January,
2002
Mailbag
| Note: In the course of a month I get
literally thousands of e-mail. I don't normally place correspondence in the
"Mailbag" that are either labeled "personal" or contain information of
a personal nature. As I read and answer mail, if I find a letter that I find interesting,
amusing, topical or educational, it gets filed in my "mailbag" for future use in
this feature. I try to edit out any personal information like addresses or telephone
numbers, unless the writer specifically requests that I publish it. I welcome all e-mail and will answer everyone in as timely a manner as possible. Don't be surprised if you find (or don't find) your message in this section. However, if you are concerned about your letter finding its way into the "Mailbag", simply include in the header or at the beginning of message "personal" and I will honor your request. GEM |
Subject: visit to Gainesville
Dear Sensei Mattson:
Please visit us in Gainesville, Florida if you have time. Any of your instructors/students are more than welcome to come down here and train with us. We are a few hours southeast of Tallahassee. Our student base is about 120 and we teach both karate and jujitsu. Let me know if you can make it.....we would love to see you.
Mike Black
Shorinji-ryu Renshinkan (formerly from the Boston area)
Good to hear from you again Mike. I do remember you from the "good 'ol days" of karate. I'll pass along your message to my gang. I'm sure they will be happy to hear that you are still active and willing to work out with visitors.
I'll be sure to look you up when I'm next in Florida. GEM
Hello,
Seeing how the new year is approaching I got to thinking about how that tomorrow it's been almost exactly a year since I started Uechi. I thought about my progress (even though to me the only thing I have learned is how much I don't know.) Yes, I have learned Sanchin-Seisan, but as I think of this I always stumble first to seisan and the work that that needs, and then mainly to Sanchin.
My father has taught me every kata, including Sanchin. I remember when he taught me every kata, but sanchin. I don't remember How he taught me sanchin, only a vague remembrance of him saying to do it 3 times a day as a minimum. Other than that all I remember is doing Sanchins, and lots of them, I would do 10-25 Sanchins a day, each time checking arms positioning in mirrors and stance and by the time my father would come I would ask him many questions about sanchin (Now I usually will do 5-10 sanchins and 5-10 Seisans and 2-3 of the other katas I know).
I don't think I even realized there were any other katas and I don't think I knew anything about Uechi-Ryu including its name, but that was a good thing because then I wouldn't start wanting to do Kanshiwa because I didn't know it existed. I guess in this manner Ignorance is bliss, I could truly do sanchin for a day and not even think about doing anything else. Anyway (I apologize for that being so long), I used to look at your first book and the time tables for sanchin and would always want to do the entire 3 year thing, no matter the time.
So I now pose this question to you, I have decided that for the next 3 months I will work on just the opening thrusts then the movement into sanchin and then the first thrust. Heres the question: Will this hamper my training? At summercamp I remember Tomoyose Sensei speaking of how things were different back when he taught you, and how sanchin is taught much faster now. He also said that both ways are different and each way has its own good effects and bad effects. So what would some bad effects of doing this be? Once again I apologize for the length of this. If it takes a while in responding I understand.
David
P.S. I noticed that on uechi-ryu.com they are selling weighted jars and am wondering if there are any that would work for a 14-15 year old? Thank you.
David: In the days Kanbun trained, students did not begin their
instruction until their bodies were fully developed. Although in later years,
Kanbun made exceptions to this rule, his manner of training was not as intense
as for an adult. I would suggest that the use of weighted jars not be used until
your body has had a chance to more fully develop. Although there is nothing
wrong with performing multiple kata, practice more for accuracy, timing and
technique than for power and speed. Again. . . be patient. . . remember that you are the master of your destiny. Just be careful not to overdo any part of your training. Moderation in everything is especially important in Uechi-ryu.
At your age, I would be very careful not to emphasize any drill or exercise that placed too much stress on any part of the body. Training for 3 months in just one thrust might be a bit excessive. Remember that in old China, the teacher might have spent only 10 minutes with a
student, watching him perform that one thrust. Then he might have spent time working on other non-physical discussions, stories, etc. that helped shape the mind of the student.
It is dangerous to speculate on how/what the teachers did 200 years ago. Best to train with a teacher who understands his Uechi-ryu and has a good handle on how to advance his students. The book is more about the history of Uechi development, not a primer on self teaching.
Enjoy your training. . . don't become obsessed with the ritual or history of what you are doing. . .
GEM
Hi my name is Kim . . . and I attended summer camp 2000. I am traveling to Japan and I am wondering if there are any dojo's in the Kyoto area? Thanks for any info you might have, and Happy New Year !
Kim
=====================
Hello Kim san,
I am a head instructor of the Okinawa Karate-Do association(Shohei-Ryu) Tokyo branch. I got an e-mail about your trip around Kyoto from Mr.George Mattson sensei. I know you should like to find some Uechi-Ryu(Shohei-Ryu) dojo in Kyoto. We have a Dojo in Kyoto of course, and you could joint the class. The instructor of Kyoto dojo is my student, Mr.Hiroki Tadokoro.
His e-mailadress; spirit@d6.dion.ne.jp
. . . His class; Sat(10:00-12:00) Dojo's place; 20min by Taxi from Kyoto Station
If you hope to joint his class, please e-mail to Mr.Hiroki Tadokoro before coming to Japan, and please let him know about the hotel in Kyoto
which you will stay and the date you will be there. He can speak English a little, so it will be better for you to contact by e-mail. Have a nice trip to Japan and Kyoto! Best wishes
Keisuke Fujimoto
Head instructor of Okikukai
Tokyo, Japan
I've been getting quite a lot of mail from people visiting Japan and looking for dojo. As this letter makes clear, there are very friendly teachers in Japan, willing to accommodate visiting students. GEM
Hi!!!
I'm excited because I have found a picture taken of my father at the completion of his black belt test (sorry about the bombardment!) Anyways, Louis Hopper is to the far left, Clay Hickey is to the right of my father, and dad's the one beaming in the middle!!! I'm sorry, but I don't know what you look like but you could see if you were there!!! Anyways, I hope this may help even a bit more!!! Thanks for accepting my bombardments again!!!
~
Angela Henderson
Hello,
Congratulations on such a thought-provoking forum. It is very brave and honest of you to broach such contentious topics!
May I clarify a few terms frequently used? Does " chemical cocktail " refer to the adrenalin rush in a " fight or flight " situation? Do " gross motor movements " imply simple/basic techniques applicable in the above circumstances? Could you please explain " TC " concepts or perhaps refer me to an explanation on the website? Finally, considering the above points, which techniques from the Uechi syllabus do you emphasize in your training?
I realize that I am asking a lot of questions. I would be very grateful indeed if you could find the time to reply.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Yours,
Kevin Balwako
Many thanks for your questions and comments Kevin. However, I believe you
would be better off posting them directly to Van Canna's Forum, where these
things are discussed in much detail and by the experts. GEM
 |
 |
HI SENSEIń
PICTURES YOU TRIP FOR ARGENTINA
BEST
CARLOS
Sensei Mattson,
The Beacon Hill Karate Academy has its own URL now!
http://www.beaconhillkarate.com/
Could you change the link on the instructors page? Thank you!
-Jon Lee
All set Jon. GEM
Greetings.
My name is Dean Madonia. I am a Uechi Ryu Shodan in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I studied with Bill and Robert Keith for a number of years.
. . Soon after achieving the rank of black belt I was in a serious car accident that resulted in a permanent injury to my wrist. When the pins were removed, My doctor told me that I would be a fool to continue Karate ( I make my living as a musician).
. .
I am soon moving to Nashville, and I am wondering if you know of a good instructor there who might overlook my wrist handicap and allow me to continue my training? Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Dean
Greetings all,
20 years ago I studied under Sensi Maloney in Lower Sackville. I currently live a short drive west of Ottawa (Canada). I am wondering if there is an estblished dojo near me. If, not does anyone know of any current or former Uechi-Ryu practioner that would like a workout partner.
Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Denis
Denis L. Cauvier, Ph.D., M.B.A., B.Comm. Professional Speaker/Trainer/Consultant/Author North America's Top Speaker On: "Finding & Keeping Great Staff" Awarded Can*Speak 1998 "Consummate Speaker"
175 Charles Street Arnprior, ON Canada K7S 3V5 Phone & Fax: 1-613-623-5656 http://www.deniscauvier.com
Any other Uechi practitioners in Ottawa? GEM
Hi george I was on the internet came across your site and was happy to see that you are still teaching karate. I was a student of yours in 1959-1960. I would like to take this
opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday and a great New year. Oliver G. Smith
Hi Oliver... Good to hear from you. Do you have any old pictures of yourself? Did you study on columbus ave or Cambridge
st? Stay in touch... Best, GEM
Subject: westernization of martial arts
I am doing a school work study on the westernization of martial arts in the past 50 years. Do you have any material or contacts that may be of use to me. My e-mail is tobs1000@hotmail.com Many thanks in advance, Toby Knott.
Lots of relevant material on our Forums. Go to http://uechi-ryu.com and click on Forums. Check out Van Canna's "Realities of Self Defense". GEM.
Subject: Looking for lost friends
Hello Sensei Mattson,,
My name is Chester Collier, and I studied under Jim Maloney back when he had his school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and with Bob Yogis in Aurora, Ontario years later. I currently live in Montreal, Canada, and recently became active again in Martial Arts. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate any Uechi-Ryu dojos in Quebec, so I am currently studying another style. (Oyama Karate). Although there are some
similarities, there are also many differences.
Would you be able to help me with the following 2 questions?
1) is there a Uechi shool in the Montreal area? I have tried but have been unsuccessful
in locating one. 2) Is there a directory where I can find e-mail addresses of Jim and any of the students who have studied with him or opened other dojos.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Chester Collier
Hi Chester:
I don't think we have any dojo in Montreal, but I know there are a few Uechi practitioners there. I've received a number of inquiries, such as yours over the years.
Jim doesn't have email and he isn't on the internet. He spends all his time moving from job to job. You might try to reach him at
...., which is the last email address I have for his company.
Lots of Jim's old students participate on the Uechi forums. You can participate in these forums by going to
http://uechi-ryu.com and click on "forums". You will recognize "Laird" and others, who are regulars there.
You have to register to respond to topics or to create new ones. The process is easy and the directions are on the forum's page.
Good luck and stay in luck. GEM
George:
Thank you for the e-mail...I hope I didn't sound vain but I hope the point of repetition in kata and kumite can give confidence to others. In pitching, we are told to remember the 4c's of pitching 1.Confidence
2.Control
3.Consistency
4.Concentration
Sounds like it would come in handy in the art of karate, eh? Have a safe and wonderful trip to Florida My best to Sue,
Thank you George,
Lenny
Thanks to the former Met's pitcher for his insightful thoughts. GEM
Hi I am one of Bram Frank's Instructors and teach about 30 students in the UK We have sporadically been buying gunting trainers and live blades from
various vendors. Are you still doing a special offer on the two knives together and what sort of costs do you think the shipping would be to London?
Hope you can help
regards
Darren Davies CSSD/SC UK London Instructor
Thanks for the inquiry Darren and opportunity to get a "plug" in for Bram's fantastic Gunting and "Trainer". I'll get back to you with shipping costs this week. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson and Susan, I hope you are both doing great for the start of 2002. I am spending a great deal of time on your site tonight, as I have been without my computer for the past four and a half months. So, it's exiting to be able to sift through all of the forum articles and what not, again! I have just retired from 20 yrs in the Canadian Military. Myself, my Wife and two daughters have moved from the Maritimes to settle in my Wife's home town of Chilliwack, British Columbia. It's really nice to know we are finally settling down. Our new home is just a 30 min drive from Sensei Maloney's location. I am now in the process of preparing to open a new Uechi School here in Chilliwack. I'll sure miss all of my Uechi friends in Nova Scotia, but through events like your summer camps, we'll be able to get together from time to time. I would like to get your Instructor listing, with Paul Porter and Barry Gower changed to just Paul's name please. His club is doing great, with 75 regular students. I would like to get a new listing put in for myself, under the following address please:
Barry Gower Phone: (604)858-5194
Thanks very much and take care.
Barry Gower Yondan