RIP Sensei Warren Chaille

  RIP Warren Chaille (1928-2020).   Our hearts are so saddened by the loss of this great master, warrior, man and friend . Warren was a Dojo treasure and still performed a strong Sanchin at the age of 92!   He passed away peacefully at his home this past Saturday.   Warren began his Uechi …

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Unsoku – A foot movement exercise that can be used as a warm up or as training tool for Tai Sabaki

By Lee Adams Good avoidance (Tai Sabaki) is often discussed at seminars and in the dojo, however when we get to training our 2 person kumite drills this all seems to go out of the window and we are back using linear movements, not to mention the lack of centre and correct Maai. Unsoku ( …

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Lee Adams Appointed Chairman BAA

From October 2020 I will be assuming the role of Chairman of the British Aikido Association, The BAA was established in 1966, one year before the Japan Aikido Association so is recognised as the oldest official Aikido association in the world, although primarily supporting Tomiki Aikido the BAA today is the Association of choice for …

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RIP Richard Dean Gibbons 1960 – 2020

The passing this month of Sensei Richard is not only a great loss for his family and friends but the whole Martial Arts world in general & Bermuda in particular. Richard passed after a long battle with Cancer. His practice in Uechi Ryu and Bak Sil Lum Kung Fu has spread over 4 decades. Becoming …

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2020 Winterfest!

  View this email in your browser WinterFest 2020…March 6,7,8… Time to Plan… Take a week off and enjoy a  Uechi-ryu vacation with George and Susan in Sunny Mount Dora and Eustis, Florida.  Three days of exciting, enjoyable workouts and seminars. A list of experienced senior presenters will provide valuable insights into the hidden treasures, …

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RIP Sensei Warren ChailleUnsoku – A foot movement exercise that can be used as a warm up or as training tool for Tai SabakiLee Adams Appointed Chairman BAARIP Richard Dean Gibbons 1960 – 20202020 Winterfest!

Sep 26 2020

RIP Sensei Warren Chaille

Categories:

George Mattson's Corner, Memorial Site

by

September 26, 2020

Happy Days – Warren Chaille with Judy Durkin!

 
RIP Warren Chaille (1928-2020).
 
Our hearts are so saddened by the loss of this great master, warrior, man and friend . Warren was a Dojo treasure and still performed a strong Sanchin at the age of 92!
 
He passed away peacefully at his home this past Saturday.
 

Warren began his Uechi Karate in 1970 and opened his dojo in Arlington, MA in 1973. His dojo later became the Melrose dojo which has since been taken over by Warren’s senior student Bill Adams who still teaches there today. Warren loved his karate and even travelled to Okinawa to study with Mr. Uechi. He was born the same year as Mr. Tomoyose, and the two of them loved that fact! Warren had such a great spirit and all the Okinawans loved his company.
Warren was the first person to ever receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to Uechiryu. Warren thoroughly enjoyed working out at the Atkinson dojo, driving from Saugus, MA to Atkinson, NH three times each week at the age of 91. From the most junior students to the most senior students, all enjoyed learning from Warren and just being around him. He had such a positive outlook on life!
His influence on so many karate-ka will be felt for generations. We will miss you Warren, but you will never be forgotten.

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Jun 28 2020

Unsoku – A foot movement exercise that can be used as a warm up or as training tool for Tai Sabaki

Categories:

Articles of Interest, Chairman's Corner, Submitted by Other Authors

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June 28, 2020

By Lee Adams

Good avoidance (Tai Sabaki) is often discussed at seminars and in the dojo, however when we get to training our 2 person kumite drills this all seems to go out of the window and we are back using linear movements, not to mention the lack of centre and correct Maai. Unsoku ( foot movements) is an excellent way to start to develop a better understanding of tai sabaki (Total body avoidance).

The exercise is broken down into 3 groups each of eight individual moves moving forward and back, side to side and turning, entering (Irimini) and turning (Tenkan) see diagram which shows the complete movement graphic.

Unsoku Exercise 1 Movement utilizing entering and maintaining Maai

The Student starts in Shizentai (neutral stance) with Mushin and for our purposes moves into left or right Sanchin Dachi as shown in the diagram, after each move you return to Shizentai and you mind should be cleared (Mushin), bear in mind that movement is relative to the direction attack so Unsoku can be varied depending on how you are attacked, it should also be noted that although the diagram shows a distinct X shape avoidance only needs to be enough not to get struck. The sequence is Forward and left of attach line, Back to shizentai, Moving back and to the right of the attack line, Back to shizentai, Forward and to the right of the attack line, Back to shizentai, Moving back and to the left of the attack line, Back to shizentai.

Unsoku Exercise 2

Avoidance to the side, again the student starts in Shizentai, move off left first the back to centre, try to practise moving into sanchin dachi and then back to shizentai smoothly. The sequence is Left Sanchin Dachi , Middle Shizentai, Right sanchin dachi, Middle Shizentai, Right Sanchin Dachi , Middle Shizentai, Left Sanchin Dachi, Middle Shizentai.


Unsoku Exercise 3 avoidance utilizing turning

The Student starts in Shizentai (neutral stance) with Mushin and for our purposes moves into left or right Sanchin Dachi as shown in the diagram but adding Tankan or turning, after each move you return to Shizentai and you mind should be cleared (Mushin), again bear in mind that movement is relative to the direction attack so Unsoku can be varied depending on how you are attacked, and as in exercise 1 it should also be noted that although the diagram shows a distinct X shape avoidance only needs to be enough not to get struck. The sequence is Forward and left of attach line using a turning motion , Back to shizentai, Forward and to the right of the attack line, Back to shizentai, Moving back and to the left of the attack line using a turning motion , Back to shizentai,, Moving back and to the Right of the attack line using a turning motion, Back to shizentai. These exercises once mastered are relatively simple but are key to effective movement in martial arts, once you have mastered the mechanics of the moves the next challenge is to perform Unsoku as explosive moves, ONLY moving when you hear the count, do pre-empt the count and explode from Shizentai.

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Jun 09 2020

Lee Adams Appointed Chairman BAA

Categories:

Articles of Interest, Newsflash

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June 9, 2020

From October 2020 I will be assuming the role of Chairman of the British Aikido Association, The BAA was established in 1966, one year before the Japan Aikido Association so is recognised as the oldest official Aikido association in the world, although primarily supporting Tomiki Aikido the BAA today is the Association of choice for many Non Tomiki Aikido Clubs and has recently opened its affiliate membership to other Aikido Styles and other Martial Arts.

Professor Kenjo Tomiki  skills and dedication to training were such that, after being the captain of the Judo Team at Waseda University in Tokyo, he became an uchi-deshi (live-in student) of Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. It was through his association with Kano that Tomiki Sensei came to be acquainted with Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Already holding an 8th Dan in Judo, O’ Sensei awarded Kenji Tomiki  a Menkyo ( roughly equivalent to 8th Dan) and as such is recorded and Aikido’s first ever 8th Dan.

Kenji Tomiki’s style of Aikido is a style that strives to combine the competitive excitement of Judo with the spiritual serenity of traditional Aikido.

I am honoured to be asked to represent Tomiki Aikido on the world stage as I am to represent the IUKF and Uechi Ryu here in the UK, I believe that the two have much commonality and will continue to dissect, analyse and experiment with both for self-improvement and enlightenment.

 

Regards,

Lee Adams  IUKF GB and the BAA

 

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Jan 22 2020

RIP Richard Dean Gibbons 1960 – 2020

Categories:

Newsflash

by

January 22, 2020

G.E.Mattson and Richard Gibbons during certificate award ceremony.

The passing this month of Sensei Richard is not only a great loss for his family and friends but the whole Martial Arts world in general & Bermuda in particular.

Richard passed after a long battle with Cancer.
His practice in Uechi Ryu and Bak Sil Lum Kung Fu has spread over 4 decades. Becoming an early student of Sensei / Sifu Al Wharton when the school consisted of only men. Sixteen Year old Richard joined the ranks and practiced at the Admiralty House moving with Sensei Al to his specified Dojo Bermuda Arts and Fitness Academy on Chapel Road Paget. After roughly 30 years practice he achieved the rank of Godan in 2015.
His dream of owning his own Dojo was achieved in 2010 when Richard
opened MBS at his residence after some renovations and alterations.

Our Condolences to His Wife, children, Mother, Brother and all his Family.
RIP Richard thank you from all those taught by you. Thanks for the good times!!!!
July 23rd 1960-January 8th 2020

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Dec 28 2019

2020 Winterfest!

Categories:

Newsflash

by

December 28, 2019

 

View this email in your browser

WinterFest 2020…March 6,7,8…
Time to Plan…

Take a week off and enjoy a  Uechi-ryu vacation with George and Susan in Sunny Mount Dora and Eustis, Florida.  Three days of exciting, enjoyable workouts and seminars. A list of experienced senior presenters will provide valuable insights into the hidden treasures, healthful benefits and mind-body-spirit insights of our magnificent karate system, designed to charge your batteries, while enjoying the warm, summer-like surroundings. You won’t want the weekend to end, but if you were smart and took that well-deserved, week-long vacation, you will quickly get into the Mount Dora mood. . . Sleep a little late, enjoy breakfast at one of the many lakeside restaurants. . . then take a walk , perform a three-pack Sanchin set at one of the many lake-side areas, then just chill-out with a cup of coffee. The week will fly by and you will enjoy every moment.

Sue and I know, because we have been enjoying Mount Dora and the surrounding towns, lakes, restaurants and sites since moving here in 2004.
                          ================================

Our last WinterFest was a huge success. . .
This year we will be growing and are planning a number of new, interesting and exciting features that I know you will like and enjoy.

First off, because of the large number of people who have e-mailed, called or have crossed paths with me, saying they were coming, our gym simply won’t be large enough for the seminars planned. Susan and I have signed a contract for the most beautiful building in the area. Large, with nice wood floors and an extra large stage where a class can be held. There is a sound system, but I don’t think we will need it.

Click her if you wish to sign up for all three days, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Weapons Session.

Click here if you wish to sign up for the Two Day package. (Friday and Saturday); (Friday and Sunday Morning), or (Saturday and Sunday Morning.)

Click here if you wish to only sign up for Sunday Weapons Morning Session .

Schedule:
Thursday, March 5th:  Golf outing at the “Old Course” of Mount Dora. Tee time, 12 Noon.

Friday, March 6th: A well organized series of seminars that are relevant to the Uechi system. A detailed seminar schedule and presenters will be published ASAP. There will be classes for students who would to have additional help and assistance for any area of their Uechi-ryu.

Classes begin at 9AM sharp and end at 3PM, lunch will be provided from 12 – 1PM.

Saturday, March 7th: Seminars will begin sharply at 9AM. Lunch will be from 12-1.. Seminars will continue until 3PM.

Sunday, March 8th: (To be held at our Karate Gym, where last year’s WinterFest was held)
We will be hosting a special three hour morning Kobudo seminar with Master Tsukasa Gushi. He will be assisted by Sensei Joe Guidry, George Shreifer and other senior Kobudo teachers.We will have a large assortment of weapons to use, but if possible, please bring your own.

There is an afternoon session planned, depending on interest. 

I will be sending out WinterFest updates on a regular basis. The dates, schedule of events and facilities have been locked in, so please mark the dates on your calendar. Now is the time to schedule your best airline prices and hotels.

Best,
George E. Mattson

Thursday, March 5th: Golf at the “Old Course” in Mount Dora: Tee Time: Noon! Be sure to let me know if you wish to join us.
 
 
Copyright © 2019 Uechi-ryu Karate, All rights reserved.

 

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Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/2020-winterfest/

Nov 15 2019

President Darin Yee of IUKF 2019 Visit to Honolulu Uechi-ryu Karate-do Club

Categories:

Articles of Interest, Chairman's Corner, I.U.K.F., International IUKF, IUKF Member Section

by

November 15, 2019

November 14, 2019

Darin Yee works with kid’s class

In the Hawaiian Language, the word “ALOHA” mostly functions as a salutation and a greeting. But the word actually conveys a deeper sense of meaning, which the locals expound upon, by breaking the individual letters down into other Hawaiian terms:

A – Akahai: Kindness, expressed with tenderness

L – Lokahi: Unity, expressed with harmony

Darin Yee with Al

O – Olu’olu: Agreeable, expressed with pleasantness

H – Ha’aha’a: Humility, expressed with modesty

A – Ahonui: Patience, expressed with perseverance

Aloha is more than just a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable….

On November 9, 2019, Darin Yee-Sensei travelled 5,046 miles from Boston to Hawaii to share his extensive knowledge of Uechi-ryu, to offer his continued support of our Dojo, and to spend his valuable time with us. From the multiple meetings and training sessions throughout the week, we gained much insight into the Tiger, Dragon, Crane roots of our art. We are so grateful to have been shown a new perspective from which to dissect, analyze, and maximize our effectiveness in Kata performance and applications. I’m particularly impressed with the humble manner in which Darin-Sensei interacted with our group. From the youngest member, to the oldest member, he showed patience, kindness, and understanding in freely sharing his knowledge.

Sensei Yee, thank you for your on-going efforts in building a highly supportive International Uechi-ryu Karate Federation, and especially for travelling so far across the globe to help us become better Karateka! Mahalo nui loa for embodying the Spirit of Aloha! We are proud to be an IUKF affiliated Dojo and look forward to your next visit on January 11th and 12th 2020 for our Honolulu Uechi-ryu Gasshuku Regional Workout.

Sincerely,

Albert Cloutier

Honolulu Uechi-Ryu Karate-do Club

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Sep 14 2019

3 Karate principles taught by the legendary Yoshimi Inoue

Categories:

Articles of Interest, Submitted by Other Authors

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September 14, 2019

My name is Jacob Bartoletti, I am a martial artist from Sweden but I live and teach karate and martial arts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Having had the opportunity of being a close disciple of the legendary Yoshimi Inoue I would hereby like to contribute to the Karate community with some of Master Inoue’s ideas and teachings.

Soke Yoshimi Inoue passed away in 2015. He was famous for not only teaching some of the best karatekas of modern karate in the world (World Champions such as: Antonion Diaz, Mie Nakayama, Ryoki Abe, Rika Usami).

Soke Inoue has also received a lot of attention for being a great contributor to the modern karate by connecting some of the rather traditional karate principles to the modern competition karate.

Except the fact of Master Inoue being remembered as a martial art’s genius, he will always be remembered as a kindhearted Budo-man. He rarely rejected anyone that asked for his teachings and he always inspired his students with humour and laughter.

One of his strengths was to teach “principles” rather than style-specific techniques, Inoue’s principles could be adapted to martial artists, regardless of background or previous martial experience.

Consequently, Soke Inoue did not only attract students from many different styles and martial arts from all over Japan (and the world), he was also appointed National Coach before he started his own Lineage, Japan Karate-do Inoue-ha Shito-ryu Keishin-kai.

(Master Inoue in his younger days)

The purpose of this article is to share some of Master Inoue’s teachings and ideas to the karate community. The ideas and principles taught by Inoue may be applied in both traditional martial arts as well as for the purpose of training for modern competitions.

Soke Inoue himself used to refer to traditional karate and modern karate as two quite different types of training (but that still have many things in common).

Many of the principles, practiced and used in old days have been forgotten or just are not emphasized in modern budo. Inoue thought this was a bad way of evolution.

He meant that many (not all but many) old principles could be used even in modern karate to fill it’s purpose of developing skills that would typically be rewarded in modern karate competitions.

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Jun 09 2019

IUKF President visits Knoxville

Categories:

Articles of Interest

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June 9, 2019

Recently 9th degree and newly appointed president of the IUKF, Darin Yee, paid a visit to our school in Knoxville, TN. It is a privilege to be able to learn from Master Yee’s vast knowledge from not only Uechi-ryu but also his many other martial arts styles.

These influences are easily seen, especially Wushu and Wing Chun, when exploring the soft side of Uechi-ryu. Even though most original styles of karate advocate being both a hard and soft style, through the years of evolution of karate, many styles have the lost the soft side. Master Yee’s seminar focused on the soft side of Uechi-ryu.

The soft side is an overlooked and important facet of Uechi-ryu. This is especially true in today’s modern karate where women and children are an intricate part of the dojo. The soft side gives a smaller or weaker individual the ability to defend themselves against a bigger, stronger attacker. No matter how big and strong you think you are there’s always a chance your attacker is bigger or stronger.

At our school we are always looking for a deeper understanding of movements, looking for bunkai not typically associated with the movement or set of movements in a kata; throws, takedowns, or a strike that could be a block and vise versa. Master Yee’s insight into the soft side of Uechi-ryu has given us new techniques to add to our repertoire, but more importantly help open our minds to even further explore the depths of Uechi-ryu.

Thank you Master Yee for taking the time to share your knowledge with our students at the Knoxville Uechi-Ryu School. Please feel welcome to come back and share your knowledge and friendship whenever you are able.

 

Thank you,

 

Knoxville Uechi-ryu

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Apr 11 2019

GrandMaster Ryuko Tomoyose Passes!

Categories:

Articles of Interest, Memorial Site

by

April 11, 2019

Death Notice from Okinawa:

Attached are Ryuko Tomoyose’s funeral announcement. One is Japanese message as a death announcement ( I send this document as authentication!) and my translation. There are more articles about him by master Nakahodo and his profile from Okinawa Time on the same day. I have to go to his funeral this afternoon; therefore, I will translate the same for the above articles around tomorrow about this time. Here is today’s his funeral message. 

Tsukasa(Scott) Higa

===============================================

Ryuko Tomoyose passing away notice-Date: Okinawa Times -Thursday, 11 April 2019:

1. Father Ryuko Tomoyose: (92 years); Rest at home-Ota Uruma city
He passed away a natural cause of death on 11:06 AM April 11, 2019 and journey to the heaven for an eternal sleep. We, Tomoyose family, truly appreciated for a 5th floor of Nakagami Hospital’s a doctor in charge and his staffs for generous treatment. Therefore, we forward this message to accept our deepest condolence.
The funeral service will be following.
a. Date: Thursday 11 April 2019 from 16:00 Hour to 16:30.
b. Place: Gushikawa Funeral Service (1st Floor)
Phone: 098-973-4095-Gushikawa 1508 Uruma City
The event of * 7 X 7 (See note below) ceremony will proceed after the end of funeral. The 49 days of event will commence this funeral home this date, please accept our condolence. The year of Heisei 31st, 11 April.
Family participants: The oldest son-Michihiro Tomoyose: His wife Satomi: The oldest daughter-Akemi Kubota: Her husband Norio Kubota: Second oldest daughter- Kazue Tomoyose: Grand Childs Michiya; Kuniyasu Tomoyose: and all relatives Naoko Tomoyose; Nariko Kubota: ;Miiyu Tomoyose; Ryusen Tomoyose; Takatsugi Tomoyose; Nobumasa Tomoyose; Katsuko Tomoyose; Hatsuko Tamaki; Nobuko Shokida; Isamu Shokida; Yoshie Gushiken and others.

2. An honorary chairman of association:
Mr. Ryuko Tomoyose-Please accept our deepest condolence for his passing on 10 April
The year of Heisei 11 April. Okinawa Karate Association (Uechi Ryu)
The chairman of Okinawa Karate Association- Seicho Tobaru

3. The Special counselor of association (Okinawa designated non-figurative cultural asset holder)
Mr. Ryuko Tomoyose: Please accept our deepest condolence for his passing on 10 April
The year of Heisei 11 April. Okinawa Karate Assembly
The Chairman of Assembly – Zenpo Shimabuku
4. An honorary senior of assembly:
Mr. Ryuko Tomoyose; Please accept our deepest condolence for his passing on 10 April
The year of Heisei 11 April.
Uechi Ryu karate Do Assembly
The Chairman of Assembly – Sakae Uechi

*Note: 7 x 7 event meant- In Buddhist idea, A person deceased, his/her soul will seek peace and conformity for 49 days (7 x 7) before journey to the heaven. Therefore, all his family and relatives shall keep calm and peace for his departure.
 

 

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Mar 12 2019

2020 Winterest review

Categories:

Summer/Winter Fests, WinterFest

by

March 12, 2019

 

 

View this email in your browser

WinterFest 2020…March 6,7,8…
Time to Plan…

Take a week off and enjoy a  Uechi-ryu vacation with George and Susan in Sunny Mount Dora and Eustis, Florida.  Three days of exciting, enjoyable workouts and seminars. A list of experienced senior presenters will provide valuable insights into the hidden treasures, healthful benefits and mind-body-spirit insights of our magnificent karate system, designed to charge your batteries, while enjoying the warm, summer-like surroundings. You won’t want the weekend to end, but if you were smart and took that well-deserved, week-long vacation, you will quickly get into the Mount Dora mood. . . Sleep a little late, enjoy breakfast at one of the many lakeside restaurants. . . then take a walk , perform a three-pack Sanchin set at one of the many lake-side areas, then just chill-out with a cup of coffee. The week will fly by and you will enjoy every moment.

Sue and I know, because we have been enjoying Mount Dora and the surrounding towns, lakes, restaurants and sites since moving here in 2004.
                          ================================Our last WinterFest was a huge success. . .
This year we will be growing and are planning a number of new, interesting and exciting features that I know you will like and enjoy.

First off, because of the large number of people who have e-mailed, called or have crossed paths with me, saying they were coming, our gym simply won’t be large enough for the seminars planned. Susan and I have signed a contract for the most beautiful building in the area. Large, with nice wood floors and an extra large stage where a class can be held. There is a sound system, but I don’t think we will need it.

Click her if you wish to sign up for all three days, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Weapons Session.

Click here if you wish to sign up for the Two Day package. (Friday and Saturday); (Friday and Sunday Morning), or (Saturday and Sunday Morning.)

Click here if you wish to only sign up for Sunday Weapons Morning Session .

Schedule:
Thursday, March 5th:  Golf outing at the “Old Course” of Mount Dora. Tee time, 12 Noon.

Friday, March 6th: A well organized series of seminars that are relevant to the Uechi system. A detailed seminar schedule and presenters will be published ASAP. There will be classes for students who would to have additional help and assistance for any area of their Uechi-ryu.

Classes begin at 9AM sharp and end at 3PM, lunch will be provided from 12 – 1PM.

Saturday, March 7th: Seminars will begin sharply at 9AM. Lunch will be from 12-1.. Seminars will continue until 3PM.

Sunday, March 8th: (To be held at our Karate Gym, where last year’s WinterFest was held)
We will be hosting a special three hour morning Kobudo seminar with Master Tsukasa Gushi. He will be assisted by Sensei Joe Guidry, George Shreifer and other senior Kobudo teachers.We will have a large assortment of weapons to use, but if possible, please bring your own.

There is an afternoon session planned, depending on interest. 

I will be sending out WinterFest updates on a regular basis. The dates, schedule of events and facilities have been locked in, so please mark the dates on your calendar. Now is the time to schedule your best airline prices and hotels.

Best,
George E. Mattson

Thursday, March 5th: Golf at the “Old Course” in Mount Dora: Tee Time: Noon! Be sure to let me know if you wish to join us.
 
 
Copyright © 2019 Uechi-ryu Karate, All rights reserved.

 

 Highlights from 2019 Winterfest

Very nice letter from a long time student and friend, Harvey Liebergott to George Mattson. He has attended 99% of the camps since we started.

I have never been on facebook.  What I wanted to say about the camp is that it was beyond my expectation.  I learn something every time you and (during the last few camps) John Spencer take me through a kata.  But quite aside from that, I watched (because the four inch gash in my leg from an injury before the camp kept me out of) one of the best classes I have seen in more than forty years of training and camps.  Roy Bedard taught an unforgetable, lucid, class in how to read an opponent and lead him out of position.  I had never taken a class with Roy because I thought that I was too old for what he was teaching.  But in fact, I needed exactly what he teaches and even though I could not participate, I agree wholeheartedly with the great Yogi Berra, “you can observe a lot by watching.”  It would have been worth driving fifteen hundred miles for that class alone.

That is not to say that the other classes were not great.  In fact, winter camp felt like the early Uechi camps of the 1980s.  And what I found particularly inspiring was seeing the senior seniors learning from each other.  The greatest athletes and musicians and actors have coaches.  And it occurred to me that the best martial artists are not the ones who think they know everything, but the ones who keep working.  I have not been to Okinawa, but I am guessing that I would not see the “great names” there working together the way they do here. 

 

Best,

 

Harvey

 

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