June, 2003 Mailbag

Looking For Uechi-ryu dojo/people:

Hi George,

Congratulations! The Tourney was a great success! The Sports dome is an excellent facility.

On another note:

Do we have any Uechi Schools in Minnesota? I have a young student who is moving to Rochester, MN this summer. 

Thank You,

Steve

Hello, I have recently moved from Alberta, Canada to Houston, Texas and am trying to find a uechi ryu dojo where I can continue my karate training. This is proving to be very difficult for me and I am wondering if you know of any schools in the Houston area or have any tips on how to find one? So far I have only used the internet, but have not found a school dedicated to teaching uechi ryu karate. Your reply would be much appreciated. Thank you. Nyla Linklater

Dear Mattson Sensei,

Hello from Nagahama, looks like a typhoon may be heading our way this weekend...

Construction on the new office and coffee room is going well, but completion may be delayed another week if this storm hits. Of course, I'm rather impatient to move out of this tiny cubicle into a more spacious office but...

May I ask if there is some way to e-contact Sensei Victor Swinimer (sp?) of the Bridgewater Dojo? He had a website (NSKarate) but I can't seem to find it. I would like to ask about some articles he had on the old site.

Thanks, hope to hear soon...

Regards and good health to all.

Sincerely,

Gordi

Dear Sensei Mattson: Thank you for your prompt reply. I checked the links and unfortunately there are apparently no Uechi-ryu instructors near me.....oh well.... I guess I will sign up with Tiger Schulman, who has a dojo within walking distance of my office...though I would really love to continue with uechi. I loved the system. I will check out other uechi resouces and sites. If you have any suggestions, I am most open to them.... Thanks again! 

Michael

Michael A. Koplen, Esq. Director

Mattson Sensei,

I am trying to get in contact with Sensei Ric Martin, Largo, Florida.

The following email address is I think out of date: thehealthforum@verizon.net

Do you have a more recent one.

Many thanks

John

Dear Sensei Mattson,

I will be vacationing this summer in Raleigh NC and have been looking, thus far unsuccessfully, for a dojo to visit/workout at in Raleigh.

If you know of any dojos in that area, it would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

John Page 

Sensei Mattson,

My name is Scott and I trained at the Ginowan Uechi-Ryu Karate Do from 1989-1993 in Okinawa under Sensei Shirado. I am in the military currently stationed in Washington State. My next assignment will be in Hiroshima/Kure (mainland), Japan. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction to find a Uechi-Ryu Dojo near Hiroshima/Kure Japan so I can continue my training, thank you in advance for your assistance,

V/R SCOTT M. ROMIZA CW2, USA Uechi-Ryu (Shodan)

Hi George: I am a student of yours and studied with you in the 70's originally in Newton and then the Boston dojo when Newton closed. Recently I started studying Tai-chi with John Morash and that got me to start practicing Uechi-Ryu again. I'm looking for some private lessons to scrape off the rust. Do you give private lessons or can you recommend anyone around the Brockton-Dedham area? Is there a list of dojos? It's great that you have this website. Looking forward to seeing you in the near future.

Your faithful student, 
Dennis McGuire

Here is the information regarding the karate class in Newton that I will no longer be able to teach due to my new job. The JCC will be looking for an instructor for this upcoming Fall session and beyond to teach a class of +/- 4-6 students ranging in age from 10 to 15 with different learning styles. I currently have 4 boys in the class who have been with the program for quite some time and will likely continue. I teach a modified class that keeps the students active and having fun without strict adherence to Uechi guidelines. We work on punching, blocking, kicking, floor drills, Kumite 3 & 4, we've started going over Sanchin basics, and mat work - these boys love somersaults, rolls, backward rolls, and we do some cardio. Overall, the goal is to keep the class fun and active. The students have reacted very well to classes taught with music (similar to cardio-kick-boxing). They are great kids who try hard. They learn differently, but generally don't cause behavior problems. The class is currently on Thursdays from 5-6, but there may be flexibility in the fall depending on the instructor's schedule. This is a great entry into JCC instruction which may lead to offering other classes down the road and a great opportunity for a dojo in or close to Newton. I'm happy to answer any questions that someone may have about the class, the students, and the facility.

Anyone interested can contact: Nancy Rottman, Special Needs Coordinator, JCC Newton at 617-558-6507.


- Kevin 

Upcoming Events!

Hello everyone. For those of you who have signed up for the upcoming Koshukai www.koshukai2003.com thank you. If you haven't signed up, please do so soon! This note is a reminder of a few important items that we need to plan for:

1. Lock in your low hotel rates at the official Koshukai2003 hotel, The Nathan Hale Inn 860-427-7888. This is a first class facility right in the middle of the UCONN campus and a five minute walk to the gymnasium where the Koshukai workouts will be conducted. The low rates of $60/night (double) are being held until this Friday May 23. This Inn has a pool, Jacuzzi, workout facility, dining room, cocktail lounge. 

2. Dan Test. This is for Kenyukai dan promotions only, to be held Saturday June 28th. 3. The Okinawan Sensei's like to play golf. Therefore I have reserved t-times at Topstone Golf Club Sunday morning June 29th, at 10:00. The Koshukai ends Saturday the 28th. If anyone has an interest in golfing with the Sensei's, please let me know.

Schedule: Monday morning: Opening of Koshukai 2003 with workouts through Friday (Wednesday afternoon off). Friday: After workouts, Demos, Dojo owners dinner. Saturday: Dan test in the morning. Open Koshukai farewell party late afternoon/evening all invited (wives, kids, etc.). Sunday, golf. 

Shinjo Sensei Kiyohide and Narahiro depart Monday the 30th. 
On behalf of your host, 
Kyoshi John Spencer, 

Hi,

Please find enclosed a flyer for Sifu Larry Hartsell's September seminar in Newcastle.

Cheers

Bill

DVDs and Anyone Remember?

Hello George ! I hope you and Susan are both fine, and I hope you are enjoying your golf game. I enjoyed all three videos in the Kanei Uechi series. I really enjoy all the historic videos, and was wondering if you could recommend any others. I already have the search for Shushiwa dvds , and would love to see some more early Uechi video. Watching the videos really reaffirmed my belief that you are on the closest path to what Kunbun and Kanei Uechi taught. please keep up the great work. On the Kanei Uechi dvd#1, there is a black American on the dvd with you and Mr. Earle doing kata with Master Uechi....who is he?........and thanks for the cigars 

BIG SAL.

Hi Sal:

Sorry for the delay in getting back with you. I'm very busy preparing for this Saturday's big tournament.

Happy that you enjoyed the DVDs.

Oh yes, the black American is one of the "old-timers" who taught in Missouri for many years, then sort of disappeared. I've tried to locate him, but was unsuccessful. I can't remember his name, but will dig up some of my old letters when I have time and get back to you. (Perhaps someone will remember him and get back to me!)

Best, George 

Remember the "Nutter"?

Dear Sir

In response to the question "Is there an art based on the head?" in the article "The Liverpool Nutter", I can say that there is the Eritrean art of Testa, which is entirely headbutts.

Yours sincerely

Toby Christensen

Latest Article by D. Nishimoto 

16 Aspects of Energy Development 

1. Focus on your breathing techniques. Slow down your breathing rythm and breath deeply and slowly. Relaxation and focus will naturally slow down your breathing rythm. 

2. Your bodies Energy is alive. Feel, move, and transform this energy at will. Energy follows the flow of blood in your veins. Focus on connecting an channeling this energy. 

3. Body alignment and posture put the spline, hips, and shoulders into maximum support. With proper body alignment it is possible to stand for long periods of time. 

4. Work to dissolve energy blockages. While standing pain is the result of energy blockage. Work on relaxing and moving the energy through areas of the body that are experiencing blockage. Common areas of blockage are the shoulders, hips, and legs. 

5. Move energy along the secondary meridans. Simply put move energy along the upper back, through the shoulders, and out the finger tips; also, through the hips, down the legs, into the toes. 

6. Bending and stretching opens major energy centers. 

7. Opening and closing tissues 

8. Manipulating energy outside the body. Fa Jin is the product of willful discharge or accumulation. Sensing with the surface of the skin, warming the chi, and contraction and expansion become area to focus on.


9. Making energy spirals and circling inside the body. Spin the energy at the center up the spine, down the shoulders, and out the finger tips; likewise, through the hips, down the legs, and out the toes. The spiraling visualization helps in the discharge of energy. 

10. Absorb and project energy 

11. Control the energies of the spine. 

12. Control the left and right energy channels. The balance between yin and yang. 

13. Control the central energy channel (Heart level) 

14. Control the lower energy channel (Below the navel) 

15. Control the upper energy channel (Forehead) 

16. Work to create one unified energy. 

Sincerely David Nishimoto 

New Dojo:

Sensei Mattson:

Long time Shohei-ryu/ Uechi-Ryu practitioner Joe Gilbert has just opened a dojo in Bennington, Vermont. The phone number is 802-442-0660 and his email is JGILBERT49@aol.com

Can you list him on your directory of instructors. I think this will be the first dojo for the state of Vermont!

Thanks and I hope to see you soon.

Good luck with your new dojo Joe. I've updated our instructor's listing.

Stay in touch... Hope to see you more involved with Uechi activitities in the future.

Best, George 

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I started training in Uechi Ryu in the mid 1980s while in the Air Force under TAKAMIYAGI Shigeru sensei for about 3 1/2 years. In 1995 I left active duty and joined the Air National guard in New Jersey. I've been teaching in New Jersey since January of 1995, first at a local gym and finally opening my own dojo in 1999. I travel when I can, to meet with visiting Okinawan masters and train occasionally with HIGA Tsukasa in southern New Jersey. Senseis Robert Dus (Nana Dan) and Lisken Van Pelt Dus (Roku Dan) currently oversee my training.

I am a Go-Dan and hold a Jun Shihan instructor certification.

Thank you for your time and quick response. I have been an admirer. In fact, my sensei in Okinawa, TAKAMIYAGI Shigeru, gave me one of your books as a gift and signed it himself.

Warm Regards,

Mike Torres 

Dear Sir,

I am a instructor of Uechi Ryu/Shohei Ryu teaching in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. I would like to be added to your listing. If you require anymore information from me, please email or call me directly.

Warm Regards,

Mike Torres Director and Head Instructor 973.283.2100 Tetsushin Martial Arts Academy

Old Friends!

Dear Mattson Sensei

How are you, Sir ?

I am sorry that I don't know where is uechi-ryu dojo in Hiroshima, but I will try to find Uechi-ryu dojo in Hiroshima, and introduce to Mr. Scott soon. Now I am asking teachers of Uechi-ryu and OKI-KU-KAI about dojo in Hiroshima.

Please give my best regards to everyone in Newton dojo. 

Hiroaki Uechi

Dear GM,
Hello, my name is Paul Swift. I live in Putnam, CT and have been training in Uechi style karate with Charles Earle (and Dan Rinchuse for a spell when I was living in Pittsburgh from 91-97) since the mid-80's. I am back in the Northeast after living for awhile in Las Vegas, Nevada. I couldn't find any Uechi or any other traditional Okinawan schools in Vegas when I was living there from 99-01, so I did some cross training in GracieJJ and Kempo with Phil Karpinski when I was there--I always fancied myself as excellent at sparring, but that was an eye opener--very humbling to be told "I am going to hit you and you are not going to be able to stop it. I will even tell you what technique I will use." 

Phil told me this several times in a row--it took me until the 5th or 6th time to finally be able to block and dodge "the invisible" lunge punch...Phil lived with and trained with one of the Gracies for awhile and received his first dan from Ed Parker in the 70's sometime...it was challenging (at times it was painful with the joint manipulation and choking from the JJ!) cross training, but I had never experienced anything like the lunge punch technique that he learned from "Flash" Newman... 

Anyway, I enjoy looking at your site occasionally and I am a fan of your UechiRyu Karatedo book. Last summer I had a short Uechi training and research visit hosted by Gordi Seizan Breyette in Nagahama who introduced me to Seiko Toyama during my stay. Although I am not fluent in Japanese, it was a great visit and I was able to ask questions about Uechi to Toyama through Seizan's wife Sumako who acted as translator. I found out some interesting stuff about variations and evolution of Uechi by examining Toyama's Uechi. Since returning to the Northeast my dojo attendance has been very spotty and somewhat infrequent, but I have been training with my 68 year old 4thdan mom (I was promoted to Sandan in 97, but I have not been actively pursuing further rank advancement)....anyway, the reason I am writing is due to my interest in a summer event posted on your site. I tried to follow the link on your site to find out more about the Storrs, Connecticut events featuring the Shinjos, but it appears to be a dead link. 

Any info you could give me about the UConn events would be great Thanks in advance for any info you can give me.

Cordially, Paul Swift, Ph. D. 

Hi Paul:
Please check the "upcoming events" letter.
GEM

Hi George,

Martin from Bournemouth here again. Funny thing happened - there is a karate club here which I go to every few months - met them in a competition a long time ago. Anyway they did an internal newsletter about Euchi ryu and the teacher had a copy of your book which he was trying to learn Kanchin from with about as much success as I had all those years ago at university (although I put part of it into a hand form I was practicing at the time).

So I got your CD, learnt it and taught it to him as best I could to fill in the holes in the book. One day we will video our interpretation and you can have a laugh at us. Anyway I put some crane forms on the internet. pictures small for speed but you might be interested to see what they do in fu jian (yong chwun). In particular shrsantaibau (13 defences) is quite relevant:

http://www.maitechnology.com/MartialArts/kungfu/whitecrane/shrsantaibau.mpg

- about 2 meg in size. I also put your kata in a directory on the server for the others at the club to check out. hope you don't mind.

Hope you are well.

Regards,


Martin Watts MAI Technology Ltd 

Summer Fest News!

Dear Sensei

I confirm to be at the Camp to honor you and support David Fink - 8th Dan Celebration

. . .

Cheers

Love to you & Susan

Bob Campbell from HK 

Hi George,

I hope this note finds you and Susan well. All's well here, and I'm looking forward to Summer Camp. There are a few details I'm hoping that you can clear up for me.... I'll be in Boston visiting cousins Tues, Wed and Thursday, Aug 5-7. I am planning to head to camp Thursday afternoon, and was wondering if someone was riding down, with whom I could share a ride? On the other end of the camp, was wondering when it ends--Sun mid-day or later. I would fly back Monday am if the camp goes into the afternoon. If it ended earlier, I might try to fly back Sunday afternoon, though I'm not in any rush. Your advice is appreciated.

See you soon.

Paul Haydu
California

Hi George:

How are you and how is the pre-registration for your tournament coming? I have some of my Massachusetts students going to compete in your tournament. Denise Laoisa is a Sandan and she runs the Norwell school. She and about five of the other students are going to compete.

When I come up to your Camp at Mass Maritime this August I would like to teach Yukosuko Kumite classes maybe one on Friday morning and one in the afternoon, and Saturday morning and one in the afternoon. I will have kumite handout sheets for the students that join in explaining the kumite and basically talking them through it that should help with continued study. Jack Summers is going to do the class with me, he thought it would be a good idea and I felt the same way. So if you have time for us count us in.

I will be sending you my application ASAP. Denise and some of my Massachusetts students are also going to attend the Camp.

Take care and keep in touch. Let me know about next years Winter Fest. I would be glad to help but I think that as soon as we Floridians get home from your Summer Camp we should get cracking.

Jon Cierri 

Hi Jon:

Thanks for writing and asking about the tournament. Fortunately, my expenses are kept to a minimum so I don't worry too much about registrations. The kids are doing a great job with advanced applications but the adults are very slow. My adult students say they always register at the door.... so we will see....

I'd really enjoy having you and Jack teach Yukosuko kumite at camp. If you send me a picture and brief description after the tournament, I'll post it with the schedule.

WinterFest will be a high priority following SummerFest. But the Floridians must get more involved to make it work. Hopefully by your example we will be able to get more seniors interested in building the Uechi spirit in Florida. I'll try to bring down a gang of Northerners next time as well.

Stay well and happy... See you soon.

Best, George

IUKF Official's' Uniform Update:

Uniforms are finally on their way. Looks very nice:

Nice compliments!

George-san,

Great article! So true that so many are looking for some sense of invincibility and will follow whatever fad implies such. This instead of studying their art (and themselves) in depth. And not as you point out to the exclusion of other training. Cross training (as well as having a happy and fulfilled life beyond your training) is great and should be enjoyed.

I remember Forrest (God rest his soul) cautioning us, "Karate does not make you invincible."

I remember hearing about Walter responding to a student complaining about a certain technique ( 'it') "not working", with, " 'It' works. You didn't!"

The wisdom imparted from these two teachers is to study deeply, including studying yourself, with a proper attitude.

Joe 

Dear Mr.Mattson!

My name is Eva Smets.I'm 43 years old.Started to train in an Uechi Ryu Dojo 3 month ago. Searching for information about this stile of karate I fond a strory written by Jaqueline S.Blackburn.I was at the point to give up to train but this story made me understand that it's never late to practise karate. In this 3 month I have learen to performing Sanchin,Kanshiwa, Kanshu and I'm experiencing Seichin Katas right now. I also fond some video clips where you are giving demonstration.I gather everything what can help me to find my way in the world of Uechi Ryu Karate.

With my respect : Smets

and this also from Eva:

Hi Mr. Mattson!

Few weeks ago I have got a wonderful present from a friend - a book written by you , titled as "UechiRyu Karate Do".

Mr. Mattson you cannot imagine how happy I'm with your book. I'm working on to performing SEICHIN Kata already more than a month but there is one motion I was not able to perform. So I got really very upset about it. This book came just at the right time. After I found the illustration of Seichin in your book took about 30 minutes to do the right motion. Namely it's the step when you perform two blocks simultaneously -one scooping low block and a circular downward block.

Thanks to the very good illustration of your book . I enjoy to read it too.

Bye Eva Smets 

Dear Sensei, 

This year is 25 years since I consider you to be my teacher. Every day I think about you, because every day my thoughts are about martial art.

Your first letter I received in 1978, and in the same year I have got your book “The Way of Karate”.

Your letter and this book have made great impression on me! This book has changed all my understanding about Karate.

First knowledge about karate I got in 1964 year. Until 1978 (about 14 years) I practiced martial arts and I had understanding and experience in karate. But when I read “The way of Karate” I was very impressed, because I found something completely different from knowledge I had had before. This book was an impulse to start my quest where is the essence of martial arts. Many questions raised, my understanding and experiences was shuttered. 

I had no any sensei, so the only guide was your book and few letters, which I (by miracle) received from you. I started to study uechi-ryu, with that information that you gave me.

Now I am 61 years old, but I still have good health and I keep on training every day. Last 12 years I worked in Security department of the state Governing body of the Republic of Lithuania. I was martial art teacher of Lithuanian president’s bodyguards.

During my work it was very important to implement uechi-ryu movements in extreme situations, when there is no time and possibility to make even slight mistake, because first mistake will be the last one. When trained and physically very strong person assaults you, you can test what you really attain in long time training.

I have found that uechi-ryu very related to Tai Chi Chuan and I’ve realized 9not theoretically but by experience), that very strong, quick and trained assaulter can be conquered only with soft uechi-ryu technique. Recently I have had opportunity to see video records of martial art great masters of various schools and stiles. I was disappointed, from my point of view practical application, which they show, is hardly applicable against strong and trained person.

This year I retired from my work, so I have more free time and began to study English language, because I wish to share my experience with you, my only sensei. Your opinion in this question is very important for me. It’s very difficult to express myself in words, but I hope you understand me. It would be happy to meet you and speak about all those questions personally with you. I hope I can show you something interesting.

I would be very grateful if you can find time to give me an answer.

With my very best wishes 

Vytautas Romualdas Macius.

Dear Vytautaus:

I am very honored that you remembered me and that you have spent so many years studying Uechi-ryu based on "The Way of Karate".

I am also happy to hear that you have been able to use your training in day to day life and work and very pleased to learn that you were able to make the lessons work in real life.

Uechi-ryu and Tai Chi are very similar, but to most people, appear very different. Again, I must compliment you on your hard work and dedication.

Please stay in touch. Perhaps one day we will have an opportunity to meet.

Best wishes for you continued health and happiness, 

George Mattson

Master Mattson:

Thank you for your help in locating Nestor Folta. I have enrolled in his class and am enjoying it very much. I work up on Capitol Hill and was wondering if you know of any Members of Congress that have trained in Uechi Ryu, I would like to introduce them to Sensei Folta?

Thanks for your help.

-Brian Gottlieb 

Looking for Information!

Mr. Mattson, 

I need your advise.

I am looking to get a definitive book detailing Shitai Kata for Shito Ryu.

I'm given to understand that the JKF has such a Book.

Would you be able to direct me to some places or the address for the JKF to try and get these books.

Thanking you in advance for your co-operation

Sunil Parekh.

Link-ups and Related matters!

Hello, 



We would like to request that you add our site to your link section. We do believe we fit your criteria and it might be nice to have the point of view from one of the other major groups of Karatedo. Our site www.GojuRyu.net was the first in the world to give Goju Ryu an internet presence and has remained the worlds foremost premier International resource and reference website regarding Goju Ryu Karatedo and Okinawa Martial Arts for research, information exchange and networking. This portal primarily caters to and will honestly serve all legitimate Goju Ryu Karate-ka world wide. We are dedicated to supporting and expanding our art to the international community. We welcome any input you may provide to help make us all become better people and enhance our care for our brothers and sisters in Karate Do.



Thank you for your consideraton. 

Hiroshi

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