June, 1998 Mailbag
I was writing up a Uechi-Ryu history of instruction and I can't find very
good reference as to who Kanbun taught. I think he taught Wakayma, but I'm not sure if he
taught Ryuyu or Takakazu Tomoyose, Shinjo Seiyu, Yonaka Seiso or Shinjo Kiythide. Could
you clear that up for me? I would be very greatful.
Thank you,
Mike Vinoski.
Attitudes karate dojo in South Haven, Michigan.
Kambum taught in Wakiyma, Japan.
He taught Ryuyu Tomoyose in Wakiyama, Japan
Kambum moved to Wakiyama in 1924, but didn't start teaching to the public until 1926 at
the Shatahy Dojo. In 1932 the Pangainoon-ryu Karate Jutsu Instutute was established in
Wakiyama, Japan In fall of 1940 Master Uechi Kambun student's renamed the school
"The Uechi-ryu Karate-Jutsu Institute".
Infomation from " THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF UECHI-RYU KARATE" John
Van De Laare GoDan
Dear Sir,
I would aprecciatte if you told me what kind of precautions I could take about Karate And
Contact Lenses. Recently, I was told about some kind of safety glasses, but I do not know
if they are advisable or not. I think the brand was " Macho ". Besides I must
tell you that they are the same kind of goggles that are being used for basketball.
Thank you in advance, yours sincerely Martin G.
George,
I have been hearing quite a bit about the great tournament just completed - particularly
the kumite matches and Gary Khoury's great performance.
Any chance that this might be on video and available for purchase?
Regards,
Moe Mensale
The match was filmed and will be available soon. I'll post information when it is available. GEM
Dear Sensei,
A very good day to you from Holland.I just came back from the seminar in Erlangen in
Germany.Unfortunatly I could not stay for the whole duration as I had to work.It goes on
till the end of the week.I am sure you will receive plenty of reports about it.
It was a great pleasure and honour to meet Nakahodo Sensei and Yamashiro Sensei.
And it was great to see again Thompson Sensei and Peggy Hess and Brian Diamond and I am
thankfull to Joachim Roettinger for his invitation.
There were karatekas from the host Germany ofcourse, from England, from Geneve
from Slovenia,Croatia, Greece, Yugoslavia (two assoc.)and me from Holland.My
apologies if I forgot someone.
I would also like to congratulate you on another succsesful tournament.I have just seen
the report on your net site.
And last but for sure not least, THANK YOU for your e-mail with the photo of Master
Uechi.I moved house and my computer was in boxes till a few days ago so I didnt see it
immidieatly.
Wishing you all the best
Dragan
Dear Goerge –
I'm quite sure you don't remember me. I was a student at the Mattson Academy of Karate
between 1964 and 1974. I must admit I was sporadic in my attendance since I had many
responsibilites at that time – children, divorce, several jobs, etc. – but now
things have changed. I have lived in Santa Clara, CA since 1980 and haven't worked out
since 1974.
I was browsing the Net and came across your website. I checked your Instructor List and
found 2 people in my area – Duane Champoux and Dave Sargent – and am going to
contact them about a class. I'm not in awful shape (I studied yoga every day for several
years after I moved here) but I'm now feeling the need to "MoveDat Body" as they
say, since I am now 59 years old. It may not mean much, but my time at the Academy was
pivotal. The training was so good that even now, without any pre-thought, I can do a
pretty fair san chin to the amazement of my sweetie.
I would like to know of you have any info about Holmes Welch, and also Norman Card and
Gerry Stanley. I was particularly close to them (Norman and I lived together for a year).
May all be well,
Steve Richardson
I found your web page on DOGPILE.COM search engine.I studied Uerchi Ryu Karate Do about
20 yrs ago in Quantico Va. under a 3rd Don and I can not remember his name right now to
save my life . But, I would like to know if you have and study material or books that
would help me to learn my katas and such again.... The Doctor tells me I have to get
backin shape or I'm on a list for heart prob. so I would like to start working out
again with Uerchi Ryu. I left to join the Army I help a green belt and I was learning my
brown katas .
Any material you can tell me about I would like very much...............................
Thanks
John Kuchera
Leesburg, Fl.
Check out the "books and products" page John. Let us know how you are doing.
GEM
Hello,
My name is Laura Oliver and I am a student of uuechi ryu. I am only 15, but I have been
with the school in Racine WI, started by Roger Audette ( 5-dan), for 5 years and I am
currently a 2nd degree brown, but I will be testing next month for my next rank.
The School was taken over by (now) 3-dan Jack Hill when Roger moved to Ohio. He and Steve
Christinson were just tested for their next black belt Rank. Steve is now 2-dan. 6-dan
Eddie (?) flew in from Mass. for the test, as he does for all black belt tests. He was
just recently invite to Okaniwa to preform his kata at the national okanowin tourtamant.
We are preforming a demo and Angle Fest on Sat June 6 to attract more newcomers.
I really enjoy this style because anything is possible with good tecnique, and I'm living
proof.I hope you have enjoyed hearing about us.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Oliver
Good to hear from you Laura. Please send my best regards to your teacher and fellow
students. Stay in touch. GEM
Mr. Mattson,
I don't know if you received my last letter. But if not, would you please include my new
web site on your links page? I hope it is OK to use your site as a link on my page.
http://people.unt.edu/~djr0001 I hope that
visitors will also get some information about another very interesting budo, iaido from my
information, short story, pictures and
links. I trust this letter finds you and your family well.
Sincerely,
John Ray
Let me introduce myself. My name is Mike Vinoski, I am a 1st degree black belt, and my
instructor's name is Rick Lambert. I was just wondering if you could give me an address
that would have a complete version of Uechi-Ryu history. Thanx.
-Mike Vinoski
Check with Steve DiOrio's Forum. GEM
Hi George,
I am publicising a new website at http://www.foxlinton.demon.co.uk/zsd
which is the Zen Shorin Do International site. Please consider a link or discussion about
the content which is certainly controversial. The work says that Karate was designed
specifically NOT for fighting which is why traditional karate has so many failings when it
comes to self defence -
eg no ground work, mid-level hand positions in Kata, etc. Anyway, please have a look and
feel free to email me any comments which I can pass on.
Cheers,
Ben
Zen Shorin Do International
http://www.foxlinton.demon.co.uk/zsd
Dear Sensei Mattson:
I just read your post about this past weekend's tournament, and your recommendations
pertaining to rules. I unfortunately didn't get to the see the tournment, but I've seen
the same scenerios you described at other tournments in regard to contact.
What we do is very similiar to what you recommended and it works! We have kyus up to brown
belt level kumite with moderate contact to the body and light contact to the head, no
contact to the face. At brown belt level we begin teaching and having the student train in
Iri Kumi which is a old form (experimentation began in Okinawa in 1930)of continuous
kumite for 2 minutes. The only difference in today's rules are that the students can wear
Koshiki head gear with the hard plexi glass face shield. They also wear hand gear. No feet
gear, chest protectors or shin pads permitted. Then the contestants simply fight
full contact to the body and moderate contact to the face and head. The plexi glass does
not stop a person's head from snapping back, therefore without control there would be
knockouts and perhaps neck or spine damage, for as you stated, them black belts can hit!
There are no points tabulated. At the end of two minutes the center referee calls for
decision. The four corner judges and the center referee then point to either red or white,
thus declaring the winner. During the 2 minute match, leg whipping, front leg sweeping and
kneeing are all permitted. Head kicking and striking are also permitted. When
someone hits the ground the other contestant has 3 seconds to follow up with a
"controlled" finishing technique.
What is great about this kind of kumite is it teaches contestants to hang in there and
learn to "come back fighting" after having received some substantial blows. This
helps build an indomitable spirit and and truly permits practitioners to test themselves
in a more realistic
arena. Those that don't do body conditioning, aerobic training, or fail to relax during a
match soon suffer as the day progresses. This type of competition requires practitioners
to do focus shield work, heavy bag work and body conditioning, as well as practice
continuous fighting.
Someday if and when everyone spars like this, Uechi-Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Kyokushinkai
practitioners should all get together and have a friendship tournament. I don't leave
other systems out as a slam or negative conotation, I only mention those three systems
because they all train heavily in body conditioning, continuous fighting and leg whipping,
which is illegal in most tournaments.
Your idea is on the money about black belts fighting full contact (at least to the body)
and I also feel all matches should be continuous. I really hope ALL traditional styles one
day go to this type of competition. You didn't mention how the seminars went? Did you
hear, see
or experience good things?
Yours in Budo
Steve Wilson
Okinawan Goju-Ryu
Interesting comments Steve. Perhaps you can attend the seminars planned for this discussion. Watch the Uechi web for information. (haven't had any competitor seminars yet, only clinics for officials) GEM
Hi George,
How goes it?
Please give me your feedback on this...
To all Uechiryu practitioners, and Uechiryu enthusiasts...
I am currently planning a book centred around:
yibailingbabu
xiashanhu
and the huxingsanzhan.
For those of you whom are not so familiar with these Chinese names...
Yibailingbabu is the 108 step (suparenpei) form I was taught in Fuzhou by my teacher - a
96 year-old 2nd Generation student/Master under Zhou Zi He (Shu Shi Wa)
Xiashanhu is another form (‘Tiger Descending Mountain') taught to me by 'the Old man'
(this is one of the three sanseiru forms of the Fuzhou Tiger system)
and Huxingsanzhan is the Fuzhou Tiger style Sanchin form taught to me ten years ago in
Fuzhou by Master Zhang Tian Ci.
Also within this book will appear other fascinating studies, whilst I also wish to
focus upon both Zhou Zi He (Shu Shi Wa) and Shang Di Wan Wen (Uechi Kanbun).
In order to do such an ambitious project justice, I would very much like to receive ideas,
feedback, and essays from all those Uechiryu practitioners and supporters that have been
following the lives of these two eminent masters...or simply have something to say.
Everything is welcome - from a short list of notes to a full-length thesis!
I would like to encourage no-one to think that their opinion is worthless! The more ideas
I can amalgamate (no matter how radical and/or contraversial you might think they are) the
more wide-angle a perspective I can present. Naturally I have my own ideas, but this book
is not about me, it is about Fuzhou, Master Zhou, and Uechi Kanbun.
Should you have any photographs that you consider interesting, useful, and usable, these
would be most welcome. Should you be a keen drawer, sketcher, or painter, this kind of
creative contribution would also be received with much appreciation. All material received
will be returned to the sender if you so desire (just tell me when you write), whilst all
contributors whose material I use will be acknowledged within the book's 'credits' section
(unless you specifically request your name to be omitted).
Please help to make this a unique presentation that all Uechi traditionalists will be
proud of!
For initial feedback I may be reached most easily and conveniently by way of Email
(karate@llouis.demon.co.uk) whilst submissions other than the written word should be
forwarded to my regular mailing address:
"The Haven",
Park Road,
Wootton Bridge,
Ryde,
Isle Of Wight,
PO33 4RL.,
England,
(UK).
Thank you very much for your support.
Simon Lailey.
Dear George,
I have been attending summer camp since 1993 and if there are people out there that are
looking for a GREAT time to learn learn learn and make many new friends, this is the place
to be. I look forward to it every year. August can't come soon enough! I wish I could work
out more than once a week (with the exception of working out at home). At camp it's all
work-out and I love it. There is no pressure to learn, just an invitation. You can't help
but
go crazy trying to decide what seminar to take next. Can I do them all in three days? It
is not possible to do everything you'd like but you will go home with much more knowledge
than you arrived with. Karate is a big world and there is a lot to learn. I have a
lifetime to do so. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to Uechi-ryu. See you at
camp '98 !!!!!
Rita Hohn
Petersburg, NY
You really made my day Rita. Thanks for the kind letter. Looking forward to a very enjoyable camp again this year. GEM
Sensei Mattson,
I just wanted to let you know that I am feeling much better. I started off with a stomach
virus, which moved to an upperrespiratory virus, which then turned into a sinus infection.
I was in bed for 9 days! I would have rather been in Boston, but it wouldn't have been
any fun.
I also wanted to let you know how my 3 to 5 year olds class is going. We have named
them the Little Dragons. They wear special uniforms put out by Century (they're in the
catalogs). Right now, I have 6 students, and the retention rate have been very good over
all. I usually begin the class by doing a set of warm ups...usually I do a combination of
sitting and standing ones, as they like the constant movement. There are a series of games
I do with the kids. I came up with a great one using styrofoam cups to teach them the
basic zenkutsu dachi step, along with which the punch may also be added. I space the
cups (which are numbered)the correct distance apart, and I have the put their toes in
front of the cup and count. I encourage the in and out movement of the step, and after
they have been shown a punch, I will have them hold their punching hand over the front
cup...it works real well, and the kids love to kick the cups over when we're done!
The rate at which their attn. span increases is incredible. They are doing a great job. I
have 2 who will be 5 this summer, who are doing very well, that we are looking at moving
into the regular beginner class in August (5 is the age we usually start them at in
there--unless they are emotionally immature, in which case, we put them in the Little
Dragons Class. I have seen improvement since they started, and I fully believe that this
project was a worthwhile
venture [as well as a great learning experience for me]. I will be anxious to see the
results when these guys move to the other class...I want to see if there is a difference
between them and one who has not done anything like this before.
We have also come up with a system of awards...I call it the Little Dragons star chart.
Basically, every week they get a star on the chart by their name. After 4 stars, they get
one for their obi. After 5 small ones on their obi, they get a big one. There are 3
colors. It seems to be a good incentive.
If you have any questions about it let me know. I remember that you were curious to see
how it would work.
Thanks for your time,
Jessica
Dear MATTSON Sensei,
Hello again from Okinawa. I just read your latest WhatsNew and I think you may have
misinterpreted some of the news. I am sending this on to a few others who need to know
this information and disseminate it to their students and associates.
TAKAMIYAGI Sensei has not resigned from the ShoheiRyu, so far as I know. He has resigned
from the office of VP, and I believe he has assumed a lesser position with the
organization. I know that some folks who are in touch with their Okinawan Seniors may
claim they have deeper information, but according to YONAMINE Sensei's information as of
27 May, TAKAMIYAGI Sensei is still part of the Okikukai. TIME WILL TELL if this will last,
but at this time, he is still Okikukai. Mine was the only recent resignation from the
association altogether -- and all the other Seniors here approve and encourage my studies
with TOYAMA Sensei (some of them having been his students in past years, too).
As further proof of this retention of membership, TAKAMIYAGI Sensei had 7 or 8 students
participate in the Dan Test held on 24 May. He had already resigned his office by that
time, but had he resigned from the association, his students would not have been allowed
to test with the Okikukai in the association's HQ Dojo in Kitamae...
Meanwhile, my studies with TOYAMA Sensei go on uninterrupted by all the hubbub and
hallaballo (ah -- words from my childhood...). I am learning the concepts of yawarakaza,
binkanza, and chikarazuyoza -- the Three Basic Principles of Karate, as taught by Kanbun
Sensei.
Also, a note for your history -- apparently, Kanbun Sensei did indeed teach bunkai for
Sesan kata. It's different from what was finally decided upon in the late 50's --the old
one is very dangerous and could be misinterpreted. Counterstrikes could be misapplied by
someone of
immaturity or lesser control than a seasoned dojo vet. This is why teaching/learning was
so "slow" back then -- the teacher had to be sure the student had enough life
experience to be entrusted with the old-style bunkai. This is literally giving killing
tools to a student -- can he be trusted to use them properly -- or not use them at all
unless necessary --
and will he KNOW when the really necessary time to use them will occur?
Also, I discovered the real reason why folks wore shorts and not ghi in training in the
old days. In fact, I and the (few) other students at the Zakimi Shubukan do not wear ghi
at all -- just running shorts or very loose workpants, or extra-roomy starter pants. You
simply can't move in the old style if you wear modern karate ghi... Maybe you don't know
how much of
the style was changed because of the wearing or restyling of ghi in the past 40 years...
Cat stances, kicks, horse stances, all are affected by the clothing. Even when wearing
looser clothing, the modern karate teacher still teaches restricted-movement methods
taught to him that include consideration for the style of ghi these days...
No no -- I am not getting a case of "Okinawa-itis" at all. TOYAMA Sensei quite
strongly proves everything he teaches with action and unquestionable application. So much
of the system was lost because of the modern necessity for teaching large groups quickly.
In the old days, karate was never meant for teaching such large dojo as we find today.
Karate was
never encapsulated "for the masses". And yet, one could still operate a large
dojo, with proper management and training regimes. But I truly believe modern American
cultural values preclude this style of training altogether. Still, my dojo on KAB is
swinging over very slowly to Kanbun's style of management. It seems to be working, even
within a military
environment and work schedule...
Well, the facts are in, please assist to dispell any harmful rumors that may come about
due to lack of information! I am happy to answer any questions or find information if it's
within my abilities...
Sincerely,
Gordi Breyette
UechiRyu ZanKai
I was writing up a Uechi-Ryu history of instruction and I can't find very good reference as to who Kanbun taught. I think he taught Wakayma, but I'm not sure if he taught Ryuyu or Takakazu Tomoyose, Shinjo Seiyu, Yonaka Seiso or Shinjo Kiythide. Could you clear that up for me? I would be very greatful.
Thank you,
Mike Vinoski.
Attitudes karate dojo in South Haven, Michigan.
Another job for the Forum Mike. Check them out and post your letter there. GEM
All,
I will introduce myself again...
My name is Patrick Wauters, 32 years, living in Belgium, Europe. I'm currently in my 16th
year of karate training, I've been teaching for 10+ years. In 1989 I became Shodan, in
1992 Nidan. Those graduations came after examination in kihon, kata and kumite (free
style) from the Belgian Karate Federation (recognized by all major worldwide karate
federations).
For a (quite large!) number of reasons I decided to start again in Uechi-Ryu Karate. My
first "act" being my participation in the excellent August 1997 Summer Camp of
Sensei George Mattson. At the Camp I was advised by Sensei Kanmei Uechi to contact Sensei
Yukinubo Shimabukuro in Paris, France (South of Belgium). Since September 1997 I've been
training with Sensei Shimabukuro in Paris on a monthly basis. In February 1998 we had our
first Belgian Seminar with Sensei Shimabukuro and last weekend, 09/10 May, we had our
second (the first in our own dojo actually).
During the last seminar I was tested by Sensei Shimabukuro and promoted to Shodan in the
Soke organisation by Sensei Kanmei Uechi. My certificate number is 932.
Also since September 1997 (and for the Belgian Federation officially since January 1998)
my dojo is the first Uechi-Ryu dojo in Belgium. We hope to promote and spread Uechi-Ryu in
Belgium in several ways. As the karate "landscape" was fixed already 20+
years ago (mainly Shotokan) this is not a simple task.
My dojo has (almost) made it through the conversion process from Shito-Ryu to
Uechi-Ryu. So far I've had no drop-outs and there are a small number of new people who
joined the dojo since. I'd like you to keep in mind the differences between the US and
Europe. Europe is much smaller, people are not used to travel far and competition
among dojo is fierce. The sports center where my dojo is located also houses
Shotokan Karate, TKD, Hapkido, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, several flavors of boxing, etc...
so it's never easy to keep students.
Please include me or my dojo in your instructor/contact list:
Uechi-Ryu Mechelen
Patrick Wauters
Vredestraat 20, 2850 Boom, Belgium
Phone: +32 3 888 08 96 (home)
Also, the address of Sensei Shimabukuro in Paris is missing on Sensei
Mattson's
Instructor List:
Yukinobu Shimabukuro, 7th dan Uechi-Ryu
38 Rue de Montesson
95870 Bezons, France
Phone: +33 1 3961 3749 (home)
Words fall short for what Sensei Shimabukuro has done for me and my dojo
since we first met. Sensei Shimabukuro and his wife Marie-Claude have become our
personal friends and everyone in our dojo looks forward to meeting them
again at our next seminar (~second semester 1998).
I've any of you has information or thoughts to share regarding the migration from one
karate style to another I'd be most happy if you send me an e-mail.
I welcome your comments/thoughts and hope to meet you in the future.
All the best & Kind Regards from Belgium,
Patrick.
Mattson Sensei,
My name is Aarin Garrison and I am a Gokyu in Uechi-Ryu Karate. I train under Sensei Greg
Brown here in Merced, CA. I believe that we have exchanged e-mail in the past. I recently
visited your web site and read an article which you wrote. The article was titled
"Early Uechi-Ryu Training and Philosophy". I enjoyed the article so much that I
brought it to the dojo one night to show my Sensei. He read it and liked it so much that
he read it aloud to our entire school. We really emphsize kata as the main part of our
training and your article helped to understand a little more how important kata is. I
would just like to say on behalf of myself and my Sensei, thank you Mattson Sensei.
Arigato,
-Aarin Garrison-
Sensei,
How are you? I wanted to let you know that the test was a great experience. One thing that
stood out for me was the comraderie among the candidates. Also --the Seniors were very
patient and incredibly helpful. Seeing how well some candidates performed their kata was a
great inspiration to keep working on my own karate.
Peter
Dear Sensei
My name is Wade MacDonald and I studied Uechi Ryu when I was 14 about 20 years ago. I
would like to personally thank you for bringing this style of martial arts to North
America. Uechi Ryu gave me confidence in myself that I never had when I was this young. In
the last couple of years I have made many friends and one of these is Brian Bailey of the
Dartmouth Dojo here in Nova Scotia. I am a meat cutter and would like to get back into
thismartial art. I attained the rank of first stripe brown belt at 17. Thank you so much
for all you have done for this art. I truly hope you recieve what you have given tenfold.
My domain is murdochs.com. I have a link to the Dartmouth website at
http://www.murdochs.com/link.htm You truly are a master in life.
Thanks again
Wade MacDonald
Mr Mattson
I attend classes at the Academy of Okinawan Karate in Marshfield. I have been studying now
for a little over 2 years. My Sensei is a former student of yours, Joe Montanino. Anyway,
I really enjoy the art and look foward to the summer camp.
Thank you,
Jim Murphy
yon kyu
Hello Mr. Mattson,
I should have the tournament ready in about 30 days. Unfortunately, it happens much sooner
than that.
I have arranged two time slots and space on Thursday, during all the other seminars, for
you to teach a small group if that works out ok for you, we can play it by ear.
I can not wait to take a treasured photo of you and I together in my dojo to add to the
one of you and I in your dojo, so many years ago!
Jim Thompson called and confirmed that he will ber here also! He couldnt miss the chance
to see everyone together. This will be fun! See you soon sir...
Alan Dollar
Wow!
Major improvement in signon time to the website! The graphic was nice, but speed is
supreme when you spend too much time in front of the screen already that could be spent in
the dojo. Have you any more information on the China trip?
Best regards,
Bill Jackson
Looks like Simon wants to have it in January, 1999, to cooincide with the "old man's" 97th birthday. Watch the web for details as I get them. GEM
Dear GMattson,
I have been training for about eight months. I have a Yellow Belt with green tips. I am
almost ready to test for green belt. Could you give me some tips for relaxing and
consintration.
Your martial arts friend
Wesley
This is a job for the Forum Wesley. Check out "dojo roundtable" and post your message with Bill, Paul or Tom. GEM
Sensei,
I've just recently earned a promotion to San-kyu and I would like to be included in the
Viewpoint forum if you're still looking for kyu ranked students to join in. My sensei is
Dr. Dan Rinchuse at the Tri-State Uechi-Ryu Dojo in Greensburg, PA.
Thank you for your time,
Mike Mullig
Mike: You will be included in the next polling I take. May not be until later this month. Very busy! GEM
The subject of freefighting as part of the black belt tests is something I've been
wondering about since I was awarded my black belt in 1995. I was tested along with two
other individuals, they both being under 35 years of age and me being over. During the
test, none of us were asked to do any freefighting. I don't know about the others, but I
feel that we should have.
Even if I am a "senior citizen" as far as Uechi-Ryu is concerned, I want to be
treated like any other student. That way I know in my heart that I've earned the rank and
not simply been given a plecibo ranking. And since confidence starts in the heart, I
believe that if I'd been asked to do some freefighting during my black belt test, I'd feel
more confidence in my
ability to protect myself and my loved ones on the street. As it is, I hope for the best,
practice every day and pray that I never have to find out whether or not I'm kung-fu. But,
I suppose that is the way of the Shaolin. (no name please)
Sensai,
Here is our web site address, we just got it posted today and are in the process of
getting it listed with the search engines. Could you please run this in your mailbag so
others will see? also our links are not up yet either. Could we add your site to our links
page? And if possible could you add us to your links?
http://is2.dal.ca/~behorne/LantzUechi.html
Reply to: Behorne@is2.dal.ca
Thank you very much for your time,
Scott Taylor
Lantz Uechi-Ryu
Webmaster: Brandon Horne
eorge on your quote here it is in error.
Note: O'Sensei Philip S. Porter will be conducting a seminar at Mike Murphy's Dojo in
Randolph MA. Space is limited, so if interested, please call Mike to make arrangements.
For those of you unfamiliar with O'Sensei Porter, he began his martial arts carrer in
Judo, JuJitsue and Karate in 1951. He is the the only 9th degree in Judo in the Western
Hemisphere! O'Sensei will also be at camp this year! GEM
Being a Judoka and have having trained with Sensei Porter several times. Shihan Isshikawa
who lives in Virginia Beach, VA is the hightest ranking Judoka outside Japan and has been
for many years. He is Senior to Porter in Judo. Also 3 time All Japan Champion and part of
the reason for Judo's sucess outside Japan. I believe he is still alive for a few years
back I recieved a letter from him. Porter is a good man but I wanted to make sure you were
aware. He was one of Sensei Marzilli's Sensei in Japan. Marzilli Sensei sent me many years
ago to train with him for a few weeks. He was AWESOME. Our Dojo (Florida Institute of
Martial Arts) in Tallahasse, FL had 2 members of the Olympic Judo Team in Atlanta and
the English Team trained for months they before the Olympic's.
William Hall
GEM sensei: Yes, the saga continues. Thanks for sharing my thoughts on the letters
page. Here is an update as of 5/13. On Saturday 5/9 we held our spring test for the health
club dojo. We had 18 test. Eleven were from the winter beginner class (out of about 30
that
started in January) and 7 carry overs from years past. This was, I believe, the largest
group yet for the health club. As I noted earlier, the family groups are the most
likely to stay around. Testing were a father/son, mother/daughter, sister/sister,
brother/brother,
father/daughter, father/son/daughter. Thirteen of eighteen were family groups.
Also, 2 ladies tested (probably the best of the beginners). The three remaining candidates
were adult males testing for intermediate and advanced rank. They ended up at 2nd, 5th and
6th kyu.
There would appear to be a trend here. The groups are still statistically too small to
really claim that 'families make the most reliable students' but I should get useful data
from the next new group. I've opened the floodgates to the new spring beginners class and
have 46 signed up to start on saturday 5/16. Of that group, there are again a number of
families signing up, as well as boyfriend/girlfriend pairs (HMMM..... this could skew
things). Come
August, we should have a clear indication what the target group for a health clubis. Even
better news is the fact that we are finally reaching critical mass for a healthy, ongoing
dojo. It felt reeeeealy great to see so much interest by so many in joining and advancing.
Years from now my master thesis will be on 'Building a successful dojo in a mass market
health club'.
More later,
Rich Castanet in Richmond
George,
I'm back on the internet again - this time to stay. I retired from the Marine Corps
several months ago. It was one of the biggest and most important decisions I've made in a
long time. I retired on a Friday and started my new job on the following Monday as the
Director of Security for an upscale gated community of 1,600 homes. I guess you can say
I'm sort of the police chief for a community of 3,000.
Jerry
Great to hear from you Jerry. Do you still have those 8mm films of me doing kata back in the 60's! Actually, hope you burned them! GEM
Sensei Mattson-
My name is Mike Chmielewski. I am an ikkyu student of Steve Diorio's and I am occasionally
able to attend your Saturday class. I am travelling to Poland at the end of this month,
and was wondering if you were aware of any Uechiryu Dojos in existence in Poland. If you
have any info at all or suggestions on where to look, I would love to try to visit a dojo
there during my visit. Thank you.
- Mike (mikechem@mediaone.net)
Sensei Mattson - I would like to add an update to the instructors list of Nova Scotia.
Myself and Paul Porter of the Lantz Uechi Ryu Karate Club. Our E-mail is:
lgower1035.aol.com
Our mailing address is :
Barry Gower
28 Parker Place Cres.
Enfield, Nova Scotia
B2T 1C8
Phone : (902) 883-1543
Thank-you
Sincerly ;
Barry Gower
To all my friends, family, etc., whom I have not been able to contact, I just wanted to
tell you all that, on Friday, May 8, 1998 @ 6 p.m. sharp, Betty and I had a baby boy! His
name is Taylor J. Nussbaum (or T.J. for short), and he stands a towering 21-1/2 inches
tall, and barely tips the scale at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Tall and skinny. And, by the way,
breathtakingly beautiful. His mom is doing well, just sore and hormonal. The delivery was
not without its frightening moments, but nothing serious. Finally, though I know that you
are all dispersed, I might as well let you know for information's sake, that the briss
will
be held on Sunday, May 17 @ 10 a.m. Tips are appreciated, but will be sliced off anyway.
Love to all,
Jay Nussbaum
I've haven't mailed for awhile, was hoping to have the end of this nightmare, but no.
The rumors have run wild here, even people that you would expect to stand by him have
started telling stories, I don't know what you've heard by who and I am not going to try
to explain anything as it only spins more gossip. The facts are that Ed's attorney has
filed a not guilty plea on his behave and followed that with a motion to have the case
thrown
out on the grounds that no crime took place. (I do not know all the legal terms and
motions, but that's the gist of it). Now he waits for another court date. Do yoou want me
to mail you any more of his legal happenings or has his reputation been damaged far enough
that it no longer matters? I do know that people have been saying hurtful things about Ed,
but I also believe they have alternative motives and am not going to go farther. I
still defend his honor. And until a judge or jury say otherwise, he must still be
concidered innocent, but has his future with your organization come to an end regardless
of the out come? Let me know if there's any need to continue to keep you informed.
--Mark
I replied by asking Mark if it was OK to print his letters concerning Ed Carnes and stating that NAC would take no action until after the trial. GEM
Yes, you may use the information I send to print if you find a need. I only ask ou do
not give out my e-mail address with them. As I stated before, I do not wish to get into
discussions of "I heard this" and "what-ifs." My main goal is to try
to keep everyone's mind open to the possibility that ED'S SIDE OF THIS WHOLE THING HAS YET
TO BE PROVEN WRONG, AND THAT SIDE STATES THAT HE DID NOTHING WRONG. Although if you do
print these up you may want to run them through a spell check first, I pretty much type
and send without a thourough proof read. When i get more facts, I'll send them along. At
this time I don't know when that may be.
I am also pleased to hear that no desisions will be made until the legalities are over. In
fact, if things turn out well with the courts, I would encourage that you speak with Ed
directly before making any desisions, but I get ahead of myself, lets see what happens
first.
--Mark
Greetings Sensei!
I have been informed that my books and videos have become a subject of discussion at your
web site. By the way, nice layout web site wise. I fried my little brain to a black raisan
learning how to code HTML to put up mine. That was about a year ago and now i think I
forgot everything about how to do it frankly.
My web page is at http://members.aol.com/quinnp1
perhaps you want to link our sites. I will break out my html book again to learn how to
link mine to yours as well.
If you will send me an address to which to mail it I would like to send you a copy of my
last book and a video that shows how we train people at my RMCAT complex in Colorado. I
feel you may see that as far as reality based self defense training is concerned, we have
some similar views.
Peace be with you sir, Peyton Quinn
Master Mattson,
Our web page is finished (for the most part) and I was wondering if you would mind adding
it to your Hotlist of Uechi Ryu resources. Would that be ok? If so, the address is:
http://www.pobox.com/~uechiryu
Thanks in advance,
Anthony
Dear hm,
There are many schools of karate on Okinawa that accept American students. After
consulting with your instructor, please feel free to call me for specific details on
points of contact and locations. My telephone number is 703-658-1537 in Virginia.
Please be prepared to address any:Who, what, where, when, why, and how information you may
already know about your planned visit to Okinawa. That will make it easier for me
to try to help you without guessing about your situation.
I lived on Okinawa from 1983 to 1988, married an Okinawan woman from Naha, and
return to Okinawa annually. I studied at the World Headquarters for Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do in
the city of Futenma under Grandmaster Kanei Uechi. I now run a small dojo in Metropolitan
Washington, DC.
I understand Mr. Gordi Breyette is on Okinawa now and should be a great help to you as
well.
Sincerely,
Nestor Folta
From Josh Cohen:
The Zen Master is visiting New York City from Japan. He goes up to a hotdog vendor and
says, "Make me one with everything."
The hot dog vendor fixes a hot dog and hands it to the Zen Master, who pays with a $20
bill.
The vendor puts the bill in the cash box and closes it. "Where's my change?"
asks the Zen Master. The vendor responds, "Change must come from within."
If computer error messages were written in Haiku
Yesterday it worked
Today it is not working
Windows is like that
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Wind catches lily
Scatt'ring petals to the wind:
Segmentation fault
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Three things are certain:
Death, taxes, and lost data.
Guess which has occurred.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A file that big?
It might be very useful.
But now it is gone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Windows NT crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Errors have occurred.
We won't tell you where or why.
Lazy programmers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Seeing my great fault
Through darkening blue windows
I begin again
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The code was willing,
It considered your request,
But the chips were weak.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Printer not ready.
Could be a fatal error.
Have a pen handy?
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Server's poor response
Not quick enough for browser.
Timed out, plum blossom.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chaos reigns within.
Reflect, repent, and reboot.
Order shall return.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Login incorrect.
Only perfect spellers may
enter this system.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
ABORTED effort:
Close all that you have.
You ask way too much.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
First snow, then silence.
This thousand dollar screen dies
so beautifully.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
With searching comes loss
and the presence of absence:
"My Novel" not found.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Tao that is seen
Is not the true Tao, until
You bring fresh toner.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Web site you seek
cannot be located but
endless others exist
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stay the patient course
Of little worth is your ire
The network is down
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A crash reduces
your expensive computer
to a simple stone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
There is a chasm
of carbon and silicon
the software can't bridge
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
To have no errors
Would be life without meaning
No struggle, no joy
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
You step in the stream,
but the water has moved on.
This page is not here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
No keyboard present
Hit F1 to continue
Zen engineering?
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Out of memory.
We wish to hold the whole sky,
But we never will.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rather than a beep
Or a rude error message,
These words: "File not found."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Serious error.
All shortcuts have disappeared
Screen. Mind. Both are blank.
A man was spread out over three seats in the second row of a movie theatre. As he laid
there breathing heavily, an usher came over and said, "That's very rude of you, sir,
taking up three seats! Didn't you learn any manners? Where did you come from?"
The man looked up helplessly and said, "The balcony!"
*********************************************************************
I tell you, women drivers are a hazard to traffic. Driving to work this morning on I-95 I
look over to my left and there's this woman in a Mustang doing 65 miles per hour with her
face up next to her rear view mirror putting on her eye liner! I look away for a couple
seconds and when I look back she's halfway over in my lane. Scared me so bad I dropped my
electric shaver in my coffee."
*******************************************************************
An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a
dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his find, he was sure
none of his friends would ever believe him. He decided to try to break the news to a
friend of his, a pessimist by nature, and invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.
As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. they fired, and a duck fell. the
dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked
across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. The friend
saw
everything but did not say a single word.
On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, "Did you notice anything unusual about
my new dog?"
"I sure did," responded his friend. "He can't swim."
New counter: June 1, 1998