Ironically, I had a large number of TKD and non-Uechi students signed up . . . many more than Uechi students. Since I had intended WinterFest primarily for the Uechi community, there is no need for me to make this huge undertaking for the benefit of non-Uechi stylist.
This will give me more time to devote to my own dojo and preparing for my open house in February.
I'm attempting to call all those students and the many Uechi teachers who committed to attend and apologize for the cancellation. I know many of you were anxious to work out with Gushi sensei as I was.
Susan did not charge any credit cards and will simply tear up all applications. Checks will be returned.
Those who have already made plane reservations and would still like to come, we will be conducting weekend classes at the new dojo and you are invited to participate. Darin Yee, Harry Skeffington and others are planning to play some golf that weekend and if you are a golfer, please bring your clubs.
WinterFest Canceled!!
Moderator: Available
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gmattson
- Site Admin
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WinterFest Canceled!!
GEM
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
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Bill Glasheen
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f.Channell
- Posts: 3541
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Valhalla
Can Gushi Sensei make Summerfest?
That would be great!!
F.
That would be great!!
F.
Sans Peur Ne Obliviscaris
www.hinghamkarate.com
www.hinghamkarate.com
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John Giacoletti
- Posts: 448
- Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:08 am
- Location: Largo, FL
Florida is Florida
Rats. I was looking forward to meeting some of the forum participants and working out a bit.
I don't know what's become of the Uechi Florida Federation. We used to have dan tests with Ric Potrekus, Joe Guidry and Ken Washington. The latter two had schools in Sefner and Brandon, east of Tampa.
Washington's a Senega student I believe and he traveled to Okinawa last year with Dana and George Schrieffer.
Washington shows up at our school in Largo when we have a high profile guest or event. Potrekus, also, since he is one of Ric Martin's long time buddies.
Scott Higa who had a letter about Gushi Sensei in GEM's Winterfest Materials trained at one of the east Tampa schools. I used to see him all the time at the Dan tests. He is back in Okinawa now. Sensei Martin visited with him in November.
He is a child of an Air Force family, born in Okinawa, relocated to MacDill AFB in Tampa as a teenager, and learned Karate from Joe Guidry. How many native Okinawans have learned karate in your dojo?
There's still a small group training in downtown Tampa, too. Ric recruits from there for referees for our tournaments.
It's work schedules and busy people. How many times did I go to the beach last year ... 0. Fort Desoto Park and Clearwater Beach have some of the best sand and swimming in the world. We are flooded with tourists from Britain, Germany, South America and Canada.
I work 9 AM - 5 PM M thru F & work out at the dojo every day except Friday. Just to get to Tampa for hockey is a big deal.
"It is what it is," sayeth Glasheen Sensei.
I don't know what's become of the Uechi Florida Federation. We used to have dan tests with Ric Potrekus, Joe Guidry and Ken Washington. The latter two had schools in Sefner and Brandon, east of Tampa.
Washington's a Senega student I believe and he traveled to Okinawa last year with Dana and George Schrieffer.
Washington shows up at our school in Largo when we have a high profile guest or event. Potrekus, also, since he is one of Ric Martin's long time buddies.
Scott Higa who had a letter about Gushi Sensei in GEM's Winterfest Materials trained at one of the east Tampa schools. I used to see him all the time at the Dan tests. He is back in Okinawa now. Sensei Martin visited with him in November.
He is a child of an Air Force family, born in Okinawa, relocated to MacDill AFB in Tampa as a teenager, and learned Karate from Joe Guidry. How many native Okinawans have learned karate in your dojo?
There's still a small group training in downtown Tampa, too. Ric recruits from there for referees for our tournaments.
It's work schedules and busy people. How many times did I go to the beach last year ... 0. Fort Desoto Park and Clearwater Beach have some of the best sand and swimming in the world. We are flooded with tourists from Britain, Germany, South America and Canada.
I work 9 AM - 5 PM M thru F & work out at the dojo every day except Friday. Just to get to Tampa for hockey is a big deal.
"It is what it is," sayeth Glasheen Sensei.
There is much to make of every moment.
what a shame!
John,
Unfortunately, it is not just because of busy lifestyles. Nobody is busier than me !!! I was asked to be part of the Florida Committee for Winterfest. Without a moments hesitation, I gladly accepted !!! I thought this could be a very exciting event. And besides....who wouldn't want the opportunity to train with Gushi Sensei ???
As I attempted to promote Winterfest, I quickly discovered how many flat out refused to even consider this event. I can't believe the number of doors that just slammed tight. What a shame !
I can't believe how many narrow minded, insecure egomanicas are allowed to be teachers ! They paralyze their students with threats and fear for even considering participation in these outside activies or joining any organizations. I wouldn't believe it myself if I did not experience this first-hand while trying to make Winterfest 2006 a success.
mj
Unfortunately, it is not just because of busy lifestyles. Nobody is busier than me !!! I was asked to be part of the Florida Committee for Winterfest. Without a moments hesitation, I gladly accepted !!! I thought this could be a very exciting event. And besides....who wouldn't want the opportunity to train with Gushi Sensei ???
As I attempted to promote Winterfest, I quickly discovered how many flat out refused to even consider this event. I can't believe the number of doors that just slammed tight. What a shame !
I can't believe how many narrow minded, insecure egomanicas are allowed to be teachers ! They paralyze their students with threats and fear for even considering participation in these outside activies or joining any organizations. I wouldn't believe it myself if I did not experience this first-hand while trying to make Winterfest 2006 a success.
mj
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Their loss. No reason to get worked up about people who will be left behind by those who open their eyes and reach out to learn more.
It's worth saying that (Florida) Dana contacted me and was in the process of gathering a clan to bring to Winterfest. So not all of Florida is close minded. In fact I met Dana and George Schrieffer along with Gushi Sensei (3rd time for him) at a Mid-Atlantic regional this past summer. And you know what? The quality of their martial arts collectively is beyond words. Those who get out and mix it up learn new things and learn how to put them in practice.
Thankfully I have some pretty incredible teachers around me in my region. I don't know what we did to deserve so many open-minded people from so many different branches of the greater Uechi family, but I'm not complaining.
Dana and I already have agreed to meet up at Rik Lostrito's camp in Maryland (July 16-23). We'll get "the real" Florida coming up to work out with Shinjo Kiyohide and Shinjo Narahiro in a Mid-Atlantic setting. We'll be kicking bootie, taking names, and partying hardy.
And the rest of you can stay home and convince yourself how much you are learning when you don't venture outside your four dojo walls.
- Bill
It's worth saying that (Florida) Dana contacted me and was in the process of gathering a clan to bring to Winterfest. So not all of Florida is close minded. In fact I met Dana and George Schrieffer along with Gushi Sensei (3rd time for him) at a Mid-Atlantic regional this past summer. And you know what? The quality of their martial arts collectively is beyond words. Those who get out and mix it up learn new things and learn how to put them in practice.
Thankfully I have some pretty incredible teachers around me in my region. I don't know what we did to deserve so many open-minded people from so many different branches of the greater Uechi family, but I'm not complaining.
Dana and I already have agreed to meet up at Rik Lostrito's camp in Maryland (July 16-23). We'll get "the real" Florida coming up to work out with Shinjo Kiyohide and Shinjo Narahiro in a Mid-Atlantic setting. We'll be kicking bootie, taking names, and partying hardy.
And the rest of you can stay home and convince yourself how much you are learning when you don't venture outside your four dojo walls.
- Bill
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f.Channell
- Posts: 3541
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Valhalla
Bill,
Please keep us posted on the Shinjo event.
I loved training with him in Conneticut a few years ago. I got to chat with Rik for a while as well. Nice guy.
F.
Please keep us posted on the Shinjo event.
I loved training with him in Conneticut a few years ago. I got to chat with Rik for a while as well. Nice guy.
F.
Sans Peur Ne Obliviscaris
www.hinghamkarate.com
www.hinghamkarate.com
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RickLiebespach
- Posts: 157
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Valrico, Florida, USA
Some questions about the cancellation
I've asked behind the scences to see if this message was appropriate, but I've recieved no response... So I'll try posting it and see what happens...
It's been a long time since I've posted to this website...
but I can not allow this thread to continue
without putting in my own 2 cents.
There were a few comments made that I have questions about...
My first question has to do with the cancelling of Winterfest.
I'm confused by the different things being said.
I a couple of places it's indicated that Uechi people and others had signed up... and there were more others than Uechi. To me that sounds like enough to go on with the event... I guess it wasn't just a numbers thing because if there were many more non-Uechi people, and many Uechi people, that sounds like a lot of people.
I'm also confused by some other comments that seem to be a direct slam of the Uechi people in Florida.
One of those comments was from Van Canna.
He said that Florida has never given support to the various activities held in New England. Van obviously believes his oppinon, but it's not what I've observed. On several occassions the dojo I am a part of has sent 4 or 5 people to events in New England, and I've frequently supported WinterFest, both in postings here and in conversation with my fellow students.
Also, it was implied, or stated that most dojos in Florida didn't want anything to do with this years Winterfest.
I live in Florida and have been a part of Joe Guidry's Brandon dojo for years. Joe has now moved to Pasco county and started a dojo there. The dojo in Brandon is now lead by Mike McGee. This is the same dojo and the same Mike, that was referred to in the letter sent from Scott Higa to Sensei Mattson. This was the letter which was used to promote winterfest, by letting people know that Master Gushi would be there. Scott Higa was a student of Joe Guidry. As you may realize, our dojo has an excellent relationship with Master Gushi. we've been students of his for longer than the 8 years that I've been here. As a result of these things, several of us were trying to get to Winterfest, just so we could spend some more time with Master Gushi.
Another thing that puzzles me is a comment by John Giacoletti. John asks about the "Uechi Florida Federation" and wonders what happened to it. In talking about it John makes mention of Senseis Potrekus, Guidry, and Washington. I don't know anything about this Federation. Sensei Guidry never mentioned it in the 8 years since I became one of his students. That gives me the impression that whatever it was, it probably hasn't existed in a long time. Personally, I think that instead of slaming Florida Uechi, John should have first asked some questions. He should have asked Sensei Potrekus, Guidry, or Washington, about the "Uechi Florida Federation". Perhaps then he would not have made such an insulting comment.
John, if you need contact information for Sensei Guidry or Sensei Washington, let me know and i will get it to you.
I am also puzzled by what MJanson had to say about the Uechi dojos in Florida.
She said she tried to promote Winterfest. She also implied that many Uechi dojos flat out refused to even consider this event. She said that doors were slammed in her face and gave the impression that there were many Uechi dojos that did this to her, and that they prohibited their students from going.
To that I feel compelled to ask, how many dojos did you contact? How many slammed their doors in your face?
This puzzles me because I know more than a handfull of the dojos (not just dojos but students and sensei on both coasts of Florida). Of these dojos there is not even one case were these students are prohibited or even hindered from attending events like Winterfest. They are not even hindered from studying outside the Uechi dojo. At least one of these dojos even talked up Winterfest on their website. Among my 10 closest Uechi friends we collectively have exposure and involvement in more than 15 other MA disciplines... all with the support and frequently the encouragement of our leading sensei.
One of my best Uechi friends is Sensei Peggy Hess. I recently spoke with Peggy and she confirmed to me that of the various dojos Peggy has contact with, NONE of them had been contacted. This really makes me wonder about MJanson's comments. If she didn't contact my dojo (and she didn't), or any of the dojos I know, and she didn't contact the dojos that Peggy has contact with, then who was contacted?
MJanson's words and my experience seem to be in such polar contrast.
Without more information, how can I possibly reconcile these things...
How am I not to take these various things as anything other than an attack against Florida Uechi?
If these things were said of Mass. Uechi, how would you react????
---
On the other side of this coin, I'd like to say...
Sensei Glasheen, Thank you for recognizing that those of us here in Florida, are not all close minded... as others have been implying (both now and for years... on this website)
Thank you for commenting so favorably on the quality of our art! It is our close attention to both local and Okinawan Masters, such as Master Frank Gorman, Master Gushi and Master Nakamatsu.
Thankfully these masters have blessed us with numerous visits... visits that my dojo always shares with the other Uechi in the area.
It's been a long time since I've posted to this website...
but I can not allow this thread to continue
without putting in my own 2 cents.
There were a few comments made that I have questions about...
My first question has to do with the cancelling of Winterfest.
I'm confused by the different things being said.
I a couple of places it's indicated that Uechi people and others had signed up... and there were more others than Uechi. To me that sounds like enough to go on with the event... I guess it wasn't just a numbers thing because if there were many more non-Uechi people, and many Uechi people, that sounds like a lot of people.
I'm also confused by some other comments that seem to be a direct slam of the Uechi people in Florida.
One of those comments was from Van Canna.
He said that Florida has never given support to the various activities held in New England. Van obviously believes his oppinon, but it's not what I've observed. On several occassions the dojo I am a part of has sent 4 or 5 people to events in New England, and I've frequently supported WinterFest, both in postings here and in conversation with my fellow students.
Also, it was implied, or stated that most dojos in Florida didn't want anything to do with this years Winterfest.
I live in Florida and have been a part of Joe Guidry's Brandon dojo for years. Joe has now moved to Pasco county and started a dojo there. The dojo in Brandon is now lead by Mike McGee. This is the same dojo and the same Mike, that was referred to in the letter sent from Scott Higa to Sensei Mattson. This was the letter which was used to promote winterfest, by letting people know that Master Gushi would be there. Scott Higa was a student of Joe Guidry. As you may realize, our dojo has an excellent relationship with Master Gushi. we've been students of his for longer than the 8 years that I've been here. As a result of these things, several of us were trying to get to Winterfest, just so we could spend some more time with Master Gushi.
Another thing that puzzles me is a comment by John Giacoletti. John asks about the "Uechi Florida Federation" and wonders what happened to it. In talking about it John makes mention of Senseis Potrekus, Guidry, and Washington. I don't know anything about this Federation. Sensei Guidry never mentioned it in the 8 years since I became one of his students. That gives me the impression that whatever it was, it probably hasn't existed in a long time. Personally, I think that instead of slaming Florida Uechi, John should have first asked some questions. He should have asked Sensei Potrekus, Guidry, or Washington, about the "Uechi Florida Federation". Perhaps then he would not have made such an insulting comment.
John, if you need contact information for Sensei Guidry or Sensei Washington, let me know and i will get it to you.
I am also puzzled by what MJanson had to say about the Uechi dojos in Florida.
She said she tried to promote Winterfest. She also implied that many Uechi dojos flat out refused to even consider this event. She said that doors were slammed in her face and gave the impression that there were many Uechi dojos that did this to her, and that they prohibited their students from going.
To that I feel compelled to ask, how many dojos did you contact? How many slammed their doors in your face?
This puzzles me because I know more than a handfull of the dojos (not just dojos but students and sensei on both coasts of Florida). Of these dojos there is not even one case were these students are prohibited or even hindered from attending events like Winterfest. They are not even hindered from studying outside the Uechi dojo. At least one of these dojos even talked up Winterfest on their website. Among my 10 closest Uechi friends we collectively have exposure and involvement in more than 15 other MA disciplines... all with the support and frequently the encouragement of our leading sensei.
One of my best Uechi friends is Sensei Peggy Hess. I recently spoke with Peggy and she confirmed to me that of the various dojos Peggy has contact with, NONE of them had been contacted. This really makes me wonder about MJanson's comments. If she didn't contact my dojo (and she didn't), or any of the dojos I know, and she didn't contact the dojos that Peggy has contact with, then who was contacted?
MJanson's words and my experience seem to be in such polar contrast.
Without more information, how can I possibly reconcile these things...
How am I not to take these various things as anything other than an attack against Florida Uechi?
If these things were said of Mass. Uechi, how would you react????
---
On the other side of this coin, I'd like to say...
Sensei Glasheen, Thank you for recognizing that those of us here in Florida, are not all close minded... as others have been implying (both now and for years... on this website)
Thank you for commenting so favorably on the quality of our art! It is our close attention to both local and Okinawan Masters, such as Master Frank Gorman, Master Gushi and Master Nakamatsu.
Thankfully these masters have blessed us with numerous visits... visits that my dojo always shares with the other Uechi in the area.
Okinawian Fighting Arts of Brandon
Nidan
Nidan
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John Giacoletti
- Posts: 448
- Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:08 am
- Location: Largo, FL
Out of Line
Rick,
I think your comments about me are out of line, unwarranted, unsolicited and uncalled for.
You don't make sense. You say I asked about the Uechi Florida Federation and they you ask why I didn't ask about it.
Man you sure don't read. I made favorable comments about the relations at one time of several dojo.
Get off my case. You don't know a slam from a dunk.
GEM had 8 checks from Florida. One was mine. And yours ...?
I think your comments about me are out of line, unwarranted, unsolicited and uncalled for.
You don't make sense. You say I asked about the Uechi Florida Federation and they you ask why I didn't ask about it.
Another thing that puzzles me is a comment by John Giacoletti. John asks about the "Uechi Florida Federation" and wonders what happened to it. Personally, I think that instead of slaming Florida Uechi, John should have first asked some questions.
Man you sure don't read. I made favorable comments about the relations at one time of several dojo.
Get off my case. You don't know a slam from a dunk.
GEM had 8 checks from Florida. One was mine. And yours ...?
There is much to make of every moment.
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gmattson
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6073
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Lake Mary, Florida
- Contact:
3 checks, John...
From Florida... And yes, yours was one of them.
I know everyone knew about the WinterFest. Anyone who claims not to have heard about it must be living in a cave.
I did say that quite a few Florida seniors were going to supporting the event by attending and teaching. . . but that doesn't pay the bills. I probably could have waited and prayed for last minute attendance, but felt the risk wasn't worth the potential downside.
The TKD teachers were "promising" to support the event, but I didn't feel like doing all this work for what might have been a predominantly TKD group.
My apologies to anyone who felt my comments painted too broad a stroke regarding Florida dojo. When I heard Mary's story I realized that many dojo felt my running WinterFest was a threat to the control they exert over their students and I decided to back off.
I'm sure not all dojo have this attitude, but none went out of their way to support WinterFest either.
I know everyone knew about the WinterFest. Anyone who claims not to have heard about it must be living in a cave.
I did say that quite a few Florida seniors were going to supporting the event by attending and teaching. . . but that doesn't pay the bills. I probably could have waited and prayed for last minute attendance, but felt the risk wasn't worth the potential downside.
The TKD teachers were "promising" to support the event, but I didn't feel like doing all this work for what might have been a predominantly TKD group.
My apologies to anyone who felt my comments painted too broad a stroke regarding Florida dojo. When I heard Mary's story I realized that many dojo felt my running WinterFest was a threat to the control they exert over their students and I decided to back off.
I'm sure not all dojo have this attitude, but none went out of their way to support WinterFest either.
GEM
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Well it sounds to me like we now have an opportunity to create a more-organized publicity campaign for Winterfest 2007. As I see it, the following issues need to be addressed.
1) We need a list of all southeast United States dojos, and their preferred method of contact.
2) We need other means of contact to the students of said dojos when the instructors don't actively promote the event.
Please, let's not pretend that some instructors don't take the "invitations" and ignore them and/or put them in the cylindrical file.
3) We need to find an ideal day that doesn't conflict with holidays, doesn't interfere too badly with school, and doesn't happen at a time when the travel rates skyrocket. There will NEVER be a pefect date. But we can figure out something, live with it, deal with it, and make the best of it.
An event like this can be good for greater Uechi Florida just as our events in my neck of the woods help the greater Mid-Atlantic Uechi community and the New England events make them strong. It is my experience that people don't jump ship or trade allegiences through these events. On the contrary, they seem to make the participant schools stronger, no matter what shortcomings they bring to the greater group.
- Bill
1) We need a list of all southeast United States dojos, and their preferred method of contact.
2) We need other means of contact to the students of said dojos when the instructors don't actively promote the event.
Please, let's not pretend that some instructors don't take the "invitations" and ignore them and/or put them in the cylindrical file.
3) We need to find an ideal day that doesn't conflict with holidays, doesn't interfere too badly with school, and doesn't happen at a time when the travel rates skyrocket. There will NEVER be a pefect date. But we can figure out something, live with it, deal with it, and make the best of it.
An event like this can be good for greater Uechi Florida just as our events in my neck of the woods help the greater Mid-Atlantic Uechi community and the New England events make them strong. It is my experience that people don't jump ship or trade allegiences through these events. On the contrary, they seem to make the participant schools stronger, no matter what shortcomings they bring to the greater group.
- Bill
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Stryke
caveat this is not in reference to winterfest , just some tips on how I`ve experienced things .
Support for big events has to be built long before said events .
It`s all about relationships
there must be a lot of mutual support , support others events , organise friendly not for money sharing of ideas , then when expensive options come along there not the question of motive .
if there was tkd interest , get together with these groups during the year , send a student , to do a mini seminar one of there training nights .
Invite there instructors/senior students to do the same , learn some real kicking one night and dont forget to take them out for a friendly drink .
Seminars etc often unfortunately have to be buisness minded , unfortunatley the patrons dont think of it as an investment , they will choose to hang with there friends , use there holidays and savings to go to see friends and likeminded people .
if these relationships dont already exist , you cannot blame folks for finding more secure things to do . Not everyone is confident to go somewhere anew .
organising training groups is like creating friendships in the real world , it goes way beyond supply and demand , there are many options for the training dollar .
Bill is right this is an oppurtunity to advertise , and more importantly consult , the biggest question being what do you folks want in a camp , how can we provide that , and how can we make you feel included and involved .
politics of course making this all that much difficult .
Support for big events has to be built long before said events .
It`s all about relationships
there must be a lot of mutual support , support others events , organise friendly not for money sharing of ideas , then when expensive options come along there not the question of motive .
if there was tkd interest , get together with these groups during the year , send a student , to do a mini seminar one of there training nights .
Invite there instructors/senior students to do the same , learn some real kicking one night and dont forget to take them out for a friendly drink .
Seminars etc often unfortunately have to be buisness minded , unfortunatley the patrons dont think of it as an investment , they will choose to hang with there friends , use there holidays and savings to go to see friends and likeminded people .
if these relationships dont already exist , you cannot blame folks for finding more secure things to do . Not everyone is confident to go somewhere anew .
organising training groups is like creating friendships in the real world , it goes way beyond supply and demand , there are many options for the training dollar .
Bill is right this is an oppurtunity to advertise , and more importantly consult , the biggest question being what do you folks want in a camp , how can we provide that , and how can we make you feel included and involved .
politics of course making this all that much difficult .
reply
Florida is a very large State. In my attempt to promote Winterfest, I did so in my own back yard. I worked really hard with George and Susan to help find a good central location with the ammenities we need and something we can all afford. Uechi is not very big in my territory, but I did my best to promote and welcome all styles. I called, emailed and visited a number of large dojos in my area. The response was not favorable and I was flat out turned down by many. I did not contact other Uechi instuctors for a few reasons.
1) there aren't any in my location
2) I was not the only one on the committee and knew the others had more contacts.
3) from what I understand...Uechi instructors read this website on a regular basis and obviously were aware of this event. Must be true....or comments and emails about my experience would not be happening !!!
I was the first one to send in my application !!!
Where was yours ??????
mj
1) there aren't any in my location
2) I was not the only one on the committee and knew the others had more contacts.
3) from what I understand...Uechi instructors read this website on a regular basis and obviously were aware of this event. Must be true....or comments and emails about my experience would not be happening !!!
I was the first one to send in my application !!!
Where was yours ??????
mj
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Stryke
