June, 1999
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
Sensei Mattson: On behalf of my Sensei's, Joe Pomfret and Josh Wiseman, I would like to
thank you for including our homepage in your links section. In just six weeks, we have had
465 visitors to the page, many of whom came directly from your link.
I recommend that all Uechi-ryu dojo's interested in increasing the traffic to their
website contact you and make certain that they are included in your listing. And I
strongly recommend that all dojo's without homepages contact you immediately to have one
made ASAP.
Again, thank you for helping us to emerge from obscurity. Best regards,
Steve
Mr Mattson,
Hello. My name is Brian Dunham. I am a student of Steven Morgan in Tilton, NH. I am also a
student of Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido and Yamani Ryu Bojutsu. I am writing to thank you for
the Video, decal, and T-shirt that I just received from you. I just got it this afternoon
and have already watched the entire video(Vidmag #20). Great stuff !
Thank you again,
Brian Dunham
I am looking to purchase a stretching machine and would like to know if you have any
suggestions or consumer reviews. I am looking for a higher end new model (between $150 +
$250). I would appreciate your insight. Thanks.
David Preston
Hello Sensei Mattson
I wanted to share with you something I learned today about one of my karate students -
maybe the information could be useful to someone else. Her name is Cindy Parker, and when
she first started in my teenage class she was 12 years old, she is now 14. She has been
with me since September 1997. She has very severe dyslexia and has a bad case of Attention
Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). In fact, she is so bad that for years when she would
go to bed at night she would lay there and shake, but not sleep or really rest. She is
considered a special education/needs student by the Arkansas Dept of Education. She
recently was evaluated by the Dept of Education which included a whole series of tests
including a psychological evaluation and an I.Q. test. In every single category her score
had increased by a substantial amount. Her hand/eye coordination had improved by 17%, her
reading comprehension level had increased from a 1st grade to a 3.5 grade level. Her hand
writing had increased by 10-17%, her I.Q. had increased by a range of 10-17 points and of
course there were the intangibles - the people giving the tests said her self-esteem,
self-control, self-discipline and ability to focus had greatly improved. They asked her
mother what she had been doing the last 17 months to improve so much - the answer: the
only thing different was good ole Uechi/Shohei Ryu karate. When her mother explained to
the Education department what was
involved in karate, such as kata, hojo undo, yakusoku kumite, etc., they were impressed
and attributed her success for the most part directly to her karate practice.
Take care
Jody McFadden
P.S. She also now sleeps peacefully at night.
Sensei,
I just wanted to announce that with the help of my wife, my students and a few paid
"mercenaries", we opened the doors of a new Uechi Ryu dojo a little ways
outside of Philadelphia. It is neither perfect nor finished, but we like it so far.
We held our first class Friday April 30.
Also, could you update my listing in the instructor list as :
Stephen Drehobl
Uechi Ryu Karate Academy
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 454-1230
e-mail: SDrehobl@compuserve.com
I would like to sincerely thank you and all those who contribute to this web site. I
ran a small school in Ann Arbor, MI for three years, and at times I felt very tired and
alone. I did not have access to all of the experiences and viewpoint that I find
here.
While I may not take the time to put in my own two cents worth, please know that this
place has made a big difference to me. Now I don't feel alone - just tired. (I like
tired)
Thanks Again,
Steve Drehobl
Dear Sensei Mattson,
I cannot help but smile as I read the various threads debating the true meaning and value
of the "The Way." Perception is one of the trickiest parts of being human isn't
it? Most of the time we don't see what is right in front of us and do see all kinds of
things that aren't there at all. Seeing doesn't happen in our eyes: it happens in our
minds.
Yes, we study a self defense system. A fighting art. But in eighteen years of practice
neither I nor any of the other black belt women I know have ever had to use our knowledge
in a street fighting or self defense situation.
Because I don't have a testosterone driven need to prove my fighting ability does this
mean I have not reaped the benefit or found the meaning of budo?
I train at one of the top fighting schools in the country (Gary Khoury's Karate Academy)
In my daily practice I can work out fiercely and aggressively. Pitting muscle, sinew and
bone against my partner's and in this way venting my anger at the world's injustices. Or I
can use slow, deliberate body movements to learn to focus my attention, breathing and
energy. Either way, it is a practice, like meditating or performing a tea ceremony, it
brings us to the present moment, the here and now. We learn the calm concentration of
inner peace as we engage in a never-ending struggle of perfection. With a calm focus we
stop blocking the flow of energy. This is not a forcing or creating of anything new, but
rather a recognition of what is eternally true and natural. As we go into our dojos with
all our human feelings, the dojo brings us back miraculously to our true selves. We leave
our worry, sorrow and anger on the dojo floor and we are cleansed by the experience.
Yours in budo, Debbie Downing
Hi Sensei Mattson;
I finally took your advice and got on line. Please add my e-mail address to your dojo
directory. We isolated prarie karate-ka are starting to get pumped up in anticipation of
Sensei Mott's visit at the end of the month. He always has a tremendous positive impact on
all of us.
Talk to you soon,
Doug Smith
Edmonton/Canada/Hozonkai
Dear Bill, Bob and George:
I attended Dan Smith's Tour of Okinawan Masters in Atlanta on Saturday, 8 May 1999. I very
much enjoyed the seminar, and I thought I would pass on some of my thoughts since the
Washington session is coming up.
IS IT WORTH GOING?
****************************
In my view, the answer is "it depends on your objectives". If students are
attending because they would like the masters to enlighten them on "techniques
underlying techniques" and/or to pass on previously "secret" knowledge,
they will likely leave the seminar somewhat disappointed. (Personally, I don't believe
such secret knowlege exists ... Karate-do, for me, is largely about hard work, discipline,
respect and courtesy. It is a path of self-discovery, and each of us follows a slightly
different trail.
On the other hand, I probably feel this way because my instructors have always been quite
open with information. But I digress .... ). Keep in mind the Okinawan masters are working
in front of groups of 100+ students who have very different martial arts backgrounds. For
example, in Atlanta, only two of 250+ attendees were active in Uechi/Shohei-ryu Karate-do:
the rest were from Okinawan Shorinryu, Isshin-ryu, Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, etc.
Given these two factors plus the advanced age of many of the masters, they stuck largely
to basics. In two 90-minute Uechi-ryu sessions, Master Tomoyose taught Sanchin basics and
Kotekitae. In the Isshin-ryu sessions, Master Uechi (yes .. a Uechi who doesn't do Uechi-
or Shohei-ryu) taught warm-up exercises, Kotekitae, and some simple one-step sparring
techniques. Because of the numbers of people, there was not too much time for individual
attention.
On the other hand, if your primary objectives are to make contacts with fellow traditional
Okinawan karate-ka and to seek renewed inspiration, I think you will leave satisified with
your experience.
CONTACTS: I knew little about the martial arts "scene" in Atlanta, despite being
here almost 3 years. I met Tony Carangi (Caranji?) a Uechi Shodan orginally from Florida
who had been living in Atlanta 3 years, not realizing there were other Uechi-ka in the
area. Since Master Tomoyose asked me to help him with his sessions and to demonstrate
kata, I also met many traditional Okinawan Karate-do practioners from Atlanta who have
asked me to come visit their schools and show them more about Uechi-ryu. These contacts
are invaluable and were well worth (to me) the price of admission alone.
RENEWED INSPIRATION: To see the hundreds of Dans working so hard (there were but a handful
of non-Dans) to learn what they can, and to see masters in their 60's and 70's perform
proficiently and effortlessly went a long way towards rekindling workout fires that had
waned in me a bit in the last few months. If you or some of your students have seemed
lethargic and/or uninspired in the last few months, if something like this does not get
them (or you) going again, please seek professional help! Meeting and working with a
living link back to Kanbun and Kanei Uechi like Master Tomoyose was also an honor and a
privilege. He spent 15 minutes of each session telling
stories about Kanbun Uechi and explaining his personal philosophy and approach to
Karate-do. The students appeared very much captured by his personality and and sense of
humor, and the "buzz" overheard after his sessions was quite positive.
GEORGE: Master Tomoyose asked me to greet you and pass on that he very much hopes to see
you sometime during this tour if you have the time. Also at least seven different small
groups of karate-ka stopped by after the Uechi-ryu sessions to tell me, George, how much
your books and your website has meant to them in their study of martial arts, and they
asked me to express their gratitude and appreciation for your efforts.
Take care,
Bruce
Mr Mattson , hello from edmonton, here is my email address if any need ever arises for
passing any info along to any one here or to the dojo in general. Hopefully I'll be able
to make a summer camp summer of 2000 if things go well. another trip is planned for
Okinawa Nov 1999 for a Tourney and perhaps test so I can start saving to travel to Mass.
after that. I hope you and your family are well and the weather is decent enough for the
odd round of golf. Best Wishes
Regards John Poole
George-Sensei,
Thank you for posting my announcement of Master Gushi's training seminar in Connecticut.
It was a great success. Master Gushi's technique is superb, his spirit warm and kind and
his humor infectious. We were in awe of the fierce warrior could appear at will. I
hope to see you and Susan at summer camp.
Best regards,
Jim Koch
Dear Senseis
Please read the following file in regards to the Mid west Traditional Karate Association.
This association has no political involvement with any group such as the AAU, WAKO, WUKO,
USNKF, JKA, NASKA, NBBL,ect. The intent of this association is to provide traditional
martial arts competition for students and instructors outside of the political arenas of
these organizations with competitors being judged by high-ranking representatives of the
various styles. In short, we want to provide the best and fairest competition experience
for all styles.
The rules involving the MWTK (Midwest Traditional Karate) were based upon the Okinawan
Karate/Kobudo and Kumite Championships as well as some of the other organizations
mentioned above, with some modifications to encourage participation, sportsmanship, and
impartiality regardless of style(missing from the current file are the center referree's
hand gestures and corner referree's flag gestures and the Japanese terminology).
In the past, I have attempted to run tournaments utilizing these types of rules such as 5
judges from 5 different systems judging in each ring with no one lower in rank than 4th
dan on the black belt board. I am attempting to do this again. It seems that there are a
large number of schools in the tri-state area who are interested in this type of
competition as compared to the open style competition that is prevalent.
At this time, I am asking for you to read the rules in the attached file, and return to me
your comments, suggestions, opinions or general input. I am also looking for high rank
instructors and those with weapons knowledge from the various systems who are willing to
participate on the black belt board as well as lower ranking non-competing black belts to
serve as judges for the under belts and children(3 from each system). With everyone's
help, we can
make this work and bring traditional competition to this area of the country to the level
it should be. I thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you soon with
your suggestions. If you would like to contact me by phone please call:(616) 963-6889
after 9 pm EST or you may snail mail me if you wish at
Battle Creek Budokan
62 VanArmon
Battle Creek, MI 49017
If you are not interested, but know someone who might be, let me know and I will adjust my
mailing list accordingly.
Sincerely,
John VanDeLaare
GoDan- Uechi-ryu
Karate-do
Good luck John! You certainly chose a difficult project to work on. Let me know if I can be of any help. GEM
What organization is the legitimate representative of Sambo?
Although the roots of Sambo extend into ancient times of Rus and the various styles of
folk wresting in the former Soviet republics, the birth of Sambo is generally considered
to be 16 November 1938: the date upon which it was officially recognized as a sport by the
USSR National Committee of Physical Culture. Sambo was accepted as an international sport
and recognized as the third style of international wrestling by FILA, the International
Amateur Wrestling Federation, as the FILA Congress held during the 1966 FILA Wrestling
Championships held in Toledo, Ohio USA.
The First World Sambo Championships took place in Teheran, Iran in 1972. Sambo was
included in the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela in 1983. Sambo separated from
FILA and USA Wrestling in 1984 and under the presidency of Fernando Compte of Spain formed
the International Amateur Sambo Federation (FIAS) to govern Sambo at the world level. In
1985 FIAS was accepted into the General Association of International Sports Federations
(GAISF also known as AGFIS). FIAS was also accepted into the International World Games
Association (IWGA) and appeared in the 1985 World Games in London and the 1993 World Games
in Hague, Holland, a multi-level sport festival that features more than 30 non-Olympic
sports (held every four years in the year following the Olympic Games).
In 1985, Sambo was introduced into the U.S. by the Wrestling Committee of the AAU (AAU at
that time was the National Governing Body) for wrestling in the United States.) Since
1994, Sambo in the United States has been governed by the American Sambo Federation which
is affiliated with the AAU and works with the AAU Wrestling Committee. Sambo also appeared
in the World Youth Games in Moscow, Russia in 1998 for the first time.
Since 1990, various countries (former Soviet states) split away and formed separate
national federations., as well as in 1991 until 1997 there were two different
international federations (FIAS and FMS). In 1997, during the World Championships in
Tblisi, Georgia, FIAS and FMS were united and at the present time there is only one
international
Sambo organization, which is FIAS. The president of FIAS is Mr. Michael Tikomirov, who is
also the president of the All-Russian Sambo Federation. The Vice-president of FIAS is
Leonid Polyakov, who is also the president of the American Sambo Federation.
In 1993, during the World Sambo Championships in Kstovo, Russia, Mr. Josh Henson lost his
bid for FIAS presidency, and Mr. T. Horimai from Japan was elected FIAS president until
1997, when current FIAS president Mr. M. Tikomirov from Moscow, Russia was elected. As we
indicated before in Tblisi, Georgia not only was a new FIAS president (Mr. M. Tikomirov)
elected, but also both international bodies (FIAS and FMS) were united to form again the
International Governing Body of Sambo: FIAS.
In the United States of America at present time, many organizations claim to represent
Sambo. However, the ASF, as mentioned earlier is the only officially FIAS recognized
representative of Sambo in USA. Sport Clubs such as the USSA, ASF and many others are
member sport clubs of the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) because they pay their membership
fees to the AAU. However, THERE IS NO LEGAL DOCUMENTATION nor has there ever been any
official decision where USSA was "named" the USA Sambo NGB (National Governing
Body) by the AAU. Only FIAS can recognize the NGB representative. Additionally, AAU
recognized Sambo as a sport, but to date the United States Olympic Committee and the
International Olympic Committee have not. All legitimate organizations take care to be
honest and avoid confusing people who love this great sport of Sambo.
ASF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
L. Polyakov - President
M. Rusak - Secretary
R. Vees - Referee Chairman
L. Raykhstat - Head Coach of US Sambo Team
S. Sonnon - US Combat Sambo Chairman
COMBAT SAMBO
Combat Sambo is governed by the International Combat Sambo Commission for FIAS. The
Vice-President of the ICSC for FIAS is General Alexander Retuinskih, who is also
Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Combat Sambo Committee for the All-Russian Sambo Federation
and President of the All-Russian Federation of Russian Martial Art. In the USA, the
Executive Committee of the American Sambo Federation appointed Scott Sonnon as the US
Combat Sambo Chairman. Mr. Sonnon is working with Gen. Alexander Retuinskih and Mr. Leonid
Polyakov, ASF President, to produce literature, standards, and materials on authentic
Combat Sambo.
What is the "FIAS Controversy"?
"All deception in the course of life is indeed nothing else but a lie reduced to
practice, and falsehood passing from words into things." - ROBERT SOUTH
You are being lied to.
There are organizations that claim the name FIAS, that claim to be the "official US
representative of FIAS" under the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), and that even bother
to alter the correct English transliteration SAMBO.
There are websites that claim that they are only interested in promoting the sport of
"sombo" and they even go on to say that there is conflicting information
regarding SAMBO. However, this is the only truth that they tell.
Although these "enthusiasts" promote themselves as neutral, stating that you
should not and they do not "take sides," they also allude to "others"
as promoting disinformation and that they have the "correct" information
regarding the status and nature of FIAS and SAMBO. They are not neutral and are using this
information to promote the "owners" of their website.
Contrarily, at ASF, FIAS and on our website: do promote the sport of SAMBO. do not
disguise ourselves in lies of neutrality. do not deceive the public with FALSE CLAIMS and
FRAUDULENT CREDENTIALS. do not ask you to participate in every "sombo" event you
can locate. do not suggest you become a member of any and every organization. do ask you
to exercise extreme caution. do make a CALL TO ACTION against the tyranny of deception and
corruption rampant in our sport.
This website and our organization are founded upon INTEGRITY and HONESTY. There are MANY
"cowboy" organizations flooding American shores (and many more to come we are
certain). Injuries, misrepresentation, deception and theft are just a few of the dangers
of these fraudulent "companies". We ask you to discriminate, to seek out
AUTHENTIC Russian SAMBO and investigate with your own free will the LEGITIMATE
representation of Russian Sambo in America. In America, it is a free country, you can buy
credentials, you can purchase legal name. Everyone has a chance for success.
The price of freedom is VIGILANCE.
We must prevent the American public from being deceived by "companies" and
"businessmen".
Even though we have made tremendous success SAMBO displayed at the JUNIOR OLYMPIC WORLD
GAMES in July of 1998 in Moscow, Russia, the behavior of these rogue "companies"
and "businessmen" prohibits SAMBO from consideration as an Olympic participatory
sport, deteriorates popular understanding of the TRUE nature of RUSSIAN SAMBO, and dilutes
the integrity of our sport. We can no longer allow our American compatriots to be
deceived. We have tried again and again and again to bring the detractors and rogues
together in the hopes of unification and fraternity. However, we now must speak, so that
at least one voice refutes the web of deceit woven upon the internet.
As a result of the blatant deception and manipulation, we will be publishing on this site
copies of the OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS from GAISF (General Association of International Sports
Federations), IWGA (International World Games Association) and the Russian Olympic
Committee.
There has been and is only ONE legitimate FIAS - only one organization in the world that
represents SAMBO.
The ACTUAL FIAS Executive Committee Leaders:
Mikhail Tikomirov
Member of the Russian Olympic Committee
President of the All-Russian Sambo Federation
President of FIAS
President of European Sambo Federation
Prancishkus Eygminas
Member of the Executive Board - Lithuanian Olympic Committee
President of the Lithuanian Sambo Federation
Secretary General of FIAS
Secretary General of European Sambo Federation
Leonid Polyakov
President of the American Sambo Federation
Vice-President of FIAS
Hello Sensei Mattson,
Please add my name to your instructor's list for Massachusetts:
Brian MacDonald, UMASS Boston, Boston, MA 02125
Phone: 781-579-1790
email: uechi5@hotmail.com
Thank you Sensei
Brian M
Hello Mr Mattson
Greetings from South Africa. Thank you for the excellent info especially on Sanchin ibuki.
I have a site that also deals with this subject and if time permits I would appreciate you
looking at it. My best wishes to you and yours
Arigato Gozaimasu
Buddy Govender (Shi-Bucho S.A. Okinawa Karate-Doh Goju Ryu Jundokan Kyokai) Official Web
Site: http://www.eastcoast.co.za/users/buddy/GojuRyuSA.htm
Postal Address: #1 Ascot, 37 Maple Road,
Morningside, Durban 4001,
Natal, South Africa "What you have now is Gods gift to you, what you do with it is
your gift
to God"
Hello Mr. Van Canna;
I hope that you don't mind me not addressing you as "Sensei." Seeing as how
about the only conventional martial arts accolades that I have is a dusty yellow belt from
a college judo class, I didn't think that it would be wholly appropriate. I was referred
to your round table discussion by an old friend.of mine. He and I sometimes come from two
different worlds of thought since he is the martial artist and I am the gun enthusiast.
Anyway, my friend mentioned that you had more than a few wise words about firearms and
self defense. I'll be honest with you, at first I had the reaction that my martial artist
friend was poking his nose in my area of interest. But, when he began to tell me some of
the things you've mentioned and then dropped the name of Massad Ayoob (incidently a man
that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, despite the fact that I have not read a
lot of his work). After reading a few of the discussions that you have here, I have become
more and more convinced that the discipline of self-defense is a lot more organic and
inclusive than I once thought.
Being a resident of Canada and gun owner, you can imagine I've a rather experienced view
of being the subject of repressive gun control laws. So far we have had to endure legal
harrassment from the government, public condemnation, mandatory registration of all
firearms and even outright bans of all .25 and .32 calibre pistols, all hollow point
pistol ammunition, limitations of detachable magazine capacity to 5 rounds for rifles and
10 for pistols. We are now slowly waking up to the realization that the government
registration is going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and, at the latest estimate
will take from 75 to 200+ years with a data-entry accuracy of roughly 40%. Oh, did I
neglect to mention that any inaccuarcies in a person's entry is punishable by up to 5
years in prison for the owner? At the present moment, the Canadian gun control lobby is
demanding nothing less than total and complete civilian firearm confiscation. To all my
American neighbours I say, please do not ever take your soveregn right to bear arms for
granted! Just look north to see where that will lead. In Canada it is technically
forbidden for a civilian to defend themselves using deadly force no matter what the
threat.
The reasoning? Any person who is able to use a firearm to defend themselves even in their
own home is obviously guilty of unsafe storage of a firearm (i.e. locked in a secure safe
with the ammunition separately locked) Not to mention, even non-violent defensive methods
such as pepper spray are prohibitted in Canada. Now, pepper spray is usually used most to
defend women against rape. The official Canadian police statement to women who might get
raped is now, "simply submit to the rapist and allow him to rape you. It's the best
way to ensure you survive." I hope that this little diatribe of mine was not
inappropriate for this forum. If I have intruded where my opinions have either distracted
or offended, I am truly sorry. If anyone is interested in what I have to say, I'll
continue to visit this site.
Sincerely,
CP
Good news travels fast! GEM
Hi George ... I have been meaning to get this letter off to you. ... I wanted to thank
you for your time here with us in the Berkshires at the Witherell's dojo. As usual, I
found your instruction to be enjoyable and informative. George, It was a true honor for me
to test before you. I will never forget the look in your eyes/on your face as I bowed to
you before entering the ring to begin my sanchin. --- Patty and I had a very pleasant time
breaking bread with you and Susan (and Tia) afterwards at Keith's. --- I will send off
some pictures to you as soon as I get them developed.
See you, Craig Cross
Dear Mr. Mattson,
Just a quick note to tell you how much I have enjoyed your video on Kata and basics. It is
the 1st time I have been able to actually see Uechi-ryu kata performed. I have both your
books but thats not the same as actually seeing it done. Also the Iron arm device I
recieved has been great in helping me develope the forearm and shin hardness I have been
wanting to do, thankyou
very much.
Sincerely,
Dana Acly
Nidan Genjikai Karate
George,
I described some reflex drills I work on with folks in Chinatown in the forums before. If
you are interested, I willing to do a class each day at summer camp. Each building on the
other. I don't want to do more because I selfish enough to want to attend classes too.
Since I mentioned these drills work best when folks are trying to really make contact (not
necessarily "knock-down" impact) with the partners, folks who are interested in
participating need to wear safety equipment.
david
Uechi-ryu Championships Feedback:
George-sensei:
CONGRATULATIONS! We did it!
What a FANTASTIC day yesterday for you, me, the competitors and MOSTIMPORTANTLY Uechi-ryu!
We should be proud!
Onward and upward!
Respectfully,
Gary
--
Khoury's Karate Academy
Visit our Web site!
http://www.uechi-ryu.com/khoury
Hi, Mr Mattson;
It is monday morining thought I would let you know I am sorry we didn't get to chat latter
like we would have liked. I hope the rest of the sparing went ok. I had brought a freind
who had to leave. He is my hardware computer guy started a kenpo class a few months ago
and had never been to a tournament before. So for what it is worth. He said He was very
inpressed with the freindlyness and compousure and what he called respectful manner the
far end of the tournament was. Or what he refered to as the white GI end. So from a fellow
white gi person. Thanks for the chance for some of my students to grow in their Karate by
attending this year's National Open.
My best to You
Steve Morgan
Mr. Morgan"s Karate School
Tilton New Hampshire
Camp '99 Updates/Feedback:
Hi Paul:
Thanks for sending in David's camp application early.
This year we are expanding our children's program to include special classes from 9 am -
5pm. We have a full staff of experienced children's instructors who have planned an
interesting and informative schedule of classes for the weekend. Classes are varied.
Outdoor traditional karate classes are mixed with indoor sessions that are more passive,
but still very interesting and educational.
We are expecting many parents at camp this year. We have hourly sessions in activities
that non martial artist may take, including very basic karate classes and healing art
subjects like "acupuncture" , shiatsu and nutrition discussions.
If you wish to shop or sight see, I suggest you rent a car and take advantage of the many
attractions on the Cape. There is a visitor's center at the entrance to the Maritime
Academy. If you wish to join other parents for the day, I'll set up a meeting place where
people can arrange car pools.
Again thanks for your early registration.
Sincerely,
George Mattson
Dear Sensei Mattson
I am a student at Brandeis University and have studied Uechi-ryu under Vincent Christiano
for almost two years now. I met you once at "The Hut" when I came to a class
with Kristian and Seth. The reason I am writing is that I am very interested in attenting
the summer camp and I have some questions for you. I am trying to figure out what will be
the best (and cheapest) way for me to attend camp. I have to work Friday, so I will not be
able to attend that day. I was thinking about day-tripping Sat and Sun, but Buzzard's Bay
is a good 3 hours from my house in Central Mass. One of my questions is then: Do you offer
a price for people spending the night Fri and Sat, but not attending camp
Fri (I wouldn't get in till around 8 pm)? Or if you have any other suggestions I am
welcome to them. I also wanted to know if you offered any discounts for College Students.
My final question is that I read that students wishing to participate in the weapons
classes need to provide their own weapons. I am interested in learning the weapon styles
(particularly bo and nunchaku), but have no previous experience, and thus, no weapons. Any
suggestions on where to rent/borrow them? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Thomas Sallee
Call Susan and she will work something out that should be workable. Regarding the
weapons. Bring your own. We have instructors in just about any Okinawan traditional weapon
you might be interested in. They will work with new students. . . no problem. GEM
Sensei,
In regard to this year's summer camp, I would again love to help out in teaching some
sessions. I would like to (if you have no objections) teach bunkai this year. So often
during the tests or visiting other people's dojo, I watch their bunkai with particular
interest. What I find is excellent form and knowledge of the kata for the most part but no
presentation when showing it. I find this an extremely important factor in performing any
bunkai. With this in mind, and if possible, I would like to offer a seminar with Kanshiwa
bunkai, one with Seisan bunkai, and one with different interpretations of bunkai.
Let me know if this is ok.
Thanks,
Mike Murphy
PS. Another spectacular job with the tournament on Saturday.
Thanks Mike. And yes, the seminar sounds great. GEM
Sensei and Gary,
Congrats on the tournament. From the feedback on the website, everyone was happy with the
event. So was I. I saw the best level of competition at the Uechi tournament that I have
ever seen. You are both to be commended. I would like to throw in my "two
cents", as it were. Not to play Monday morning quarterback, but to perhaps make the
event even better. Please take these suggestions in the spirit they are intended.I think
the children's division should be split up by rank as well as age. I had some parents who
quite simply told me they did not want to see their intermediate level 10 year old compete
again against a brown or black belt. They did not send their children. As it costs quite a
bit to enter, especially with spectator tickets, I could not argue a whole lot. From
another perspective, the kids don't have the most positive experience with this
structure.I also thought the black belt kata should be separated by rank. Shodans and
Nidans as one division, and Sandan and up as another. I didn't think it fair for a shodan
to compete against a 7th dan. I think splitting it up would provide more incentive for
people to enter.
Apparently the people who posted on the web like the new rules. I, and everyone around me
watching the green and brown belts were less than enthusiastic. I saw many solid
techniques that did not score. I have gathered since yesterday that apparently the way the
technique was thrown had a lot to do with it. I saw one competitor denied a point because
he did not lean into the punch. The punch was solid enough, but didn't count. But as I
mentioned,
I may be in the minority regarding this. Regardless, I support whatever way you choose to
referee the matches. However, I was entered in fighting, but had to leave to go to work at
around 2:15. I didn't expect the tournament to continue until this late! How's a part time
bartender supposed to get his head kicked in??? Maybe we need more judges.Anyhow, as I
said, just my two cents. I have not competed in any tourney since 1994, and my experiences
were open tournaments. I may not have any business in writing this letter. I hope it
helped.
I also think three man team fights would be a great division. (I suggested this once
before to GEM)
Best wishes,
Raffi
MATTSON SENSEI,
I've discovered that the ROUNDTABLE has morphed into FORUMS, and have been visiting. It
was my fear that the
ROUNDTABLE was discontinued that prompted me to write.Thank you for having and maintaining
a wonderful opportunity for learning, and thank you for getting back to me.
With respect,
Vadim
A kinder, gentler IGOR Middle of May, 1999:
Hi Igor:
I'll try to answer your questions as asked:
===========
Igor wrote: Dear Mr.Mattson,
First of all I wish to congratulate you for your efforts to pass what matters on to
consumption of general public.
I see some very significant changes in the topics and forumers are now far more active on
"what truly matters".
====================
GEM: Things seem to have gotten back 'on track'.
==============
IGOR: You have now great stuff on front page by Mr.Khoury lady student
and excellent thread on Bills Forum on impressions about Tomoyose Ryuko, the very
first teacher of yours. Bill has properly concluded, that Tomoyose Sensei has been
very consistent in stressing the "essentials" over such a long period of
time.
To my humble opinion, already in this thread all that is needed to master and excell in
Karate-Do has been said. I read statements of Tomoyose Sensei on and on and do not feel
one has anything to add.
But for my personal investigation/exploration reasons (which are of much wider nature now,
not focusing to Martial Arts only, but all aspect of human being living in general) I
would like to pose you some questions, concerning instructions, method of practise and
attitude, you received during very first days in Okinawa. You have written about it in
your books but I am interested in SMALL, sometimes seemingly unimportant details. I
consider that your testimony is of great value and may clarify a lot to new students.
For the time being it would serve me as pieces of jewelles, I am putting together like
great jig-saw puzzle and would not be used for any other pusposes without my asking prior
permission of yours. When your time permitts, would you please send me a reply. I
shall ask ONLY ONE QUESTION at the time so you may better focus your attention.
Question 1
In what circumstances (period of practise) were you told by Tomoyose R(y)u-ko Sensei, you
may make your own kata?
================
GEM: I was still a brown belt, after about 13 months of training. Tommy
invited me to attend the first meeting of the new "Uechi-ryu Karate Association"
in Naha. Tommy was going to address the issue of teaching foreigners and thought it
appropriate for me to demonstrate my dedication to Uechi-ryu by having me demonstrate a
new practice kata. . . the "yankee" kata! I created it and demonstrated it!
===========
IGOR: Guidelines for answer:
1.Period of practise from the begining (in terms of month,years)
2.Other circumstances (shortly before you intended return to States?)
3.Tomoyose Sensei reasons for such advice and your understanding of
his advice at THAT time and today
4.Any examples seen that somebody else has been adviced so and
had demonstrated his own kata
==============
GEM:I was the only person to ever do this! Not sure the point of it all
was understood by the other Okinawans. I'm sure tommy had his own reasons. Good question
to ask him though.
Best,
George
ps. I'll add this correspondance to my June mailbag. Excellent post.
============
IGOR: PS. Just very interesting observation on structure and origin of
one's names. You are aware that Japanese people have difficulty in spelling western names,
due their language structure. It came to me as a very interesting "mistake" how
one Japanese Professor (I have e-mail discussion with) had written your name as
Mr.Matterson, and one would be able to see some of your daily activites as you are truly
passing important "matters on" to public.
One last post by Igor:
Dear Mr.Mattson,
I have have mailed you some of my observations concerning posts that analyse in great
details vast possible applications of everything that is contained in Kata.
As you may have noticed my stand on treating other fellow students as motorcycle parts, I
continue to be amazed by some new posts that deal with applications of "the Bow"
or "the Close gate position".
Gary already intervened that speculation on "TRUE meaning" of "OSSU"
has been kept to sound, common-sense explanation. Otherwise one would not be surprised if
some would come out with explanations like:
O - one
S - spits
S - secretly
U - yoU(meaning any other person in front of the one)
My firm stand on "the BOW" and "the Close Gate"issue is that nobody
should speculate on possible "real self-defense" applications.The BOW is and
must remain ONLY the sign of RESPECT and The Close Gate Confirmation that one has won
battle over himself(oneself).
When I read all those applications, I can not prevent from touching my belly and smile and
cry at the same time. Have these "masters" ever tried all those applications
OUTSIDE, against anybody WHO MEANS BUSINESS, or they graduated on these expert solutions
working against their very own beginners in safe environment of their sacred Dojos.
This morning I went for a cup of coffee and juice with three of my students after a
workout. The cafee was nice and a lot of common-sense people sat around. By shere incident
a person in his fifties came by and I greeted him and invited to join us. Than I have
introduced him to my students and (with his kind permission) start to explain to my
students what kind of STREET FEATS this man had produced while being younger and one of
the TOUGH GUYS of our little town, who did not give a damn shit about any AUTHORITY and
REGIME (comunist or capitalist). He was jailed so many times he can't recall himself, had
got many knive wounds, not to count all those myriad's of fistings. He has now settled
down (luckily) and came to common-sense of ordinary citizen.
For a Lesson to my sudents I asked him about some of the "expert" solutions that
were posted on these Forums about how to apply in real the Bow or Close Gate. For this guy
this was the best Joke of the Day and we laughed with him and than happily departed back
to our homes.
I leave to those "experts" to contemplate what response would our little town
tough guy produce to their "expert solutions".
Yours sincerely,
igor
PS
Dear Gary,
Great post on IMPORTANT question. I share same experience with you. Keep on
truckin'All the best...
Hello Mr.. Mattson,
Very quickly, I wanted to take a moment and thank you for the "honed" nature of
your website. It is nice to finally find a site without a great deal of essentially
"extraneous stuff" on/in it. Thank you greatly for that.....
Unfortunately I am not a Uechiryu practitioner, (it is a ~character flaw~<ggg>).
Given that misfortune of logistics however, I do truly love the ring which you offer on
your site. (The "heavy one"....) I was wondering if there was a local Boston
jeweler/artist who might have done it for you folks.
I have looked for years for a jeweler who might do a single piece of Japanese calligraphy,
on either sterling/pewter in a signet ring, exactly the type/kind you show.
Is there any prayer I could get your help, to point me to the right people?
When time permits,
Most Sincerely Yours,
Jeff
I'll forward your request for information to Gary Geddes in Canada, who created our martial arts jewelry. GEM
Dear friends and Martial Arts enthusiasts,
Estimados amigos y amantes del Artes Marciales,
Osu! Greetings Everyone!
Thanks for your continued support of the Ashihara Karate web site! We are growing more
each and every day, and as always the THANKS goes out to you. THANK YOU!
In the 21 months since going online on 15.08.97, our site has been visited more than 15
500 times by visitors from more than 80 countries. Naturally, we are very pleased, but
more so with all of you that have taken the time to send us your comments. It is those
very comments that makes us strive to improve even more.
We have just re-formatted and updated it with many new additions. As usual, we will be
continuously updating the site with pictures and information as it gets completed, so we
hope to bring you the latest news in Ashihara Karate. Of particular interest should be the
Kata by pictures page as well as This is Sabaki.
Please feel free to visit our redesigned site at http://users.iafrica.com/a/as/ashihara/
Thank you in advance and once again Domo Arigato for your comments. It is highly
appreciated.
Best regards from all of Ashihara Karate.
Hoosain Narker
hi George,
I've tried twice to register on the auction application, once last week in the midst of
the server problems and again today. Both times the last message said I would get a
password emailed to me. No response. Any hints?
Kevin
Try again. The server was acting up last month, but should be functioning OK now.
GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
My name is Kurt Kazmierczak. About six years ago I started studying Uechi ryu in Elkhart
Indiana under Gary Neel. I immediately fell in love with it. About six or eight months
after I started I had to leave to go to college. While in college I tried to get back into
the martial arts, but nothing I tried compared to what I found in Uechi ryu. I kept
practicing what I had learned in Elkhart. My life has brought me to Indianapolis now and I
have also tried to find my way back into the martial arts here. Again, nothing can
compare. I still practice Uechi ryu and I am presently teaching my fiance some of the
basics. I am wondering if you know of any teachers that are moving to the indianapolis
area, or do you know of anyone qualified to teach Uechi ryu that presently lives here and
may be willing to teach me. I have bought your book "Uechi Ryu Karate do" and am
using it to reinforce what I already know. However this does not take the place of an
instructor. At some point in my life I would like to be able to share this style with
other people. I would like to teach it on a part time basis. but I need an instructor to
teach me first. If you know anyone who can help please tell me how to get in touch with
them. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kurt Kazmierczak
Hopefully a Uechi group in your area will contact me. GEM
Dear Mr Mattson,
My address in the Uechi-ryu Karate Instructor Directory is outdated. Here is the correct
one :
46 rue de Berne
1201 GENEVA / SWITZERLAND
TEL + 41 22 741 12 09
FAX + 41 22 741 12 08
e-mail lmouchet@worldcom.ch
Thank in advance to correct it in the next update of the Instructor Directory
Kind Regards
Louis Mouchet
lmouchet@worldcom.ch
http://www.kilima.com/mouchet
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I have been currently working on my Uechi-ryu skills in the gym, who is also a fellow
Karate Ka. He studies GOJO-Ryu here in Puerto Rico with a student of Joe Hess. After
spending a few months here my studies in
Sanchin became very intense. I figure out a great deal. I am currently working on
something my old sensei in Michigan would tell me to work on. Sensei Estrada had an
extremely powerful punch, and was always telling me to practice Salsa and Merenge. Which I
started doing here since I arrived. I know understand what he means, firstly, by push
punch, and how it should penetrate the bag without moving the bag, second of all I
understand now why he told me to dance Salsa and Merenge; it is because of the hip
movements in the dance and the coordination of the ankles, kness, hipps, and shoulder that
make that type of punch possible, which is also contained in this style of dance. Besides
the fact that it fun to dance.
As I began studying this I also grew with companions who wished to learn Uechi-Ryu. I have
7 female students, and 13 male students. I am working slowly with them, mainly because I
don't really know if I should be teaching. I wish to hear your advice, I am very
appreciative of it. Especally since I do not represent any Uechi-Ryu orginization, and
wish to find a mentor to continue and guide my studies in Uechi-ryu in any way shape or
form. So far the enjoy the fact that I do not use a belt system, and teach in a
traditional manner. My top student right now is working on Kanshiwa, after spending almost
2 months of just Sanchin and Basic Technique Excersises. I workout with the class in order
not to forget what I learned, and to improve constantly. My Gojo-Ryu friend is also
working out with me and has given me the idea of starting an offical class outside of the
University Gym, in a Community Center, but
before I do that I would like to find a teacher, or mentor. I do not know why Uechi-Ryu
broke off into Shohei-Ryu or Pungai-Noon, but don't really care. I wish to find someone
that can help me in an honest, humble, and authoritive position. . . .
A freind in Puerto Rico who wishes you the best,
Luis Antonio Otero DeSantiago
George,
Also check out our new info Page. Not even close to yours but good info for our group and
growing all the time. Our Rank Requirements are listed also. Still have not seen our
e-mail update.
William Hall
http://www.mindspring.net/~wlhall2/
Sensei:
Thanks for listing our site in you links.
Could you add our URL to the instructors list. Thats www.gok.baweb.com.
Thanks again.
See you this summer.
Mark Flynn
Guilderland, NY
Dear Mr. Mattson
I have a question on Uechi - Ryu wich kept me thinking about for quite a while. I have
read in your Book that Uechi - ryu was developed based on the Pangai noon style which came
from China. A friend of mine studies Wing Tsun and wont believe that there is a connection
between Uechi and Wing Tsun. ( I think so because i have read that Wing Chun (and so even
Wing Tsun) have been developed from Pangai noon, too.
I hope you can send me an answer, because this question has kept me bussy for quite a
while.
Martin
Best to post this question on the "History" forum Martin. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I regret to inform you of the passing of Edward A. Gordon on April 17, 1999. He
along with my father, Phil Christie, were students of Mattson Academy in the 1970's.
At his memorial service, there was a dedicated collage of Uechi-ryu pictures. I had
forgotten how much your school and Uechi-ryu had meant to both Ed and my father. Ed's
daughter spoke of how proud he was to have attained the rank of Shodan. It was a very
important aspect of his life. He had returned to Uechi in the early 80's, at my father's
encouragement, at Buzz Durkin's dojo. Unfortunately at that time, Ed would begin a very
long and difficult fight against Alzheimer's Disease. He fought courageously until the
end. He died at home peacefully. I wanted you to know that you had a tremendous impact on
Mr. Gordon and my father. Phil occasionally manages to get up to Buzz's school for a
workout. Not bad for a guy who's 71. I, myself have been a student with Buzz for the last
8 years. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a wonderful Sensei.I will try
to locate a picture of Ed for your memorial site. I think it would mean a lot to him and
his family to have a place there.
Thank you for your time,
Ana (Christie) McGettrick
Ed's picture and biography have been posted to the Memorial Site Ana. Thanks for
your very kind letter. GEM
Dear Mattson Sensei,
I am just dropping you a line to first say that I enjoy your website a lot. It is one of
the best martial arts sites on line, without a doubt. I also wanted to tell you that I
went to Atlanta last week and enjoyed meeting and training with Tomoyose Sensei, but your
student, Brian Hirabayashi Sensei was also a pleasure to meet and train with. Tomoyose
Sensei gave him great praise, and I would have to agree with him.
Yours in Karate -Do,
Rick Langenstein, New Orleans