November, 2000 Mailbag 

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From: Lanza Joseph R NPRI  
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 12:09 PM 
Subject: Live from USS COLE 

[Compliments of Bill Bauknecht, who forwarded these letters to me. Thought you might appreciate the personal insight from the USS COLE. GEM]

It's all starting to hit me now. Getting feedback from the field ops assisting USS COLE. Some of the guys were in the war college with me, others I know from working on the USS DONALD COOK. Here's an account from Paul who was aboard the ship when the explosion occurred. Joe

Hi again all, Sorry about the single email to everyone, but this is the easiest way to reach a bunch of you with the little bit of computer time I get now. I'm writing from ;the uss donald cook, when I email from our ship it has to be passed as an individual text file for each email account. Better than no email though. 

We are coming along with the ship. The divers and shipyard workers have been working from dawn to dusk to get us back in shape. They got the last of our fallen shipmates out Thursday evening, one week from the incident. We had a small memorial service on the flight deck and took down our weathered ensign (FLAG) that has endured this whole thing and replaced it with a new flag at half mast. I tell you, that symbol of freedom flying on our stern is such a comfort to the crew.... It hurt to see it lowered for those few minutes during the ceremony. 

The crew wants the tarnished flag to be encased and preserved on the mess decks to remind us of our fallen shipmates. That flag has a lot of meaning to it now and all look to it as a symbol of strength. The support from the marines and the other ships and shore establishments has been phenomenal. I've never seen so many people pull together so quickly to lend a helping hand. Everyone is so generous and accommodating it's unbelievable. The marines from the FAST company were first to arrive Friday the 13th with all their help, along with the sailors from the HMS Marlborough. Fifth Fleet, Vice Adm Moore and his staff have been here since Friday off and on. Rear Adm Fitzgerald and his staff have taken over all the logistics of "Operation Determined Response." Quite appropriate for the "Determined Warrior." 

Saturday we had the USS Donald Cook and USS Hawes get here followed by the USS Camden on Sunday. They have been taking sailors off the ship to spend the night on board. Its like the Holiday Inn, Days Inn and Hilton at sea. All have been so generous and helpful. Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two arrived Sunday as well to start finding lost shipmates along with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers on Monday. On Wednesday the ARG arrived with the USS Tarawa, USS Duluth and USS Anchorage, there is nothing like the feeling of 2000 marines off the coast to make you feel safer. 

The SEALs have been coming in as well to augment the Marines perimeter and help cover all aspects of our protection. Trust me, I wouldn't want to be someone caught trying to approach the COLE now. We are supposed to all fly home as a crew after the ship is transferred to the Blue Marlin. It is due here soon and I'm sure the news is keeping you informed of the timeline. We are trying to keep specific dates and times out to avoid planning of more terrorist attacks. I pray that that is not a concern as we leave here. The force protection planning is awesome, they are leaving no stones unturned to ensure we are as safe as they can make us. Tell all who you see that I'm fine and doing well. I'll continue to try and keep this email updated as I can. I miss all of you and the states. Take care and God bless. Paul

Subject: DOING FINE

Hi everyone, I'm still in Yemen and doing fine. I can't wait to get back. We are supposed to be flying back after we load the ship onto the Blue Marlin, so that's not far down the road. Well, if you hadn't heard, I was in the CPO mess when the bomb blew, God was looking after me cuz I walked out of there with only a black eye. Out of 12 of us in the mess, 1 died, 8 were hospitalized, and 3 of us are still ok. It's hard to believe it all happened so fast. The room was black and full of smoke, I just knew I had to get out. After finding both exits blocked we were able to beat on the wall to make some noise, and HT2 Regal, knocked aside enough of the false bulkhead to see his light and allow us a way out. 

I tell you, I can't believe some of the heroics of these kids. Ones who were just bitching and moaning a day before about the trivialist things were suddenly jumping in and making things happen to save lives and the ship. I went back down to the mess with an SCBA after I got some air, but the smoke was still burning in my lungs and my muscles were give out from new work out program, so I felt I wasn't helping that much other than organizing some of the stretchers. After we got all the injured out of the CPO mess, I went up to do security force as it seemed easier as weak as I felt. We were all a bit jumpy as you might imagine, someone even fired a couple rounds from an M60. I didn't sleep that first night until the sun came up. They wanted me to go the next morning to the hospital to check for smoke inhalation, but I was breathing much better by then, and didn't have to go. 

Another Letter:

To John, 

Your friend said it all. We too are on station and I will be going over there in the morning to provide a lunch. I wanted to grill steak for them on their deck, but there is still too much oil and fuel, not to mention every square foot of deck is now their living space, to set up a grill. Their requests have been simple, hot food, cold drinks and dry coveralls and boots. The ships here are all taking turns doing their laundry and cooking their meal. The Cole's crew has been offered repeatedly to take R&R on another ship but most have refused. They refuse to leave their ship. The details of their shipmates having to be cut from the bulkheads and descriptions and photos of the description have filtered to our ship. It is amazing that more were not killed. It is equally amazing that it is still afloat. The keel is ripped apart and at present cannot even be towed to open water to be placed on a dry-dock vessel. The #1 engine room is flooded solid, as is AUX 1. The Messdecks deck is now pressed against the overhead. The entire galley was pushed to the starboard side and the equipment is unrecognizable. This is where many crew members died. 

The ship was very nearly lost. They are truly heroes. We all have a lot to do to save this vessel but the crew of the Cole has endured the brunt of it so far. I have vowed myself and my department to offer any comfort, large or small that we are capable of providing, to the Cole. None of my guys have once complained and all have volunteered to help in any way. The Cole's Suppo was injured and flown home. The disbo is now running things. I will assess his needs when I go over. The Suppo on the Hawes has been controlling the efforts but now that the Tarawa is on station they seem to be taking the rains, but I think I can at least provide him some insight. Let there be no doubt that this is a hostile land. 

It took days before we were even allowed to enter territorial waters and still we are heavily restricted in flights and must maintain a constant vigil against additional hostile actions. The Yemen government is still not being very helpful and we are trying to place all personnel onboard the ships that are currently staying at the two hotels in town. The Cole's crew remains emotionally and physically drained I'm told. So, since you have experienced Navy life, try relay to those back home the sacrifices we make, hardships we endure, and the dangers we face in an effort to keep those Stars and Stripes flying high over a ship 10,000 miles from home. 

Take care and sleep well knowing the US Navy is on watch tonight, but say a prayer for the 250 members of the Cole who must wake tomorrow to another day of fighting for their ship. 

John Cassani USS ANCHORAGE

I am interested in these posters but I need to know their English translation as Dojo Kuns may vary in their wording depending on their origin. The add states that there are "two" posters: how do they differ from each other? If this information is available, you may have a buyer. thank-you Jim

Just posted the translation for the Kun. Go to http://www.uechi-ryu.com/dojo_kun.htm GEM

Sensei,

I have been learning Uechi-ryu in Kanagawa for a while now, but I noticed there are no dojos in mainland Japan listed in the dojo list. Do you have a list of the Uechi-ryu dojos in non-Okinawa Japan?

I have been following this site for a few weeks now, and while I am pleased that there are so many sharing Uechi-ryu all over the world, I am somewhat concerned about what I sense to be a fairly great difference in atmosphere as compared to our dojos here in Japan (and what I have experienced in Okinawa, as well).

I remember seeing a statement earlier about a desire to have more dialogue with Japan; I believe I would be able to provide some input.

Nathaniel Elkins

I'm sure all of Eastern Art's On-Line Magazine would appreciate your participation in our forums. Please send us your dojo information so we might include it in our listings. GEM

Good evening sir by way of introduction my name is Neal Ochs and I live in Derry NH. In 1973 I began my study of uechi ryu karate with John Mills. I received my shodan rank in 1978 certificate #1210 from the Uechi Ryu karate association. I began to experiment with another style, Chinese Kempo Karate shortly after receiving my shodan and later had to stop my study altogether due to job and family restrictions. 

During the last 20 years I have practiced sanchin on my own but have forgotten the other forms. Recently I had an opportunity to take an introductory kick boxing class. I was amazed at the power I was able to generate when we started to kick the bag. I have begun studying with my sons Kempo karate teacher in an effort to get back into the arts. He has been amazed at the power and focus I have while doing kata. To me it is all from the sanchin training. 

The training I received from John Mills has been with me all these years. For a period of time I worked in the corrections field and later as a private investigator. My training has enabled me to perform my job with confidence and I am proud to say that in all the years I dealt with angry or aggressive people I have never once had to use karate to defend myself. Yet it was that training that enabled me to get through situations other people might have reacted improperly to with the result that violence would have occurred. I went back to school in 95 and received a degree in engineering. Once again the training in patience and perseverance paid off and I made it through courses I was unable to comprehend as a youth. 

It amazes me just how much of the training has stuck with me after all these years even though I have forgotten the other forms. My son is 9 and is very much into his karate training. I have begun assisting the instructors at his school with the beginner classes. I intend to move up the rank system in Kempo and learn as much as I can to add to the base of knowledge that Uechi Ryu has taught me. The last I heard of John he was headed to Japan. I hope he is well my thought are with him. I also wish to thank you for bringing this wonderful art to this country. It has helped me in so many ways. thank you

Neal Ochs

thanks do you know where to find video clips of peopel doing kanshu kata by the way I am 11. 

Brendan marchione 

Check out the video clip section Brendan. GEM

hi:

 my name is Brendan marchione.  I'm a student at Joyners pro karate in grand rapids I'm a 2 strip orange balt and Im looking for a pen pal that do's the same style of karate as me (uechi-ryu) do you know of a place to look please e-mail me back 

Depending on your age, you will find lots of Uechi practitioners on our Forums. Go to the main page, http://www.uechi-ryu.com and click on forums, found in the upper left section. Then select a forum and introduce yourself. You will have to register to post on some forums. GEM

Dear Susann, dear Georg Sensei,

We arrived in Germany today 8.00pm. Everything worked well. We had a nice day in NY. Again thousand thanks for your hospitality. See you next year.

Best Paul

Hi; I have been sent by my employer to Porto Rico for 6 months. I'm working out of Roosevelt Roads Navey Base in Fajardo Porto Rico. Is there any dogo's here on the island or close to me here at Rossy? 

Hello,

Sorry to take up your bandwidth but I figured if I didn't e-mail my whole list people may be miffed. If you want to see a photo I can send one.

Hanako Louise Fox-Radulovich was born 2:15 am Sunday October 18. My Anishnabeg name Waubugenees that was given to me was also my Great Grandfathers name as well is translated as White (or faded) Flower Hanako (or Hana) is flower in Japanese. Louise was my mothers middle name.

She aspirated meconium (inhaled her own poop)and as a precautionary measure had to be put on an antibiotic regime. There were no effects from the aspiration and baby Hanako was discharged from Sudbury General today (she was medivaced from Little Current.

Mother and baby are doing great.

Regards

Steven

Congratulations Steve. GEM

Hi. I hope you can help me. I have been unable to find a site that will help me locate a new teacher for my kids who have studied Uechi-ryu for about a year. We are moving to the Poukeepsie, NY area in the next 3 mos. or so and they would like to continue studying. Could you direct me to a site or do you know anyone who is able to help me with this info. Thank you in advance. Nancy Bonk

Hi Nancy: Please go to our forums (link on home page http://uechi-ryu.com ) and post your request on the "Looking for a dojo/teacher" forum. I'll post your letter in the November Mailbag as well. I know there are Uechi teachers in the area. GEM

I would like to find a Uechi dojo or Dan level individual in the South Mississippi area. Any response is appreciated. Thanks

Hi George, Its Ray from Down under I met a few of your country men on the weekend.

We went to what they call the World Cup (ran by ISKA).I had 6 of my students go down to this tournament it was in Sydney .There was about 20 different countries involed.

We came away with 3 1st places and 1 2nd and 1 3rd.We were competing with a lot of different stlyes. There was two different American teams from different places it was a excellent tournament. Been reading your web site its been good. 

Well the best to you all from Ray and students.

Hello Sensei Mattson,

I train in Goju Ryu and teach at Northeastern University and have a few students who would like to compete in your tournamant, but is it only open to Uechi Ryu practitioners, or all forms of traditional karate? Thank you very much for your help. If you know of any traditional tournaments close to Boston, please let me know, thank you again.

Thank you for your assistance.

-Sanjit Mandal Northeastern University Goju Ryu Karate Club

Thanks for writing. Many people have asked me to expand our tournaments to include all traditional systems. Let me check with Richard Baptista, to see how he feels about opening up our event to other styles.

This year at our annual Summer Camp, we are planning to conduct a Traditional Karate Championship Tournament on Sunday, Aug 12th at the Mass Maritime Academy in Bourne, MA.

Looking forward to working with you in the future.

Best, George Mattson ps. Please send me a mailing address so I can put you on my snailmail list. 

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

Thank you for replying to my email promptly.

When you mean all traditional systems do you mean only Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Wado Wyu, and Shito-Ryu? Of course it would have to include Uechi Ryu. 
I think by opening it up to the above styles it would attract more competitors as well as spectators. I don't think too many people are familiar with traditional point sparring, at least from my experience.

I hope Richard Baptista supports this new idea.

 =================

'last time I checked, Uechi-ryu was considered to be one of the traditional systems. :)' GEM
 ================

well i guess we will have to kumite to prove that one eh?...hehe :-)

 ===============

I love a challenge! Now we will have to open up our tournament . . . At least for your club. :) GEM

Dear George I am a third year Human Movements Sciense student at the University of Stellenbosch. I am doing a seminar on the effects of exercise on a person who is HIV positive or a person with AIDS. I am looking for information regarding this subject and would really appreciate it if you can help me. My e-mail address is . . .

Thank you Johke Koornhof

Not sure how our group can help. It is not a subject that has been discussed on our forums and I'm not sure if any martial artist would admit to being HIV positive on-line. Any suggestions Bill? Regards, GEM
   ========== 
I agree that we've never dealt with it on an open basis, so we have no formal or informal "data" on the subject.

The only "effects" we are aware of are those of the practitioners around the individual with HIV. There is the recent court case here in Virginia where a karate school tried to arrange a "separate but equal" environment for an HIV-positive child. The parents sued and lost. It was interesting from a lot of perspectives. It was interesting that a parent of such a child would insist through litigation to have a child involved in an activity where there is a reasonable chance of cuts. It was interesting that the courts backed the karate school, but only after they went through a very expensive legal ordeal.

I would not think HIV-positive status would affect athletic performance. AIDS is another story. However I would think that the stress of intense training might affect the immune system of an HIV-positive individual. The case of Magic Johnson comes to mind.

- Bill

Dear Mattson Sensei,

Hello from Nagahama, Ihope all is well with you and yours!

Though this is not "karate-related" so to speak, I thought you might be interested in Mr. Shaffer's writings. Many are based on his Okinawan experiences. Perhaps he could be persuaded to offer his publications through your site?

Respectfully,

Gordi Breyette

Aloha-- Greetings from Eric Paul Shaffer. I hope all is well with you. Portable Planet, my third book of poetry, will be published on November 1 by Leaping Dog Press. Portable Planet contains poems of Okinawa, Japan, Indonesia, and America, written during the eight years I lived in Okinawa. The book includes a blessing for new humans; close encounters with cougars, koi, shrikes, and blindingly bald heads; a tour with Ezra Pound through Okinawa's newly-restored Shuri Castle; and my bid to replace Abraham Lincoln on the five-dollar bill. 

Jim Harrison, author of Legends of the Fall, Dalva, and The Shape of the Journey, writes, "Portable Planet is a marvelous book. I've been following Shaffer's work for years and he is on a definitive upward spiral." To place advance orders, read current press releases, and find out more about my next book of poetry (forthcoming in 2001), and the mission of Leaping Dog Press, please visit the publisher's website at the following address: http://www.leapingdogpress.com/authors/eps/portable.shtml I hope to hear from you, and thank you for your support in my continuing endeavors to pass good words from hand to tongue to heart to mind. If you are interested in reviewing Portable Planet for print or other media, please contact me with the information below. 

Please forward this message to any and all readers of poetry you think may also be interested in this announcement. 

Yours, 

Eric Paul Shaffer 

Mr. Mattson:

On Monday, November 20 the Makoto Martial Arts Center of Albany, NY will host a Gracie Jiu Jitsu seminar with Master Royce Gracie. The seminar will be from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and will provide techniques and strategies in ground fighting. You may recognize Royce as the winner of UFC I, II, and IV. There, he proved that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a soft art which can easily overcome situations of strength and size disadvantages.

The cost will be $60 per person. Anyone interested should call Mark or Connie at 518-452-7024.

Feel free to post this event on your website.

Dear Sensei Mattson

. . .

Just to let you know a little bit about myself, I am 29 Y/O and I live in a small town called Paisley, just ten miles west of Glasgow, Scotland (Gt Britain). I am a Shotokan practitioner (12 years) but I am interested in the evolution and history of all karate styles. To say that I am interested in Uechi karate would be the understatement of the millennium, I have fallen hook, line and sinker for this beautiful, dynamic style of karate. Watching Kanei Sensei, Seiko Toyama Sensei, Seiyu, Kiyohide and Narahiro Shinjo Sensei, yourself and Alan Dollar Sensei, Tsutomu Nakahodo Sensei to name only a few is inspirational to say the least. I am really desperate to get my hands on the Wakayama tape for historical reasons and I will be posting some questions to Glasheen Sensei once I have seen it.

I have amassed quite a collection of books, videos and magazine articles from various sources about Uechi-Ryu, as well as being a regular visitor to your on-line magazine and a member of Patrick McCarthys International Ryu Kyu Research Society. All of this only whetted my appetite for more and I contacted Sensei Dave Scott in Liverpool, England about training with him. Unfortunately Sensei Scott is quite some drive from where I live so he put me in touch with his friend Sensei Harry Cook (a well known karate historian and instructor) who lives a bit closer. This was in February this year, but the more I trained with Sensei Cook the more I wanted to make the long drive to Liverpool and train with Sensei Scott. Just to let you know that I phoned Sensei Scott tonight but unfortunately he is busy until next week. He put me in contact with Sensei Steve McNally of the Liverpool dojo and as I find myself with Thursday and Friday off work this week I will give you three guesses where I am going (and the first two do not count).

I would like to thank you Sensei Mattson, your videos, books and articles (particularly my own personnel favorite in Bugeisha: The Evolution of Traditional Karate) are never far from hand when I am researching karate in general. I will give you a quick e-mail later on in the week to let you know how I get on. (it is my surprise 30th birthday party on Friday night so I better make it back on time for that)

Thank you for your time

John Cairney

HI, Came across you whilst surfing the net on my steam driven computer. I guess the last owner was noah. You will not remember me, used to train with H Benfield in Liverpool had a small group in Prescot then,a lots happened since then, getting old and sort of clapped out, although last heard Harry is still at it,still do a bit on my own though just for the exercise, to busy rebuilding my life since the wife died,but your teachings have helped me to over come many obstacles, still remember those days back in 75.. best wishes and god bless, Bob Mercer.

Hi Bob:

Good to hear from you again after such a long time. I do indeed remember you. . .

Stay in touch. Drop into the Forums and say hello to the gang. GEM

Dear Harvey: 
I am Dorothy I met you at the Summer Camp this year. I had no idea at all who anyone was at the camp and I am just blown away at all the marvelous people I met and didn't know who I was speaking with. You in particular. I have about 6 pages left to read in your book. 

It is a book I will read more than once. There are so many things in your book that have given me insight, understanding, new dedication to my Karate. I am glad you had the courage to write about failing your first 3rd degree black belt test. I have learned so much from that, of course, I haven't internalized it yet. That will take time, I can only tell you if I had not passed my State Boards for nursing the first time I wouldn't be a nurse today. I would have been too humiliated to try again. 

When I tested for my Green Belt I was so freaked out Steve had to ask me one question in Japanese because I wasn't getting it when he said it in English. I intend to work on doing my Sanchin like I am being tested and my next test I am going to try and do it like I am NOT being tested. I don't know how that will go but I am going to try it. It was wonderful reading about George Mattson and Bob Campbell and Lawrence Tan, I don't really know who Bob Campbell is. As soon as I finish reading your book I am going to start it again and go even slower to be able to internalize a lot of what you have written. I am so glad you told me about your book. 

One thing that greatly relieved my mind was reading "You don't have to be perfect" just work to your best ability. I am now 57 I didn't start learning Karate until Jan.2000 and then I was 56. It was good to read you don't have to be young to study Karate. Thank you again for telling me of your book and more important thank you for writing it. Sincerely, Dorothy Reitman
 ==============

Dear Dorothy:

Thank you for the wonderful letter. The book has never sold well, but I have received about a dozen responses like yours, over the last half dozen years. Yours is one of the best and will keep me high for a week. Two of the others are Steve White's, on the library forum, and David Kahn's, rating the book on Amazon.com. 

If you haven't met Bob Campbell, you are in for a real treat. We imagine, when we become karate students, that the highest ranked seniors will all look like some of the people who surround George Mattson, but such people are really very rare, and rarer still are the ones, like David Mott and Bob Campbell, who are practiced in a variety of Zen arts. 

I hope that Bob and Larry Tan and David will all be at next year's camp, because there is nothing better than hearing them spill out insights at the Saturday party. Please come find me, and I will introduce you. Thanks again, for the letter. 
Harvey

Dear Mattson Sensei:

I have returned from my Okinawa sojourn this past week, the experience was like "going back home"...what a wonderful feeling, the Jundokan is operating under the very capable Iha Koshin Sensei with a very strong board. Unfortunately the address give for Tomoyose Sensei wasn't quite correct...However, he did send his regards and to tell you the Kanji for his address translates to both IRIBARU and NISHIHARA, so I was looking for him in the opposite side of town. Once again thank you for your help and hopefully we'll be able to meet in the near future.. 
Sincerely, 
Robert Young Jundokan Miami 

Dear George,

My friends in Britain - Terry Daley and Wayne Otto are formidable karateka from the style you champion. Uechi Ryu articles are always welcome on my pages.

David Mitchell ----- Original 

George,

Thank you for including me in your eZine list. I will pass it on to my students. Ernie Sumpter (Philadelphia) called me about these dates as well. I will be on work travel for most of these dates, but as I said I will pass them on. 

Congratulations on another successful summer camp! The two students of mine (Dana and Heather) that went came back very excited about what they learned and couldn't wait to show me. In fact I have asked them to conduct a mini-seminar in place of one of our classes to show our dojo what they learned. 

I started a new job last March at the National Education Association Health Information Network as a health educator. I travel a couple times a month setting up and implementing parent education training programs and conducting HIV prevention and education seminars. It's going great! 

Ken Nakamatsu came to DC with his wife and their son Taichi this July after training at Frank's in Florida. We had great training with him and I enjoyed showing them around DC. His wife had never been here before and was very impressed and happy as she had only seen Florida and thought all of the US was like that! I'm glad I was able to show her something very different.

I am off Wednesday for 10 days in Alabama to conduct training sessions for work and then 5 days in Atlanta for a conference. I will stay with Bruce Hirabayashi and his family for a couple days as well and get some time training with him and his students there. 

I hope you and Susan are well.

Bob Kaiser

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I have just finished reading your book on Uechi Ryu Karate Do, and in the section discussing ten-point kumite you stated that there is actually an eleventh point, the take down, that you would gladly send if the reader wrote you. I would like the information on the eleventh point. I studied under Bill Kieth in South Florida, and I remember him teaching a take down in ten-point, but you gave a different description from what I learned.

My address is as follows:

. . .

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Corey

There is basically one takedown. The attacker throws a left front kick, which is blocked with a left downward block. The kick is followed up with a right hook or straight punch to the face. Defender blocks, with a rising left block (which can also be a counterattack to the face). He then drops slightly, taking out the attacker's right leg and in the process, dropping the attacker to the ground. There are many variations of the takedown and counterattack. There may be some video clips on our site.

You might bring up the subject on our forums.

Best, George Mattson ps. are you working out now with anyone?

We all seem to have a problem teaching uechi to tots, do you have any ideas or some links to help get a few ideas. as the dojo grows these children become a big part of the school..

Greg Brown Merced, Ca

This subject has been discussed in detail on our Forums. Please post your question on the "Business Marketing" forum and I'll get involved in the discussion.

Best, George 

Sensei Mattson:

I hope that all is well for you and Mrs. Mattson. I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Camp. My son and I will be day-trippers this year so that we can honor sensei Huff upon his elevation to 8th dan.

Alexi, the young student who interviewed you some seven or eight years ago, is now 19 and heading off to Union College in Schenectady, NY. Are there any Uechi-ryu senseis in the Schenectady area whom you would recommend so that he might continue his learning? Any help you can provide will be gratefully appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Rex Nowell

Dean stated that his school was listed on your "instructor's" list. It is not there now. Here is some updated information:

Dean Klossner Yondan Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Kenyukai 2504 Country Pointe Lane Wentzville, Missouri 63385 (636) 639-5515

Thanks!

--J.D.

Hi, 
my name is Gord Hill. We have communicated before: I asked about the video clips and the stone article illustrations. I am a first degree with Tsuruoka Canada. I am originally from Thunder Bay Ontario, and am currently living in Winnipeg Manitoba. I have studied from the age of ten almost any book on karate that i could find, especially kata. About ten years ago i became facinated with sanchin. I guess it posed the greatest mystery to me. How could some of the greatest karateka speak of the most advanced kata being one that appears so simple. 

Yeah, right! I have invested alot of time in this study, where most was focused on the Goju version. I loved the articles you had on your site back in 97-98, esp. the breathing method and conditioning ones. The thing is, i have been able to observe your kata through the internet, and i must say that i am impressed. They are very beautiful and efficient. I have noticed that there are variations of seisan. 

Maybe I'm mistaken, but in your book, the kata starts off with double nukite, then the ridge hands to the head region, yet there is another site, where the clip shows the kata start with three sanchin like movements, like seisan from goju or hangetsu, or just about any other style of seisan that i've come across. Am i mistaken? Thank you for your time. I love your site. Gord

Simple explanation Gord (wish all my email was so simple to answer):

There is a 'short' form Seisan and a 'long' forum. The long form begins with 3 Sanchin steps and arm moves, the short, with the circular temple strike with ridge hands.

Best, George 
ps. thanks for the kind words. 

I visited your web site & really enjoyed the videos & unique offerings. I am a student of Manuel DeSa of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada & I have created a web site for his club ( www.geocities.com/desa_karate ) . I hope you don't mind but I added your page in my links section.

Please let me know if you do mind & I will remove it.

Thanks - great job on your site!!!

Lauri Thieson (student of Manuel DeSa) 

Don't mind at all Lauri. Plus, I've forwarded your letter to our "Links" administrator, so he can add your site to our's.

Best of luck and stay in touch. GEM

Dear George;

Now that I have a friend to translate for me, and I don't depend on the translator of Altavista, I am going to explain my idea in details.

I think that Saturday night during the camp, it would be positive that the organization IUKF organized each year the "Worldwide IUKF Championship" and that this championship would be exclusively for brown belts and danes (individually, not in teams), that they would compete in kata and kumite, only for affiliates of IUKF.

This way every year we would have a world champ of kata and a champ of kumite. To these two champs the organization could give prizes, sending them to a large international event (for example to the great championship in Okinawa).

I propose that it be during the camp because for the affiliates of foreign countries (outside North America) we could travel taking advantage of the camp and the tournament at the same time, without having to pay to travel twice.

We are willing to participate each year. Also Canada, Bermuda, England, and maybe Germany aside from Argentina could do it.

I believe that this would help the other worldwide entities of karate to look at us in a better way and I believe that more people would want to participate in the camp knowing that a world championship would take place there.

It would be excellent to start in 2001.

It would be positive, for it would give the opportunity to our competitors, (IUKF), to have experience in the new WKF rules, which would be the ones we would use for this competition.

This is my thought, surely improvable. Maybe you have your own opinion. I would like to know what you think about it.

Of course I propose the idea, together with my willingness to work with it, with the competitive point of view, since it would carry combatants to participate in this event. Also I would be willing to provide my experience of referee WKF since I have participated personally refereeing in many tournaments in Argentina with these rules.

Sincerely

Carlos

Sensei Mattson:

I am looking for a good informational website for my 8 year old son who is taking Karate by Sensei Richard Lambert in South Haven, Michigan and he suggested your website for kids. Unfortunately, I am not very web oriented can you help?

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Chris Wellington

We monitor our forums very carefully. Your child can get there by going to http://www.uechi-ryu.com and click on the Forum link at the top of the page. There is a "kids" forum where he can introduce himself and ask any questions or engage in topics. GEM

Hi George,  

I haven't written you or spoken to you in a while; it's long overdue. Sumimasen! I just wanted to say hello and let you know that since our last conversation many years ago, I have continued to pursue my vision of sanchin  martial arts. My kids programs are still going strong in Brookline. I teach  about 14 classes each week and have recently moved into the Shobu Aikido  dojo with my Saturday classes. No, I am not doing aikido now; I am still a  uechi-ronin, but it's really nice to fall on tatami as opposed to wood these days. I recently threw together a webpage (hometown.aol.com/sanchinclub) on which I included a link to uechi-ryu.com. Say hi to all. 

Duane Lucia 

Good to hear from you Duane. It has been quite a few years!

Ironic... Susan and I hosted a party last night where your name came up. We were discussing Al Ford and the early years of Uechi-ryu. I was thinking about doing a book about him and his art for the Uechi community.

Thanks for the note. Stay in touch. GEM

Dear George,

Hope all is well in Boston. We are all training hard here in Perth and enjoying the spendid spring weather. I've just ventured over to our Honbu dojo in Tahmoor for training with my 12 year old daughter, Madeleine, who passed her junior Shodan in front of a panel of Okinawan masters, including Yonamine Sensei and Tomayose Sensei. It was a very proud moment for me both as a father (and her instructor). She has been training for about 5 years now and was one of my first junior students. Other news from Australia -Dennis Brett, David Hayward and Vince Lepore all promoted to Renshi, 6th dan, and Karl Ayeliffe promoted to 5th dan.

On a completely different note my latest book may be of some interest to fellow Uechi Ryu karateka in the USA. Its about my 2 expeditions to Antarctica- life and death struggles for survival against blizzards, storms, avalanches and close encounters with crevasses, whilst on a journey of discovery sledging through a remote and never before explored part of the Transantarctic Mountains, in search of fossils. It contains a lot of personal philosophy, even some poetry and discusses how Uechi Ryu Karate changed my life after coming back from Antarctica. So, I think it might have some appeal to Uechi Ryu practitioners and all who love a good adventure story in general. Its called "Mountains of Madness - A Scientist's Odyssey Through Antarctica" and will be published in October 2000 by National Academy Press (http://books.nap.edu/catalog/9848.html)and is also available through amazon.com.

With my best wishes, John Long chief instructor in Perth, West Australia, for Uechi Ryu Karate Do & Matayoshi Kobudo 

Dear George:
 Students have asked me from time to time why the Uechi style does not have marks on the belts of the dan ranks between 1st and 5th like other styles do. Sometimes these students may put in fifteen to twenty some odd years before the Renshi gold stripe is awarded. I give them my standard answer that we are a traditional style with humility yada,yada,yada. I think it's a fair question that deserves some discussion. 

Personally, I am for marking the belts of the lower and middle dan ranks with either white stripes or some kind of insignia. What harm can it do? '' This small change will not hurt our style. I'm sure I'm not the first to pose this question to you. 
Respectfully,
Jim Robinson,Renshi 

Good question Gerry. Why not post it on one of the forums? I'd be curious to learn if other shodans - godans might be interested in stripes. GEM

Greetings my friend,

It has been some time since we have emailed each other.

We have a "guest Column" page on our site now.

I would like to invite you to write an article on something.

Talk soon.

Please sign our guest book as well if you like.

our site is koshoryu.com. The guest column page is located on the Kosho Ryu Internation site.

Shidosha Richard Buchan

Hello Sensei!

This coming Saturday I am bringing to the Hut, Paschalis Sofotasios! He is from Volos, Greece and has come to train with us. He is a Shodan who will be testing this month for Nidan in Belgrade. Additionally he trains with the Greek National team. Could you please send me the exact address of the Hut or directions just in case Marge Chojin is unable to attend with us on Saturday? Thank you! Looking forward to training with you!

Sincerely,

Deb Downing

Thanks for bring Paschalis to the Hut for training Deb. We all enjoyed working with him and were amazed at his skill and power. And we always enjoy working with you and Margaret. . . The 'superwomen' of Uechi-ryu! GEM

DEAR SIR, 
MY NAME IS ROBERT SHELTON, I AM A 3RD KYU IN THE STYLE OF AUMA. WHEN I READ YOUR WEB SITE I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF MY SCHOOL. WE ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO KEEP THE TRADITIONS OF THE JAPANESE WAY OF TEACHING MARTIAL ARTS ALIVE. 

WE ARE FINDING THAT THE KOREON SPORT KARATE SCHOOLS ARE SOFTENING THE TECHNIQUES AND AT THE SAME TIME ENVELOPING THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH EXTREME MARKETING TACTICS. WE TEACH YOSHIKAI AND JU-JITSU AND AIEDO,AKIDO,BUSHIDO AND A VARIETY OF OTHER FORMS OF JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS. WHILE WE DO NOT HAVE A WEB-SITE YET, ONE IS BEING BUILT AND WILL BE UP SOON. MY SENSEI IS DON FAVOR 5TH DAN IN MONTGOMERY ALABAMA. 

Hi! I received the enclosed note on my RCN account and since I can't mail from there while at work, I've copied the contents and enclosed it here for forwarding. It came from Chris Deresky, whom you may have met last April when she and her sensei, Steve Will, came up from New Jersey to attend the seminar with Nishime Sensei.

When you have a moment, please read Chris's note.

John

Subject: A little boy needs our prayers.

I would like to indroduce you to a brave young man. His name is Corey Bethune. Corey is 9 years old and one of my karate students. Corey is full of energy and has a smile that will melt your heart.

Last Easter, Corey was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors removed the tumor and sent him home. Over the summer, he returned to the doctors for a check-up only to find that the tumor has returned. Tomorrow morning, Corey will be undergoing his 2nd surgery for this disease.

Let's all take a moment from our busy lives and say a prayer for young Corey and his family for a safe and speedy recovery.

If you'd like to send Corey a Get-Well card, his address is:

Corey Bethune 295 Rt 31 Oxford, NJ 07865

or if you'd like to send him an email card you may send it to my address and I will see to it that he gets it. (He does not have a computer)

Sincerely,

Chris Deresky

Thought this might be of an interest to you all. Have a great day.

-Prof Cale

BUSINESSWEEK ONLINE : OCTOBER 16, 2000 ISSUE

BUSINESSWEEK LIFESTYLE

Kung Fu Meets Jazzercise The newest cardio-fitness craze is fun--and tough

Bored with aerobics and walking for exercise, Stacey Wingate was ready for something new. She discovered cardio kickboxing at a martial arts studio in Fayetteville, Ark. ''I'd heard good things about it but had no idea what I was getting into,'' says the 35-year-old customer-satisfaction specialist at Tyson Foods (TSN). Now, nine months later, she goes through the punch-and-kick routines at least three days a week. ''It's so much fun and a real stress reliever,'' she says. ''I sometimes picture my boss during class.''

Such exercise, combining rapidly executed martial arts moves and aerobic dance steps, has become enormously popular. Set to pulsating music, the workouts promote cardiovascular stamina and help with balance and flexibility.

Marketed under such names as Kardio Karate, Tae Box, and Kickin' Kung Fu, cardio kickboxing began about 10 years ago, when a few aerobic dance studios in California added pugilism to workouts to attract more men. At the same time, some martial arts instructors improved attendance at their classes by having students execute combat moves to a thumping, hip-hop beat.

What really made cardio kickboxing take off was a 1998 infomercial made by karate expert and actor Billy Blanks promoting his brand of the exercise, Tae-Bo. TV exposure turned the baldheaded black belt's exercise video into a national bestseller. Now, some 80% of the 4,000 clubs represented by Boston's International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Assn. (IHRSA) offer cardio kickboxing, says William Howland Jr., the organization's director of research.

Taught at athletic clubs as well as martial arts studios, cardio kickboxing classes usually last an hour, with the first 15 minutes devoted to warm-up and stretching movements. The heat and beat increase during the next half-hour, as you rhythmically bob, weave, block, punch, and kick. In the final 15 minutes, you cool down and stretch again. Some classes involve punching and kicking heavy bags. Wingate says the resistance of the bags has helped her develop ''muscles in my back and sides I didn't know I had.''

WATCH YOUR FORM. She's lucky she hasn't torn or strained any of those muscles. Fitness organizations, such as IHRSA, have sounded alarms about the startling number of injuries occurring in cardio kickboxing classes. ''The rapid, ballistic movements can really get you into trouble,'' says Peg Jordan, editor of American Fitness, the official publication of the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA)--which, along with the International Fitness Assn. (IFA), now offers cardio kickboxing instructor-certification programs in an effort to make classes safer.

Proper form is crucial to avoiding injury. So look for an instructor who focuses on stance and body alignment. ''You'd like someone who has martial arts as well as aerobics training,'' says Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, a Havertown (Pa.) orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. AFAA's Jordan says the best teachers go around the room correcting participants' positions. And they don't choreograph routines that require you to repeat moves more than 12 times in succession.

When you start cardio kickboxing, take a beginner class that drills you on the basics in slow motion. Even if you are in great shape, martial arts movements, particularly when done to a disco beat, are tricky for novices, says DiNubile, who is a black belt in kung fu. Jumping in at too high a level is asking for muscle strain or torn ligaments.

When punching and kicking, make sure you don't snap or overextend your joints. And if it hurts, stop. ''You should only participate to the degree that you comfortably can,'' says Marty Cale, owner of the Arkansas College of Martial Arts, where Wingate works out. It takes years of training and discipline to advance in traditional martial arts, so don't expect to do every move from the get-go. You're more likely to get a kick out of it if you progress slowly. 

George, 

I recently moved to Ottawa and cannot find a Uechi-ryu dojo in the area. Do you know anyone in this area that I may be able to contact for related information? After reading through the many uechi-ryu.com web pages, I did spot input from two possible Ottawa citizens: James Walker and Steven Radulovich. I've called all the "J. Walker"s and "James Walker"s and have had no luck; the phone numbers for the Steven are disconnected. My son Bryan has been studying this style for approximately 9 years and I've been involved for the past 6. If the answer is no, is there another style that closely fits our style? Thanks.

Lloyd Lewis, Ikkyu Bryan Mann-Lewis, Junior Shodan 

Estimado Enrique;

ESPERO QUE AL RECIBO DE ESTA TE ENCUENTRES BIEN TU Y TU FAMILIA. HOY SALIO EN ARGENTINA LA REVISTA YUDO KARATE CON LA NOTA A GEORGE, today the Yudo Karate magazine came out with George's interview. REALMENTE FUE UNA SATISFACCION VERLA, EL DIRECTOR DE LA REVISTA LE DIO LA NOTA CENTRAL DE LA REVISTA , UNA MENCION EN LA TAPA, UNA EN LA EDITORIAL Y CUATRO PAGINAS COMPLETA. I was really pleased to see it. The magazine Director gave it a center page plus a cover and an editorial plus 4 complete pages. ELIGIO UNAS FOTOS MUY LINDAS, Y ADEMAS ILUSTRO LA GRABACION DE LA NOTA CON INFORMACION QUE SACO DE LA PAGINA WEB DE GEORGE. He chose very nice pictures and illustrated the tape I made with George with information that he obtained from George's web page. LO QUE MAS ME GUSTO ES QUE LA NOTA MUESTRA A GEORGE TAL CUAL ES, DEMOCRATICO, AMENO, Y CON LA SABIDURIA DE UN VERDADERO MAESTRO, RESALTA EN LA NOTA NO SOLO LA SABIDURIA QUE POSEE EN KARATE, SINO ADEMAS LA FACILIDAD DE TRANSMICION DE ESA SABIDURIA, QUE GEORGE TIENE, What I liked the most is that George comes across the way he is: democratic, agreable and with the wisdom of a real teacher. It comes across not only in Karate wisdom, but the ability to convey it. VOY A PONER EN UN SOBRE, UNA REVISTA Y TE LA ENVIARE PARA QUE SE LA I will put it in the mail and send it to you so you can show it and translate it. ENTREGUES, SEGURAMENTE LE GUSTARA TENERLA. ESTAMOS MUY CONTENTOS CON EL DESEMPEņO QUE TUVIMOS EN EL CAMPEONATO NACIONAL DE KARATE DE ARGENTINA, LLEVE 3 ALUMNOS MIOS QUE OBTUVIERON CUATRO LUGARES EN EL PODIO. I am very pleased with the performance my students had in the national Karate Argentinean tournament. I took 3 students and they achieved 4 top places. AQUELLA JOVENCITA QUE TE CONTE QUE HABIA ABSORVIDO MEJOR QUE NADIE LA IDEA DE VAN CANNA DE LA EXPLOSION EN EL KATA, SALIO SUBCAMPEONA NACIONAL DE KATA CINTOS NEGROS, CON SOLO 15 AŅOS, Y CON UN SEISAN MARAVILLOSO, ADEMAS TAMBIEN SALIO SUBCAMPEONA NACIONAL DE KUMITE. That 15 years old girl that managed to assimilate Van Canna's Kata power teachings so easily, achieved the 2d place in the country with Black Belts. She performed a fantastic Seisan. She also achieved a 2d national place in Kumite (sparring). SACAMOS UN PRIMER DAN COMO SUBCAMPEON NACIONAL EN KUMITE we got a Sho Dan as 2d National champion in Kumite. Y UNA MEDALLA DE BRONCE EN KATA INFANTIL EN CATEGORIA MARRONES Y NEGROS. And a Bronce medal in childrens brown and black belt kata PUEDES CONTARLE A VAN, QUE UNO DE SU KATA EXPLOSIVO SALIO SUBCAMPEON NACIONAL EN ARGENTINA DE LA MANO DE UNA NIŅA DE 15 AŅOS. COMO ANDAN TUS COSAS? COMO ESTA TU FAMILIA? NOSOTROS AQUI MUY BIEN, ESPERANDO EL VERANO QUE YA LLEGA, PARA TRABAJAR CON TODO. pOR FAVOR CUENTALE A GEORGE Y VAN DE NUESTROS LOGROS EN EL CAMPEONATO Y DILE QUE ESTO SE LO DEBEMOS A EL, DESDE QUE NO RELACIONAMOS CON EL, NUESTRO NIVEL A CRECIDO GRANDEMENTE, Y SU "MANO" SE ESTA EMPEZANDO A HACER NOTAR EN NUESTRAS MEJORAS TECNICAS, DILE QUE ESTAMOS AGRADECIDOS DE CONTAR CON SU MAESTRIA. Please tell George and Van of our achievements in the national championship and inform them that we owe this improvements to their teachings. Our Karate level is growing and is beginning to be noticed in our improved techniques. Please tell them that we really appreciate their teachings. eNRIQUE, GRACIAS POR TODA TU AYUDA, UN FUERTE ABRAZO Y SALUDOS DE MI PARTE A TU FAMILIA. CARLOS. 

PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE FOR WHOM YOU HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU RECEIVE AN EMAIL TITLED "LET'S WATCH TV" DO NOT OPEN IT. IT WILL ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR HARD DRIVE. THIS INFORMATION WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY MORNING FROM IBM; AOL STATES THAT "KALI" IS A VERY DANGEROUS VIRUS, MUCH WORSE THAN "MELISSA," AND THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR IT AT THIS TIME. SOME VERY SICK INDIVIDUAL HAS SUCCEEDED IN USING THE REFORMAT FUNCTION FROM NORTON UTILITIES CAUSING IT TO COMPLETELY ERASE ALL DOCUMENTS ON THE HARD DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO WORK WITH NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR AND MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER. IT DESTROYS MACINTOSH AND IBM COMPATIBLE COMPUTERS. THIS IS A NEW, VERY MALICIOUS VIRUS AND NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT.

PASS THIS WARNING ALONG TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK AND PLEASE SHARE IT WITH ALL YOUR ONLINE FRIENDS ASAP SO THAT THIS THREAT MAY BE STOPPED. FORWARD THIS WARNING TO EVERYONE THAT MIGHT ACCESS THE INTERNET. 

Hmm... Susan doesn't allow me to carry any of these, but some of you may find this of interest:

Friends, I was just informed that there is a new counterfeit $100.00 bill on the streets and it is so good that the marking pen CAN NOT detect it. The way to detect this bill is put it up to the light and on the right hand side if there is NO face of the person on the bill on the inside it is a FAKE! There is also a line on the inside of the bill when put up to the light that will say USA HUNDRED. Please be careful because this bill is GOOD and they are on the street. THIS IS NOT A HOAX!! Again, please be CAREFUL.

Thank you, Eberhard G. Welch, Sr. 

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