September, 2003 mailbag

Note: In the course of a month I get literally thousands of e-mail. I don't normally place correspondence in the "Mailbag" that are either labeled "personal" or contain information of a personal nature. As I read and answer mail, if I find a letter that I find interesting, amusing, topical or educational, it gets filed in my "mailbag" for future use in this feature. I try to edit out any personal information like addresses or telephone numbers, unless the writer specifically requests that I publish it.

I welcome all e-mail and will answer everyone in as timely a manner as possible. Don't be surprised if you find (or don't find) your message in this section. However, if you are concerned about your letter finding its way into the "Mailbag", simply include in the header or at the beginning of message "personal" and I will honor your request. GEM

HELLO GEORGE. I LIVE IN NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE- IM A 19 YEAR OLD MALE- I'D WOULD LIKE TO TAKE UP UECHI RYU.

BUT CANT FIND ANY ONE AT ALL TO TEACH ME IN MY AREA. SUCH AS LITTLETON NH. LANCASTER.. WHITEFIELD... IF YOU KNOW ANY INSTRUCTOR. THAT IS CLOSE BY PLEASE LET ME KNOW TY.

Hi Ty. I'm not sure how close Buzz Durkin's dojo is to you, but I suggest you give him a call. He should be able to help you locate a dojo near you. Check our "Instructor/Dojo" listing. GEM

Hi George,

Just to let you know that I received the CD - Thanks ! :)

Did you have any luck in finding out if there are any Uechi Ryu practitioners in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.?

By the way, the new web site is much better.

Barrie.

I am emailing for Michael Polnik who wanted to find out where there might be uechiryu classes near him. He lives in North Canton, OH, and got your email address out of your book, Uechiryu Karate Do, that his father gave to him. If you have any way to find out, or have any information, please email us back at this email address. We would really appreciate your help.
Thank You,
Jacqui Oprean and Michael Polnik

Dear Mr. Mattson,

Thank you very much for your hospitality and so nice and heartly welcome of Shai Hai. Thank you also for your readiness to put the link and INTRO 1 movie into official site of the Int. Uechi-Ryu Federation ( of course I provide you with legal permission for it).

ISAI is rather the method of bio-mechanical analyses and understanding of the movements of the mostly upright human body then specific and exact technique of MA. I applied it to the Martial Arts I studied and practiced, but my student in Israel Adam Jeks, learned himself to swim in this way! He practiced ISAI about one year and his self-study of swimming lasted only about one hour! ISAI deals not only with the muscular and skeleton systems of the human body but but also with other phenomena's like control and usage of the blood pressure and internal energy and so on. This is also unique system of power development which is absolutely natural for humans (but very well forgotten when we grew up) and demands only seconds for each training session and can be practiced everywhere, even when driving the car (this is what I actually do).

So ISAI can be applied for analyses of many Martial Arts. The results can be implemented without any significant change of these arts. New understanding will provide much smoother and faster flow of the techniques, better control of the body and great economy in the physical, muscular effort. (For example, in my case performance time of short Kata changed from 8 seconds to 2.5 seconds within half a year. This happened long time ago when ISAI was in his embryonic state).

On this basis I will be very happy to exchange experience with you and your Federation.

With the very best wishes,

Moshe Gorelik

Hi Moshe:

I enjoyed meeting with and hosting your student, Shai Hai at the "Hut" and spending time with him during his brief stay in Boston. Thank you for sending the CD of your new and exciting martial art system, that has so many wonderful features about it, that will benefit Uechi-ryu practitioners. I'm sorry that I haven't had time to follow-up on our earlier discussions, but now that I have the time, I'll be posting some clips on our site and discussing how your organization can become associated with IUKF. GEM

Dear Mr.Mattson,

I practice Karatedo Shudokan which is very similar to Shito-ryu. I have a question to a kata which is releated in some sources to Master Uechi Kanbun - the Kata Shinpa.

Shihan Dollar wrote in his book that Mabuni Kenwa was visiting Master Uechis dojo and after that visit he devised the Kata Shinpa.

Well, I have heard a similar story: Mabuni and his good friend Yashuhiro Konishi have visited the Dojo of Master Uechi to learn more about Pangai-noon. They wanted to learn more about the techniques of Uechi-ryu. Master Uechi decided to show them a Kata from his style and so this two Masters learned the Kata Shinpa from Master Uechi. In some schools they practice two Kata Shinpa tan (short heart wave) and Shinpa cho (long heart wave) – and it is said that they are pure Pangai-noon Kata. As one of the leading authorities in Uechi-ryu – could you believe that Master Uechi has known more Kata than Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseiru and would it be possible that the two Shinpa forms are from the Pangai-noon system?

Thank you for your time –

Best Regards,

Christian Bellina

Austria Shudokan

Hi Christian:

Thanks for writing and letting me know about what could be a very important Uechi-ryu discovery. As you may know, we have been doing quite a bit of research work on the subject of Uechi-ryu in China and what the system might have looked like 200 years ago.

To answer your question about what Uechi Kanbun sensei might have known. If he was a typical curious youth and he was training in China, chances are he probably studied many different styles under many different instructors. Shushiwa was only a few years older than Kanbun and probably was as much of a companion as a teacher.

Naturally I am very curious about the two Shinpa kata and would very much like to see a video of them if possible. I could very quickly determine if they have any relationship to Uechi-ryu or not.

Any chance that you could visit Cape Cod in August for our SummerFest? Teachers from all over the world meet for a long weekend of study and training. This would obviously be a very popular subject.

Have you visited our Forums yet? We get into this type of discussion quite often. (Link from our home page: http://uechi-ryu.com )

Again, thanks for writing. I hope you will consider sending me a video of the kata. I would reciprocate by sending you one of one of our discoveries, Superempi, found in China by Simon Lailey. By all indications, it is a form that is closely related to Uechi-ryu and is quite possibly the lost 4th kata of Uechi-ryu.

Best, George

Dear Mattson Sensei,

Hello from Nagahama, hoping al is well with you and yours.

I have a happy announcement to make.

To my knowledge, in the past years only two UechiRyu masters were honored by being chosen by the Government of Japan to represent UechiRyu Karate on official government videotapes and for foreign tours, visits, and special events. These were two Okinawan masters, one being Toyama Seiko Sensei and the other being Shinjo Kiyohide Sensei. There may have been others before but I haven't heard. When or if I do, I will let any interested persons know.

However, I would like to announce that the Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has chosen another practitioner of UechiRyu to represent Okinawan Karate to the world, in particular to American servicemen about to be stationed on Okinawa.

Please imagine the huge number of karate practitioners from which the GOJ (Government of Japan) had to choose. For foreign visitors and American servicemen, who would be the best choice? Especially considering the growing sensitivity of our Japanese-American political and social relationship, and that this short videotape would have to be distributed to military bases worldwide?

The final consensus was that he should be an American. He should have prior military experience, and have spent much time engaged in in-depth study of Okinawan Karate and culture. He should be the student of a recognized Okinawan master of Karate, and his performance should reflect that. He should have a story to tell to which other servicemen can relate.

And so, the choice was (drum roll)... Sensei George E. Mattson (... HA -- you thought I was gonna say ME, didn'tcha!?).

While visiting the Torii Station Base Library a few days back, I borrowed a videotape produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, titled "Part 1 -- Okinawa's History and Culture / Part 2 -- Keys to a Successful Okinawan Tour". It appears to be about 2 years old. Though in English and hosted primarily by Americans, all material and footage used is severely screened and approved by strict Japanese Government officials. The first part is a brief synopsis of Okinawan history (a bit whitewashed for the sake of our Japanese hosts) and lasts 16.5 minutes. The second part is a series of interviews with base and local commanders, and consists of guidance and experiences with Okinawan people and culture, lifestyle, nightlife, traffic, etc. and is 17 minutes long. At the end of this second part is an interview and short karate demonstration by Mattson Sensei, during which he shares a little personal history with which most of us may not be familiar! Told with grace and humor, I think young service people will relate to his experiences, be encouraged to enjoy another view of Okinawan life and culture while stationed or visiting here, and perhaps begin a similar karate-related journey.

A "personal copy" is on the way to Mattson Sensei, with the naive assumption that he may not have seen the finalized video just yet. I hope Mattson Sensei will show this to interested people when asked, and add it to his personal library.

So -- recognized by the Government of Japan as a master of Karate, and chosen to represent UechiRyu Karate for the same video on which appear great Japanese political figures, educators, and the President of the USA. Just like him to not say anything or make a deal about it, folks. At least, I never saw any announcement or read any indication. He just sort of quietly lets us discover these things... :-)

So what's next -- maybe the first foreign Intangible Cultural Asset...?

My deepest congratulations, Mattson Sensei, with hopes that we will see more of this in the future!

Regards and good health.

Sincerely,

Gordi

Dear Mattson Sensei,

Hello again from Okinawa, going to be a hot day today. Hoping all is well in Mass.

GEM: While I was reading your first letter, I did, indeed assume the person so honored was you. This is the first I've heard of this and no. . . I don't have the video.

Yeah, heh heh. I'm going to need a whole lot more expertise before I qualify to stand in that circle!

GEM: Many thanks for letting me know about this honor. I don't think it appropriate for me to make any announcements though. I would appreciate your letting Tomoyose sensei know about it though. I'm sure he will be very pleased as the honor is more his than mine.

Actually, I'm surprised you didn't receive a courtesy copy of the tape. This one draws US military film archives, NHK (they're the big one), GOJ, and local sources together to create this rather important introduction video. The final production studio was the AFRTS Studio here at Rycom Plaza (I used to work at that studio as the TV weather man when I was active duty!). It's not US Government policy to let out freebee copies of their productions but in this case it is actually a Ministry of Foreign Affairs video. The GOJ usually makes sure that all involved have a courtesy copy of any video production.

I will call the studio and ask about the actual release date of that video. Now I believe it's about 4 or 5 years old; the G8 Summit here was not even mentioned though Clinton does show up on the video commenting on Okinawan-American relationships.

I am really very sorry but I have not seen Tomoyose Sensei since the Okikukai New Year's Party of 1998. My last phone contact with him was in early March 1998.

By the way, if you go to

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/index.html

on the front title page there is a link to "Intangible Cultural Asset Title Holders". Go to that link and scroll down to Tomoyose Sensei. There is a short bio, etc. and his kata. So, you and he are now added to the list of those chosen by the GOJ to represent Okinawan Karate. I am unable to view it because I need Media player 9 (I do not use it in my computer). Also, there is a section on UechiRyu kata with Toyama Sensei's Sandairyu.

Perhaps you could let my letter stand as an announcement, and you can add that Tomoyose Sensei is also chosen by the GOJ to represent Okinawan karate to the world.

More later.

Regards and good health.

Sincerely,

Gordi

A quick question...

Hello, I was considering signing up at the Okinawan Karate studio in Stoughton, MA and came across your name while doing research. Do you have a local studio, as I noticed you are located in Brockton? If not, any information you could provide on recommending a studio would be great.
Thank you for your time,

=========================
Hi Dana: I'm in Texas right now, but through the magic of email.. . Although I live in Brockton, I teach in Newton, MA. For your information, the Stoughton dojo is a very good one. Please give my best regards to Steve Banchick. Even though you are working out with Steve, you are always welcome to visit our dojo for a class. Good luck and stay in touch.
Best,
George Mattson
===========================

Just wanted to say thank you for such a rapid response. Based upon your recommendation "the Stoughton dojo is a very good one," I will be signing up there tonight. I will be sure to send your regards to Steve. Take care and I look forward to trying a class with you when I get the basics down.

Thank you,
Dana

Mr. Mattson,

Regrettably I won't be able to attend SummerFest this year.

As to strengthening the wrist and arms through Sanchin, are you referring to Phase 1-8 training in your book Uechi-Ryu Karate Do? If so, do you recommend doing wa-uke with dynamic tension for the crane grab and the rest of the phases with both ankle and wrist weights?

I also recently found San Zhan as the chinese name of Sanchin. And Ting Ta Bu (Muddy Stepping - foot being slid across the ground) as a description of Sanchin walking. It's not walked the same way, but it describes Sanchin walking. I am trying to find the chinese equivalent forms for Seisan, Sanseirui, and Suparinpie. Do you have any information on these and their original chinese name equivalents?

Thank you,

Chris Thomas

Recommend you post your questions on our Forums. You have some good questions that deserve more detail explanation than I'm able to give you in a letter. GEM

I am interested to know if you have any history of the kata you have listed as "Soken Tsunagaki No Kai." In our dojo, we have a kata called "Tsuken Tsunakaki No Eku."

I realize there are often many katas with the same or similar names. Nevertheless, I would be interested in knowing what, if any, history you may have on your kata. In appreciation of your response, I am,

Dear Mr. Mattson

My name is Jonathan Maberry and I am the author of two martial arts book recently published by Strider Nolan Publishing, Inc.

The books deal with different aspects of traditional martial arts and are written for the serious practitioner. I would be honored if your magazine would agree to take a look at them with an eye toward a possible review if you think they merit it.

The first book is Ultimate Jujutsu: Principles and Practices (ISBN: 1932045066; 288 pages), which examines traditional Japanese jujutsu from historical, philosophical, and technical perspectives.

The second book is Ultimate Sparring: Principles and Practices (ISBN: 1932045082; 416 pages), which discusses sparring methods from around the world and throughout history.

I have been practicing jujutsu for over 35 years and taught Martial Arts History at Temple University for fourteen years. I am the author of seven books and over 550 articles.

If you are interested in seeing one or both, please let me know and I will send copies right away.

Kindest Regards

Jonathan Maberry

Hi Jonathan:
I'll be very happy to read your books and publish a review on our site. GEM

Strider Nolan Publishing, Inc

All,

We're back in the saddle again. Last Tuesday night was our first class. My back has recovered. Jimmy and I spent a very "slow" class reviewing many of the foundation items of our style: stance, stepping, form, breathing, not hooking our belts with our thumbs when performing blocks... We also resorted to using a virtual instructor for our Katas - the Uechi-Ryu demos that are on-line via the www.Uechi-ryu.com site. When in doubt, we played the video. As a backup, I also had my Red and Black books.

We had a lot of fun. It was amazing how our bodies instinctively moved to positions within katas at times when we weren't sure what to do next - I guess we were benefiting from our years of training.

Hope to see you Tuesday night.

Just a note, I will be on vacation for the following 2 weeks, so the next class will be held 12 August.

Cheers,

Hello George,

Attached, is the obituary of Chris Cody that I downloaded off the internet. It is little bit different from the one that I clipped out of the paper (the original). With the original clipping, it was mentioned that Jim Maloney and Dr. Ian MacNeil did the eulogies. I have one picture of Chris posing with Jamie another student, and myself after a tournament; unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of Chris, outside of the original obituary taken from the newspaper, and I don't have a scanner. Some of the local boys here in Nova Scotia, or even Sensei Maloney might have pictures of Chris. If you have no luck this way, send me your mailing address, and I will send you the tournament picture.
Peace.

Kevin Dobson.

Dear George Mattson, Sensei:

I missed going to the summer camp in 2002 and I decided nothing was going to stop me from being there this year. As the time got closer to get ready for the camp I couldn't believe how excited I was becoming. Thinking about all the classes and doing Sanchin by the sea I could hardly wait until it was time to leave.

Just doing Sanchin with Sensei George is always a real learning experience. No matter how many times Sanchin is done there is always something that can be improved, and learn things like keep your movements less tense not so ridged and to flow. The way to do Sanchin is always evolving and it's feels good to be up to date on the newest thinking about what makes Sanchin work so well and how to make your Sanchin look better.

Sensei George did talks with the Seniors this year and I thought I had died and gone to Karate Heaven. I heard Bob Campbell talk and I attended a couple of his classes. To me Bob Campbell is a living legend. I read about him in Harvey Libergott's book Scissors, Rock, Paper along with James Maloney and a number of people I never dreamed I would meet. I hope Sensei George you will have talk with the Seniors again in 2004. Every Senior I heard was extremely interesting, knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. I remember so much more when stated in a humorous way. Mr. James Maloney would be a fascinating Senior, he has a lot of interesting stories.

I left the camp this year almost exploding to tell everyone back home what I had learned and to share my experiences with those in my Dojo. I learned so much from Mr. Cacia's class on Seisan Bunki The major point for me was how you both present yourselves to your testing board when doing Seisan Bunki. How you stand, move, hold your arms, perform your moves shows the board you both know what you are doing and how to do it. That is only a tiny part of what I learned from Sensei Cacia; thank you Sir.

Sincerely, Dorothy Reitman

I wanted to thank you for the summer camp, I had a wonderful time there and got to see the variety of good directions that excellent Uechi practitioners have taken to improve themselves. Thank you for having us there, I hope to be there next year with some of my students as I'm sure they'll benefit from it at least as much as I did this year, if not more.
Mehran.

Hi Mehran:

So nice of you to write and say such kind things about camp. I've been enjoying this experience for 20 years and have been trying to get teachers off their butts so they might "play with us".

Most teachers are so concerned that the camp will be "political" in nature. The only way some of these hold-outs will realize that no one gives a damn what patch they wear, is for guys like you to tell them. (They don't believe me!)

I hope we will be able to get together before next year. . . Perhaps during one of my West Coast visits.

Please give my regards and best wishes to your students and associates. Thanks again for taking the time to write and say so many very nice things about your visit.

Regards, George

Dear George and Susan:

Just a quick note to tell you again how very moved I was, and how appreciative I am, that you saw fit to honor me as you did this past weekend. It's hard to believe that the enormously positive impact you've had on my life began all those years ago and has endured for so long, only 6 years short of half a century!

Paul Giella's introduction was remarkable, both in its eloquence and in Paul's uncany ability, by words alone, to transform the most ordinary life of a most awkward person into something that sounded exalted. But perhaps that's the essence of what you've done for us all--transform our ordinary lives into something at least approaching the exalted, because the exaltation comes from within, from meeting the challenges you first posed.

As I've told you on occasions in the past, and with no less sincerity then, I'm forever beholden to you for all you've done, and very grateful for the honor you bestowed on me this weekend.

Evelyn joins me in sending you both our warmest regards, our thanks, and the hope that we'll see you in NY before we see you again next July in Bourne,

Congratulations again on your promotion David. So nice to see you and Evelyn again. GEM

Hope this letter finds you rested after your summer camp. I am sure it was a lot of planning and effort to put together ....and now that it has successfully passed you can breathe a little easier! The Women's Friendship Tour is moving along successfully too...but it is a full time job for sure. I never realized the work that it would entail! I have some wonderful girls helping though and for that I am very lucky. All their help, efforts,? ideas, and constantly working together? can only help in making this a successful event for all.

Hopefully very soon we will be a non-profit entity and then the girls can be set free to start campaigning for sponsorship. Our media/sponsorship kits will be delivered to Steve Banchick soon to be put together and ready for mailing.Our goal is to raise money? to set scholarships up for women all over the world to be able to attend this event. I would like to thank you personally for helping to expose The Women's Friendship Tour not only in your mailbag but also on your website home page.

Sorry this has taken so long to get to you but I have been away for a few days. ? Arabia Kennewick and his family are visiting in Orlando and Doug and I went up to be with them for a few days. They will come here to Jensen Beach on Sunday. Also I just returned from Tampa where I attended a Blackbelt test at Frank German's. Bob Kaiser was there too so it was nice to see him.... and presently I have some German visitors so I have been very busy as you can see!!!?? Scott Higo will visit on Sunday for the day too!!!!? Most likely will have a big B-Que. for all!!!!!!? ? Again thank-you on behalf of myself and all the women? for your help in exposing the Women's Friendship Tour Event. ?

P.S. Jackie,Steve and Dana a big thanks for all your great suggestions ,volunteer work and continuing efforts.

Hi Peggy:

Thanks for the letter. Yes, camp this year was a blast. . . Lots of new presenters, lots of excitement and everyone had fun in the process.

Good luck to you in with the women's friendship tour. Lots of work I know, but it should be an experience for all that won't be forgotten.

Best, George

Thank you and Susan for the wonderful experience of Summerfest. This was my first trip and definitely not my last. The picture you captured of "Big Sal" snoozing on Sunday morning is priceless. All the seniors and the presenters were simply the best, I will not forget this experience.

Scott Rosencrants

Greetings Sensei

First of all summer camp was a blast as always, and congratulations on 20 years. I do remember Thomson Island back in the 80s,which was always fun. My real question to you is have you heard anything from Okinawa as far as the diplomas are concerned,

I was promoted to Shodan on June 1st and I was curios as to when we may see these documents. I do not want to seem to be a haunt, like I said I was curious.

Sincerely

Paul R McKenzie

Paul: Okinawan SOKE certificates can take up to six - nine months to receive. Thanks for the kind words about SummerFest. GEM

George and Susan,

Just got back after a great time with our Uechi friends. Thank you for the 20th anniversary shirt and the invitation to attend.

If it was not for you that got the ball rolling years ago I would have not made such great friends. You have brought many wonderful people together. Thank you.

Have to run down to the "Foxhole" as Van calls it, for a game of pool with Jimmy and Bridget. Jimmy is training one tuff girl there. I look forward to her pro debut in November. I hope that we can all make it to support them.

Thanks again.

Best wishes,

Jay Carvalho

Thanks for the e-mail

Sorry we were not able to attend this year. I had it on the calendar, the time off from work, but then we had something else intrude on our plans.

Wasn't it John Lennon who said, "Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans"?

Hope to get up to the Hut this fall

Andy

What an impressive programme. Thank you indeed for including me in the mailout. I have to be in Montreal for judges' meetings, otherwise I'd be easily persuaded to head to Boston! The 8th. Dan ceremony sounds truly inspirational. It would appear that the honouree was able to carry on with his uechi training notwithstanding...or perhaps because of ...the rigours of the law! Is the presenter an MD? Your early morning class on the beach must be a sell-out too! I have the present intention of returning to Dave's dojo in November, if he'll have me, when some cross- Canada judicial obligations of my own have been concluded and the caseload eases a little. Best, Jamie

Hi Sensei.

After conversations between a gaijin Uechi practitioner here in Tokyo, Justin Testa and myself, I'd love to try and get Uehara Osamu-sensei out for next year's SummerFest, 2004. Granted, this is something that was talked about once and hasn't really been mentioned again, and certainly has not yet been broached to Uehara-sensei, but I wanted to let you know it was something bouncing around in my brain and I wanted to see if you had any opinion on it, given the... finicky... nature of personalities involved in such an endeavor.

Best, /.s./ (Seth Rosenblatt)

Best, George

Sensei,

I would expect that with all the preparations underway, you and Susan must be rather busy beavers. I am quite busy as well, but not so busy as to be able to take the time to wish you all the best and congratulate you on your 20th summer fest.

Although I have never attended one of your summerFests and although there have been some hard feelings over the course of the last year, I inform you with all my heart, that I want to be there, but am unable to do so this year.

I wish you all the best. Hoping that Summer Camp all goes smoothly, everyone enjoys themselves and that it is a wonderful success in propogating the art. Many thanks for considering me despite my orniness. It is my sincere hope that you can see it in your heart to forgive me for any transgressions. Although I often disagree with you on certain matters, I will uphold your right to make decisions as you see fit.

God Bless you & your family.

Sincerely,
Akil Todd Harvey

Hi Akil:

Thanks for your letter. Sorry that you won't be at camp again. Well, maybe one of these years. . .

Please don't say that I have anything against you or anything of this nature. I've always liked you and thought we were friends. Regarding disagreeing with me. . . well, join the crowd. Its my job to take action in many areas. People who are active tend to tick some people off. I've learned to accept that as part of my job. GEM

George,

I am sorry not to be able to attend your SummerFest. I was impressed by how much planning you've done; I guess having held these for several years gives you a good sense of what to expect. Any time you gather large groups of people you always have to expect the unexpected, though.

There is a good reason for my absence: we will be spending Saturday getting ready for an early morning flight on Sunday to Long Island and another flight that evening to Scotland, where we will begin a long cruise through the North Atlantic (Iceland, Greenland, Labrador, etc.). The author plans to be in the Boston area sometime in early November, and he will call you to say hello. He will be speaking to one or more Italian-American organizations in the vicinity.

Thanks again for your comments on The Joint Venture. We are using them prominently in our press kit. Speaking of the book, if some of your attendees would like copies, I can make them available to you at a discount, so you could make a little for the club treasury from each copy. They will all be signed by the author, and a personal note can be added if we have a name. If you are interested, just let me know how many copies you would like and I can ship them all at once.

Attached are copies of reviews and comments we have received.

Good luck on your SummerFest!

Nat Kenton,
Managing Editor
Voyageur Publishing Co., Inc.

Thanks a million for the letter. I can't help but feel their are so many others that deserve to be in the Hall way before I should be able to walk through the door. ( I think there will be some fights that night in New Orleans, and not a bad way to sell a couple of hundred tickets from the Lake Charles, LA area, than to honor their hero of 20 years ago.<g>)

But they gave Earnie Smith's to him here in Lake Charles, I guess it doesn't matter where. It's an honor but I know several fighters who where so much more talented than me who aren't in. Maybe it's who you know not what you know, and they are probably the National Karate Assn. is running short on old kickboxers to put in. <lol> The letter coming from you Sensei is a great honor, I stand humbled. God Bless,

Tate

Students without teachers!

My dear Sensei,

I am very grateful of your invitation to Summer Fest, and I am very sorry, that I couldn’t take part in training and celebration. It was impossible for me. I would like to explain why! I live in Lithuania (east Europe), my country gain independence only 12 years ago. We still have some problems to get USA visa, I think because of illegal emigration from our country to USA. I can get USA visa if you sent me uechi-ryu federation official invitation to annual “Summer Camp”.
++GEM: I receive many email and letters requesting invitations. Since 9/11, our government has made it very difficult for people to receive visa to visit the USA.

I would like to take part in “Summer Fest” next year. Please send (if it is possible) your invitation at least 8 month before Summer Camp, than I will be able to apply for visa. There is very long queue to get USA visa, we have to wait sometimes about half a year.
++GEM: I will send out an invitation for you to attend our SummerFest.

Dear George, next year would be nice to arrive 3 or 2 weeks before “summer camp”, because during “Fest” you will be very busy and we will have only a little time to discuss… I dream about our meeting more than 20 years (you now when Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Union our meeting was impossible).
++GEM: My home has been like a hotel for over 30 years. If you can get your visa, you have a place to stay.

I have many questions about some uechi-ryu technique performance and kata performance; I also would like to show my discoveries in fighting art. My technique is applicable more in real fighting than in sport karate because during last 12 years I was teacher of bodyguards.
++GEM: "Realistic" martial arts has become very popular within the martial arts' community. Uechi-ryu is a very practical style that has a very "realistic" edge.

Now I should explain some things for better understanding my situation.

If you remember, I write in my previous letter, that I have not had any sensei except You. I consider you to be my sensei, because my first knowledge about uechi-ryu I find in your book and your letters to me. So I have been studying uechi-ryu having very little information; everything I have had to find by experience and my performance looks a little different from “classical” uechi-ryu, this is why I need information about black belt taste requirements.
++GEM: You might be surprised to see all the variations in the style while visiting America.

I have few important questions:

1. Where can I get video from this year summer camp?
++GEM: This year's SummerFest had over 50 seminars. We decided not to video tape seminars this year. Sorry.

2. Where can I get 3 and 4 parts of your uechi-ryu courses (video)?
++GEM: The "store" offers the entire basic program. (VidMag 17, 18 (A,B,C&D)

3. I would like to prepare for 2 degree black belt test. I would be VERY GRATEFUL if you write me where can I find requirements of this test and video of taste performance, than I will be able to prepare for this taste?
++GEM: Rank requirement can be found in the "Black Belt Test Guide" (can be found in the store) and rank standards are also described in the "IUKF" website. IUKF assigns an senior instructor (Shihan) to work with all students who are unable to train with a teacher. We work with these students on-line, with our "Virtual Dojo" program. With this program, we can review video tape clips on-line and make helpful suggestions regarding techniques and form. The "Virtual Dojo" provides a way for students to improve their "traditional" Uechi forms. IUKF rank standards are very strict and must follow the rules and testing procedures.

My dear sensei, I have no any official degree in uechi-ryu, but I hope you wouldn’t be disappointed of my fighting art.
GEM: I understand your situation and hope that we will be able to work together. It is important that you understand that Uechi-ryu is first a traditional system based on fighting. Although the ability to defend yourself is an important part of the system, we do not award rank simply because someone can fight. (This is something that many Uechi practitioners still don't understand)

I have to apologize of my bad English. I still read and write only with dictionary and with help one of mine disciples.

If you could sent me official invitation, I would like take with me that disciple, he will help us to communicate, because my English is still at very beginning. If you agree I will write, his name because he also must have official invitation from uechi-ryu federation otherwise impossible to get USA visa for us. My disciples name is: Remigijus Eugenijus Stanevicius.

My very best wishes!

Vytautas Romualdas Macius.

Thank-you for responding quickly, I understand that you schedule is busy and I was wanting to know more about the training done by video. also if you know of anyone that is teaching here around the Oklahoma city area. I see in the phone book Karate styles but I like the simple quick nature of this one. To the point of self-defence. I can punch on a punching bag for a few days and that is cardio. Then if I put on some hand weight and ankle weights and move with the sanchin I feel that I lock in the punching speed direction and force for a stiff quick blow that I would not have earned by heavy bag alone. I am 6'1 and I notice that in sparring I would have to work a down angle with shorter peaple. I have always had a problem with ducking my head when punching low and in some situations but with the sanchin I learn to keep my head up. Thank-you for the response
Ken

George, Hope all is well,

the new web site look is ok but I like the OLD home page set up ...it is / was much easier to view, access and get around, you should take a poll.

anyways please ask Susan when it would be a good time to stop by and pick up 5 books,

Let me know as I am up that way at PT mornings

Thanks Steve

Steve: So far, the reviews regarding the new "Look" for the website is favorable. However, to be fair, we have just begun the updating. Because all of my helpers are volunteers, I can't rush them. We are working on a site that will be best for the future, which will include multiple contributors to various sections of the site. The old site was a lot like my third floor office. . . cluttered, messy and unorganized. Susan isn't allowed to visit me there. . . she calls! GEM

Mattson Sensei,

I trust you are well. It's been a busy summer here and a busy fall coming up. The Koshukai this past June was a huge success.

We're participating in the Okinawan Kai festival with a demonstration this coming Sunday 9/07 in nearby Potomac Maryland. In October, we'll help Nestor Folta Sensei celebrate his 50th year of life and his 20th year in Uechi-Ryu with his students in Virginia. The first week of November, my Dojo is hosting Gondra Sensei from Argentina and we will plan a regional program. Finally, December 04-08, our Dojo is hosting Gushi Sensei for another regional training program.

I would greatly appreciate if you could update the e-mail in my Dojo listing to 'RikLostritto@Comcast.net" and if possible, post this e-mail in the appropriate forum

Many thanks,

Rik

Good luck with your Regionals Rik. Also, best wishes to Folta sensei on his 50th birthday and 30th anniversary in Uechi-ryu. GEM

Dear Students, Parents, Sensei, and Friends,

A huge event is being scheduled for Sunday October 12th.

Please set aside this date now for the "20/50 Celebration of Master Folta!"

We need to know who plans on attending - read below.

This is a double event - KOSHUKAI Seminar and a Dinner Show:

1. KOSHUKAI Seminars morning & afternoon - with special guest instructors for adults, and action-packed youth programs (safe and fun)

2. Dinner Show in the evening - with special martial arts demonstrations and entertainment, comedy skids, authentic and traditional Okinawa cultural dance and music performances, excellent door prizes, and roasting Master Folta.

Please note that this event is scheduled on the Sunday of a holiday weekend (Columbus Day). Many people will be off work on Monday. It will be located in the Northern Virginia area. We rally want to encourage attending all events - the KOSHUKAI Seminar and also the evening Dinner Show. Accordingly, we have a special discount rate for attending all events.

Now, we need a head count of people that will be attending so that we can plan the right facility for the KOSHUKAI Seminar and the Dinner Show.

We have estimated the approximate costs for the KOSHUKAI Seminar and the Dinner Show as follows:

Adult Youth (12 and under)

KOSHUKAI Seminar Morning only $40 $30

KOSHUKAI Seminar Afternoon only $40 $30

KOSHUKAI Seminar Full Day (Discounted) $70 $50

Dinner Show only $30 $20

Special Discount KOSHUKAI Seminar Full Day & Dinner Show $80 $60

Adults, Youth, Family or Friends, are all welcome to attend. For those that don't practice karate, we have tried our best to keep the cost of the Dinner Show to a minimum.

We need a head count for making arrangements, so please RSVP to Barnard Sensei at rebarnar@vt.edu Please RSVP not later than Sunday, August 9.

Send Barnard Sensei the: Name of each person attending, and their cost (using the above table)

Again, we have provided the special discount to encourage attendance at all events. [Please note that a typical daycare cost for one day is approximately the same rate as the youth cost at this event. And you get much more at this event - the youth get a full-day of healthy and fun learning followed by an evening of great entertainment and food.]

Thank you in advance for your support of our school, support of Master Folta, and for your prompt RSVP.

Respectfully,
Ross E. Barnard,
AWCNF Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt rebarnar@vt.edu

Folks,

For those interested in learning and using this natural method of energy healing, I will be holding a Reiki-I and II class in Bethesda (near the NIH campus) Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. There is room for two more students in this class.

Reiki-I is completed on Friday, so if you just want Reiki-I training, you may register for Friday only if you choose. Likewise, if you have completed Reiki-I training, you may register for Saturday for Reiki-II.

For those of you who are martial artists, Reiki is a natural and highly relevant extension of the qi development we work with in class. However, you need not be a martial artist to maximally benefit from this course; it's just that martial artists (should) have some basic familiarity with human energy field dynamics. Your martial arts background is but one way to have some initial experience. There are many others too.

My recent e-mail contained a lot more information about the class. If you need another copy of that e-mail, please let me know.

IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ME BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 05.

Thanks,

Rik 301-594-5765 (daytime) 301-977-3606 (nights and weekends)

Subject: The Film

Good Morning Shihan, an update on the film. It looks like only part of it will be salvageable. There is a great amount of damage. However the good news is that the portions that are to damaged to save, as actual motion picture may be able to be saved as still pictures.? I will keep you updated.? ? ?

Shihan, if you please I have a question. Have you ever seen the hands positioned, during Sanchin Kata where all but the center fingers are drawn back, and where the hands are palms down when calked back before thrusting forward, ie; spear hand? In other words, there is no rotation of the hands, no ? cork screwing? of the hands.? ? ? Yours in Karate,? ? ?

Homer: Sorry to hear about the film damage. I've lost lots of early video due to degradation. Now I put everything on DVD.

Regarding the variation of Sanchin: No, I've never seen these methods of performing Sanchin. . . Even while I was in China, Hong Kong, Tiawan or Japan. Doesn't mean that someone doesn't interpret the kata in this manner, just that I haven't seen it. GEM

George,

I did enjoy the time spent with Dave Young, and have been thinking about his comments and teachings since. No question that the experience will change the way I look at fighting and self-defense. As he indicated, you may have the right techniques but lack the tactics.....guidelines of when and how to use them. The concept of the force continuum fits right into this. Anyway, I would enjoy being involved in development of the program. It's good to see us all progressing along. Thanks for your leadership and openness.

The best to you,
Paul Haydu

Sue and I were sooo happy to see you. I'm very pleased that you enjoyed camp. Hopefully you will make it a yearly affair. We are planning big things with Dave Young. Spent over an hour with him on the phone today, planning at least one more seminar with his people and next year's Fest. Hope you will be able to help us develop the program. I know you enjoyed the 'rough-house' of Dave's seminars. Again, thanks for coming. Please give my best wishes and love to Lee and your wonderful children. (Won't be able to call them kids much longer! :)) George

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I am Nathan Harker from Mike Rozumek's Karate Center. I would like to first say thank you for inviting myself and the two other guest with me to have some food with you after the last Tournament. That was quiet an awesome experience. I can not wait till next years series. I was hopping you would be able to give me some guidance towards a trip I am planning on taking next summer. Next summer will be my summer after my Senior year in High School. I was planning on taking a trip to Okinawa as my only Senior gift. I did not know though much on how to start looking into getting over there or places to visit. I did not know if there was a way to visit Uechi Sensi's Dojo or participate or watch a class of his. I understand that you will be real busy with Summer Fest going on, but if you had some time do drop me one and help me out that would be great.

Thank You So Much, Sincerely

Nathan Harker

Nathan: Contact me a couple months before your trip and send you names and addresses of Okinawan teachers who will help make your trip enjoyable. GEM

Dear George

Amazingly I was about to write to you to see if you were still doing your interesting newsletter. Thank you very much for keeping my name on the posting list and sending me this email. I would really appreciate mail copies of the newsletter again if possible...thank you.

Soon I will be writing to you about a dream I am finally putting into action, after starting it in Singapore 7 years ago, when I found your book there. It is a Karate Safari, or Great South African Karate Adventure, where people come for 3 weeks and travel around game farms, mountains, beaches etc, mainly game-watching and training at dojos all over, as well as in some good places like in the mountains, in rivers, on the beach etc. It will support a struggling developing country and raise cash for game preservation, while giving karateists the trip of their lives and plenty of training in some different styles.

I live in the UK and will be advertising on a small scale in Germany and Florida initially to get it going.

My own style is Kimura-Shukokai mainly (I trained under him) but have also trained in other styles in the far East. I teach K-S at my dojo, "Tao Martial Arts Norwich" as well as a little Gojo, like stances and Sanchin kata. Our association is NEKO (North of England Karate Association) for all styles, but our head is Meibukai in Okinawa. Looking at your pics I wondered whether Uechiryu is as similar to Goju-ryu as I imagine.

Thank you kindly for the information on the Summerfest and one day I will endeavour to make it, hopefully with some colleagues, before I get too old:-)

The final aim of the Safaris is to open a B&B for karateka, including the travel, introduction of other styles, making friends, art lessons, English teaching for adults (we do this on a largish scale already), target shooting, skin diving, aromatherapy lessons etc etc. We have been looking at buildings in the UK, Italy and South Africa, not to buy necessarily but to incorporate in the idea.

More soon.

Kind regards

Rupert Juta

Hi Rupert:

Sounds like you have some very interesting plans. Let me know when you have more specific information and I'll post it on my site.

You are correct about goju and uechi. They are from the same area in China and are reputed to share the same roots.

Best, George Mattson

Dear George

Thank you kindly for the encouragement. Attached are the basic tour itinerary and the prices at present.

Although I teach Kimura-Shukokai with some Wing Chun etc thrown in, we are becoming more involved with the Gojuryu chaps, who are coming here (Norwich) from Yorkshire for a gashuku on the 13th. Lots of fun comparing stuff.

The tours have inspired some interest and people from various parts of the world have written in, from Morrocco to the USA to Germany etc.

For each person you inspire to attend a safari, I will donate ?50 to club funds if you like.

Those who elect to can come in groups of up to 5 and be taught English. They will receive a certificate saying they have attended an English course, and the ones who attend the karate training will also receive certificates to that effect.

Kind regards and thanks again.

Rupert

Karate-Safaris.co.uk

Your karate safari - further information

Thank you for your support of South Africa.

Your support will help create international awareness of South Africa and its fascinating attractions. Your participation in this programme helps create employment and brings foreign currency into this developing country. Finally, you will be contributing to the well being and care of the natural environment, and in particular, numerous threatened wild animals, reptiles and birds. Once again a big thank you for your interest.

You will gain … An inexpensive safari covering the sun soaked beaches of the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast, Durban, game parks etc… (http://southcoast.kzn.org.za/south_coast ) a look at the famous Drakensberg mountain range with its craggy peaks and wildlife reserves, (http://drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg/index.html ) and then tours of the splendours around Johannesburg, Gauteng game ranches, lakes and dams, Sun City, etc. (http://www.dikhololo.com)

You will also visit many dojos and make friends and learn different karate techniques. Your understanding of karate may double, or more. You will receive a certificate at the end. Enjoy fitness, sun, relaxation, animals and …. make friends .

What not to expect Snooker tables, laid on entertainment, drunken parties, loud music.

What to expect Space, skies, sun, tranquillity, exercise - training walking and swimming - laid back holidays. Re-charged batteries ….

Our aim We hope you will love South Africa and its rich and wonderful cultural mix. We hope you will plan many more South African trips for the future. Tourism is the life blood of the people. Come and contribute to the true Spirit of Shaolin.

Violence You may be amazed at how many people of all colours smile, and engage you in friendly passing conversation. South Africa will be a heart warming experience. We rarely travel after dark and we avoid cities after dark, as well as areas we are not sure of.

Payment : (varies) 10 % with booking 50 % 1 month in advance Balance ( 40 %) 2 weeks before tour starts

It is important to book and pay for the trips so that we can pass on discounts to you. Refunds may be considered in extreme cases, but will be partial and dependent on the situation. Please note that these times may vary according to your trip and dates requested. For instance we had to book and pay many months in advance when test cricket was played in South Africa, but this is the exception.

Bookings may be transferred to other people under special circumstances.

It would be preferable to book from 3-6 months in advance to ensure a place on the tour - but if you have a late booking we may be able to fit you - contact us to see what we can do.

High season bookings should be made up to a year in advance and are more costly.

Cost are based on prevailing exchange rates (July 2003) and will fluctuate accordingly but will be updated regularly .

Your martial arts skills and perceptions may be dramatically enhanced.

This schedule will undergo constant rearrangement when places are fully booked, or better deals are offered. Your trip may include places not listed or may exclude places listed here. Fundamentally the trip will remain the same.

This schedule is not exhaustive, some places to visit may be left out ( seasonally ) others may be added -

Itinerary : (possible) A typical first trip might be : Day 1 - land in Durban , be picked up by us and be taken to Scottburgh ( a seaside resort) where we will stay till Day 8 .

Possible visits we will make are: Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Durban Snake Park Margate beach Wild Coast Sun Shark tank Scuba diving on the Aliwal Shoal (shark reef) Pistol range Pavilion Shopping centre Lots of unspoiled beach walks Amanzimtoti Bird park Miniature Railway Banana Express

Places we may train at : Margate Port Shepstone Amanzimtoti Durban Westville Vernon Crookes The beach Other

After day 8 we will leave to spend until Day 12 visiting - Pietermarizburg and the surrounding area : Mkondeni Lion park Howick Falls Worlds View ( Voortrekker trail) Pietermaritzburg Midmar Dam Drakensberg mountains

We will train in a number of places related to the above attractions.

Day 12 - Day 21

Staying at Shonilanga, later Dikhololo Game farm near Brits ( both in Gauteng near Johannesburg and Pretoria ) Visiting : Fountains Pretoria University Union Buildings and Pretoria or other Zoo Sites in Pretoria Johannesburg Sun City Gold Reef City Hartebeespoort Dam - boat ride Elephant park Cheetah farm Hot air balloon trip Cable car Lion park Irene - historical site Brits Sterkfontein caves - archaeological site

We may train at Shonilanga Pretoria Fourways Brits Rustenburg Rivonia Sandton Others

Animals you will get a chance to see ( depending on the season)

A few of the animals, birds, reptiles we may see on the trip:

Elephant, cheetah, leopard and lion - on specialist farms.

Giraffe and zebra, blue wildebeest - bigger grazing animals.

Buck ( antelope) Impala, blesbok, kudu, eland, red hartebeest, sable, gemsbok (oryx) and water-buck, nyala, duiker, dik-dik, steenbok etc.

Baboon, vervet monkey.

Smaller "game " Cape Hare, black backed jackal, caracal, aardwolf, hedgehog, porcupine, lesser bushbaby, small spotted genet , banded mongoose, rock dassie ( hyrax).

Pests: flies, mosquitoes!!

Flora

Wild trees Wild pear, livelong , sweet thorn ( acacia), black thorn, sicklebush, jacket plum, African wattle, maroela (source of Amarula liqueur), amatungulu ( Natal Plum), leopard spot, red bush willow.

Birds Black shouldered kite, fish eagle, spoonbill, hadeda ibis, vultures, grey lourie, half collared kingfisher, red billed hornbill, crested barbet, grey heron, cape turtledove, flycatcher, pied shrike, crested francolin, guinea fowl, red crested korhaan, red crested cuckoo, bustard, Indian mynah, lilac breasted roller, yellow billed hornbill, hoepoe, blacksmith plover, glossy ibis, tick bird (white egret), southern pochard, Deutsche Reichvoel, yellow billed egret.

Snakes Venomous - puff adder, black mamba, green mamba, cape cobra, snouted cobra, rinkhals, boomslang (tree snake), twig snake, vine snake, sandsnake. Non venomous - spotted skaapsteker, red-lipped herald, tiger snake, python, house snake, mole snake.

Reptiles Several varieties of skinks, geckos, monitor lizards, scorpions, water scorpions, beetles including the dung beetle, cicadas, rhino beetle, horned beetles, koringkriek, crickets, locusts and grass-hoppers. Masses of butterflies and moths

If you have any further queries or need more detail please feel free to contact us.

Kind regards

Rupert
C.J Rupert Juta Karate instructor and tour leader

Hi, I don't know that he was the greatest political sage, but he was great at the one-liner. Marillyn

Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known.

7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.

8. There are three kinds of men The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence.

9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

10. If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

12. AND FINALLY: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him... The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

AND, ABOUT GROWING OLDER............ First, Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Third, Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

Fourth, When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

Seventh, One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

Tenth, Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.

And finally, If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.

September, 2003 Mailbag

Copyright 2002 Eastern Arts & Humanities Center, Inc. All rights reserved.