not hard to imagine). No one that I know has any disrespect for that
organization or Shinjo Sensei. Those of us from Nova Scotia that were lucky enough to meet
him in San Francisco (Alan Dollar's Golden Gate '98) were very impressed by his karate,
demeanour and students. Our own efforts in those seminars and during the tournament seemed
very well received by the Okinawans. There was never any display of misunderstanding
between Kenukai and SOKE groups. I credit this positive environment, in large measure, to
your efforts to create an open and accepting atmosphere here on the net and in your
travels. On the East coast of North America, you are the "Grandpa Sensei" to
several generations of dedicated Uechi students. As such, your leadership in these matters
is critical and your direction will be followed by many. You have set a very positive
example by demonstrating a rare and thoughtful openness. It should not be marred by petty
egoism on the part of strangers who neither relate to or understand this generosity of
spirit.
Keep up the great work and do not be discouraged by such errant events. You are right to
encourage us to look to other arts to gain an understanding of our Uechi practice and Mr.
Sigman is wrong to suggest such doors are closed to us. I believe you have seen the
commonality of the ultimate destination of many of the different martial arts for some
time (an impression since my first introduction to Uechi-ryu six years ago). One of the
really positive aspects of being associated with this style under your leadership is that
I have never be made to feel guilty about looking to other systems to enhance my
understanding of Uechi. Thanks for that!
Brian Hutchinson
(Student at Dave Hunt's Karate Academy
Bedford, Nova Scotia)
P.S. Looking forward to seeing you in July at Sensei Hunt's Atlantic Martial Arts Training
Camp in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. It should be great event!
Thanks Brian. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson:
I got real excited after reading the recent Dragon Times article on Sanchin Kata. The
author, Harry Cook, suggested that Goju-Ryu and Uechi-Ryu came from Five Ancestor Fist
Kung-fu. I ordered the book immediately and read it in
three days. After reading the book, I would say there are similarities and I think they
may have similar roots but I don't think Pai-Gai-Noon came from Five Ancestor Fist (Wu Chu
Ch'uan or Ngo Chu Kun). If anything it looks more like
Goju-Ryu than Uechi-Ryu. But I have always felt that Uechi-Ryu and Goju-Ryu were sister
styles and I am very interested in trying to trace down their common roots. But since all
three are so similar I feel they must have come
from some common "grandfather" style. They all were influenced by the Fukien
Crane Style but Uechi-Ryu is still unique. One of those unique features is the shoken fist
which is very "Crane Style" but you don't see it much in Goju-Ryu or in the Five
Ancestor Fist style. (The Five Ancestor Fist was mixed with Fukien Monkey Style, and they
have a lot of kneeling techniques that seem to make it unique. But the Crane movements and
Iron Body training are very similar.)
In the Dragon Times article on Sanchin, Mr. Cook, mentions that Chou Tze-Ho(Shu Shiwa)had
two teachers named Chou Pei (from Fukien) and Ko His T'I (from Shantung). Do you what
styles these men taught? Do you know anything else about them? Do you know any one that
knows about them?
Thanks,
Brandon Broderick
Dear Mr. Mattson:
Thanks for the new Suparempi tape, it is great! I wanted to ask what accounted for the
small differences between this one and Simon's version. For example, the end the new kata
has a cool crescent kick/side kick to a sliding elbow
strike, then a tiger claw/hammer fist groin strike ending up with an upset shoken strike.
When Simon did the kata he just did a crescent kick (without the side kick), a couple
various sliding shokens and then did a little 180 jump that looked like the jump in the
"Tiger Comes Down The Mountain" kata. After the knee strike Simon looks like he
does a jump crescent kick while in the new tape it is a jump knee strike. What do you feel
accounts for these differences? Did Simon go back to China and learn the kata a little
better and then return to the summer camp with an updated version of the kata?
The front kicks and the Sanchin stances look much more "Uechi" on the second
tape. It is great the way he explains the kata at the end with the excerpt from you summer
camp.
Do you think this is the lost 4th "Pai Gai Noon" kata? Since Seisan and Sanseiru
start with a left foot I was surprised that Suparempi starts on the right foot. All the
shoken strikes give it a "Uechi" flavor, but on the other hand the Wa-Uke's are
backward at the end of the kata (maybe they are the advanced version?)... Goju-Ryu's
version of Suparempi does have a jump front kick and a spinning crescent kick as well a
double side palm strike. These
moves are similar to Simon's Suparempi... make's you wonder doesn't it?
Thanks again and sorry for all the questions, I am just an inquisitive person... I like to
know and know why I do something.
Brandon~~~
Great questions for the forums! GEM
Hi! Thank you so much for the info - especially the activities and events. I will post
this at the dojo - several have asked about camp and the tournament. Please send
registration forms when they become available. Thanks. xox BARB
Will do! GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson:
I would like to interview you for a book I am writing on martial arts history in America.
My book will cover the 60s tournaments, the fighters, and their instructors.
We would talk by phone (I live in Mesquite, Texas). When would be a convenient time for
you to talk?
Thanks,
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Now this should be an interesting book!!! GEM
Sensei George,
Excellent web site. This is a useless E-mail to you but I thought I wouldcongratulate you
on an excellent web site. Even though I have "retired" from the art since 1976,
I go on the site to check out what is happening.
By the way, I think the memorial is a great tribute to Al Ford, Mike Deluty and the
others. Maybe you can have a more entertaining section also entitled "what ever
happened to -----". I have been wondering about . . .guys like Moto Yamakura and
Marty Goldman. Moto and of course Bob Campbell were my Uechi Ryu teachers.
Good luck to you, Uechi-Ryu and the web site!
Andy Thom
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I just created an online Uechi club at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/uechiryuiswhatwedo and
I invite all karateka
to come and join.
Rachel Abbott
Bonjour Mr. Mattson's
I hope that life is good for you and your love one. sorry to bother you, but I have a
question regarding your tape #012 (65 Japan visit)
in that video there is a gentlemen doing what it appear to be a Goju-ryu version of
Shisochin and later one a other gentlemen doing Higaonna sanchin
do you by any chance remember the name ot those gentlemen's
thank you for you time
Yves Lavigne
Varennes, Quebec, Canada
That was taken during our Seigo Tada portion of the trip. Sensei Tada claims to
have studied goju under Miagi Chojin. GEM
I noticed that you said your server was down for a while. Also, in that message, it
seemed one of the forum topics might have been "Can Uechi Practitioners Benefit From
Push Hands." I get to do a little push hands every other week or so. I am no expert,
but if you think it appropriate, I can comment. I think it helps me.
I also just wanted your opinion regarding the "roots" of the Uechi system. From
just sampling the materials people are sending, some appear to think it may have been a
system that existed in china, but evolved there into something
not recognizable as having the same roots. Since you were in China, who would be better to
ask?
It also seems possible that a Suparempe for the system: a: did not exist b. did exist but
Grandmaster Kanbun was not taught it c. did exist and Mastr Kanbun did learn it and
elected not to pass it along or did not get the opportunity to do so. Also, if the form
did exist as in b. or c.----the one on the tapes may be it, but possibly evolved since
Master Kanbun's time.
If you have time, or if on your website you may have thoughts, let me know. Of
course I recognize that the answer may still be "I am not sure but...". However,
it is your opinion that would seem the most informed.
Have you ever had the oppotunity to practice the various forms of push hands. There are at
least 3 basic types I have "played with" and "moving" forms which I
have seen and done very very little of.
John
More from John:
The push hands I am currently working on is called "four corners" push hands.
In it the "Players" practice four of the eight "forces" of Tai
Chi=Push, Press (offensive) Ward Off, Neutralize (Defensive).
We have been working on it every week. Nothing is sacred, of course, but some things are
different. This teaches (or in my case attempts to teach) the player to evade by
redirection and to lightly (light is hard for me and I suppose for other Uechi People)
sense someone's every move.
"It was said" that Yang Cheng Fu (T.C.'s equivalent to Grandmaster Kanbun) could
hold a wild bird in the palm of his has and it could not fly away. Every time the bird
would attempt to push down to assist his takeoff, Master Yang
would sense it and relax his hand out from under the potential Avian escapee, and it could
not take off.
My Tai Chi nickname is "Limping Ox". But I have fun.
I'll pop onto your site and look for Mr. Glasheens forum.
Thanks/
J.
Bill Glasheen's forum has been dealing with the subject of "push hands".
Fascinating! I've played around with different versions of my own, derived from our own
'arm rubbing" exercises. Nothing sacred about these drills. . . just
tools.
Re history of Uechi: The Chinese treat the martial arts much like we treat our sports.
Less emphasis on styles than with individual accomplishments. How many people question
Michael Jordan's 'style" of basketball?
I've been editing and reviewing the tapes of our '84 China trip, which are quite valuable
regarding our history. I forgot how much we accomplished on this trip. .. sort of filed
the whole trip away for future reference. What I'm getting from the tapes is that
Superempi and other forms are part of what Kanbun studied. Listen to the audio tape exerp
I've posted on "ViewPoint" for details.
You have lots of good questions you should share with the group. The forums are the place
to 'jog' memories and document what people know that might relate to what is important to
you. I will jump in where appropriate with my recollections. GEM
Sensei Mattson:
I have posted this both on Sensei Campbell's forum and on Steve's history forum, but
wanted to also get it to you directly.
I am reading the book "The Power of Internal Martial Arts" by Bruce Kumar
Frantzis. On page 48 he has a brief discussion of Sanchin stance. There is a foot note at
the bottom of the page that reads:
" Tai Tzu , which also uses a variation of the Three-War stance, is another Southern
Shaolin style from Fukien province, and is also the source of the Okinawan Uechi Ryu
karate."
Have you heard of Tai Tzu? If so would you please tell us what you know?
Thanks,
Rick
I'm not familiar with the Tai Tzu system. Best bet is posting the question on the
Forums. GEM
P.S. If all goes well I will have my flights booked and a M.O. for the
camp off to you beginning of next week.
I don't get on the web much but was poking around and realized how long it has been
since I've spoken to you or Susan. The site is very interesting.
Life in Florida (West Palm Beach) is wonderful, my husband John, two boys, Noah, age 3 and
Nathan, age 2 keep me occupied full time, never mind my full time job! I have finally
begun to recover from a broken kneecap last year
(long story, not karate related) and will hopefully find some time to begin training
again. It is so hard with the kids though...
I plan to be at the New England Open this year, last year was the first year in 17 that I
missed. Hope to see you and Susan there.
Fondly,
Dvora Lange Callahan
(in case you know another Dvora)
dvora_callahan@ml.com
George:
Thank you for keeping me in touch through the forum. I hope things are going well for you
and Susan.
Uechi is still very much a part of me and I still practice my kata regularly.
Unfortunately, my schedule during the week and on weekends (kids activities) leave little
room for formal classes. I would like to go at least once per week, perhaps in the
evening. I understand Steve Diorio is teaching in Wellesley a couple of evenings per week.
Do you have any other ideas?
I hope to see you some time soon.
Regards,
Justin Testa
Dear George:
Please feel free to include me in your instructors directory, which is very informative
and helpful. Many students who have relocated over the years have asked about Uechi/Shohei
ryu instructors else where. This is an excellent
resource, which I was unaware of until now.
Thanks!
Best wishes in the New Year,
Dan Rinchuse, Godan
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
(724) 832-7121
E-mail: drinchuse@aol.com
I'll get to it this week. Sorry for the oversight. I don't spend lots of time on the Instructor's page, so if you don't let me know about your dojo, it won't get posted. GEM
Hi George,
I don't know how I got your E-mail, maybe by mistake, but it was nice to hear from a
fellow Bostonian (even though you are from Brockton). I read it and it was very
interesting and I'm going to spread the word throughout our organization about the Chats.
I hope you will consider joining our organization: United States Martial Arts Association,
which is uniting all of the Budo and Martial Arts in the world. We now have about 200
different disciplines and are uniting in friendship many Sensei, Soke and Instructors from
many diversified cultural backgrounds.
We hope you will consider this concept and join us.
As an old Bostonian and Sensei myself, I am enjoying the fruits of our work.
I will send you out a package delineating the many aspects of our organization.
Nice to hear from you and hope to hear from you again.
Ka mo shiremasen Kami desu to issho ni anata,
Anata no ichiban kenson na meshitsukai
Takai Aoi Washi
Bill-san,
Col. William Connolly, Ph.D.
USMA Financial and Operations Director
Mr. Mattson,
Hope the New Years finds you happy and healthy! Sorry for not corressponding as of late,
its one of those things that I have been meaning to do (sorry to be so cliché!)
How are things going for you and your association. . . .
. . .I think I will be visiting the Atlantic Training Camp this summer. Sorry to not have
made it out to yours, Its getting to be quite huge from what I can see. The other day
David Mott was in town doing a Jazz gig so I went to se him perform. He's very talented! I
bump into Jim Maloney once in a while as I work for a national native organization.
Been to Okinawa a couple of times since I last saw you, I have also had my instructor here
as well.
All the best, I hope to get together sometime again soon. Summers are difficult though. My
wife seems amenable to going to Cape Cod. Then I mention "that's great, I can kill
two birds with one stone..."
"Uh what exactly to you mean by THAT!" I get the look.
You know I can't remember the last time I haven't used my holidays for something else
other than it being karate-related. That's not a point I wish to bring up. Don't get me
wrong though, she is supportive of what
I do, I have to be reasonable though :-(
All the best,
Steven Radulovich
I know what you mean Steve. Hope to see you at both camps. GEM
Attached is a Word file I created that I thought you might wish to post. I created this
by writing each little "tip" I was taught in class down in a notebook after
class. Thought it might be helpful for other new students.
Mason.
I'll post your article in our "Articles" section. Mason'. Thanks: GEM
Sensei Matson,
During a recent belt test (my sankyu test), Sensei Warren Macy told me that I was
"working too hard at
breathing" during kata, and that I need to work on more natural breathing.
My own sensei, Greg Brown, has explained breathing to me before, but the actual
application seems to
be just a bit beyond my grasp. I've been thinking/working on this for some time now, and
just don't get
it.
Could you perhaps provide another slant on the subject? I think perhaps another approach
may help me
figure it out.
Thanks in advance,
Mike Siegel ki6pr@elite.net
Brown's Martial Arts
Mercen Kenyukai
Your Sensei is absolutely correct. I use the following technique to teach newer
students proper breathing and muscle control: Lay on your back and raise your legs
off the floor six inches. (keep them straight) Then carry on a conversation in a natural
voice, without straining. Notice that your stomach muscles are flexed, yet your inner body
is "soft". Translate this into your Sanchin.
Now the pattern of breathing.... Exhale first, then allow air to enter nose. . . is a bit
more complicated. If you wish more details, I have a two hour video (VidMag #17 Basics)
that addresses this in much detail.
Hope this helps. GEM
ps. Why don't you post your question on one of the Forums? Bet you would get lots of
suggestions.
Hello Mr. Mattson. My name is John Heiman and am interested in learning Uechi-ryu Karate.
Unfortunately, I am having a difficult time finding a person that teaches this type of
martial arts in the Kansas City, Missouri area. I've looked around on the net and in local
publishings but to no avail. Possibly you could offer some help. Any help would be greatly
appreciated.
Thanks,
John Heiman
Dear Sirs,
I ordered one book Uechi ryu karate do from you and I also receieved it last week. Thank
you.
I paid it via mastercard but on master card there is selling place: G&S consulting and
I am wondering if you cooperate with G&S consulting. Because if you are not, there is
something wrong. G&S consulting charged me 40$.
My book was sent on 30th of december 1998 (US post).
Best regards, Peter
G&S Consulting Company processes the credit card orders for Peabody Publishing Company. Although this notice is posted on the Books and Products page, not everyone sees it. We get this question at least once a week! Sorry for the confusion. GEM
Hi George -
I read your article on http://uechi-ryu.com/whatsnw7.htm
with interest. I'm particularly interested in Terry Dukes and his documented history of
'Mushindo', having read his book 'Bodhisattva Warriors'. Is it really all only from his
fertile imagination and reading 'The Way of Karate'? If there is any more you can tell me
about this I would be most grateful. Thanks in anticipation. Yours,
Rupert Alison
Oxford University
UK
I've run into Terry a couple of times since he created Mushindo. I wish he would turn
his talents into something not based on a lie! More on this subject in the Forums. GEM
Hello George -
and thanks for your prompt reply. I am an ex-student of Dukes' Mushindokai organisation,
in which I studied for about 5 years, getting to green belt. I took on face value what he
said about history, and never actually investigated it for myself. What he always said was
that *everyone else* invented their histories, and he himself was unpopular because having
not done this he was in a position to uncover other people's deceits, which he said he had
frequently done in the past. Is this just one of those areas where everyone accuses
everyone else of having made it up, and unless you do years of personal research yourself
you will never know whom to believe?
Thanks again,
Rupert Alison
More about Terry. . .
Hi George, and thanks for your additional posting.
Just to say, I looked up some of my old notes from one time when Terry was giving a talk
about 'the old days' His story went something like this:
You offered him a 5th Dan if he would be your 'man in the UK' for Uechi ryu. He declined,
so later you offered one of his students a 2nd Dan to take that same position, and whoever
it was accepted it. He reckons 'The Way of Karate' is a good book, but that modern-day
uechi-ryu has fallen from the standards espoused within it. He reckons he can't have made
his story up, because if he had, how would he be able to go around the country giving
talks to learned Buddhists about Buddhism.
And that was about it.
Sound familiar?
Thanks,
Rupert
Since I was only a fourth dan at the time, I was quite generous, wasn't I!!!:) GEM
Dear Mr G.Mattson,I would like to put my Dojo on your list.I have been training in Uechi
Ryu since 1977 .I have my sandan. I teach in Queenland Australia.I teach at the
Landsborough Sport Club in Landsborough.My phone number is 0754941684.I would like to chat
to you one day.My e-mail address is ray9@bigpond.com
RAY GARDINER"
I live in East Cobb county, a suburb North of Atlanta, Georgia, zip code 30062.
Are there any instructors close to me? My 11 year old son would like to start
learning uechi-ryu. I first learned uechi-ryu 20+ years ago in St Louis and really
enjoyed it. Thanks
Jim Walker
Jim:
Thanks for your note. Have you checked the Instructor/dojo listing on the
Uechi web?
"http://uechi-ryu.com"
click on "Instructor List" for a complete Uechi instructor directory. I
believe Bruce Hirobiashi is closest. Let me know if you have any problem contacting him.GEM
Mr. Mattson:
Thanks for your prompt reply to my E-Mail. I had searched the instructor list and found
Mr. Hirobiashi. I sent him an E-Mail but have not received a reply. His address per the
instructor list is Lawrenceville, Ga.Lawrenceville, Ga is an hour from me on a good day.
The problem is, there aren't many good days for Atlanta traffic.
Jim Walker
Happy New Year George and Susan!
Hope this last year of the old millenium will be great for you both. I just got back last
night from three weeks in Hong Kong. This is the reason for my delay in reponding.
I would be honored to have my book offered on the Uechi site. Should I arrange this with
my publisher or should you contact them directly? Please advice.
1999 - Now is the Time!
Best, Larry Tan
Mr. Mattson,
Hello, my name is Ronnie Myers. I just filled out your form for attending the seminar in
Boston for May 9 and when I submitted the information, it told me that I just signed up
for the seminars in Atlanta even though I was on the Boston page. I just wanted you to
know that it is the Boston seminars I plan to attend and not the one in Atlanta. Me and
some of my friends will be driving down to Boston from Prince Edward Island, Canada to
attend.
I was also wondering if there was a picture on one of the web sites showing what the
T-shirts looked like. Do the T-shirts have to be ordered in advance or will there be
extras available on the day of the seminar?
Thanks for the info and your time,
Ronnie Myers
Dear Sensei,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Sensei, I like to now if you have any student in my
Country who represent you here. If you have some information about your activities for
this year, please let me now.
Thank you very much for the picture in your On Line Magazine. I wait for your answer.
Sincerelly yours,
Gustavo Gondra, Uechi Ryu Shobukai
* Most women are always ready to listen to both sides of any marital dispute --
as long as it's someone else's.
- - - - -
* Probably the best ten years of any woman's life comes between the ages of twenty-eight
and thirty.
- - - - -
* Tell ya what -- any man who sez he can "see right through women" is missing an
awful lot !
- - - - -
* One thing I do know about women -- their "final decision" is not necessarily
the one they make later.
- - - - -
* Some women, like Mrs Jim Jr, are compulsive shoppers. This week while we were
snowed/iced in at home, she actually started to make me offers on my Christmas presents.
- - - - -
* Speaking of shopping (I was) a lot of the women I know are really quite magnetic. Seems
like just about everything they "pick-up", they charge.
- - - - -
* Women have conditioned reflexes that men don't. For example the first thing a woman
usually grabs when the phone rings is a chair.
- - - - -
* According to one woman friend of mine, to be a woman is something so frustrating, so
strange, so confusing, so
complicated and so full of conflicting emotions, only a woman could do it.
Compliments of Mike Cleven[seems to need to be sung to Gilbert & Sullivan.....]
If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port,
and the bus is interrupted as a very last resort,
and the address of the memory makes your floppy disk abort,
then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.
If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,
and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash,
and your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash,
then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!
If the label on the cable on the table at your house
says the network is connected to the button on your mouse,
but your packets want to tunnel on another protocol,
that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall,
and your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss,
so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse,
then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang,
'cause as sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang!
When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy on the disk,
and the microcode instructions cause unnecessary risk,
then you have to flash your memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM.
Quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom.