January,
2001
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 |
Note II: Sorry to be late with the January Mailbag. Unfortunately, due to a computer problem, I had to reformat my hard drive and due to carelessness on my part, I lost my entire address book and all mail! I spent a day backing up all my files. However, due to the fact that Microsoft Outlook hides all of their programs in obscure files, with cryptic file names, I overlooked all the Outlook files in the backup.
So. . . Gone are over 500 e-mail messages that I had not answered and/or were in the "Mailbag" folder. . .
Why mention this? Well, in case you sent me an e-mail and haven't received an answer, please resend your letter. Have a wonderful New Year. . . GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson,
As you know, Sensei Aceto and Jayne Kramer visited me and my folks in Ljubljana, Slovenia. While they were here, we visited three dojos in the area. Milan Lukic's dojo where I train on a regular basis and also Davor Lovincic's dojo only two blocks from where I live. Sensei Lovincic trained with you in the early 70's at your dojo on Washington Street. He shared some great pictures of the whole crew back in those days, including Sensei Campbell who was my first teacher at Lasalle College. We also went to Kranj, about 20 miles north of Ljubljana for an evening's workout. My dad took the pictures with Sensei Prasnikar's digital camera. I thought you would enjoy viewing them.
I hope to see you at the summer camp if I can afford to come.
Best to you and a special hello to Sensei Canna who I had the honor of working with on Wednesday nights at the hut. Sincerely, Peter Verovsek
Click on the home page for KKK - Karate Klub Kranj. Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements. Enjoy!
http://titan.fov.uni-mb.si/shohei/
check under What's New - visit from the States
Good afternoon Mr. Mattson
My name is Steven Dami. I once was a student of Stephen Morgan in Tilton NH. I enjoyed his classes very much and learned a great deal about the history of Uechi-Ryu. I have been away from the study for over two years, with the exception of practicing the 1st kata on occasion. I recently decided to return, and was disappointed to discover Mr. Morgan's school has been moved and I cannot locate it. I had stayed in touch with him until about 6 months ago, at which time he was living in Hill NH. Now I cannot find him. Can you tell me if he has an active dojo?
Hi Steven:
As you may have heard, I've lost my entire address book. Hopefully Mr. Morgan will read this and contact me. GEM
The Makoto Martial Arts Center will sponsor a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar on February 12 from 6 to 9pm. The cost is $60 per person.
If interested, please reserve a spot by calling 518-456-4300. The class size will be limited to 20+/-.
Mark
Could you please send me an application for this years tournament. My address is as follows:
Brandon Blake
(address withheld)
I've received quite a few e-mail, requesting applications for our Uechi Championships. I'm planning a general mailing in mid February, which will include a Summercamp and Karate Championship applications. Since I lost all my previous e-mail requests, please resend your addresses. GEM
Dear Mr. Matson, Please excuse me if I am not greeting you properly. I had written to you previously to express my thanks for bringing Uechi Ryu to the U.S. In the last month I have begun researching the history of Uechi Ryu and kempo karate trying to make some sense out of where it all came from. As I progress in the kempo style I am amazed at the things that come back to me from my study of Uechi Ryu. I have also begun studying Hsing I under Jack Redmond as well as Kempo karate. Mr. Redmond is amazed at the focus and power I have as a result of my Uechi Ryu training. He is also sponsoring seminars in boxing, jui jitsu, and tai chi chaun as well as other techniques to broaden our repertoire and knowledge of the various styles of the arts. I had purchased both of your books many years ago. I know it would have been almost impossible and probably unreasonable to include many of the advanced techniques in your books. I have not been able to remember the kumites since it has been over 20 years since I practiced Uechi Ryu. I also understand that you went to china to research the roots of uechi ryu. I would appreciate any information you can give me about your results and where I might be able to find materials I could review to go over some of the materiel I have forgotten. Sincerely Neal Ochs
Hi Neal: Since I lost my email and address book in a computer crash, I'm not sure if I answered this letter or not.
I thank you for your letter and recommend that you check out the website for all kinds of information regarding my trips to China and information learned during those visits.
We also have a number of interactive Forums, where discussions take place regarding Uechi-ryu and it's history. Please check them out and get involved.
Stay in touch, George Mattson
Hello all! I am back on, spending the 4th night in the new house and David just got this thing set up for me. If you have a choice of moving or staying,,,,,STAY!! lol. What a job. The kids have been working every day, all day moving and setting up. The house is beautiful and we will get totally settled in before long. Wanted to let you know I'm back in action. Bill Bauknecht
Hey Bill. . . You are like that Dharuma Doll. . . Knock it down 7 times, it bounces up 8 times! Good to hear that you are feeling well and have moved into your new Dream House! See you soon. GEM
I would be very interested if you could recommend some books on kyusho jutsu to me. I have been studying martial arts for 5 to 6 years now and only recently
recognized the importance of kyusho jutsu.
Regards
Joe Watson.
Check out Evan Pantazi's Forum for the very best Kyusho information. If you drop him a note, I'm sure he will give you a list of the best books to purchase. GEM