buzz40yearsvideo

Congratulation Buzz Durkin!

It has been my honor to have participated in many anniversaries, tournaments and celebratory events during my many years as a martial art participant. None have come close to the annual black belt presentations and celebrations that Buzz Durkin has created and hosted over the 40 years he has taught Uechi-ryu in New Hampshire. I …

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5th Uechi-ryu World

5th Uechi Ryu World Cup Official Invitation To All Uechi Ryu Karate Do Practitioners and Masters Dear Sensei, Through this letter, I have the pleasure to invite you and through you to all instructors and students to participate in the Championships called: “5th  Uechi Ryu World Cup” The last World Cup was in 2012 in …

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mott-Closed Gate

IUKF Canada

IUKF Canada As this is the very first IUKF Canada newsletter, I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of you and thank you for supporting this fledgling Canadian Uechi-ryu organization. I’m sure that I’m only iterating what most of you know, but there are a number of Uechi dojo spread across Canada and I …

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dana-ad-1

Perfect Gift – for all Martial Artist

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New England Seniors

Fall Regional Workout

            The IUKF sponsored Fall Regional Workout was held In Middletown, Rhode Island this passed Saturday hosted by Sensei James Nuzzo.  Sensei Jim was a student of the late Sensei Charles Earl who was an early student of Sensei George Mattson when our original dojo was still on Columbus Ave, …

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Congratulation Buzz Durkin!5th Uechi-ryu WorldIUKF CanadaPerfect Gift – for all Martial ArtistFall Regional Workout

Mar 27 2007

“Happenings” around the Uechi-ryu World!

Categories:

George Mattson's Corner, Newsflash, Seminars, SummerFest

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March 27, 2007

Happenings of interest around the Uechi World. . . .
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I am constantly amazed at how many people still have difficulty navigating the Internet. Naturally I’m comfortable with our website. . . after all, I designed and created it! :) However, I get at least one or two email a day from frustrated loyal followers of the site, who can’t figure out how to navigate the table of contents in the left frame.
Others, fearful of clicking the wrong link and destroying their computer or worse, our web site, will avoid all links, hoping that by “refreshing” the screen many times, that different pages will eventually pop up.
Still others, register for the Uechi-ryu site (this one) then expect to be able to post on the forums. Actually, this is not a dumb assumption; After all, both sites are run by me and share the same server. But for various reasons, I elected to keep these two sites separate and therefore if you wish to unlock a number of interesting areas here, you must register where indicated in the left frame. (By the way, I finally had a little time and was able to find just about all of the “lost” links in the archives, articles and other sites. These are only available to registered members of this site.)
Since I don’t often have time to “explore” the site, if any of you come across a missing link, a typo or other error, please feel free to contact me.
Now… Whats happening in the Uechi world that you should be interested in:
  • Hopefully you will all be joining me at this year’s SummerFest. It will be held July 27-29th at the Mass Maritime Academy. The application was just posted. You can print it out right now, fill it out and send it in with your payment. SummerFest is “THE” Martial Art Festival! Please plan to attend. You will (I promise) have a great time – meet lots of fantastic and friendly people and you will learn lot about many Uechi-compatible martial art systems.

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Mar 22 2007

Uechi-ryu: “A lifetime Activity”!

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Newsflash

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March 22, 2007

 

Uechi-ryu: “A Lifetime Activity”!
A good friend and Uechi-ryu teacher called me recently, asking advice regarding a gifted student he had, who was “breezing” through the Uechi curriculum in record time. The teacher’s question involved rules regarding speeded-up promotions and how to teach this individual, who could memorize a kata every couple days.
Wow, as teachers, we should all have such problems.
I thought about this for awhile, as in my nearly 50 years of teaching, I too was blessed with a couple of students who had what Bobby Campbell used to describe as “Stealing” eyes. (what was seen, could be repeated) Since Bob was one of those remarkable students, I was always challenged to keep his interest in working out, while focusing his attention on areas of training that were quite unorthodox for a fighting system like Uechi-ryu, where the kata were few and relatively easy to memorize.
Gifted students like Bobby, became the target for coaches in better known sports such as basketball and football. It was hard to focus his attention on an activity where achievement was recognized by a thin colored belt rather than the adoration of cheer leaders and a supercharged crowd of fans.
The challenge to retain students, whether gifted or garden variety klutzes, who after a year or two, become gifted, remains the same. The teacher must present the martial art material with goals that are different than what Western sports and activities normally attempt to achieve.

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Mar 14 2007

Looking to the future

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Newsflash

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March 14, 2007

Looking to the Future. . .

There was an interesting thread on the forums, relating to why we study Uechi-ryu and how important our links are to Okinawa. I haven’t had time to discuss this issue in detail, but while pulling out an old article for a friend, happened across this editorial I wrote in 2000.

2000 was a big year for everyone. A new millennium with many people speculating as to what the next hundred years had in store for us. More than one "nutcase" predicted the end of the world and a few of us optimist, were looking forward to building a stronger and more unified Uechi-ryu. (Both groups were wrong!)
I still remain excited and hopeful regarding Uechi-ryu’s future. But the old guard must not poison the minds of the next generation and the new leaders of Uechi-ryu must keep an open mind and not be afraid to explore new and different ways to become united. They must learn to build bridges rather than walls. They must learn to accept Uechi-ryu as an art that happens to consist of self-defense movements, applications and mindset; not some kind of kookie religion.

E-mail your thoughts on the subject and let me know what you think of my 2000 predictions.

Looking towards the future!
by George E. Mattson

As 2000 winds down, thoughts turn towards the new year and new hopes and aspirations. Among other things I’ve been accused of by my detractors, is being a dreamer! In the early 60s I saw Uechi-ryu prominently involved with the emerging freefighting era. In the early 70s I envisioned Uechi-ryu remaining a unified and dynamic organization, with successful dojo throughout the world working together. 
 

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Mar 07 2007

IUKF Statement of Purpose

Categories:

George Mattson's Corner, I.U.K.F., IUKF Member Section

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March 7, 2007

IUKF Statement of Purpose

 

No ImageThe 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.

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Feb 27 2007

FestivalsofSpeed

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Newsflash

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February 27, 2007

Festivals of Speed!
One of the “perks” I get, since moving to Florida, is working with and enjoying the annual Festivals of Speed that takes place in St. Petersburg Florida every year. This year it will be held on the weekend of March 23rd & 24th. (see the website for details)
I’m posting this for a couple reasons. First, because I’ve noticed that many forum posters are into exotic vehicles and secondly, because our company, MetroRider Ltd will be introducing its new American-Engineered line of MotorScooters at the Festival. (I know scooters are really hot this year! We sold the two I mentioned last month –  three days after posting the video!)
We have donated one of our most popular models (the 125T-2) to the charity auction that is being held at the Friday evening Jet Hop. If you are interested in being part of one of the most unusual parties ever held, you don’t want to miss the Jet Hop! Antique airplanes, special edition Ferrari jets and other unusual airplanes, sharing space with the most exotic cars ever made and their owners. The only problem – get your tickets early, as this event always sells out by the middle of March.
MetroRider will have two of their most popular scooters on display at the Jet Fest, right next to the most expensive Porsche ever made. (Only two were built)

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Feb 21 2007

Scott Higa visits Shubukan

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Newsflash

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February 21, 2007

Vistors, Visitors. . . I really enjoy Visitors!
In my editorials I sometimes get carried away, expounding on martial art problems that piss me off big time. Tonight I’m going to take a different tact and talk about things that make me really, really happy.
I just finished teaching and working out in a class attended by Scott Higa, Joe Gidrey and black belts from Joe’s dojo and Frank Gorman’s dojo. (Heather, Karin and Ralph)
Why am I happy? Well, we worked out for two hours and had a great time. . . the kind of workouts we used to enjoy many years ago. . . back when there was only one organization and no one said: “You can’t work out with George Mattson – - He isn’t with our association!!!!
I don’t know about you, but I miss those days when everyone was friendly and it wasn’t uncommon to have 25 or more students visiting my dojo every night from different dojo . . . and I would encourage my students to work out with as many instructors as possible to broaden their martial art skill.

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Feb 19 2007

Video Archives

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Newsflash

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February 19, 2007

Odds and Ends. . .

First, I would like to thank all of you who enjoy my editorials and have taken the time to e-mail and let me know how much you appreciate this site. Also, thanks to those of you who purchased my New England Seminars DVD. As a bonus, I am including one of the UechiStore’s best videos; VidMag 5, my 1994 trip to Vancouver. While reviewing that DVD I was struck by how beautiful the scenery was, how wonderful all the Tribal people were and what a great time we had. I just had to share highlights of this DVD with you. . .
The first section focuses on the ceremony where Jim Maloney is honored with a very special Tribal Ceremony. The clip is around 12 minutes. I hope you enjoy it. The next clip, which I’ll post next week, documents the trip from Vancouver to the small village of Shalath, deep in the mountains.
Check it out in the “WhatsNew” section. And don’t forget… it is available as a 2 hour DVD. High quality and really great content.

Oh yes… you can turn off the three clips on top. The Vancouver clip is at the bottom of the clip section. Let me know how you enjoy it.

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Feb 14 2007

What is “traditional”?

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Newsflash

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February 14, 2007

What is “Traditional”. . .
When we speak about martial arts?
This is another of those taboo topics where strong opinions are held by all. I get a kick out of those from any of the opinion camps, who can’t rest until everyone understands and approves what they do and why they do it!
Today I read with interest a post on Bill Glasheen’s forum by a person I respect a great deal, who seemed a bit shocked over Max Ainley’s posts revealing that he practiced nothing but Sanchin kata for three years and makes a practice of teaching this method to his students!

Max has been documenting his training philosophy posts on the “Heart-Mind-Spirit” forum on a regular basis for awhile, describing in detail his very unique and disciplined training practices.

Max never preaches that what he does is better or worse than any other method. But to Max, his very unusual (at least to modern Uechi practitioners) training practices are part of his “traditional” Uechi-ryu.

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Feb 08 2007

New England Visit

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Newsflash

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February 8, 2007

New England Visit. . .

I broke a long standing vow, not to visit anywhere cold! Fortunately I didn’t give away all my cold weather gear and therefore didn’t freeze during my recent trip to Boston.Although the weather wasn’t very cooperative, my New England friends made sure every moment of my trip was both enjoyable and memorable. I spent a day with Bill Bauknecht, discussing politics, golf and a lot of Uechi-ryu philosophy. Although our political and golf discussions get quite heated, our love of Uechi-ryu is certainly on the same page.

I wish Bill would go public with his opinions, since he like the majority of other Uechi practitioners, prefer to remain silent and upset rather than stepping up and getting involved and being heard.

As I write this article I look over to the right frame and see that there are 689 people on uechi-ryu.com! Then I go to the Forums and see that 4 people are reading or posting! When I asked Bill why he doesn’t post or even read the forums, his answer pretty much mirrors what everyone else says when I ask them the same question. . .

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Jan 31 2007

Dojo Grand Opening

Categories:

George Mattson's Corner

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January 31, 2007

I would like to congratulate John Page on the opening of his dojo in Ayer, Massachusetts. Sensei Mattson and I were there on January 28 for the festivities along with Fedel, Pat Saunders, Vinny, Harry Sheffington and many others. Please excuse my not mentioning your name if you were there as I am getting older and spelling is not my greatest asset.
The IUKF is very fortunate to have as a member such as John Page. He is intelligent, dedicated and fair. Above all, John is a man of conviction and bushido. Although we were in his domain, John respectfully places all others there in front. This was his day, his grand opening and yet the emphasis was on everyone other then himself.
I have a saying, which I would like to share. Consider not how a friend would treat you because he is a friend. Consider how well he treats others outside his circle. For there is where you will know if he is a man of bushido.
Darin Yee

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