Oct 13 2011
In case you didn’t see this issue of Masters’ Magazine, check out George Mattson’s interview on http://issuu.com/gmattson . Masters Magazine is one of the few publications that focus on traditional martial arts. It is published quarterly along with a book of favorite interviews, selected by the editor.
Check out the scanned copy of the original 1983 Grand Master Kanei Uechi speech at the first SummerCamp’s Hall of Fame Banquet. You can view it at the linked site above.
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/masters-magazine-interviews-gmattson/
Oct 12 2011
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls..
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed..
‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life..
The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car..
The sand is everything else—the small stuff .
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents.
Take time to get medical checkups..
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’
The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID!
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/to-all-the-golf-balls-in-my-life/
Oct 10 2011
There are so many really interesting topics on our forums. Yet, because we are all so busy, they often go unread or appreciated. Do yourself a favor and take a couple minutes every day checking out the new topics and then review some of the older-but-fascinating topics that get buried. Not sure how many of you are aware of different states approach to self-defense. . . some states will throw you in jail where you will reside for years, while you wait for trail. . . and all you did was defend your life. Read about Roy Bedard’s experience as an expert witness in a case where this happened. Of course, you won’t be surprised to learn it happened in Massachusetts!
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/forum-hot-topics/
Sep 28 2011
We’re having our third tournament in this year’s “Uechiryu Karate Championship Series” on Sunday, October 2, 2011. It’s being held at the JunglePlex in Plymouth. I hope you’ll attend and see it as a positive ingredient in your development as a well rounded martial artist.
Let me share with you something I learned many years ago. There’s primarily five types of karate. Not styles as in Uechiryu, Gojuryu, Shotokan, TKD, etc. But types. The first type is the karate of the dojo, where we learn the methods, philosophy and techniques of the instructor. Not necessarily the techniques and psychology of the founder of the style, but the ways of the dojo instructor and other senior members of the school. A lot of times, in the dojo, you can convince yourself that you’re the best at karate because you’re doing so well in your dojo and you keep receiving promotions, belts, etc. In some instances you are the best, but unfortunately, in most instances you’re probably not the best because your techniques haven’t been tested against the unknown and that does matter. You’re generally not going to be attacked by someone from your dojo.
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/in-life-there-are-no-rules/
Sep 27 2011
Hi All,
Robb called me last week to say that he thought it was time for a return visit to the “Beasts” of Ayer.
He and I have scheduled the next edition of Warrior Fitness for Saturday October 15th at 10:00. This is open to all teens, adults and kickboxers!!! If the last seminar was any indication then this one should be just as kick ass!
Cost is $30 and I request that you pre-register so that I can ensure that we have the correct amount of beverages, buckets 😉 , etc.
Hope to see you there and obviously will see you at the Dojo soon.
John Page
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/robb-buckland-seminar-in-massachusetts/
Sep 24 2011
Congratulations!!
On September 18th, 2011, Victor Swinimer from the Bridgewater Uechi Ryu dojo, passed his Kumite test and was promoted to “National Kumite Judge B”. Victor has worked very hard to achieve this and deserves much recognition. Please congratulate him on his accomplishment.
The clinic was a stunning success with about 40 participants from all over eastern Canada and a few coming from as far away as Ontario and Alberta. I am pleased to see the number of participants from Nova Scotia at this clinic and I would like to encourage them to continue to study and improve their officiating skills. I would also like to encourage them to take advantage and participate in the officials program within our own province.
One of the major factors in the success of this clinic was the involvement of the athletes from New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Their contribution and support were crucial to the effectiveness of the practical component of this clinic. They also benefited from being able to take advantage of the “officials perspective” and get feedback from National and international referees.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind our membership of the provincial officials clinic on Saturday, October 15th at the Windsor Karate Club from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A more detailed itinerary will follow shortly.
Respectfully submitted,
David Griffin, NSKA Chief Referee
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/congratulations-victor/
Sep 08 2011
Liu Chang’I
Liu sifu is the lineage head of the Liu family Feeding Crane system (Shi He Quan), from Taiwan. Feeding Crane was brought to Taiwan in the early part of the 20th century, from Fuchow, China. The system has been passed down unchanged in the Liu family, and contains a complete and traditional curriculum, including power development (kung’li), forms, application, chi’gung, body conditioning, as well as herbal medicine and other traditional practices. Liu sifu’s power is amazing, and his technique is superb. His system is also interesting due to its relationship to Bai He, and other southern Chinese chuan’fa like Wing Chun. Its relationship to Okinawan karate, in particular Goju and Uechi Ryu, is also obvious in the movement and application.
Feeding Crane Seminar With Liu Chang’I
October 15 & 16, 2011, Boston, MA
If you would like to see Liu sifu in action, there are a number of videos on his Chinese language website: http://feeding-crane.myweb.hinet.net/, and there are a number of videos of him on YouTube. His website is also very informative, though it is in Chinese. There is an interview with Liu sifu here: http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/article36.htm .
SEMINAR FOCUS
This seminar will introduce the Feeding Crane system. It will cover some of the power development exercises (kung’li) that give the system its incredible power. Introductory forms including 3 Battles (Samchien/Sanchin) and applications of the forms, as well as other training practices, will also be taught. These training methods will be of great interest to Okinawan karate practitioners as well as practitioners of traditional Chinese martial arts. For those people who have attended other seminars with Liu sifu, this seminar will expand on the material covered in previous seminars.
SCHEDULE
Saturday October 15
9:30 am– 10:00 am Sign in, warm up
10:00 am– 12:00 pm Feeding crane practice
12:00 pm– 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Feeding Crane practice
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Questions
Sunday October 16
9:30 am – 10:00 am Sign in, warm up
10:00 am– 12:00 pm Feeding Crane practice, building on material from Day 1
12:00 pm– 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Feeding Crane practice, building on material from Day 1
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Questions, photos
Please dress in work out clothes- gi pants, sweat pants or shorts and a t shirt.
Liu Chang’I
Liu sifu is the lineage head of the Liu family Feeding Crane system (Shi He Quan), from Taiwan. Feeding Crane was brought to Taiwan in the early part of the 20th century, from Fuchow, China. The system has been passed down unchanged in the Liu family, and contains a complete and traditional curriculum, including power development (kung’li), forms, application, chi’gung, body conditioning, as well as herbal medicine and other traditional practices. Liu sifu’s power is amazing, and his technique is superb. His system is also interesting due to its relationship to Bai He, and other southern Chinese chuan’fa like Wing Chun. Its relationship to Okinawan karate, in particular Goju and Uechi Ryu, is also obvious in the movement and application.
Feeding Crane Seminar with Liu Chang’I
October 15 & 16, 2011, Boston MA
LOCATION
The seminar will be held at Anthony Mirakian sensei’s dojo at 151 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA. The training space is large, open, and has changing rooms and facilities.
COST
One or two days of seminar: $130.00
To register, print this form, fill in the required information, and enclose it along with a check or money order made out to Fred Lohse and mail to:
Fred Lohse
56 Monument St
Medford, MA 02155
You may also contact Fred Lohse to register via email or phone. Participation is currently limited to 40 people so please register early.
For inquiries about the seminar, please email Fred Lohse at: fwliii@verizon.net, or telephone at: 781-801-6492.
Feeding Crane Seminar with Liu Chang’I – Registration Form
I will attend (check one):
One Day (circle day you will attend): Saturday / Sunday
Both days
Amount Enclosed: $_______
Name:____________________________________ Age:_________
Contact:
Phone #:___________________________ Email: __________________________
I __________________ submit my application for participation in the above named seminar with Liu Chang’I on individual or consecutive dates from October 15 to 16, 2011. I
understand that there are risks of injury in participating in this seminar. I claim full
responsibility for myself in this event. I hereby waive and release any and all claims, cause of
action, losses, damages, cost, expenses, either known, now existing or arising in the future,
that I may have of whatever kind or nature against Liu Chang’I, Fred Lohse, Kodokan Boston, seminar organizer or director and/or anyone involved in any way with the seminar.
Signature __________________________________________ Date:____________
(Parent or Guardian if under 18 years of age)
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/sifu-liu-seminar-october-15/
Aug 26 2011
Justin Successfully tested for and received his 6th degree black belt in 2010. He was awarded his first gold stripe after qualifying and fulfilling the IUKF’s “Title” program in August, 2011.
The Journey Continues
June 25, 2011 Justin Testa – Renshi Paper
Over my 45 years of studying Uechi-ryu, there have been a number of destinations along the way, such as learning a new kata, achieving a certain belt, competing in a tournament, becoming a teacher, etc.; but as I get older my study of Uechi-ryu is a journey to a very elusive destination….mastery. I have come to realize that it is all about the journey rather than the destination. In the current phase of my journey, I have supplemented my Uechi training with Pilates and yoga in order to help steer my Uechi-ryu study in the direction of the mastery. The three areas that I have felt enhancements to my Uechi through Pilates and yoga are enhanced core strength, improved flexibility, and expanded breathing. This paper will explain how these two disciplines are enhancing my Uechi study. As a disclaimer, I am not an expert in the practice of either Pilates or yoga, nor am I an expert in their origins and principles. I am very much a novice, but as I continue to practice these disciplines along with my Uechi, I have been able to leverage one off of the other to help enhance my Uechi experience.
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/justin-testas-2011-renshi-paper/
Aug 26 2011
“It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. the very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed”.
– From “Meditations on Violence
”Hosted by: Rick Brumby Premier Kempo Karate 1122 10th St. Saint Cloud, FL 34769 (407)891-7828 – Saturday, October 22
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/rory-miller-seminar-in-florida/
Aug 23 2011
I’m so very proud of my friends and students who are successful in life. Three of my Virtual Dojo students from New Hampshire. . . Max, Mia and Alex. . . who are just kids, are three of the most talented, imaginative and energetic individuals that I know. I just received the following email from Max, who has created a most imaginative blog that reviews books, movies and TV shows from a youngster’s perspective. You might enjoy his reviews and I know your children will!
Check out a new entertainment blog suitable for the whole family
Blog: The PopMongoose Blog
Post: Spy Kids 4 + Aromascope: not a winning combination
Link: http://popmongoose.blogspot.com/
Permanent link to this article: http://uechi-ryu.com/popmongoose-blog/
