November 24, 1996: Don't forget the Conference tonight, from 8pm until about 9pm. I'll be in Ft. Lauderdale from December 14 - 20th, conducting workouts at DJ Lippner's dojo. Hope you can join me there!! gem
November 22, 1996: Sorry to have missed the Wednesday Conference. I'll be there tonight however at 8pm. Many are still having problems logging on, so I posted a fairly detailed summary of instructions on the Conference page. See you tonight!
Visited Sensei Mike Murphy's dojo in Randolph, MA last night. Mike has an excellent children's program filled with highly motivated students, performing excellent Uechi-ryu. Mike's adult program is a model for a well run program and I am very impressed with the high quality Uechi-ryu taught and practiced there. Welcome Mike, to the expanding NAC family of North American Uechi dojo.
November 20, 1996: Service just emailed me an announcement that the new version of the Forum is now ready and being installed on USA1 sites. We should have ours within a couple of weeks. Hear that Bill??
I also finally received my copy of a brand new Java Chat program that can be run from the Uechi site. I'm not sure what is involved with installing it, but will let you know when it is ready. Service is also way behind on getting my new "Point of View!" interactive page set up. It is similar to the forum, but will be part of the site, rather than a separate feature like the Forum. In a month or so, we should have a very interesting site!
Buzz Durkin sent me a copy of "Martial Arts Professional", a trade journal for the martial arts industry. Buzz has a really interesting cover story in the November issue and a second part to this article in the next issue. Many other important features in the magazine. Recommend it to all teachers.
Finally. . . lots of new mail and another great letter from Gordi Breyette in the Point of View! section. Later. . . gem
November 16, 1996: Just returned from Buzz Durkin's Atkinson NH dojo, where Jim Maloney conducted an all day seminar. Buzz and his group are wonderful hosts and Jim is a great teacher and entertainer. No matter how many times I attend one of Jim's sessions, I always learn something new and have a good time in the process.
Had a few minutes this evening, so posted new letters to the "Point of View!" page and added a couple more letters to the November letters section. Don't forget tomorrow evening's conference. 9pm. GEM
November 15, 1996: Everyone attending the conference last night enjoyed themselves and liked the Powwow program. Still quite a few of you who had trouble. . . I've posted detailed instructions on the Conference page for those of you who need help. Send me an email if you are still having problems. We plan to meet regularly this month to get acquainted with the program and to simply chat. Next month we will begin scheduling regular topics and guests. Please join us.
Good news for those of you who have ordered "Dojo Kun" Scrolls. Because of the interest, I've been able to order a large enough quantity to qualify for a lower price. Both scrolls can now be purchased for only $80! Looking for great holiday gifts? Please check out the Books and Products page. Just received the new solid gold "Shoken" ear ring (stud) from the Gary Geddes collection. As the kids say. . . "Awesome!"
November 12, 1996: Tried out the new conference program last night. Although David Shorey was the only person who was able to figure out all the instructions and join me, I did get lots of email from well intentioned folks who tried and failed.
I would like to invite you to join David and me this Thursday evening for an on-line conference.
This will be a "get acquainted" gathering, to test drive the new conference software our "experts"
have selected as "best on the Internet". They came up with "Powwow" for Windows, created and
maintained by Tribal Voice. (a group of software engineers, located as far from civilization as
access to T-1 lines will permit. They are currently holed up in a small rocky Mountain town on the
slopes of Pikes Peak. ) Aside from their unique "world view", they have created a wonderful
package that allows up to seven people to communicate via keyboard or voice, show a picture of
yourself, send and receive files, play MS-Windows WAV format sound files and browse the
worldwide Web together as a group. All you need to know to communicate with another Pow
Wow user is his or her email address. PowWow will automatically connect with them, provided
PowWow is running on their computer.
In conference mode, PowWow allows us to set up as a conference server and up to 50 people can
connect as a group .
To download the software, go to "http://www.tribal.com/powwow/download/"
The zip program file comes with documentation.
Click on the "connect" link. (Found on "Conference Page") We will be there on Thursday evening
(11/14/96) from 8:50pm - 10:30pm and hope you will join us. You can also click on Powwow's
scheduled conference page and join from there. (Good idea to "bookmark" this site for future
reference)
We plan to gather once a week, mostly to talk with different guest martial artist. Watch the
Uechi-ryu site for developments.
Check out the "Point of View!" page for a great commentary by Gordi Breyette. As usual, lots of
new mail. GEM
November 9, 1996: While attempting to make this site as exciting and uptodate as possible, I have been evaluating a number of interactive programs that we might be able to use for conferences and general discussions. I happened upon a group of engineers from Colorado who have created an innovative program for the Internet that can be used for both chatting and conferences. The downside is that everyone must have the "powwow" program loaded and running on their computers before they can participate. The upside is that the program is extremely flexible and easy to use. I've scheduled the first conference for Monday, November 11th at 9pm EST. The purpose of the gathering is to share tips on running the program and to answer any technical problems people might be having with the software. Click here to access the Conference Page and to load both the software and operating manual. Its free! If you have a sound card and mike, you can actually make voice connections with participants!
Lots of kids have expressed interest in becoming "webmaster" for the new "Kids Virtual Dojo". I've selected a brother and sister team from Newton to take charge of the project. Watch for an official announcement soon!
November 8, 1996: Back from Florida. Had a great time working out with "DJ" Lippner and his students. . . a very dedicated group. Also had quite a few guest students and instructors who attended special classes. Plan to go back in January and conduct more seminars. Why not plan to join me!!
Don't forget to order the new Maloney video tapes. Fascinating material. . . high quality video. Lots of new letters and more "Points of View!". . . Later. . . GEM
October 29, 1996: Since I won't be able to edit this page for a few days, I've posted the
November letters section early. (with a few of the letters received during the last week) I've been
waiting for the new Forum, to post information received on the Okinawa World Tournament. Until
we get the new Forum, the information regarding the tournment and feedback from last year's
participants, will be posted on a new page.
New Point of View! letters. Check it out. See you soon.
October 27, 1996: Check out the new "Point of View" section. Hope you will enjoy the various subjects and contributions by our readers. Lets hear from you.
The Uechi-ryu Video Magazine issue number 16 is now available. Click here for more information and photographs. More later. . . GEM
October 25, 1996: For those of you in the Southern Florida area. . . I will be conducting seminars at Richard "DJ" Lippner's dojo in Wilton Manors from the 30th of October through the 6th of November. Call "DJ" for information and directions. 954-566-3008.
October 24, 1996: After a meeting with the Server people on Tuesday, I've decided to temporarily give up on the Roundtable Dojo page. Until Digital is able to get their software to work with Windows NT, it will continue to be plagued with problems. In the meantime, I'd like to ask for a volunteer to create a file containing the "best" of the Forum, which I'll post to a special section. [You can still access this site. . . but it is very temperamental!]
Watch for a new "page" coming this weekend, called "Viewpoint!". This section will help fill the temporary void caused by the "ailing" Dojo Roundtable. I'm hoping that Bill Glasheen will continue administrating this segment, by regularly contributing topics, comments and viewpoints.
Still more new developments. Based on a suggestion from Bill, I've created a new Website called "Kids Virtual Dojo". Because most of the content on this site targets adults, Bill felt that we should provide a site for the junior karate population. Great idea, but we will need a junior "webmaster"! Do you know someone who would like the job? The site will have its own address and the "webmaster" will have complete control and access over the site.
October 22, 1996: More from Ron Klein regarding the necessity for the "code":
In the past year I have received calls from a number of parents concerned with how their children
have been treated at different martial arts schools in the Midwest. Some comments were trivial
others bordered on descriptions of physical abuse. Parents voiced concern about the necessity of
dojo sleep overs, video parties and the discovery that instructors were not trained to work with
kids. One parent could not understand the necessity for these social activities and was aghast that
people would leave their children in the hands of untrained persons.
The martial arts attracts many different kinds of people as we all know. For instructors,some sort of
background check would be valuable, the same type of background check several states have for
daycare providers, teachers etc... During my recent trip to Florida I was informed by an attorney
that State is implementing a law requiring anyone who has contact with minors (e.g. instructors of
dance, martial arts, gymnastics) to undergo a background check. My understanding is that this
would include fingerprinting and asearch of the FBI data base. The search would reveal any felony
convictions, and investigations or complaints of child abuse or molestation. I am unclear as too the
criteria for issuing a license to instruct, but would imagine that some individuals would be restricted
as to whether they could teach minors. Our NAC group here and representatives of other styles
support this type of legislation which we feel would go a long way to improving the professional
quality of martial arts instruction.
The NAC's recently completed Code of Conduct and Ethics goes a long way toward defining the
basis for appropriate behavior of students AND instructors. The definitions are moral, ethical and
above all, legal. One goal of providing a "code" is the establishment of various reference points with
which to enhance our awareness and provide the means by which to make decisions.
In the case of Sensi Robert Keith, mentioned in my posting last Friday, it is my sincerest belief that
a ten minute discussion with Dr. Paul Giella in the early 1990's would have raised Bob's awareness
considerably. It believe that it might have sensitized him to the danger presented by certain
personality types represented in individuals he had as students and also befriended. I also believe
that the Code of Conduct and Ethics would haveprovided an avenue to raise that awareness if it
were part of the Instructor Certification Program and the responsibility of a Senior Instructor to do
so. This especially true if and when we institute a required seminar for Senior and Full Instructor
certification taught by Dr. Giella! I point out again, the tragedy entangling Sensi Robert Keith could
befall anyone.
I am not a nay sayer about human relations. I care very much for my family, friends and community.
As I became more deeply involved in understanding the moral, ethical (and yes) criminal issues that
necessitated composing the Code of Ethics and Behavior I realized that they were not as rare as I
had originally thought. They vary in degree. I advertise my self-defense classes as "teaching
self-defense without fear." I want to advertise the necessity for our constant awareness without
becoming preoccupied with fear or paranoia. Similarly, these issues of conduct and behavior are a
fact of life and working with people. This awareness is only one of many issues we need to keep in
mind as professionals
The word of mouth advertising for my self-defense class is bringing me people who have survived
nightmare situations or who have a friend or loved one who has been assaulted. Not much is said in
the classes about these assaults because these people now realize that such things are a fact of
living and have been with us for all time. This unsavory and unromantic aspect of our existence is
something that clearly highlights how ineffectivemuch of martial arts training is in general. For me this
is one of the strongest motivators I have for the in-depth study of our kata and pragmatic/no
nonsense applications of our art.
We need to understand the pragmatic aspects of our art, physically , mentally and spiritually just as
well as the dynamics of positive and negative human interactions. The later can range from unjust
accusations to physical assault. We have an obligation as martial artists to teach without fear, teach
without using fear, to live and to enjoy this life we are given without paranoia.
October 21, 1996: My thanks to the Code of Conduct & Ethics committee, headed up by Ron Klein, for the work they put into the project these past weeks. I've posted the final draft of the code for anyone who would like to check it out. I know the committee would like to hear what you think of the code, so lets hear from you. Lots of new mail as well. . .
October 19, 1996: During the past year, this column has tried to inform the martial arts community about the potential and real dangers faced by the uninformed student and teacher. Some of you thought I was overreacting. Others told me we should not discuss such issues in a public forum. One Florida Uechi-ryu (Shoheiryu) instructor wishes that someone might have discussed things like a "code of ethics and conduct" with him before he started to teach. GEM
October 16, 1996: Good friend Li Yi Duan, Deputy
Secretary-General of All-China Athletic Federation and
Vice-Chairman of the Fuzhou Wushu Association, attended
this year's Martial Arts Festival.
(Photo courtesy of Kenin O'Brien)
Open lines of communications between the various Uechi-ryu factions will initiate a healing process and mutual respect. Such an open dialog will also quiet the rumor mongors and behind-the-scene trouble makers. The internet and wide use of email have created an instant and international clearing house for factual information, problems and concerns. I am pleased to publish an open letter from Okinawa in the "Politics" section and the following letter, which highlights this new and open attitude: GEM
Dear Sensei MATTSON
Greetings from Okinawa! The weather here is just now becoming cooler and drier - several typhoons brought a relief from the drought-like conditions of the hot season, and while the weather is cooling, the Okinawan sweat-boxes we call "dojo" seem to be just as hot as ever!
Thank you for a wonderful and interesting web page - it is widely-read and shared here, even among the Okinawan Seniors (courtesy of Yours Truly for those who do not have computers!). The articles are invaluable insights and a fine example of the willingness to share expertise I had always hoped to see!
I wish to thank you for your kind and supportive comments on the open letter I recently put on my "KAB Dojo Page" - and I would like it to take its place in your "Political Situation on Okinawa" section, if you feel it's appropriate. I also hope others will ask to copy or "lift" it for their pages as you asked - the message is for all.
As requested, I am seeking the names of all the various Uechi-Ryu-related associations on Okinawa, and the names of the leaders of these associations - there are about 2 dozen, I think! And the surprising part is that they are all friendly with each other. Most have a very good rapport with all the other kai, and their leaders frequently meet or contact each other for personal socializing, joint exercise sessions, or to celebrate special events such as described in my open letter mentioned above. It is rare to come across any bitterness or unwillingness to meet, talk, and share among these older practitioners. And it is no "earth-shattering" event here when one or another decides to begin a new "family" - while the new kai does have a new administration, that's all it's viewed as - a change in administrative processes. The leader of the new group is still an old friend, and Okinawans are famous for their fierce loyalty to such bonds.
All these associations remain loyal to their Sensei - UECHI Kanei Sensei - to each other, and to the system, which also has many names here. The system changes little despite whatever one calls it - my Dad used to say "Whatever you call it in whatever language, water is still water". In some cases, the association is quite large, with many hundreds of members here on Okinawa alone - and in other cases, consist of one dojo only, perhaps fportunate enough to have one or two small branch dojo here or overseas. But all are considered still bonded to the whole, no matter what name is on the dojo wall, or who issues the dan degrees. The celebration of October 6th here in Chatan is such an example of cooperation and understanding, even at the highest levels of administration. There was no dissent or protest at all regarding the authority in promoting two worthy individuals to 9th dan!
This example of togetherness and camaraderie in the karate world here on Okinawa prompted me to write that letter. I know it won't change many people or situations, but at least it clarifies that the various associations here are NOT at "war" with each other, nor are there even any hard feelings about the creation of any new association. There aren't any bitter, vicious arguments resulting in a "break" and creation of a split society among martial artists - not at all. Just differing views on how administrative duites might be carried out, and why, to fit the particular needs and circumstances of certain Seniors - who are fully capable of handling the offices of a new kai.
In much of the mail I receive, both personal and for various Seniors here (some not OKIKUKAI - but ALL mail delivered faithfully!) I can see that the situation is not fully understood oveseas (that is, off Okinawa). The seperation of associations in foreign countries (oh yes - the USA is also a "foreign land"!) is very evident in these letters, however the reasons are vague and unclear - and often based only on hearsay and speculation. My personal belief is that such boundaries are formed based primarily on ego and financial insecurities. Somehow, I always thought that sharing and working together actually strengthened a school, not weakened it. It seems to work here, anyway.
Well, I must run off for now - I am enjoying our open and frank communications immensely! I am encouraging others to please open lines for discussion and sharing viewpoints as well - on a personal OR public level - let's at least start somewhere! Perhaps after some realize they are actually quite safe and in no "danger", they will.
Gordi Breyette
OKIKUKAI Shohei-Ryu on Okinawa
October 15, 1996: Just a few more points regarding inaction and complacency in the martial arts. The Uechi-ryu community ran many of the first karate tournaments in North America back in the early 60s. Had our group worked together, today's tournaments might be run more in line with our personal expectations instead of like a game of tag.
In 1963 I attended a meeting in Chicago with Bruce Lee, John Rhee, Ed Parker, Robert Trias and a few others pioneers of karate. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of tournaments. "Count" Dante ran the '63 World Championships and although the attendance was tremendous (we brought over 50 competitors from Boston) the officiating was terrible. The "Count" cheated openly! (students of the "Count" who lost in one ring were found later fighting in another ring. Objections fell on deaf ears.)
At the meeting, Jhoon Rhee predicted that karate's reputation would suffer unless the state of tournaments improved on the officiating front and that eventually, safety would be the primary concern for us all. He said he was working on the development of new safety gear that fighters could wear on their hands and feet. He offered to share the technology with us. The rest of us laughed at the whole idea of pads and said the idea would never work. We all left and headed in our separate ways! The rest is history!
Jhoon Rhee was absolutely right in his assessment. Safety became a concern. However, instead of stressing technique and discipline, the martial arts community opted to take the easy way out, by masking poor technique and ability with foam pads. Never mind what could have happened, had the Uechi community stuck to our principles and maintained standards for tournaments that combined safety with technique. Our leaders, like those from other "traditional" systems, were more interested in killing off their systems with petty politics and personal agendas, than in working together for what was best for the future of their styles and their students. The schlock No-Name systems jumped on the foam bandwagon and tag rules. They worked together while the "traditionalist" fought among themselves. The rest is history!
Now, if you run a sport tournament and wish have competitors wear anything but "acceptable" foam equipment, you could be sued (and would probably lose), if someone was injured. And those same "old-timers" who did nothing but complain and act childish then, continue to complain today about the "state of the art" of tournaments.
The Uechi Championships is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this May 31st. Here is an opportunity for the Uechi community to join together and work towards better standards relating to sport karate. This won't be quick nor will it be easy. The Uechi community must work towards a realistic set of rules governing both the competitors and equipment. It won't be an overnight change. We must prove that we can run safe and exciting matches based on superior officiating and wholehearted cooperation from the teachers. We don't want a return to the 60s with selective rules and enforcement.(that's what pushed many out of the sport) We must allow our rules to evolve. . . beginning with what is acceptable today. . . and slowly, after a period of successful minor changes, become what we believe is right. We must, however, prove that our rules are just as safe and far more traditional, than what is being foisted on our students at other tournaments. 30 years ago, we could have set the standards because we were first. Now, we are last and a small minority with a long uphill battle in front of us. Not impossible, but difficult.
But you must participate to affect change. . . not complain while doing nothing! If you want to get involved, check out the Uechi Championship Rules. Begin training your students, using the rules. Practice officiating while running matches. The rules are progressive, safe and workable.
Finally, new mail for you to check out. GEM
October 14, 1996: Received the following letter which I'd like to share with you:
I was referring to the new Nova Scotia legislation in my comments Dan, which may have something to do with the certification process you described. It is my understanding that the Nova Scotia government may force all dojo to join an "acceptable" association and maintain that association's standards, or will be forced to close their dojo. I'm waiting for a copy of the law, which will be posted on this website. Its reasonable to assume that with the proliferation of schools and unqualified teachers on every streetcorner, the government will be called in to establish guidelines and standards for the multitude of disciplines being passed off as "karate". Since the government won't understand a cookie from a kyukyu, they will appoint a committee who will appoint an "expert" to translate the strange exercises and traditions from the simply "strange" individuals causing all the trouble. Later. . . GEM
October 9, 1996: A few teachers at camp questioned the purpose of an association Code of Ethics and the instructor's certification process. They believed it was unnecessary and if anything, drew attention to areas of our expertise best left alone. In the past, students joined a dojo not knowing what to expect and accepted whatever the teacher elected to pass off as "instruction". Generally this consisted of what his/her instructor taught. No one ever thought the day would come when someone would say. . . "Why are you doing what you are doing. . . or what you are doing is objectionable to me as a 'thinking' individual. . . !" It might be something as innocent as forcing students to bow entering a dojo or touching a person's behind during a Sanchin testing. Worse still is a scenario where a governmental agency asks these same questions or asks for accreditation as a teacher, over and above a certificate of physical proficiency. You don't have it???? Well, in that case, you might be interested in what the Canadians government is proposing. Or maybe you should look into the regulations governing British dojo! The martial arts are prime candidates for government intervention. Teachers are extremely proud and traditional. They generally feel that if they do what they were taught, they are doing it right! They don't want to hear that what they are doing is not acceptable according to standards made by other karate "experts" and endorsed by "outsider" agencies. They don't want to join anything and they certainly don't want to answer to anyone or any organization.
Its just a matter of time. There are too many idiot teachers out there. . . too many McBlackbelt instant dojo. . . passing off myths and Bruce Lee fantasies as instruction. If you don't want to be treated like one of these misfits, you better get your house in order. Cause if you don't the government will! And you will pay for it big time.
Check out the new mail. GEM
October 6, 1996: Just finished reconstructing my computer after windows95 crashed. It was my own fault, however. . . tried to take a shortcut! Anyway, 3 days of working and reloading programs and all is working . Took the opportunity to clean up the drive where windows resides and find that everything now works faster. If you sent me email and didn't get an answer, please be patient. GEM
October 4, 1996: Last year's Uechi-ryu Championships was very successful. The officials did a superb job in enforcing the rules and the competitors quickly adapted to these rules. The dojo have been working with the new format and report that the students enjoy sparring more and that these matches relate closely to the formal kata and prearranged kumite training. Its not too early to begin preparing your teams for the '97 Championships. By the way, that's Nestor Folta, wearing his 1996 World Championship Belt! GEM
October 3, 1996: Just a reminder for those of you in the Vancouver area. The Seton Uechi-ryu club is hosting its first tournament on October 19th and all are invited.
October 1, 1996: Kanmei Uechi, Sensei and his family are taking a European tour from October 10 -20th. Although the primary focus of the trip will be a two day seminar and demonstration at the Barcelona Sports Palace, they will also be visiting Paris for sightseeing. If anyone would like more information concerning the trip, please contact me by email.
The Uechi-ryu world was shocked and disappointed when the first major separation occurred, resulting in whole new administrative and technical martial arts system. Once the shock wore off, people realized that it would not end with this first break and predictably it wasn't. Some of you may have already learned of this latest Uechi group, but I didn't hear about it until last week, when a Canadian teacher explained what had happened.
". . .Near the end of April (96), several Masters separated from the Okikukai on good terms. The primary reason for this was the name change to Shohei ryu but I think there were many other disagreements between the seniors. Mr. Kinjo explained to me that after Kanei Uechi passed away there were many people of equal rank who had different ideas about the way things should be done. Our new group is called 'Okinawa Uechi-ryu Karate-do Hozonkai'. The structure of the organization is as follows:
President: Miyagi Minoru. Mr. Miyagi is an 8th dan who is very close to becoming 9th. I have not met him but I understand he had inactive status with the Okikukai since Kanei Uechi's passing. His dojo is active, however, with 30-35 students.
The vice President position is shared by Gaja Takehiro and Arasaki Masahide.
"Di Ji Jo": My interpretation of this title is alternate or sub president. This position is shared by Mr. Kinjo and Mr. Nakama. I understand you know Nakama Sensei. His dojo has approximately 70 students (large by Okinawan standards). It is my understanding that when Kanei Uechi was very ill, he gave Nakama Sensei authorization in writing to use the Uechi name as he chose to. I have heard the Nakama Sensei assisted Uechi sensei in many ways in the years prior to his passing. . ."
The author goes on to say that their group will make every effort to remain friendly with the other Uechi organizations.
I was pleased to hear from Steve Banchick. . .
Finally, lots of new mail in the October Mail. Later. GEM
September 28, 1996: Thanks to Betty for sending in the specifications for a durable Makiwara originally designed and built by her father Carmine about 25 years ago. The original Makiwara is still working! GEM
September 27, 1996: Harvey Leibergott called me from Washington D.C. yesterday, all upset. He was unable to leave a message in the September Mailbag, answering a couple of points Bill Glasheen brought up regarding liability by administering CPR. . . Anyway, Harvey thought he should be able to access the Uechi website, simply by clicking on the window and typing in the message! I don't want to make fun of Harvey, since it was only a few years ago that I would have believed the same thing. For anyone else interested. . . and also for Harvey. . . All those letters in the Mailbag are email or letters, sent to me, that I copy to the Mailbag page. No one is able to access the web through their web browser window, unless through special Forum or Chat programs.
Check out the new Teacher/Dojo Listing page. The new format should make searching for a teacher a lot easier. If you notice any mistakes, or would like your dojo listed, please contact me (through email Harvey!) with the information.
If you haven't purchased your copy of Harvey's book, Scissors, Rock, Paper, please order your copy today. Only $20! And don't forget Jim Maloney's 3 tape series on self defense. Check it out. Finally, an embroidered belt makes a great Christmas or birthday gift. Name on one end, style on the other. Best quality belt. Only $45.
September 25, 1996: Just a quick note to Steve Banchick: . . get well really soon. Those of you who know Steve, send him an email. He is doing well after surgery. Although he won't be able to take a Takamiyagi Sensei, Sanchin test for awhile, he will be working out soon.
September 24, 1996: During the time it takes to upgrade this site, please let me know of any problems you encounter. I'm using Microsoft Explorer 3 as a browser this month instead of Netscape 3. Haven't noticed any big differences, although Explorer seems to load a bit slower. Every couple of months I take advantage of AOL's offer of free hours, to check out the site using their browser. Not impressed! The multi graphics files don't work and large files load very slow. But for someone new to the Internet, AOL certainly offers many advantages. I notice from the email, that people use AOL, CompuServe and Prodigy (whatever happened to Prodigy), then in a few months they switch to another server. I'm surprised that these giant firms don't create a couple of versions of their product. . . enabling them to keep the more experienced customers.
Working on the "Services" site, creating templates for home pages covering a multitude of subjects. Through an agreement with USA1, I'll be able to resell a number of site options, using "Uechi-ryu.com" as a home base. There have been a number of dojo and companies that have expressed interest in this possibility, and the income will help support this site and assure its continuity. If all goes well with the upgrade, new subsites will be coming on-line within a couple of weeks. Contact me if you wish to learn how your dojo or business can be featured on "Uechi-ryu.com". Don't forget to check out the mail! GEM
September 21, 1996: A couple of things:
1. Richard Baptista faxed me information on next year's "Open" Karate and Uechi-ryu
Championships. Put Saturday, May 31st on your calendar! This year "Bap" is having the two
events at the Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough. Great new location with easy
access and PARKING! Check the "Listings" for details
2. Spoke with USA1 today regarding the new, updated Forum. They are still waiting for Digital to
deliver the new version, which is promised within two weeks. [Don't hold your breath!] You can
still use the old version. . . just keep your messages under 50 words.
3. New live "chat" program due by end of the month. This is a brand new "Java" program that has
to be the neatest and most innovative on the web. Unlike other "chat" programs, this one maintains
a live window of scrolling messages active at all times. You enter text on a single line at the bottom
of your window. Press enter and you see your message pop-up in the main window. We plan to
use this program to schedule live meetings, interviews, and discussion groups. Watch for it!
Lots of new (and for me, experimental) web site changes taking place in the coming weeks. If you
have trouble with any of the features or pages, please email me with details. GEM
September 20, 1996: Gave myself a new Web writing tool for my birthday! Now I must learn all the new commands and methods for this program. Don't look for a more complicated and exciting site however. The program was purchased in order to speed up the maintenance involved with managing such large site, especially in organizing the different pages and their links. One problem quickly became apparent. . . 8 megs of RAM won't make it. The time saved with super organizational tools is quickly negated by slow performance. Fortunately, RAM prices have dropped considerably and an additional 8 meg will only cost $99 installed!
I'll post as many new letters as possible tonight. Back at you later. GEM
September 12, 1996: Wish me a happy birthday! the big 59 for those of you who might be curious.
Posted a rather long article related to training on Okinawa in the 1950s. Seems to be a lot of interest lately about what we are doing today and how it relates to the original style. Uechi-ryu, like all systems, has changed a great deal over the years. Some of the changes are positive and relate to individual interpretation, strengths and weaknesses. Some of the changes, in my opinion, aren't so positive. Excessive testing of students in Sanchin. . . extreme conditioning in the name of training. . . basically trying to speed up the process of developing power, speed and ability. Believing that you can create a powerful punch simply by pounding on a makiwara. And of course the more and harder you pound on it, the faster the results. The more you deform your legs, the more bats you break over them. The problem, as I see it, is that some of the younger teachers have only been exposed to this one-sided version of their style of karate and believe that what they are doing is "traditional". They don't question what they are doing and teaching. They don't know any other way!
September 7, 1996: I had a meeting with a Uechi-ryu teacher yesterday and we had an opportunity to discuss the NAC program and the new Code of Ethics & Conduct addendum. He didn't require any explanations why such a code needs to be established since he very nearly went to jail over a situation involving a young female student. When the truth fortunately surfaced, he was cleared of all charges, but things might have gone the other way and an innocent person could have been imprisoned for a stupid error in judgment. When certain facts became known, the girl admitted she lied and the instructor was left to reassemble his life!
We would like to believe that all students and instructors are wonderful people. 99.9% of them are! The problem is that the .1% don't wear signs. So the rules of conduct in the dojo must be clearly spelled out. . . for both instructor and students. Follow the rules and your potential for getting into trouble are greatly reduced. Ignore the rules and you are an accident waiting to happen! This week I will be coordinating the process by which this Code will be reviewed. If you aren't on the committee list and would like to be, please email me today. And you don't have to be a member of any organization to participate. . . only concerned and willing to help.
New mail with a great article on Budo by Bill Johnson. Check it out! GEM
September 2, 1996: This has been a great weekend for catching up on all those projects that are filed under "Urgent!!!" , but somehow never gets done. Often a project simply gets lost in what Susan claims is the most disorganized, messy and mysterious office in North America! She refuses to even enter the third floor of our home, where my office is located. Being a Virgo, I enjoy neatness and order. . . and am constantly and unsuccessfully striving to achieve this goal. In my quest for order, and the elimination of all the paper that clutters my office, I'm constantly trying out new software designed to help me keep track of people, activities and projects. Without a doubt, "Act!" comes closest to being the perfect Contact Manager, and slowly those endless paper folders are finding their way into the computer and off my desk and tables. I promised Sue that my office will be ready for her inspection by the year 2000!
Check out the new September Mail page. Also, you might be interested in the new Product Order Form, which makes purchasing books, tapes and other martial art products easier. Later... GEM
August 28, 1996: New products. . . 2 giant posters of the Uechi-ryu dojo "Kun" (Dojo Conduct
and Principles of Practice), suitable for framing and displaying in your dojo or home. Check out the
Products section for a photograph of the two posters. These two paintings, by the hand of master
Ryuko Tomoyose, are found in all major Uechi dojo throughout the world. Also, not listed, but
available, are a limited number of Kimo Wall's Kobudo video tape. If you would like one, contact
Peabody. Price is $75.
Finally, you may purchase Alan Dollar's new book through this website. We sold so many at this
year's camp that Susan ordered a couple of cases. Its not officially listed in the Products section,
but we have them in stock and can take orders today! Email either me or Peabody. Lots of new
projects relating to this website are in the works and in the planning stage. Keep the mail coming
and tell your friends about the site. GEM
August 24, 1996: Lots of work being performed on the new NAC "Code of Ethics" and "Kobudo" charter. Ron Klein has been the driving force behind this effort and is being helped by a number of the senior instructors who have email capabilities. If you would like to be part of review committee for either of these projects, please email me before Sept 1st. We will include you on a mailing list for all documents and discussions pertaining to subject you are interested in. (specify either or both subjects)
Lots of new mail in the August Mailbag! Later. . . GEM!
August 20, 1996: I had time to update the "products" section and add Harvey's book to the listing. I'd like to see a review of the book in the "Dojo Roundtable", so if you've read the book. . . how about a review!!! GEM
August 18, 1996: At camp last weekend, a student asked me about Al Ford. He wasn't aware that Al had died. After the student left, I thought it might be a nice idea to feature a Website section, devoted to all the Uechi practitioners who we've lost over the years. If anyone would like to help create this section, please contact me. Also, if you have biographical information and/or photographs on any of these people, please get in touch. Check out the temporary memorial page for a start.
New counter. 12/29/96: