March, 2006 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


New England Junior Uechi-ryu Championship Series. Last tournament of the 4th Series!

Greetings All: I trust that everyone has been able to access the Junior series web site for applications. I have attached some additional information that you can pass along to any students who intend to compete. Hope to see you there and if there is anything that I can do to make your students tournaments experience the very best possible, please let me know. Click Here to view the tournament PR kit.

John Page
Tournament Administrator


Hello George:

The weather here is beautiful too About 45 and raw with rain expected Yeck I would love to come visit you, Susan and Tia  (when time and money allow) Thank you for the invitation You are very welcome for the article I hope it hits home with some of the Seniors I'm a regular at the Hut and will talk to them about the Tournament on April 2nd I'm looking forward to seeing you soon
Give my love to Susan
All the best
Mark
Mark Gibson
Director
Support Systems Product Development Corp.
e-mail: mark.gibson@myvoiceid.org
Tel 866-667-5768
92 Concord Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
www.myvoiceid.org


9th Year Anniversary!

Hi Sensei!

How are you?!

Incredibly, it’s The Academy’s NINTH Anniversary this March—and we’re really trying to make it great.

Is there any way that you could get the word out to your New England mailing list? We’d like to run a “Master’s Class” (BB’s ONLY!), have a few guest instructors, a get-together or two and…who knows (that is to mean, I’m looking for ideas and instruction! J )

As exciting as this all is, my main regret is that you won’t be around to share in the festivities—remember us with an extra coat of sunscreen, please!

Finally, please let our friends know that EVERYONE is welcome. No affiliations, organizations or alliances will keep us as welcoming all friends as brothers and sisters in Uechi-ryu.

Blessings and Best Regards,

Gary

Gary J. Khoury
Khoury's Karate Academy
www.khouryskarate.com

Not only have I widely publicized the event, I've reworked my schedule to be at your dojo on Saturday afternoon (after my class at the "Hut") to teach a class. Note to readers: Watch the forums for updates on other celebration events Gary will be hosting. GEM


New Dojo Information!

Greetings!

I have created a website for Neil Stone's dojo up in Brookline, NH. Could you please add the following as a link on the directory page?

www.neilstoneskarate.com

The address should also be changed to 108 vs 106 Route 13 in Brookline.

Thanks!

Kathy Low
Webmistress
Neil Stone's Karate Academy

Done! GEM


Passing of Sensei Charles Earle III

... just a quick note to let you know that we acknowledged the passing of CE in class by having Mike Ross (who was his student for eleven years) review some of his teaching points and we ended the class with a formal bow, for dignity and to honor his memory.

Paul Giella
The "Hut" Uechi Program


The Board of Directors and membership of the International Uechi-ryu Karate Federation were saddened by the news that Charlie Earle had died.  He was an original in North American Uechi-ryu, and will be sorely missed.  For those of us who started in the 1960's, Charlie is remembered as an imposing and inspiring Uechi practitioner and teacher, who represented what we might become, if we studied long and very hard.  His school in Providence, RI was known as one with the longest history in a single location.  Charlie started many of our most respected American Uechika on their road to successful study.  His grace, smiling face and serious accomplishments in Uechi-ryu karate will not be forgotten.
The IUKF sends its condolences, and best wishes, to the Earle family.

Paul Haydu, MD
Chairman,
IUKF Board of Directors

Hello.

I had not known about Charlie passing until the news came from Bob Campbell in an email. I was extremely surprised that I did not hear of his illness before this time. I will say that brother Charles was a good friend of mine, and I had trained under him for several years in the early 70s, in his Providence dojo. I met many good people at his school and never forgot the intensive training I received in Kendo from a priest that visited his dojo from Japan . Memories of that time will never be forgotten.

Earle Sensei was always polite and had a smile for everyone. His dojo was the most organized training hall I had ever been a member of, and had a deeply spiritual aura about it. We will miss yet another strong master practitioner in the Uechi world. I send my and Tracy 's condolences to the Earle family and I ask the Great Spirit to comfort and guide him on his spiritual journey home.

Wuniish,

Windsong Sensei


New Central Florida Martial Arts Academy

Sensei Mattson,

I passed by your dojo this evening. It was good seeing you again. And, congratulations on your new dojo.

I previously trained in Shito-Ryu under Shihan Richard Kelley in Orlando,
and received my Sho Dan in 1998. I've been wanting to get back into the
martial arts for a long time, however until now there have been no truly traditional dojos in the area. As I am now living only about a half mile from your new location, this seems like a great opportunity. Perhaps I can even get the whole family involved. :-)

Best wishes,
Richard Bishop
George,


George...
The dojo set up sounds great, I have the red/blue combination puzzle mats 24x50 training area with one sparring area in the center of the room. The only drawback with the colors is the tremendous glare that comes off the floor when I have all overhead florescent lights on. After experimenting I found that I had to shut half the lights off to make it comfortable on the eyes. Many people commented on how bright the room is. Unlike wood flooring and or carpet there is no absorbing of the light, there is more reflection off of the mats. My walls are a color called rice paper by Sherwin Williams this offsets the glare a little.

Cleaning the mats is easy with a mop and Mr Clean or Lysol cleaner. I also spray them down with lysol spray daily. We found that sweeping the floor was difficult because of the grain, I have 2 soft push brooms that we use but I also vacuum the floor mats because you will find that foot flakes will build up as will hair and other dust products... so... I bought a Roomba robot vac to help out, see  Roomba.com,set it free every night and the dojo is cleaned and practically dust free.

Anyway there are a few tips from my experiences. If you have any questions just ask although I am sure you have people around that have many answers.

Oh one last thing... make sure there is good ventilation when putting the mats down as they may hold the smell from production when packaged. They cut easy with a knife for trimming the edges for a wall to wall look
Good luck,
Steve

Thanks Steve... Lots of good information to file away. Our mats are due in March 28th. And I've heard about that Roomba robot vac. Sounds like a good investment! :) GEM


2006 SummerFest Promotion Celebration!

Sensei Mattson,

The reason for my email is that I am looking for contact information for Clarence Wilder. I was a student of Sensei Wilder for about 12 years (Natick, Wayland, Boston...) but unfortunately have lost touch over the last several years. I have keep touch with some of his former students, but would like reconnect with my old Sensei and good friend.

Brian

Hi Brian:

Hopefully you will be able to join everyone in the celebration of Clarence being elevated to the rank of 8 th dan this Summer at camp.

Meanwhile, I'm sure Clarence will be happy to hear from you. His work number is:

[1] *** *** ****

George Mattson

Sensei:

Thanks for the info... I was just reading about Clarence being the recipient of the rank of Hachidan in your Uechi-ryu "what's new" column. I am so very proud to hear such exciting news! I started taking classes with Clarence when I was 10 years old and kept up through jr. high, high school, college... I don't think I could have asked for a better Sensei.  

Thanks again
Brian


Looking for a Dojo or Teacher!

George,

I am an old student of Walter Mattson and Art Rabesa. Now living in Frederick, Maryland. Do you know if there is a Uechi School in the DC, Rockville, Germantown area? RS,

PHM (Paul Maubert)

Hi Paul: E-mail addresses enclosed. GEM


 

Mr. Mattson,                 

My name is Robin Brewer; I'm a former student of Roy Bedard.  I'm stationed in Pensacola, FL, for pilot training with the Marine Corps.  I wrote to him asking if he knew of anyone in the area that is a Dan and willing to train with me.  He said you might be able to help.  I've been wanting to get back into Karate for a long time but I would like to stay in Uechi Ryu if possible.  Thank you for your concern in this matter.                                                  Robin D. Brewer                                                   2ndLt, USMC

Hi Robin: I'm enclosing the names of teachers near you. Stay in touch and good luck. GEM


Dear Sensei Mattson,

My name is Neil Bednar. I was a student of Roy Bedard for a number of years, and also a student of his teacher for several more years.

I will be moving from my current home in burlington Vermont to San Francisco California next month, and although I've been training on my own some, I would like to find an instructor or even a training partner in the area. Could you recommend anyone in the city, or perhaps nearby?

Roy asked me to send you an email.....

Sincerely,

Neil Bednar

You are in luck Neil. Henry Thom teaches in San Francisco and he is "the best"! GEM



Hello George,

My partner's brother is running up and down the mountains around Los Angeles and I got to thinking he might enjoy Uechi Ryu as a change of pace. He's a 50 yr old pharmacist who enjoys a variety of activities and is in excellent health. I was wondering if you could suggest some dojos in that neck of the woods.

Hope you are well,

Mike Herrmann
Albuquerque, NM

Names and email addresses enclosed Mike. GEM


Good afternoon Sensei Mattson.

Jeff speaking to you from sunny St.Petersburg, Fla. Do you know of, and can you refer me to a Uechi Karate school in the Tampa, St.Pete area? I trained years ago with a Gentleman named Ted Kresge (sensei) but he is no longer training. I'd love to pick up where a left off.
Thank you,
Jeff Powell

Names and email addresses enclosed Jeff. Good luck and stay in touch. GEM


This is going to be a little bit of an odd request...I am trying to contact my uncle, who is currently attending a martial arts conference somewhere in China (we don't even a city name to go by!). As his background is in Uechi Ryu Karate Do, I am hoping there is a conference occurring now that you may be aware of.

Thank you for your time.

Karen Koedam

Well yes, this is a strange and difficult request! GEM


The "Hut's" new Sanseiryu Bunkai

Just thought I would take a minute to let you know that I have been developing a new bonkai, or is it a kumite, for sanseiryu... we have been working on it in class the past couple of weeks and I think we will have it in reasonably good enough form to present to you on your next visit.

Some new concepts! None of the movements are repetitions of sequences from other exercises. Several of them involve judo style grabs and throw-downs and locks. All of them are eminently practical. Though they are a bonkai (that is, an application of the kata techniques) they are arranged in a sequence and performed like a kumite, so the tentative name of the exercise is the "sanseiryu bonkai kumite".

Now that I have told you this I have to really continue to develop it, for the sake of face if nothing else!

Paul

Looking forward to seeing this new Bunkai at the April 2nd tournament. I understand, from talking with some of the students, that it is quite good. GEM


Website Questions!


George:
I hope this email finds you and Susan doing well and basking in the warm Florida sun.  I checked out the new website, and while I figure you're probably still ironing out a few wrinkles, it seems very nice.  Have you discontinued the Mail Bag section of the site, or am I just not able looking in the right place?
Peace
Robb

Hi Robb: Some of the features now require registering. The Uechi-ryu.com website does not use the same log-on information that the Eastern Arts' Forums use. Still other features are reserved for IUKF members. GEM


New Dojo Listings

Sensei Mattson,     My sensei was searching the web and came across your website.  He has trained under Sensei Frank Gorman for many years in Uechi-Ryu and has a Godan rank and Shihan master instructor under Okinawan Karate-do association.  He is currently a proud member of Ken Nakamatsu's Jeteki Jyku and has studied Ju Jitsu for many years as well.  Sensei Ryan would like his dojo registered with you on your website; the information is listed below.  Senei was reading your mailbag and came across an email conversation between you and Michael Zwerdling discussing local dojo's; we tried to look him up to no avail and would welcome him here.  Thank you for your time and make it a great day! Ben Haught Ryan Dean's The Dojo
School of Self Defense
11917 Seminole Blvd Largo, FL 33778 727.394.7500
727.397.9898 (fax)
www.ryandeansthedojo.com

I sent Mike your email. He responded that his back problems have worsen and he doesn't think he will be able to work out for awhile. However, he plans to visit your dojo to say hello. GEM


From: Andrew E. Moores

Dear Sensei, I hope all is well with you and your family. How's the new dojo coming along?

I noticed that you were going to be in the Boston area at the end of March beginning of April. We will be opening our new dojo April 3rd. Sensei Fagan and Sensei Perry will both be there for the opening night. We would be honored if you could make it up for that night. I understand that this might be a short notice and that I'm sure when you come into town your schedule get's filled up quickly, but I still wanted to extend you the invite.

This opening night will be much anticipated for all my students. We have been doing all the building on the dojo ourselves. The amounth of man hours my students have given me has been amazing.

Again, I hope all is well.

Best, Andrew Moores

Hi Andrew:

I wish I had known a little sooner. I’m scheduled to return to Florida April 2nd, following my kid’s tournament and I’m teaching a seminar here in Florida on the 3rd.

Please extend my very best wishes to Sensei Fagan and Perry for me. And best wishes to you and all your students. I hope your dojo is a huge success.

My dojo is nearly finished. Just waiting for the mats to arrive from China (end of month). Meanwhile, we continue to have classes and everyone is happy. I’m bringing 4 of my juniors to the tournament on the 2nd. They are quite excited about the opportunity to meet and compete against other Uechi students.

Best, George

Sensei, Best of luck to you and your students with your new dojo. Mats from China?? wow! Ours are coming from NJ. LOL

If you find yourself in New England May 6th we will be having our open house/break in the dojo workout. Sensei Fagan and a dozen of his students will becoming down. It should be a memorable weekend.

Take care, Andrew


New Uechi-ryu.com Website Feedback

Subject: Re: Account details for itzik Harel at Uechi-Ryu

Hi George,

Your Uechi blocks are so effective they can even reach me through the
internet: I registered to the site and when I logged in I was effectively
blocked:-)

Hope you are doing fine, please give my love to Susan.

Can't wait for the summer camp _itziik

Can't figure out why your registration didn't go through. Over 400 have registered successfully! Did you use your correct email address? Perhaps you received some kind of request to complete the registration process, which you didn't do???

Anyway... I looked up your name and activated your username.

Best,
George


Hi George,

Firstly, I wish you and Susan all of the best for 2006! I hope that the year brings health and happiness to you both.

I'm having trouble with your new website format. For some reason, although I registered on the new site, my logins are rejected and I'm told to contact the administrator who I assume is you. The forum topics turn up information about the person posting and not the forum thread. So. . . . .???

. . . . .

Anyway, I'm looking forward to viewing the forums when I can get them up and running and I thought that the lead in article (home page) about compassion was a very fine way to start the new site and 2006.

Congratulations. I'm optimistic that a much higher level of exchange will bring dignity and class to the site and therefore IUKF.

Best,

David Mott

Thanks for the note David. (We've worked out the problems) GEM


Old Friends Checking-In!

Dear Sensei Mattson,
I participated in the 1st Uechi World Championships held in the U.S. in
1995 in Baltimore, MD. I am looking to connect with information regarding any statistics that may be available on the web dealing with that tournament as well as reconnecting with people in the Uechi-ryu world such as Sensei Bill Glasheen and Sensei Keith Jackel. Not being particularly net savy, I have not been successful thus far, and having found this connection I am asking for guidance in how I may connect with the information I seek. Thank-you for any assistance you may offer.

Sincerely,
Victoria J. Antonich

Hi Victoria:

First, thanks for writing. I seem to remember talking with you before,
either by email or in person.

Some of the web features on Uechi-ryu.com are limited to registered members
of the site (free)or to IUKF members. Registered members are able to view
many features, such as the "galleries" and "dojo/instructor" listings.

I'm cc'ing this email to Sensei Glasheen. He may be familiar with the
whereabouts of Sensei Jackel.

Since I conduct the Uechi World Championships and held the first one in New
England in 1995, I'm wondering if you are referring to a different
tournament. In the "Store", there is a dvd dealing with the 1995 tournament.
I believe it is VidMag 4 or 5.


Best,
George Mattson


Wow! George, you don't know how happy I am to hear from Vicki Antonich. A number of us have been scouring the area trying to find her. I am most happy this connection was made. Vicki A: I'm heading out of town for a few days, but will be back by Wednesday. George has given you both my work and home e-mail addresses. No excuse now; you know where we are. I'm also putting you in contact with Vicki Scheffler. She's been looking for a training partner, or at least another female friend in Uechi. She's at the same place you were when you moved and lost touch with us. Hopefully we'll find a way for everyone to get in touch again and have some fun. My best to you, Vicki Antonich. I hope you are well. I'm looking forward to touching base with you.

Bill (Glasheen)
=======================================
Mattson Sensei,

Thank-you for your reply to my request for information regarding 1995 World Championships and Glasheen Sensei. I am very excited to be back in contact with the Uechi people in Richmond, Virginia. Yes we did briefly speak at the '95 Championships. I believe I have the year correct. It was the first time the Championships were held in the U.S. I was honored to be awarded 1st place in the Men's/Women's Shodan Kata event. 2nd place Women's Kumite. I will check the Store concerning the dvd. I was looking for a possible website on which statistics may be posted concerning that tournament. I have a vhs put out right after the tournament. Do you know if the information on the dvd expands on the vhs material? Thank you again for re-connecting me with Glasheen Sensei.

Regards,
Victoria J. Antonich


George:

I know it has been a while, but I am still working out.  I don't get back to the Hut very often, but whenever I can work it so I pass through Massachusetts on a Saterday I drop in.  I will always remember those days with great fondness.  The school in collegeville moved to Limerick a couple of months ago.  We are small but commited. 

We are planning on a Dan test later this spring.  we should have three Shodan and two Nidan candidates. I will be in Orlando on business the week of Feb 20 - 24.  I looked up you school in Eustis, but as I won't have a car, it looks like it may be to far to drop in.  I see the winter fest was canceled, to bad, the timing would have been good for me otherwise. I hope things are going well for you.
Andrew Peterson


Dear George,

I wondered if you received my request for these folks to use some of the articles that were presented on the Uechi web site?

May I assume that if I don't hear from you in a week that it's O.K. and you are just swamped with things to do now?

Hope all is well,

David

David Elkins

Hi David:

Sorry, but this is the first email received from you in a looooong time. My mailwasher program may have deleted it before I saw it or you may have clicked "contact me" on the home page. (see whats new on the home page).

Anyway, I have no problem with the Meibukan group using the articles. They must give credit though, or we will lose copyright protection.

How have you been? How come so long between messages. Thought we were friends. :)

Best,

George

Dear George,

I apologize for being a hermit.  I had written in the earlier message that I'm very saddened that the karate scene in Florida doesn't appreciate what they have in you and are so insular.  Well, what else is new? 

I had major surgery in September, 2004 and my back was repaired.  I've gradually increased my activity level and do a power/endurance lifting sport (Girevoy [Russian kettlebell] Sport)  now and will in fact be in Nationals in May in San Diego .  If nothing else I think I have the distinction of being the oldest lifter in the States.  :)  www.girevoysport.ru is the web site of my coach Andrey Kuzmin and has a ton of neat video clips under "events"  and "film". 

Still working 24o a week doing therapy.  Suzanne is still teaching at the CC and loving it.  We have two doggies now, a lab/Newfie mix and a Boston named Mr. Earl.  He runs the place.

How are Susan and do you still have Tia?

Has retirement turned out the way you wished it to in other than karate perspective, that is, weather, golf, new friends, etc.

Wishing you all the best as ever,

David  

Hi David:

You have been very busy… I heard that you were having back problems. Pleased that things seem to be working out for you.

Good luck with the competition. Oldest lifter in the States…. Hmmmm J

Best to you and Suzanne. Please drop in to the forums and say hello. People have been asking for you and I know will be happy to hear from you. We have quite a few new forums now… One for conditioning would be a good place to say hello to everyone.

Best,

George


Odds and Ends!

Hi George

I have just started learning Uechi and fell in love with it immediately. My firend lent me a copy of your book, Uechi Ryu Karate Do and I wanted to send you an email to say how valuable a resource it has been. I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of where I would be able to buy a copy though because I expect my friend to want it back at some point, and I have not been able to find a copy anywhere.

Being the author I was wondering if you had any copies lying around - even if electronic that I could buy or if you know of a disrtibutor that I could buy from?

Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Also, keep up the good work with the website, it is fantastic and the video clips are great.

Stuart Sadler

Hi Stuart:

Thanks you for writing to me and for saying such nice things about my 2nd book. Unfortunately, Uechi-ryu Karate Do is out of print and has become a highly sought after collector's item. I'm surprised your friend lent you a copy! :)

Amazon has copies at very high prices and the publisher is offering their remaining books on the Uechi website: http://uechi-ryu.com/pages/store along with many other items you might find helpful in your Uechi-ryu studies.

Good luck and stay in touch.

George E. Mattson

Hi George

I just wanted to thank you for your advice on how to get hold of you book - I managed to pick up a copy for £50 on a rare book finding website.

Thanks again

Stuart


Tournaments: How do you view them!

I am starting a competition class and am going to get some of my brown belts involved in being a referee and putting a team together hopefully.

MA Success magazine had a great article on tournaments, how important they are, and the good that comes from them. It was in the last issue.

Perhaps we can find a way to keep correspondence going on the forums or follow up mail to get the dojo involved.

Maybe an area for public relations to go after. I have my hands full right now but maybe Harry or Darin have some ideas.

I had a woman call me last night asking when my tournament would be as she was trying to plan her vacation in November. Her daughter would kill her if she missed an event. She did her first one at six 3-4 years ago and hasn't missed one yet.

Do you think that child will ever quit Karate?

These Dojo worried about retention and keeping their money in house are missing out.

Fred

Atta way Fred!

We’ve noted in the past 45 years that students who get around and get their batteries charged by attending activities, tournaments, camps, etc. stick with Uechi-ryu.

Same for the teachers.

Those that isolate themselves, trying to protect their flock, end up with no flock and no interest in Uechi themselves.

BTW, I congratulated you and the other candidates on my home page this morning. But for the record, I’ll do it again here: Congratulations Fred. You are deserving of the Godan rank and have earned it!

Best,

George


George,

We haven't met, but I am a student (Nidan) of sensei Ed DeCosta in North Attleborough, MA. I'm interested in learning more about Uechi sparring, and practical applications of the Shohei-Ryu / Uechi-Ryu styles.

I know that you are formerly from the Boston area, and was wondering if you know of any Uechi style tournaments that I could attend in the Greater Boston area; or if not in this immediate area, where would the best/closest tournaments be? I'm 48 years old, and would like to begin to participate in these tournaments if possible.

Also, regarding my 2 orders today, if the items are in stock and can be shipped together, that would be great.

Thanks in advance for your help, it's much appreciated.

Regards,

Cliff

Hi Cliff:

First off, please give Eddy my best regards next time you see him.

Next. . . unfortunately, my many attempts to run an adult Uechi tournament have been unsuccessful. Few of the senior Uechi teachers supported the effort and massive ego problems among the seniors made it impossible to agree on anything.

We finally decided to conduct a New England’s children event, which has been highly publicized on the Uechi-ryu.com site for the past four years. The organizers feel that if we work with the children, that perhaps as they grow older, they will develop good sportsmanship attitudes and will feel inclined to support an adult event.

Meanwhile, it would be nice if your dojo got involved with the tournament series by having some of your adult students participate in the officials’ team program and train/work with the kids in your dojo, who could then participate in the competition.

With time, perhaps we could attempt another adult tournament to run side by side with the junior event.

What say??

Best,

George Mattson

Ps. I’ve cc’ed Jay Salhanick, who may be able to recommend other adult events to participate in.


Self Defense Tips for Women! (Actually, they seem pretty applicable for men as well!

Don't know that all the "facts" are true, but this was worth passing on anyway At the very least, the advise is sound.
Rick Liebespach


Safety tips for Women

We can now add to the list of victims the retired 77 yr. old TCU professor from Ft Worth whose body was found last week in Oklahoma--and the 11 yr. old in Sarasota, FL. Because of these recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know.

After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. B.) I f you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably ! in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP. It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

************* Here it is ******* 9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever yo u do, DO NOT open the door."

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry.



Subject: Are you CELESTIAL Grand Masters?

Van and George:

Sorry, I will not make it a habit to send every crack-pot I run across, but this made me laugh so hard my sides are not only hurting, people are staring at me. Sanchin did not prepare me for this. If it is a hoax it is the funniest one I have read in a very, very long time.

Before I continue, thanks for listening to my "rant" on Uechi exclusion. The guy now running the semiinar is claiming there is no exclusion--"special circumstances" led to refusing some students from participating. Sure. Whatever.

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=31371&page=1

"Bullshido" is a skeptical site for martial arts that deals with fraud and crap. They have "brought down" a few--such as Ashida Kim, for example. They also helped get some "Interpole Assassin" arrested. The reason I give the link to IT is because the link to "Grand Celestial Do" generates pop-ups gallore and cookies. So . . . if you want to go to the "source:" TURN ON YOUR BLOCKERS

http://cosmicfighting.741.com/

As I note in my own post, maybe this is a hoax. If it is it is hilarious! Here is a sample from a "Celestial Grand Master:" ___ FAQ:

Do you have any physical proof that you were abducted by aliens and lived on their planet for 11 years?

It is illegal for me to take any of their technologies and bring them to Earth. One can only guess what disastrous things mankind would use these technologies for. The only physical evidence I have is a mercury-based silicon nodule implanted in my cerebral cortex. The Visitors use this to track my location. When I die, I would like for that nodule to be extracted from my body and examined. You will see that the nodule will have a chemical composition no one on Earth has seen before. That will be your proof.

Grand Celestial Do uses Photonic Energy as its power source. Is this energy the same as "chi" or "ki" in eastern martial arts?

Photonic Energy is a totally different type of energy than "chi" or "ki" found in Earth-based martial art systems. "Chi" does exist, but it is a very primitive form of energy and very low on the evolutionary scale. In fact, the Visitors scoffed at the use of "chi," because of how weak it is compared to Photonic Energy.

Have you proven the effectiveness of Grand Celestial Do in martial art tournaments?

For personal testing purposes, I have entered three local martial art tournaments and won. I entered the Michigan State Karate Tournament in April 28, 1989 in the full contact sparring division and won first place in my weight class. I basically put on a karate uniform and said I was a black belt, so I will be accepted. Winning the tournament was very simple. In October 9, 1991, I entered the West Detroit Open Kickboxing Federation Championships. Once again, I took first place in my weight class with a first round knockout in the finals. In May 18, 1996, I entered the Michigan Fightsport Challenge (an amateur mixed martial arts competition). I was the oldest competitor there. I defeated my opponent in 32.8 seconds. What technique I used or how I did it, does not matter. Grand Celestial Do does not focus on punches or techniques. It is how the Photonic energy is being used and manipulated that matters. I or any of my advanced students can enter any professional martial art tournament, mixed martial arts cage match, wrestling matches, ect., and can easily win. It would be completely frivolous. Once they can fully channel the energy and have the strength of a bulldozer, they know they can defeat anyone. Why even try it? My students are taught not to use Grand Celestial Do for fame, money, or personal gain. Actually, I don't really have to teach them. Once they are invigorated with the energy of the universe, they are totally content and at peace with themselves. They know what their mission on this earth is. ____

--J.D.

P.S. They only charge $500-1000 a month. P.P.S. If you read through the thread, some of these guys claim after a few weeks they can "defeat anyone" from any style. Darn! I have been wasting all of this time. Van, you should love learning how to melt handguns with your "photon energy."

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

Hi John,

The more I read, the more I am convinced that we as 'martial artists' are nothing but TETRAHEDRON 'space aliens' _ the most basic of the platonic bodies.

And handguns, knives, baseball bats, and multiple 'industrial size' opponents can be melted by 'platonic energy' _ in the form of noxious gases _ emitted by Uechi exclusionists.

Be sure to wear a gas mask.

VC