Original students of Sensei George Mattson Van Canna and Art Rabesa will be honored at Summer Camp on Saturday night, where they will receive their 9^th Dan certificates from the IUKF.  This will be an historic evening.

The IUKF Board is currently discussing and developing a set of guidelines for conferring the titles of Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi as well as Shihan.  Age, rank, and accomplishments are being considered.  It appears likely that the IUKF will be offering the title of Renshi as early as Godan, to those who have made special contributions to the art.

A Master’s and Titles committee has been established, and its members are George Mattson, Van Canna, Art Rabesa, Joan Neide and Bill Glasheen.  Its task will be to review the qualifications of Uechika recommended for promotion above Godan.  This group will also help deserving candidates to qualify for honorary titles.  They will review the individual’s service and contributions, plus their impact on students and the art.

George has assembled a fine group of presenters for the 2007 Summer Camp.  The emphasis this year is on re-invigorating our Uechi practice, sharpening our skills and enhancing our appreciation for the depth of our art.  There will be an outstanding selection of sessions from which to choose, each and every day of this event.  If you can attend even one day, I urge you to take advantage of this special three-day weekend.   The things you’ll see will supply your training with inspiration that will last throughout the year!

Best wishes,

Paul Haydu

 Whoon Hei (chi)

I have long stayed away from any comments on this subject for fear of contradictions to another’s belief or understanding of such.  The practice of hei ghoun has always been a portion of every kung fu style I’ve learned beginning in 1960 and also in the twenty or so years I’ve been going to China for learning and training.

The Chinese art of Tai Chi has always been given credit for their practice of hei ghoun (some call it chi ghoun depending on what geographic location the speaker is from).  This is because most westerners do not see the value of Tai Chi as a fighting art. 

Most western martial artists adopting the macho Japanese attitude of strength conquers all does not see the importance of evasiveness and speed over strength. 

Many of the triad families in Hong Kong and China study and train in just that.  It is called “hai geat tharn shill” which in western terms means tai chi loose hands.  Most do not even care to learn the tai chi 108, 80, 40 nor the 24.  They just learn what they need to do what they must.

In truth, “hei ghoun” exist in every system and style.  The training is called “whoon hei” or “the movement of air”.  This health benefit credited to Tai Chi can be obtained in any and every style.  The secrete (if there really is a secrete) is in the way we take in and discharge the life giving air.  This has been taught to me since I was 9 years old.  This is also the understanding and teachings of every accomplished Chinese Martial Artist I’ve had the pleasure to meet and trained under.

We have it in Uechi-Ryu.  I make everyone of my students aware of the benefits of proper breathing.  As a matter of fact, I am developing a routine for my students to wind down after a hard work out.

Please do not forsake the importance of proper breathing.  Improper breathing on the other hand can become a detriment.  Be careful not to confuse the 2. 

The IUKF Board of Directors welcomes the opportunity to help redefine the mission and role of this important organization.  After much thought and discussion, the Board has agreed on the following picture of how the IUKF should best function, for the benefit of its members, and the art….

The IUKF will operate as a professional association made up of its practitioners and teachers.  Its purpose is to serve the needs of its members, to enhance the practice of Uechi-ryu, and to grow the membership of the IUKF community.  It will not be regulatory, or governing.  Besides promoting the practice and enjoyment of the art, it will establish minimum qualifications for promotion, and for the granting of teaching and honorary titles.  It will issue the certificates of such achievement.  Through the Uechi-ryu.com website, through regional and individual dojo activities, and through Summer Fest, the IUKF will facilitate the study of Uechi-ryu.

The IUKF will assist both teachers and students.  While it will help the setting of voluntary standards for each rank, it will not pass judgment on students, outside of recognizing their accomplishments.  Decisions on who passes Black Belt tests will be in the hands of the student’s instructor and seniors in that student’s lineage.  The chain of command will be observed in all situations, so that the student is responsible to his/her teachers. It is the responsibility of these teachers to interpret and maintain the requirements and minimum standards of the IUKF.