Oh M'God!

david · Post by **david** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 12:58 pm

I just read the news about Josh Ford, son of Al Ford, on the "What's New."

I don't know Josh but I remember Al. A good guy that used to indulge the meandering thoughts of a young kid in an empty dojo at Hancock St. in the quiet of afternoons with good humor and care.

I have learned to not ask "Why?" anymore. Just take things in and let it pass, like the breath going in and out. Meaning is perhaps not for us mere mortals.

david

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 4:25 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by david:
I just read the news about Josh Ford, son of Al Ford, on the "What's New."
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Does anyone know if Josh practiced Uechi Ryu, or did he attend the Summer Camps? Thanks.

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Glenn

Post by **gmattson** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 4:29 pm

Josh practiced at the South Boston dojo with me for a couple years before he entered the armed forces. (forget which branch)

I think he got to brown belt. Don't think he ever made it to our camps.

He was a very tough fighter and a well conditioned athlete. I believe he was 6ft tall when he was 15 years old!

He must have been taken totally by surprised by his killers.

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GEM

Jay Sal · Post by **Jay Sal** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 7:04 pm

Hi George:

I think Josh attend one summer camp... I have a picture of Josh Ford with Master Uechi, I took at the 83 or 84 summer camp. I think Josh was about 14 or 15 at that time... I also think he was in the Army .

Jay Sal....

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 7:08 pm

This saddens me deeply. Al Ford and I tested together at a dan test (I for yondan, he for some similar rank) around 15 years ago in Brockton. I once met his son.

My thoughts are with all who are close to the family.

- Bill

Post by **gmattson** » Fri Jun 21, 2002 7:21 pm

Jay:
If you can scan that picture of Josh and Mr. Uechi and willing to send it to me, I'll include it on our Memorial site.

Thanks,
George

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Sat Jun 22, 2002 1:11 am

How sad. I remember first meeting Josh and his sister Melissa at Al Ford's home in Merrimack NH many moons ago. And Doris, their mother, what a beautiful and lovely person.

Also recall Josh in my classes at GEM's South Boston Dojo Where once we hosted a Dan test with all the Okinawan masters attending, including Master Uechi.

Al Ford was so proud to see a timid boy transform into a well conditioned and unafraid budoka in some real tough sparring matches.

Sincere condolences to Doris and family.

Al Ford was a tough Uechi pioneer and a great friend, what a shame to even think he would lose his beloved Josh to violent death.

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Van Canna

Brian MacDonald · Post by **Brian MacDonald** » Wed Jul 10, 2002 7:54 pm

Sorry to bring this back up, but I just found out. I met Josh last year when he stopped by the Umass dojo. He had seen my Uechi-Ryu flyers and wanted to see the dojo, and talk about Uechi-Ryu.

He dropped by unannounced, and introduced himself. He was only a few years older than me. Very nice guy, unpretentious and cool.

I was very disturbed to read George Sensei's account of what happened in his what's new section. I'm more than disturbed, actually, I am very angry now...to see so much taken, for so little...and a genuinely nice guy too.

sunsu8 · Post by **sunsu8** » Thu Jul 11, 2002 3:55 am

hi all. Obviously this gentleman was a really caring guy who was a good martial artist. I take it he was murdered.

Could one of you please point me in the right direction to George,Sensei's WHAT's NEW site or wherever I can read more about this. Thank you. My sincerest condolensces go out to his family,friends, and loved ones.

Post by **gmattson** » Thu Jul 11, 2002 10:52 am

"Whatsnew" can be found on the home page: http://uechi-ryu.com and then clicking on "whatsnew", found at the top of the page.

There is also a link at the bottom of this screen.

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GEM