November, 2003 Mailbag

Special Course for Martial Artist!

Hello,

I have spoken to you in the recent weeks and appreciate the time you took in recommending a uechi school for me. The reason I am contacting you again is because you had mentioned to me a law enforcement course or defensive tactics course that is going to be offered in the near future..I believe in Virginia? Could you provide me with any other information?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Here is a reprint of Bill Glasheen's report on this program. Hope you can join us for this weekend: GEM

........................... 

Ladies and Gentlemen 

Much has been written lately about reality-based self defense (RBSD). While I am often skeptical of MA trends, one must stay abreast of developments to keep the art alive and keep our understanding up to date with respect to evidence-based methods. 

Quick question here - How many law enforcement officers do you have training in your dojo? Martial arts are supposed to have a self defense aspect to them, right? Well if our art and our methods are everything we claim them to be, you would think professionals in this field would flock to us to maintain their training. But they don't. Why? 

* First, every application of fighting and self defense is unique. What works in the sparring ring is different from what works in the NHB ring is different from what works in the boxing ring is different from what works on the street is different from what works on the battle field is different from what works when a professional is expected to enforce the laws of the land. To think otherwise is to be incredibly naive. 

* Second, the methods we use - in spite of their value - do not have a process in place to ensure evidence-based validity and continuous quality improvement. We delude ourselves into thinking that exists. The reality is that we train tradition and folklore. This is not to diminish the value of our material, but rather to put our understanding of it in the context of an educated business community that demands more. 

* Third, law enforcement does not stop when the officer cuffs the bad guy. We are a society of laws, and a society that presumes innocence until guilt is proven. In that legal process, the LEO - and all associated with him - are at risk for both criminal and civil attacks. Something as simple as the name of a technique can be the difference between a very bad man ending up in jail vs. a very good cop and his instructor losing their jobs and their possessions. This is serious business; it demands a professional approach. 

Traditional martial arts have some of the best fighters in the world. The law enforcement community is one place where individuals get to put themselves in harm's way on a regular basis. Each has its flaws; together they can create some wonderful synergy. 

Dave Young has put together a wonderful program based on his own experience in multiple martial arts and his desire to be a professional in the business of training LEOs. Dave's programs have the following merits: 

* He knows his martial fundamentals. 

* He has aligned himself with the academic community. 

* He is certified to teach the use of equipment used by LEOs. Getting in this manufacturer/municipality network is no small feat. 

* His programs are accepted as "accredited training" both nationally and internationally. 

* When implemented as prescribed, there is liability coverage. 

* There is a quality improvement process in place, and roles for future talented people to fill in that regard. 

* Dave already works with Roy Bedard - one of our own martial art professionals in the LEO realm. 

Dave's program is already a success. But Dave can only be in so many places at one time. Business is TOO good right now. 

Dave sees the potential synergy that can come from aligning his programs with a reputable martial arts organization. If the MA organization's business is in order, they are producing people that know the art of fighting and self defense. Dave on the other hand has an application in need of good professionals. Dave once approached a taequondo organization with his proposal. They didn't see the value. Go figure... 

We have an opportunity to broaden the programs we teach in our professional dojos. Dave has an opportunity to work with a group of talented people who can be trained quickly. 

Dave wants to train IUKF black belts in good standing to teach three arms of his program: 

* grappling 

* ground defense 

* weapon retention 

There are other dimensions that are presently off the table, such as hand cuffing, baton work, administrative use of force, shot avoidance and shooting, etc. But some of these could be added later given the initial experience with IUKF. 

Any martial artist can see the value of being a certified instructor of LEOs in any of these three arts. There is value in terms of reputation and fundamental skills experience as well as the financial reward that will come from training LEOs throughout the year. 

The cost and the time involved... 

Dave teaches for $120 per person per day. Because IUKF black belts will walk into his classes with superior skills, Dave expects to be able to train them well enough to pass the certification exams in three full days. Thus each dimension of skill can be brought to certification level for $360 (plus your personal travel expenses) and 3 days of your time. 

Dave wants to start ASAP. But he is a very busy man. The first time that makes sense is in the holiday period between Christmas and New Years. There could be other times made available. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED... 

Contact me ASAP. (Click on my name in the "Thread Starter" listing, and then the e-mail link) See if you can get a cadre of black belts in your dojo to participate. The more you get certified, the broader the curriculum available for your dojo and the stronger your dojo reputation. 

- Bill Glasheen 

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Seminars & Activities:

Hi All:

Hope this note finds everyone doing well. I am scheduling a referee training clinic for Sunday, November 16th 2003, at 9:30 am. It will be he held at Mike Murphy's dojo in Randolph , Ma. I think its time we have a refresher course in the operation of running a division. Especially in the knowing and understanding of the tournament rules. Their have been some minor rule changers, and not all referees seem to know what they are. I emailed everyone the rule changers many months ago. 

Every instructors dream! Hi there my name is Ren?, from area 51 paintball. in the last few months we have had a large number of martial arts clubs come to our facility to have some fun and try something new. Seeing this trend we have chosen to give clubs whom have not yet experienced Toronto's largest paintball park a break on the admission with a very special promotion all the information you need is on the web site mentioned below, if you have any questions please let me know via this e-mail or contact me directly by calling (416)-564-3759 thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Ren? Cocolo

http://members.rogers.com/a51paintballpromo/

A Special Invitation to Team Warrior Members

Warrior Custom Golf is hosting our first Warrior Sports Extravaganza on November 28th, 29th and 30th at the fabulous Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be a weekend you don’t want to miss!

We feature:

• 2 nights’ accommodations in your own suite (single or double occupancy).

• 2 Rounds of Golf – one at the Revere at Anthem Golf Club and one at the world renowned Rio Secco Golf Club.

• 3 parties – Friday night pairings, Saturday night cocktails and Sunday night awards banquet and dinner

• We will be giving away a ton of free golf equipment and special prizes.

• We feature up to 72 NFL Legends to play one with every foursome, names like Dokie Williams, Reggie Doss and Leroy Ervin just to name a few!

Call 1-800-223-0198 Monday through Fridays for pricing and details or go to www.warriorcustomgolf.com 

*Offer good on a first come first serve basis limited to first 288 paid sign ups.

Tips from Readers!

Hello George-Sensei, Here is my exercise number 2. I think it will be thought provoking. 
Best, 
Ethan Miller

Uechi-Ryu Supplemental Exercises  No. 2

 In the words of Rocket J. Squirrel, as moose searches for the elusive rabbit in a magicians hat;

“Now here’s something you’ll really like!”  You might find -- like Bullwinkle,  did. --- You don’t know your own strength.

 The following exercise was inspired in part by Sensei Van Canna’s   TC class that was brought to Newton from Brockton. I was able to train in both places briefly and took a lot away from it. However parts of this exercise should be familiar to many Uechi-ryu practitioners through their practice of the hojo undo set.

 The repetitions for this exercise are 5, 10, and 5. First 5 are warmup, second set are vigorous and the third set are cool down. Warm up and cool down are performed with relaxed strength for fluidity. 2^nd Set is performed for power and precision.  This format is repeated for four variations.  The goal is finish in less than 15 minutes. No turning back, you got it or you don’t. The exercise is can be done daily in a short break in your daily schedule. Here is the exercise.

 Variation 1.

In a left sanchin stance start with your hands in post position. Sliding step forward bringing both your hands down and up in a palm up, double strike to the eyes. As you finish the step your strike should be completed.

Then slide back into the left sanchin stance and repeat the strike. This is one repetition. Complete 5, 10, 5 the first and last five the emphasis is on a sliding step. In the middle set the sliding is replaced by a more percussive step. Strike and step in the middle set is sharper and requires more strength.

 Variation 2.

Is exactly the same except you switch to a right sanchin stance.

 Variation 3.

In the left stance again, you start in a post position, change your hands to Seiken fist and lower them to your body. As you slide forward raise the double strike, seiken to throat or eye targets, finish the strike with focus by shifiting the hand position to hiraken strike. As you slide back change your hands to seiken as you lower the fists and raising them up strike to the throat or eyes once again changing hands to hiraken.

 Variation 4.

Is exactly the same except in the right sanchin stance.

 Concept:

 This exercise is designed to be to whole body exercise incorporating major to minor muscle groups and shifting to opposing muscles through the stance change. The sliding step warming up, and cooling down is similar in style to the Judoka sweeping foot, the percussive step used in the middle incorporates the TC principles of Sensei Canna. Use good judgment with your breathing. Focused breathing is part of this training but do not practice that if it causes pain. If you think that will occur exercise breathing normally.  Ideally this exercise is to be done daily to augment your training without damaging your body. Train in loose clothing if possible, but it is also a good experience to drill this in a business suit.  This is a technical exercise in the way the hands shift and in the elliptical loop that the arms must make to complete the strikes while moving backward and forward. You will notice as you do this vigorously that you will experience discomfort if you are not in good alignments. This is especially true in the shoulders, neck and lower back. So make sure your position is a good one.

 Two ways of thinking of the middle set: One-Way is to push off with your feet and try to “roll” the force up and out into your fingertips. More consistent with the TC training is to “split” your force at the midsection causing more explosive strike with the hands and using a percussive or “stamp” like step to fulfill a sharper strike.

Articles Anyone?

Hello George E. Mattson, 

I am the representative of Methodical Center of theory and practice of judo from Russia. We want to contact with judo magazines (journals) and write articles. How can I do this. Write us a letter, if you interest in our work. -- Best regards, 
Sergei Polushin 
mailto:polushin_sergei@mail.ru 

Questions Involving Uechi-ryu

Mr. Mattson, 

I have a question for you. If you do not mind. When did your Sensei teach you the relationship of acupressure and target points in the kata's? Also, how to use them (for health and/or destruction)? 

Thank you for all your help. 

Sincerely Charles Roberts 

Hi Charles:
There is an interesting "thread" on the Forums about the use of our fist vs open hand, "hammer" fist, elbow, etc.. I responded: 

What about the "one knuckle" fist? This weapon is used quite often in kata and not used in practice for safety reasons. I would suggest that "old" Uechi used many more "pointy" weapons strikes to pressure points than we are aware of today. 

According to Tomoyose sensei, this phase of training was reserved for only the most trusted student. He only told me about it in much detail (and with his wife out of the house) a week before I went home. He said I had the tools and only needed the targets in order to practice with my weapons. _________________

At the time, the instruction was purely for self-defense, although Tomoyose Sensei did say that the practice of the martial arts in China was as much for healing purposes as for self defense. GEM

Hi George, 

I know the website underwent some changes recently, but now I can no longer find it. Did the address change from www.uechi-ryu.com? Thanks.

Glenn Humphress Lincoln, NE 

Hi Glenn: Yes, our site administrator, Ted Suzman and designer Peter Kimmons, have been working on the site and making quite a few changes. In order to keep the old site running during the changes, Ted created a new address for the site during the change-over. We noticed that some people were having difficulty in automatically switching to the new address, so Ted created a "forwarding" program that makes sure everyone is able to reach the new address. You shouldn't be having any more trouble. . . but if you do, give us a shout. GEM

Memories!

George,

You aren't likely to remember me - but I do remember you. I am pleased that I found your email after visiting T Rose's website. I am currently moving back to the area and was pleased to find a Uechi dojo in Northboro (where I am moving) - but moreover - pleased to try to reacquaint with you.

I was a student of yours many years ago - in fact you were my first karate sensei. I remember those Saturday mornings across from MGH - I think I was 10 or 12 - wow - more than 30 years ago. 

In any case I have been fortunate enough to study with some great practitioners - including yourself. Through the dojo which I call "mine" Bushido-kai in Framingham, (you might know Tony Annesi - Sensei) where I am still considered Uchi-Deshi -despite my years of absence - I achieved Shodan in Shotokan Karate and was cross graded to Shodan in Kamishin Karate. I earned my nikkyu in Kamishinryu Aikijujutsu, and gokkyu in Seishinkan Judo. I am currently trying to study Kyudo, and during a year in Japan studied a bit of kendo and iaido 22 years ago. I have taken clinics with Walter Matson, and the occasional summer camp through the Cambridge Aikikai.

But alas - my desk job has done my shape in but not my resolve. 

You were my introduction to Budo. Although I was young it is clear you left a lasting impression. Now raising a 3 and 5 year old I too want them to understand the martial arts and through it perhaps themselves. I still remember achieving hachikyu at your school in Boston - so many years ago. It was the first step on a journey that has taken me many places and helped me through many things spiritual, physical, and emotional.

So thank you for that. I look forward to meeting Sensei Rose. Perhaps after we move to the area completely - after Thanksgiving - it will be a place for all of us to go.

I wanted to share a quick memory - a lasting one for sure - and thank you for setting me on this journey.


Regards,


Mitch Gordon

Old Friends with words of wisdom...

George,

On the chance that you hadn't seen this, I thought of you. Hope all's well with you and Susan. All's well here, and our Uechi group is taking an eight week Kobudo course on the Bo, at UCSD. Good instructor and a chance for us to learn some of that most practical of weapons....the broom-handle. We do an abbreviated workout in the main gym before the weapons class, and that gives bystanders a look at Uechi. Maybe we'll add some students.

Take care, and best wishes, Paul Haydu
 Thought you would enjoy this. . .

Subject: The Facts About Golf!

Ever wonder why golf is growing in popularity and people who don't even play, go to tournaments or watch it on TV? These truisms may shed light on reasons why. 

Golf is an honorable game, with the overwhelming majority of players being honorable people who don't need referees. 

Golfers don't have some of their players in jail every week. 

Golfers don't scratch their privates on the golf course. 

Golfers don't kick dirt on, or throw bottles at, other people. 

Professional golfers are compensated in direct proportion to how well they play. 

Golfers don't get per diem and two seats on a charter flight when they travel between tournaments. 

Golfers don't hold out for more money, or demand new contracts, because of another player's deal. 

Professional golfers don't demand that the taxpayers pay for the courses on which they play. 

When golfers make a mistake, nobody is there to cover for them or back them up. 

The PGA Tour raises more money for charity in one year than the National Football League does in two. 

You can watch the best golfers in the world up close, at any tournament, including the majors, all day, every day for $25 or $30. 

The cost for a seat in the nosebleed section at the Super Bowl will cost around $300 or more. 

You can bring a picnic lunch to the tournament golf course, watch the best in the world and not spend a small fortune on food and drink. Try that at one of the taxpayer funded baseball or football stadiums. (I brought a Coke into Oriole Park at Camden Yards last year, and an usher came to my seat and told me I had to dispose of it, or I would not be allowed to stay in the stadium.) 

In golf you cannot fail 70% of the time and make $9 million a season, like the best baseball hitters (. 300 batting average) do. 

Golf doesn't change its rules to attract Fans. 

Golfers have to adapt to an entirely new playing area each week. 

Golfers keep their clothes on while they are being interviewed. 

Golf doesn't have free agency. 

In their prime, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer and other stars, would shake your hand and say they were happy to meet you. In his prime Jose Canseco wore T-shirts that read "Leave Me Alone." 

You can hear birds chirping on the golf course during a tournament. 

Ladies are welcome players. 

At a golf tournament, (unlike at taxpayer-funded sports stadiums and arenas), you won't hear a steady stream of four letter words and nasty name calling while you're hoping that no one spills beer on you. 

Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball three times as far as Barry Bonds can hit a baseball. 

Golf Courses don't ruin the neighborhood. 

This is a slice of golf history I thought you might enjoy. (I'm not sure about this one) I never knew why there were 18 holes before this. Why do full-length golf courses have 18 holes, and not 20, or 10 or an even dozen? How many of you golfers know the answer to this one? 

During a discussion among the club's membership board at St. Andrews in 1858, one of the members pointed out that it takes exactly 18 shots to polish off a fifth of Scotch. By limiting himself to only one shot of Scotch per hole, the Scot figured a round of golf was finished when the Scotch ran out. 

Now you know.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

See you next month
GEM

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