SummerFest Good News!
Hello Sensei George,
Victor Swinimer and I were wondering if we can register and pay via credit
card through e-mail for the summer camp?
Please let me know if this is possible.
Terry Lantz
Hi Terry:
I'm very happy to hear a couple of Nova Scotians will be joining
us at camp this year. I hope you guys will be the first of many who will
be coming. Don't forget to bring the guitars and see if you can get Duncan
and the guys come along. You can sign-up for camp on our secure store
by clicking
here. See you in August. GEM
George-
I'm still scrambling to get the days off. I officially have the Saturday
and Sunday off and am pretty confidant I'll be able to fly out of Portland
Thursday to Providence and fly back Monday. Kami will be able to come
too (though we won't have the extra tourist days in Boston). Until I'm
sure we can get Thursday off, we won't be able to confirm a flight time...
it's a little frustrating. Grrrr.
When we have the flight confirmed, can we count on you for help getting
to and from the airport? Other than that we should be good and with a
Thursday flight there will be time to learn and play and teach all three
days.
We've been missing you, Susan, and the whole big messy family.
Rory
Camp wouldn't be the same without you and Kami. So happy to hear
you will be with us again this year, heading up your team. GEM
Hi George!
How goes it in Florida??? Things here are starting to pick up! People
are getting to know me and in the last week I have signed on 7 students!
My after school program is over, but I still have 23 full time students
and things are looking good!
I had a quick question regarding testing at summer camp. I know sparring
is required, but I want to keep what I bring on the airplane to just a
carry on bag. Do I have to have sparring gear with me? And if so how much?
I look forward to seeing everyone at camp! Have a great day!
Wendi
Hi Wendi: Looks like your new dojo is off to a great start. Looking
forward to seeing you at camp. We will have extra equipment, so leave
yours home. GEM
Looking for a dojo or instructor!
Dear George I am traveling to Tokyo Japan on the 14 of July and will
be staying in Shinjuku. Do you know of any Uechi-Ryu dojos in the Shinjuku
area that I might be able to visit?
Sincerely Roger Sultzman
Shaolinji Karate Kung fu
Chicago.
Hi Roger. I sent your email to Hiro Uechi in Tokyo. Let me know how
you make out. GEM
Very dear Mattson Sensei,
I had the chance of bothering in the past and you even sent me a videotape,
something you can't forget easily.
I also tried to visit you in Boston but I didn't because the exhibition
center (where I was) was too far pfrom your place and you has a training
going on Sunday morning.
Anyway, who knows. I am basically writing of the leading martial art mag
in Italy. I tried some Uechi in France and down in Serbia/Yugoslavia and
in Munich, Germany I will for sure try it soon.
The reason of the meail is:
1. how could I be "connected" to your Association?
2. is there something like a "long distance learing program"?
3. I am just back from Taipei. I visited a white crane teacher, aged,
and he told me that there is an old video taken in 1964 in a restaurant
with many of the good teachers of the good old days. How can I have it?
You did it, if I am not wrong...
A big ciao from a sunny Venice
Sincerely
Antonio Schiavon
Hi Antonio: The video/dvd you are looking for can be found in our
secure store. IUKF is our organization and we do offer on-line conferencing
and video clip help for our members. GEM
Hi sensei!
. . . . I don’t know if I thanked you properly or enough for being
at our recent Black Belt Test. What a BOOST for our school!
One member watching the test that day is on his way to the Orlando area
and is DYING to workout with your club and/or receiveprivate instruction
from you while he is there. His name is Billy Phillips. Both he and his
son, Liam, practice with us at our school.
Can you tell me a little about your club, when it meets and where it
is located? I’ll forward the information to Bill and see if I can
help coordinate a meeting between you to.
As always, thanks a million, George! I hope you and Susan are beating
the summer heat in FLA!
Love,Gary Khoury & Gang
PS: Which email address is best to contact you at? I have FOUR for you!
J
Hi Gary and "gang": Anyone visiting Florida is welcome to attend
my classes at the
Eustis Senior Center. I also teach private lessons at my
home. Just call 352-589-9889 when you know you will be in town. Oh yes,
I seem to be accumulating lots of email addresses, but you can always
reach me at gmattson@uechi-ryu.com .
More Training Tips from our Readers!
George,
I think as long as you mix the standard Uechi System: Sanchin, Drills
(Primary & Secondary), Kumite, Kata, Bunkai, along with some Sparring
it keeps the practitioner honest in their study and not deluded in their
form. Simple but true. I think sparring needs to be encouraged as it shows
where the gaps are and keeps the form honest.
For what it is worth this is my experience.
Also some exposure to other systems helps the practitioner as well. Without
exposure say to a grappler for example a Uechi practitioner has no counter
or context especially off their feet and horizontal.
I hope your well,
John E. Carlson
Hi,
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am John Carria. My Uechi-ryu bio
is attached.
I have attached a flyer for my seminars. Please let me know if you be
interested in having me teach a seminar at your dojo.
Thank you,
John
Three Conflicts Seminar
Taught by Kyoshi John Carria (7th Degree Black Belt, Okinawan Uechi Style
Karate)
If you have never been to one of Kyoshi Carrias' energetic seminars,
then you are in for a treat. Be prepared for more than a lecture, this
is a hands-on seminar! This program is for serious Okinawan Karate practitioners
of all ages, that are interested in getting a new view on old kata, kumite
and bunkai.
Program: " Energetic Workout " Pressure Point Training "
Okinawan Body Conditioning Methods " Training Plans & Concepts
" Health and Nutrition
When: Your dojo
When: Please call to Schedule
Cost: $20/Student - $40/ Family (Register before ???) $30/Student - $50/
Family (After ??? or at the door)
This is an ALL BELT and STYLES Seminar
For more Information, please contact: john.carria@captexx.com
The Instructor - John Manuel Carria, Jr.
"My philosophy is that karate is a test of endurance, of pushing
yourself to the limits of your ability. If you can do this in karate,
you can certainly do the same in life."
In October 1969, John Carria began studying karate in Providence, Rhode
Island. He attained his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1973, and upon
graduation from college, served as an instructor at the Providence dojo.
He attained the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in 1975.
In 1976, Kyoshi Carria joined the Marine Corps, and requested to be transferred
to Okinawa and studied karate under Hanshi-se Kanei Uechi. He was promoted
first to Sandan and later to Yondan (3rd and 4th degree black belts) by
Master Uechi, who also awarded him a teaching certificate. While in Okinawa,
Master Carria became involved in other aspects of the islands' culture.
He studied the language for two years, and attained the rank of Sankyu
(brown belt) in Japanese calligraphy with Hanshi-se Ryuko Tomoyose (the
past President of the Okinawan Karate-Do Association).
After returning from Okinawa, Kyoshi Carria served as Chief Karate Instructor
at the Quantico Marine Corps Base for three years. During this time, he
also received a graduate degree from Central Michigan University.
In 1983, he resigned his Marine Corps commission to pursue a career in
the public sector and reside permanently in Woodbridge with his family.
He has studied with Kyoshi James Thompson since 1979 and attained his
Kyoshi (7th degree black belt) rank. During the past 35 years, he has
taught classes and seminars for several other systems as well as Uechi
Ryu in both the US and overseas.
For scheduling a seminar in your area or general information about Uechi-Ryu
and John Carria please visit www.uechi-kokusai.com or email John directly
at john.carria@captexx.com.
Balazs Tip Corner
Ask the Trainer:
"I've been running an average of 3-4 times per week. My running routes
vary, averaging 6 to 8 miles. Recently I've been experiencing some pain
in my right knee. One of my running partners suggested I might have "Runner's
Knee". Any suggestions?"
"Runner's Knee" is a common condition. The actual cause and
effective treatment can be hard to explain. To understand what can cause
'runners knee' we can divide the causes into two categories. Intrinsic
and Extrinsic.
Intrinsic causes for runner's knee can include internal injuries to the
cartilage, ligaments or tendons in and around the knee. This could include
a torn Meniscus or ACL injury (anterior cruciate ligament) or dislocated
patella. These types of conditions need to be seen by your family doctor
and may need more extensive treatment.
Extrinsic causes for runner's knee are much more common. They can include
anatomical misalignment, muscle weakness, and over-use. Everyone has a
unique body build. This is what makes some runners very efficient, whereas
some have to struggle to maintain fitness.
Treatment:
Carefully review your running history: Factors such as excessive increase
in distance and speed, hill training, worn out running shoes etc…some
of these factors may be altered easily and the symptoms may subside. A
very frequent treatment for runner's knee usually involves a combination
of strengthening and stretching the quadriceps muscle, combined with stretching
the opposite (complementary) hamstring muscles that may be tight. In addition,
altering your shoe wear or replacing shoes with more stability, padding
and support may help. If these basic remedies are not successful, you
should check with your physician or orthopedic specialist.
Once you begin appropriate treatment for runner's knee, it may take
several months for the symptoms to subside.
(These comments should not be construed as a diagnosis or specific
treatment plan for an injury. See your doctor or orthopedic specialist
for a diagnosis and treatment if required.)
- Andy Dumas
Send your questions for Andy to info@BalazsBoxing.com
Lets get rid of that "Sanchin Belly"
Andy and Jamie's Health and Fitness Tip:
Abdominal Training 101 The abdominals are a group of muscles in your
mid section consisting of the rectus abdominis, the obliques and the transversus
abdominis. This group of muscles runs from the bottom of the ribs to the
top of the pubic bone. For training purposes we'll break the area into
two parts: the Upper and Lower abs. We suggest working the lower abs first,
twisting movements second and upper abs last. The reason behind this order
is that the upper ab muscles are called into play for all lower ab exercises.
If you work the top portion first, these muscles may get too fatigued
to assist in working the lower abs. There are three more elements that
are as important as the sequencing of the work out to ensure an effective
conditioning routine. They are: 1) Proper breathing, 2) Maintaining tension
and 3) Rest intervals. For proper breathing, exhale completely on the
exertion phase of all ab exercises. This assists in completely contracting
the abdominal wall. Maintaining tension, holding the ab muscles tight,
between repetitions allows for quicker fatigue and more intense sets,
and serious results in shorter time intervals. Rest intervals between
sets should not be longer than five seconds. Abdominal muscles are endurance
muscles that recover quickly, so you have to keep them working to get
results. Focus on these elements during each exercise and you'll see superior
results, even if you are currently doing daily ab workouts.
Here are 4 great abdominal exercises for each section of your abs: If
you can't complete the number of reps outlined, just exercise until fatigued,
rest briefly, then start again. You can train abs four or five times per
week without worrying about overtraining the muscles.
Exercise #1: Hip Raises (Lower) Get in the starting position-lie with
your back flat on the floor or preferably on a mat, your head should be
flat on the floor, hands placed along your sides and legs are straight
up in the air, forming a 90-degree angle with your torso. Use your lower
abs to lift your rear end up off the floor. The movement should lift your
buttocks no more than four to six inches off the floor. (Do 3 sets of
15 to 20 reps.)
Exercise #2: Reverse Crunches (Lower) Start on your back with your legs
raised (to 90 degrees) and knees bent. Your feet should be placed together,
but not crossed. Contract the lower abs, concentrating on the area from
the navel to the pubic bone, and crunch your knees toward your chest.
Again, the movement should lift your buttocks no more than four to six
inches off the floor. (Do 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps.)
Exercise #3: Bicycle (Twisting) Lying on your back to start, with your
legs raised (to 90 degrees) and knees bent. Hands are linked behind your
head with your elbows pointing out to the sides. What you are going to
do is try to touch your elbow to the opposite knee-right elbow to left
knee. Meanwhile, your other leg is extended, but kept off of the floor.
Remember to lead with the armpit not the elbow, and let your abdominals
bring your knees in, not your hip flexors. Start alternating legs and
elbows, but be careful not to pull on your head. (Do 3 sets of 25 to 30
reps.)
Exercise #4: Basic Crunch (Upper) Get in the starting position- lie with
your back flat on the floor or preferably on a mat. Place your hands beside
your head or crossed on your chest. Place both feet on the floor with
your knees bent. Contract your abdominal muscles, keeping your lower back
forced to the floor. Exhale and lift your head and shoulders off the floor
as a single unit-try not to lead with your head-and move towards your
knees. Pause and then lower your head and shoulders to the floor. (Do
3 sets of 25 to 30 reps.)
Tune-up your karate with Boxing Drill #19:
Perfecting the Straight Right Heavy Bag Drills: Perfecting the Straight
Right This month we'll show you how to develop your straight right into
a lethal weapon. To review the basics of this punch, please see the Straight
Right section on our website.
For orthodox (left foot forward) fighters the straight right is your
power punch. The power is generated by the rotation of your core- your
hips and shoulders- combined with driving forward off your back foot.
A solid core is a necessity to maintain balance and alignment while throwing
the Straight Right. See the fitness tip below for advice on maintaining
a strong core.
From the on-guard position, the right hand is thrown straight from the
chin on a direct line to your target. The straight right should be thrown
without a wind-up. Winding up will telegraph your coming punch to an opponent.
As you launch the punch, pivot on your right foot (back foot) as you transfer
your body weight forward. Rotate your hips as your arm extends towards
the target. Keep your abdominal (core) muscles tight. Finish the punch
with your hips square to the target, chin down, and eyes on the target.
Keep your left (opposite hand) up to protect your head. Quickly get back
to the on-guard position.
Practice on the heavy bag, striking the bag head high. Remember to pull
the punch upon impact and 'snap' the punch. This will prevent the bag
from swinging wildly.
Practice several rounds on the heavy bag, throwing only the straight
right. Punch, move, punch, move and repeat.
Once comfortable, practice a few combinations with the Left Jab (learned
last week) followed by the Straight Right; this is commonly referred to
as the "one two punch". One-two, move; one-two, move and repeat.
Keep moving!
Balazs Inc. publishes the "BALAZS BOXING E LETTER" monthly.
[Reprinted with permission]
Are the Martial Arts still under developement?
by Peter Sundbye
 Throughout
the history of the martial arts and all the combat systems of man training
tools have played a vital part in evolving and perfecting these systems
and techniques
Whether it be the traditional wooden dummy, wing chun rings, iron palm
ointments and even the system of using forms and karta have developed
the martial arts into their current form.
Even today modern training tools are common and again the martial arts
are under development with new training products such as the Wavemaster,
the BOB training dummy, the Focus Master. All with one thing in common,
to create a well rounded combat system.
Ideally a martial arts solo training tool should be workable for all
and based on sound theory and through constant practice develop into sound
physical application. The ideology and theory would have to take into
account all the history of the combat technology of man and give this
competition and street application.
The Martialarm Combat Theory
The Martial Arm will test any technique, from any strike based style
to see if it will work effectively and safely in accordance to these theories.
It is the ideal training partner and mechanical Sifu.
A general view of these theories are:
1. You must maintain 100% safety when entering into the opponents attack
range, this means to limit any variables that could occur by covering
them. (Methods of entry must be sophisticated yet simple, fast as well
as safe!)
2. You must have the ability to attack at will, with no concern or hesitation.
The attack should incorporate a total control of the opponents weapons.
(Attacks must be structured to have within them a 100% defense!)
3. Techniques, attacks and defenses must flow but not necessarily at
a constant pace. Adaptability to choose what's next is key!
Fighting Scientifically!
The Martial Arm was designed to train the user to implement certain theories
from a Combat system called Martial Science or Total Control. A science
designed and developed by Mr. Lawrence Lee.
"Modern military strategy today is extremely effective. The formula
they utilize is to search for and take out the opponents heavy weapons
via satellites and long distance offensive weapons. Then once the way
in has been cleared, the main force of numbers move in to clean up. This
obviously should be also done on a one to one basis, if you know how!"
Some Martial Arts systems today do not apply such modern philosophy.
It would be a modern disaster to send in the infantry without satellite
information and a prior long distance attack using stealth weapons.
Why focus so much on attacking the opponents head or body immediately
in a confrontation? If this is where our full attention is, the defense
whilst attacking is minimal and so we get hit as we attempt to hit. Why
not take out his weapons as we attack? It is common in some Martial Arts
that you are at your most vulnerable as you attempt to strike.
The Martial Arm shows you the correct way to defend while attacking by
apply the above modern military concepts and more!
The Martialarm Kung Fu Training Dummy
The Martialarm is a Martial Arts training device used to develop the
entry and trapping skills of any student.
Its use in bridging the gap from boxing range into the appropriate trapping
position will increase safety when entering into your opponents space.
By using the Martialarm to practice in the control of an opponent's arms
will allow new, unique methods of entry to be developed in attacks and
it teaches control over the opponent's attack and defence capabilities
as it provides constant resistance to the center.
The Martialarm is designed to teach any martial arts student to expertly
implement trapping techniques, as it moves and reacts like a real opponent.
The Martialarm moves up, down, left, right and all variations in between
like a real arm would. Any pressure placed on the arms internal springs
will be distributed over the shoulder and elbow joints for complete realism.
It also twists for basic locks and other set-ups.
The Martialarm attaches to a wall and is used like a wooden dummy for
training in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Karate and other martial
arts.
Other similar devices are not readily usable by the new student, as they
are not a simple representation of an opponent in an attacking or defensive
position. The Martialarm teaches you to create new techniques because
of constant forward force, so it can strike back.
The Martialarm is a modern training tool and is the new way to train.
Its benefits are obvious to any strike-based Martial Arts system and actually
develops your current style and so work to create a well rounded combat
system.
This article was written by P. Sundbye who has been training in various
martialarts for the last 11 years including Wing Chun Kung Fu, Aikido,
Tong Long and the Lee Total Control system.
For further information visit http://www.martialarm.com
e-mail support@martialarm.com
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other
dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print
in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming
your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating
me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I
fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about
this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your
comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out
to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight
out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is
nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by
some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not
necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under
the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door
I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine or
feline attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.
I cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our
front door:
RULES FOR NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.(That's
why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who
is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
5. Dogs and cats are better than kids:
A) They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train,
usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using
friends
B) They don't smoke or drink, I don't worry about having to buy the latest
fashions, they don't wear your clothes, and don't need a gazillion dollars
for college.
C) And if they get pregnant, you can sell the children.
The Real War Zone!!!
According to the site icasualties.org, there have been 88 hostile fire
deaths caused by firearms since the beginning of hostilities in Iraq.
The remainder of coalition deaths have been due to explosives or accidents.
Considering that there have been on average 160,000 troops in theater
during the last 22 months, there has been a firearm death rate of 60 per
100,000.
The firearm death rate in Washington DC is 80.6 per 100,000. What this
means is that you are more likely to be shot and killed in our Nation's
Capital, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation,
more than in Iraq.
The conclusion? The U.S. should immediately pull out of WASHINGTON, DC.
|
