Jun 07 2015
Sensei Rick Bortolotti”
“I’d like to share the Seisan Bo Kata. Developed by Sensei David Mott, it utilizes Uechi-Ryu body mechanics and stances, including the Seisan jump with Bo. As the Taji Classics state, “where my body stops, my intent continues, where my intent stops spirit continues”, working with the bo is a great way to explore projection of energy- and it’s a fantastic workout!”
Sensei John Felipe:
I would like to Show Case ” Drills and Skills to improve your Martial Arts.
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/new-summerfest-presenters/
Jun 01 2015
Wow. . . June already! Time to begin working on Summerfest for this year. I’ve been receiving lots of calls and e-mail from teachers and students who are attending and asking for more information regarding scheduling, Master Celebration and other activities.
Summerfest has been running successfully since 1983 and during this time, has evolved through a number of minor changes and locations. Our home in Plymouth, MA at the “JunglePlex” has turned out to be a perfect location and facility.
Although I receive many suggestions and requests regarding the best way to feature upwards of fifty seminars and many “presenters” within a weekend, I’ve found that our current method, which we have been doing for over twenty years, is the most interesting and workable way to give both our presenters and participants the most opportunities to explore the wonderful world of Uechi-ryu karate as practiced by the most innovative and traditionally minded martial artist in the world.
Over the years we have had the opportunity to be taught by respected Okinawan Uechi-ryu masters, including Grandmasters Kanei Uechi, Kansei Uechi and Ryuko Tomoyose.
Summerfest 1984 opened up an important relationship with Mainland China and for many years presenters from China honored us by attending and teaching seminars.
Additionally, we have been honored by respected specialist in both traditional martial arts that are closely related to Uechi-ryu in techniques, mindset and self-defense methods. Many of martial art superstars like Roy Bedard, Rory Miller, Darin Yee, Van Canna, Art Rabesa, Buzz Durkin, Jim Maloney, John Spencer, Bob Bethoney, Robb Buckland, Raffi Derdarian, Henry Thom, Bill Glasheen, Bruce Witherell, John Hassell, Peter Blackman, Victor Swinimer and new/er presenters like John Hwee, Tracy Rose and many others, have attended and taught at many Summerfests.
This year we are expecting many participants and a couple of new presenters from Canada.As we get photos and seminar information I will be posting them here and in the Summerfest website.
Please register early and talk up Summerfest at your dojo. We would like 2015 to be the biggest and best Summerfest ever. .
best,
.
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/summerfest-2015/
May 14 2015
Simon Lailey performing Superempi.
Simon Lailey discovered Superempi during his journey and studies in China. He introduced the kata to the rest of the world in the mid 90s during his visit to Boston and his interview with me, followed by his Summerfest seminars that year.
The interview and demonstrations were published in the new video magazine, issue # 6 in 1996 and the rest is history. Whether the kata is indeed the lost 4th form in Uechi-ryu will probably never be fully resolved, but for thousands of practitioners, the kata will continue to be practiced, studied and appreciated.
The videos were converted to digital a number of years ago and then forgotten. Bill Glasheen’s Superempi dvd was created a few years later and Bill did a great job “Uechi-sizing” some of the goju flavors from the lengthy set. During my recent housekeeping of memorabilia, the original dvd was discovered and selected to be the second offering for this series.
Besides the lengthy interview with Simon and his full speed and slow motion study of the kata, the dvd also contains an interesting commentary by me on the subject of kyu promotions. The material is presented in a two dvd package and has been upgraded with a table of contents and chapters.links. Click here to purchase.
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/historic-superempi-interview-demo/
May 06 2015
I have been going through my DVD archives this week and discovered quite a few that you might wish to add to your collection. I will post one of these historic videos every week that I will offer for sale.
Over 100 teachers and students from around the world traveled to Okinawa for the first major, International gathering of Uechi-ryu participants to assemble on Okinawa for the purpose of training and celebrating with the senior instructors of our style. Grandmaster Kanei Uechi officiated, opened up the training session and participated in the week-long program.
As a spectacular ending to the event, the Uechi organization held their annual tournament and demonstrations as part of the historic week. There was a lot of film shot during the week and most was sent to me. The best of the films were edited into this DVD, which is now available in the Uechi-ryu store.
.
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/historic-dvd-archives/
Mar 23 2015
Sensei Mattson. I hope this message reaches you. John Spencer said you would be able to put a link in your website directing people to our July 6-11 Koshukai at UCONN. The link can be had at http://www.UechiKarate.com
many thanks
Respectfully,
John Griffin
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/5380/
Feb 23 2015
Greetings Brothers and Sisters of Uechi-Ryu,
I am happy to announce the anticipated Uechi-Ryu Karate Championship Series which our students have come to enjoy will resume this year 2015. The anticipated dates are all Saturdays, April 11, June 13 and October 3. I use the word anticipated because although the venue has approved these dates, the manager still have to follow protocol and announce these date to their committee. Sensei Len Testa and I have also decided to start all 3 tournaments at 1pm. This would allow our competitors to sleep late on a week end and have lunch prior to the start of the events. I remembered many of the competitors being hungry while waiting for kumite. No one wants to see their little ninjas hungry and uncomfortable.
The venue for all 3 tournaments will be held at The Natick Senior Center. The address is 117 E. Central Street, Natick, MA 01760. We chose this venue because of its central location to many of the dojos who have supported this tournament series in the past. And a single, familiar location makes it easier for all our competitors, parents and judges. It is certainly an easier ride for our central, western and northern dojos. Tournament fees will be announced when our posters and applications are sent out. Understanding the condition of our economy, we are trying to keep all fees as low as possible. Very possibly lower then entry fees of the past.
The awards night will be held on October 17th, at the China Pearl located at 237 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169. The award night tickets will be $30 per person. This includes the presentation of the championship trophies, kata and weapon performances from our champions and a 6 course meal. Each table will seat 10 people. All award tickets must be purchased in advance. A $20 discount will available for “dojo tables”. Instead of individuals from your dojo purchasing seats and sending in their checks to me, the dojo can send in $280 per table “which seats 10” and arrange their own seating and guarantee his/her dojo students and parents will sit together. If there are parents, students or relatives who you cannot fit in your tables ordered, they will have to pay $30 and we will assign them to other tables where we have room.
Thank you again for being so patient with us. Let’s get ready for a great year in Uechi-Ryu.
Darin Yee
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/uechi-ryu-karate-championship-series/
Nov 11 2014
These very special pins, with a screw-back, have been out of stock for many years. I discovered the original art work for these pins during a storage unit visit and decided to have them recreated in a new 1″ diameter size and a 3/8″ screw-post. (To ensure a secure attachment.)
Retail price, only $20 for both pins. Click here to order
Contact me for quantity pricing. (A great special occasion gift)
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/new-belt-pins-available-soon/
Oct 30 2014
The practice ended shortly after it begun, for unknown reasons. IUKF renewed the process and formed a board to monitor and award the titles and gold stripes.
For the other Uechi organizations, the stripes didn’t represent anything other than the awarding of a master rank. And since the original purpose of the stripes didn’t have anything to do with rank, there was lots of confusion regarding how to divide three stripes into 5 ranks. Hence the logical conclusion was to simply sew on a stripe for every master rank.
This confusion over the purpose of the stripes was brought up at a recent IUKF board meeting and the consensus was that since the stripes has lost any relationship to the titles of Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi, IUKF should no longer associate the stripes with the titles.
I agreed with the decision of the board and beginning November 1, 2014, belt stripes will only represent the master ranking of 6th – 10th degree black belts.
The titles program will continue to exist in its present form. The board is considering issuing a special certificate and award that will replace the gold bar on belts.
Train often and train smart. . .
best, George
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/rank-stripes-and-titles/
Sep 12 2014
Uechi Ryu Black Belts,
Have you ever thought about taking the next step in your Uechi Ryu training and possibly opening your own Uechi Ryu school?
If you imagine having a large school or a small dojo, the IUKF can help support and guide you in your dream of being a dojo owner. The IUKF was formed in 1975 for a multitude of reasons including assisting dojos in their business needs and teachings of the art of Uechi Ryu.
Grand Master George Mattson started teaching in Boston, MA in 1958. Along with being the first Uechi Ryu teacher in the United States, he quickly grew Mattson Academy into a thriving dojo business. Today, many of his senior students run their own schools all over the world.
The IUKF can help you grow your Uechi dojo or even start a new dojo from ground zero including providing structure, experience, ranking and many other tools that will enhance your school.
The following is a list of some of the many benefits and reasons why you should consider aligning your dojo with the IUKF.
The IUKF is headed and lead by Grand Master George E Mattson, Tenth Dan.
The IUKF is a world-wide organization that consists of regional Uechi-Ryu dojos that conduct black belt grading twice a year.
IUKF Dojo Committee, a committee of dojo owners.
Grading and testing is based on International standards in the Black Belt Test Guide interpreted and clarified by the IUKF Rules Committee.
Two international training camps held every year with master ranking and testing.
Regional training.
Both internationally recognized Kyu and Dan certificates.
Uechi Ryu title certificates.
Monthly newsletters.
Online monthly trainings.
Online Teacher meetings.
For more information go to www.IUKF.net and contact Chairman of IUKF, Henry Thom,
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/dojo-ownership/
Aug 10 2014
I wish to thank all of you who attended and supported this year’s martial arts SummerFest making it one of the most successful events since it was first created in 1983. Also thanks to all of you who sent me email expressing how much you learn and enjoyed the event. Certainly one of the most memorable email was from Lisa Tanner and I hope she won’t mind the reprinting of here. Perhaps some of you who elected not to attend camp this year will change your mind after reading Lisa had to say about she felt about attending
Dearest Sensei Mattson
Lisa Tanner on right.
I want to thank you again for creating such a wonderful experience thru Summerfest. We began our journey this year with mixed emotions; excited to once again have the opportunity to learn from such great martial artists, but with heavy hearts because our own leader was not joining us. Victor sensei has guided us to become part of a bigger Uechi Ryu community outside of our home province of Nova Scotia, and we are forever grateful that he has shown us the way…this is not just figuratively speaking…last year he literally showed us the way! he got us to Plymouth without getting lost and I cannot say the same about my cars GPS!
The weekend went by far too quickly and as we drove home Sunday and Monday I had time to reflect, I seriously believe I suffer from P.A.E.D (post awesomeness enlightenment disorder) because with each small task I was doing a phrase, Idea, or lesson will come back to me: “find the void”, in every void there’s an attack waiting”, “create a void”, “effortless effort”, “affirmative action” are only just a few.
Then there is the camaraderie…what can I say, It is displayed everywhere, on the field or in the lounge and even followed us to the sandwich shop, old friendships growing stronger and new ones setting seed.
I enjoyed how the new format played out, It allowed for extra time at a particular station, to me this was very relevant as I had Harry’s attention for kata exploration 30 minutes longer! I have been working on Seiru for over a year now and just wasn’t getting inspired by its movements, Harry peeled that kata like an onion helping me to see each layer and its relevance to the whole “onion”.
My time spent with you on Sunday morning prompted me to re-examine why I feel the need to “force’ breathing or strike too quickly (light bulb moment…is very different than swiftly with purpose to which I confused speed) as a smaller framed lady martial artist, I think I had preconceived the need to prove or show my strength (light bulb moment once again…the only person needing to know my strength is me…feeling it really is better than showing it).
As you can see, Summerfest is a journey of self discovery for me and finding out my roots in this art. The only way I could calm the overwhelming excitement on the drive home (two days and nineteen hours of driving) was to sit in the back seat and write my thoughts; that when read aloud to Patty and Kristin were identified as poetry…another moment of self discovery because when they exclaimed “we didn’t know you wrote poetry!” my response was “me neither”.
I am sending them along for your enjoyment, however I made Patty and Kristen promise me not to laugh when I read them aloud from the backseat of my VW, with dirty jungleplex feet and still wearing last nights make-up (traveling is not glamorous). Sensei Mattson…I give you permission to laugh, because i believe your heart laughs withe people and not at them!
Sincerely yours in budo
Lisa Tanner
P.S living, breathing, and BEING in sanchin, that is the epitome of our being. I may have never been to Okinawa, but I’ve been to Plymouth Ma, where many great masters gather. xo
Permanent link to this article: https://uechi-ryu.com/what-a-great-summerfest/
