January, 2000 Mailbag

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Mr. Mattson;

First let me say that you have an excellent site, very well planned and full of information.

I thought I would write and mention a new branch style of Uechiryu - Konanryu Kobukai was founded by Mr. Takashi Kinjo, also there was the formation of another Konanryu Kohokan by Takiya Yabiku.

I just thought with all the information on your page concerning the split and the SOKE and Okikukai, that this information may be of interest to you.

I personally respect your decision to remain loyal to the Soke and Uechi family, even though you may not completely agree with Kanmei sensei.

I learned the kata of Uechiryu, from Eiko Miyazato, who was a student of Juhatsu Kiyoda, Chojun Miyagi, and Yoshio Itokazu, but was good friends with Uechi Kanei Shihan. Miyazato Shihan taught both Gojuryu and Uechiryu in his dojo. Unfortunatly Miyazato Shihan passed away this year, leaving me with out a sensei.

Best Regards;

Mike Jones

Thanks for the information. Anything else you can add will be appreciated.   GEM

Mr. Mattson,

Hankonanryu is headed by Seiki Itokazu in Wasaka, Okinawa. All I know is that this branch broke away from the SOKE in 1978.

Konanryu Kobukai is headed by Takashi Kinjo in Hantagawa, Okinawa. His present rank is Hanshi, Kudan in Karate and Kobudo. He trained under Kanei Uechi Shihan, and Shinpo Matayoshi Shihan. He is sanctioned by the Zen Okinawa Karate Renmei and the Okinawa Ken Karate Rengokai. He has one International branch association in the USA under Mikio Nishuchi sensei. HE has added one kata called Kobuken to his Ryuha.

Konanryu Kohokan is headed by Takaiya Yabiku in OKinawa City. His rank is Hanshi Kudan in Karate and Kobudo. He trained under Seiko Toyama, and Hohan Soken. He has a branch in Australia. He has added several white crane kata to his Ryuha.

Hankoryu was headed by Eiko Miyazato (1915-1999). Really a combination of Goju and Uechi. He studied under Juhatsu Kiyoda, Chojun Miyagi, Kenko Nakaima, Kaho Kojo, and Yoshio Itokazu. Itokazu trained under Kanei Uechi Shihan in Osaka when the style was still Pangainoonryu, and opened a dojo there for several years. Miyazato Shihan has branch dojos in Japan, Australia, Indian, Indo-china, and the USA.

I hope that is what you wanted. I don't really know that much more on any of them, except Miyazato Shihan.

Take Care,

Mike Jones

HANSHI GEORGE HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ARGENTINE ! All students of Uechi-Ryu Shubukan Chubut hope very happy new milenium for you,family and members American Uechi-Ryu.We enjoy learn every thinks about karate in the website. . .

The best for since our heart, sincerely ,

mario abel molaroni

Hello Sensei,

This is Jim Davenport. I am a student of Sensei Dometrich of Chito-ryu. I have talked to you on the phone and by e-mailed several times. I have just ordered several things from Peabody Co (12-28-99). One of the items is a video of you doing the kata. Is the video totally of you-(I hope it is) or are there others doing the kata as well. Also, I ordered your first book Uechi-ryu for my son Daniel who is 19 years old and has been training since he was a child. He has looked at my copies of your book many times and I have been wanting to order this book for him for years, but was not sure how to order it. Is there any chance you could autograph this copy for him and maybe write something in it to him. I know he would treasure it even more if you could. I sent in a request with the order to have you autograph the book if it is at all possible. I will gladly wait for the order if the signing will delay the order. Please let me know on this. Sensei Dometrich is in Flordia conducting seminars at this time, and I have talked to him. He sends his regards to you and hopes sometime that he and I can make a trip to your area and visit with you. Thank you very much Sensei Jim Davenport

Thanks for your kind message Jim. I'll be happy to sign Daniel's book. Indeed, I'm doing all the kata on the video. Please give my very best regards to Dometrich sensei next time you see him. GEM

Hi all - sorry for the mass mailing, but I'm in a cyber-cafe in Singapore where time IS money.

Landed safely on Monday - begin teaching tonight (Tuesday). It is 80 degrees here and overcast. I know, hazardous duty, eh?

Will celebrate the New Year with about 500,000 people in a giant street party here - 13 hours ahead of all of you. Looking forward to seeing if there really are any Y2K problems!

I'll be available via e-mail for the next month - leave Singapore for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11 Jan. and get home on 24 Jan.

Best regards and Happy New Year!

Steve  White

Sensei,

Merry Christmas! I will be spending the new year in a cabin in the mountains outside of Seattle - I hope they have candles and canned food up there in the woods... recently bought a Glock 30 and I'm tempted to bring it, but that would mean checking luggage on my trip - I think I'd rather risk the looters shooting me!

Hope you and Susan are well. It was great to see you at Thanksgiving. When do you leave for sunny Florida? I'm sure the folks in Mass. will miss you, but I think it's great that you'll have a little respite from the cold - I'm jealous. Fortunately, the one good thing about the Air Force, and the fact that they will send me where they need me, is that many of the bases are in the South! Of course that could mean I end up in Mississippi or Texas...

Take care. I'll try to give a call sometime soon.

Greg Postal

Hello,

My name is Sifu Snoeck Chris from Belgium(Europe),and I have seen youre site on the net.I saw the discussions about Master Mooney Richard over the empty force.I trained with Master Mooney while he was living in Florida,I train with diffe- rent masters in different kungfu styles and must say that the empty force is real,I listed an answer on youre site under the name tao007 in the section no touch.I did the empty force training and standing meditations,now I'm only doing the standing sqkills,I don't really have the time to do the EMPTY FORCE.Is there still a big discussion going on about this or what,it's a bit sad I think.Here in Belgium I am the fouder of the tian shan kungfu aasociation europe where I currently teach in different places.I teach shaolin tiger & crane fist,taiji chen,ruler,chin-na,five animal kungfu,weapons of china,and

different kinds of qi-qong.The thing that I do is use the best I have ever learned from differnt teachers and I am cuurently training in other chinese arts to complete my training. Hope you feply on my mail. Take care,greetings,

Sifu Chris Snoeck

Thanks for your letter. I read your posting on the forums as well.

We did an extensive test at our camp this year, where Sifu Moony consented to participate. I must say that I was very impressed with his general martial arts ability, but didn't see the results of the 'empty' force in the tests that we see in demonstrations. I believe we have discussed the reasons for this on the forums.

Please feel free to continue this discussion on the forums. I enjoyed watching Sifu Mooney at camp performing many fascinating demonstrations. The 'empty' force skill is only a small part of his abilities. I feel that this aspect of his work is very controversial and more difficult to believe than his other skills.

Best, George Mattson

Merry Christmas George,

This has been a very busy year among many Uechi-Ryu practitioners in the western USA. Several of us traveled to Okinawa in November of 1998, which inspired us to an increased level of appreciation of our art. Some are working on an article, and I have implemented a web site for our association and other Uechi-Ryu or Shohei-Ryu schools in the western USA. The web site is:

http://www.geocities.com/uechiryuwest

Along with links to various dojo pages, I have other links to martial arts sites, and some Okinawa links which I encourage everyone interested in Okinawan Culture to follow. They will point web surfers to additional interesting Okinawa pages. I also have a page of photographs. (more will be added) Several are well known, but I have a series of old photos that have never been presented anywhere. I hope they bring enjoyment to all that view them. They should be suitable to copy and print if desired. I only ask that they not be used commercially. The web site keeps growing, and additional information will continue to be added as it comes in and time allows.

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Dave Sargent, San Jose, CA

INTERNET GRUSSKARTE
INTERNET GREETING CARD

An / To

George

gmattson@uechi-ryu.com

Rückseite / Back Side

We wish your Merry Christmas and hope you should have the best New Year,
2000 !

Vladimir POPOVIC and students
[OKIKUKAI ShoHeiRyu Serbia Hombu Dojo]

hey all. just writing to send you holiday cheer and an update on what's going on here.

of course my parents sold the house and kicked me out on to the street, so i got a nice apartment in north dallas with my two dogs. i'll be here at least through august and probably beyond.

i've been doing a fair bit of travelling this year: new orleans, destin, austin, d.c., l.a., san diego, israel, amsterdam, and paris twice. the parents' apartment there is okay, but they're surrounded by french people.

after much deliberation, i have made a career shift. next month i start working for a company called iway, selling high-speed internet access to office buildings. it's literally just a "ground floor" opportunity, seeing as how they're still forming their marketing approach.

as for cutco, i finished the year as the #20 branch manager in the world (out of about 250) and still managed to reach one of the highest personal sales levels in the region. i'll stay on part time to service old customers, but that's about it. i was going to wait for an opportunity with cutco new zealand, but there are too many if's involved, and i can't wait 10 months for them to make a decision. i can, however, go on their cruise in march.

for those of you who haven't seen me in a while, i had braces on for about 18 months, and i had my jaw surgery in march. the picture below is the final result. sorry for not sending hard copies to those who requested them.

i recently applied for a tv show on cbs called survivor, where they put 16 strangers on a deserted island for up to 6 weeks with no food, supplies, or shelter. every three days one person is voted off the island by secret ballot, and the last one to remain wins $1,000,000. i have been selected to go on to the second elimination round. out of 6,000 applications, there are 800 of us left. my first interview is in two weeks. final selections will be made by the end of january. for full details, go to www.cbs.com, and look for "survivor."

also, my family is now doing live video conferencing over the internet. if you'd like to give it a try, let me know.

that's about it. please give my best to everyone who didn't get this letter, and please have a safe and happy holiday. wb. kit.

be well.

c'ya josh cohen

Mid-Atlantic Uechi-Ryu - http://maurk.listbot.com


Sensei Thompson will be conducting a seminar at Sensei Carria's dojo in Alexandria on Saturday, 04 March 2000, 1:30 - 4:00 pm.  Sensei Carria has offered to host Sensei Thompson as the foundation of the first MAURK Regional Workout of 2000.  Sensei Carria hopes that all of you can make the workout.  We will be collecting $20 pp to defray Sensei Thompson's travel
expenses.

RSVP's will be appreciated.

Hi,

Happy Holidays!

I was wondering if you knew of any fighters who have won world titles in both boxing and kickboxing. Troy Dorsey and James Warring come to mind for full contact rules kickboxing and Koasai Galaxy and Samart Payakaroon for Thai boxing rules.  Anyone else?

Frank Thiboutot
Sport Karate, Inc.
www.wowpages.com/cardiokick

Dear Family, Friends, Zankai Members, and Associates,

As the year and the century draw to a close and the New Year of the Dragon approaches, Sumako-san, I, and the Breyette-Matsuda Family wish to extend our best wishes for your success and prosperity through the Year 2000, and throughout the New Millenium when it begins in Year 2001.

Nothing is too much to ask if we all work together toward mutual goals, support the enthusiasm for each other's separate goals, combine our strength where we can, strive to reach our potentials, and respect each other's limitations -- and so...

May the Year of the Dragon 2000 renew our hopes, make our dreams reality, restore our sense of forgiveness and generosity, forge new friendships and refresh old ones, build a lasting peace, and bring joy to all our hearts and all those whose lives we touch.

May we receive all we need, need all we receive, and have enough to share. May that which we give return to us freely -- a thousand times over.

May we rejoice in our similarities, appreciate and respect our differences, and be flexible with all.

May we never be too busy to stop and smell a flower, become enraptured by a sunset, make a child smile, or help the elderly.

May we provide healing, and prevent harm.

May we be loved and respected for who we are, not for what others want us to be.

May we all realize that we are in a state of becoming, we are never the same as yesterday. May our egos shrink and our hearts grow, and the new persons in all of us learn to appreciate the new persons in each other -- every day.

May we grow in our Art and the Way, and may Art and the Way grow in, with, and around us all. May we learn to live life beautifully, not just live.

Finally, may we succeed in keeping alive the dreams of those who have gone before, that those who come after will do the same for us -- may our skills, understanding, and fulfillment live on in those who will cherish and preserve them, and continue the cycle forever...

Sincerely,

Gordi Seizan Breyette Sumako MATSUDA-Breyette Motoki MATSUDA and the Okinawa KarateDo UechiRyu Zankai http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/brucelee/550/

Bubushi Seasons Greetings

Dear George,

For Christmas this year I've received a very suprising gift. A copy of the Bubishi by Otsuka Tadahiko.

As you've expressed more than a passing interest in the Bubushi to me, I thought you might find this interesting.

Of course I don't allow a hadicap of not reading one kanjin stop me from appreciating the pictures and diatrams. Apparently the book is an explaination of how Otsuka Tadahiko wouuld apply the Bubushi self defense techniques. With clear photographs to his answers.

As I've been exposed to two different types of Bunkai, one direct aplication of any techniques capabilties, the second as a series of hidden self defense techniques arising from each kata movement point, I would ascribe Otsuka's explainations in that 2nd defination.

Checking with Joe Swift in Kanazawa, apparently for Otsuka, It was his 2nd or 3rd attempt at a book on the Bubushi, too. This one is basically a comparison between the 48 & the 32 old Long Fist Taiji techniques found in another book and two different version of the Bubushi. Apparently he's trying to draw parallels to the Bubushi techniques to thos e of the old tai chi form. (This is outside of my 22 years experience in Yang, however.)

Otsuka includes the Miyagi drawings from his own research and the Mabuni drawings he got from Pat McCarthy, as well as the 32 Long Fist postures.

Joe tells me The Bubishi bunkai apparently came through his own research in the Goju kata & Chinese arts.

The Bubishi drawings are Bubishi, the ones tha break down single postures (with no opponent) are from the Taiji drawings. When Otsuka shows a technique breakdown he also shows both Bubushi drawings on the same page, allowing you to see the differnces or similarities between the Bubushi editions.

Ht also includes a complete page by page copy of his actual bubushi, too (in reduced format).

Joe is planning to make some notes on this Bubushi this weekend to allow me to navitate my copy somewhat. It almost makes me want to learn to read Chinese and Japanese. But not in this lifetime I guess.

I thought you might find this interesting.

In any case I'd like to take this time to extend Seasons Greetings to you and the best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Victor Smith Bushi No Te Isshinryu

Merry Christmas & Happy new year from the Cheshire dojo. I was wondering if you could update your link to my web page.. I recently got a new URL address: www.berkshiremartialarts.com, and have been working on updating the site. It is still under construction but I figured it's better than the site I had up there.. Thank you and look forward to seeing you soon.


Jim Witherell

GEM Sensei:

A friend has a set fo sale. I am attaching a few pics.

Let me know if you have any interest.

JT (click on image to see full size)

Dear Sensei!

We have sent a package to you at 11 of December. We ask you to receive it as a sign of our > gratitude. We are afraid that it will be not delivered to 25th of December, if so we ask you to excuse us. We hope that you'll get it before New Year. To the package we've also put a present to Sensei Mattson whose attention and kindness are very pleasing to us. Please, if it's possible, hand over it to him as our gift to Christmas holidays.

Elena, Victoria. 

P. S. Please, if it's not very difficult to you, send a message to us when you'll get a package.

Dear Elena and Victoria

Thank you so much for your kindness. I understand the problem with the delay for shipping. I am honored you thought of us and I will gladly contact you when your package arrives.

Sincerely, Bill Glasheen

My name is Franco Sanguinetti, and I am the Chief Instructor of the Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA with Honbu Dojo in San Diego, California. I have been a Matayoshi Kobudo practitioner since 1979, and a direct student of Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei and his successor Gakiya Yoshiaki Sensei since 1982. In 1997, before Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei passed away, I made a promise to him that I would do my utmost to promote and spread his art to the best of my capabilities.

In order to accomplish my goal and in keeping with my commitment to Matayoshi Sensei, besides the frequent seminars that I conduct around the country, I decided to promote an Annual Matayoshi Kobudo Gasshuku. The even numbered years the Annual Gasshuku will be hosted in the USA with participation of instructors from Okinawa/Japan. On the other hand, in the odd numbered years, I will take a team to Okinawa to participate in our Gasshuku in the birthplace of Karate and Kobudo.

Since my promise to Matayoshi Sensei, in February 1998 I brought Gakiya Yoshiaki Sensei, Itokazu Seisho Sensei, and Yamashiro Kenichi Sensei from Okinawa to teach at our 1st Annual Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA Gasshuku that was held in San Diego.

This year, in July, I took a team from the USA to Okinawa for two weeks to participate in the 1st Memorial Festival & Demonstration in honor of Matayoshi Shinpo Sensei as well as in our 2nd Annual Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA Gasshuku.

Now continuing with my promise, in the year 2000, I am again bringing another team of instructors from Okinawa and Osaka to teach at our 3rd Annual Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA Gasshuku. This time I am pleased to bring Gakiya Yoshiaki Sensei and Itokazu Seisho Sensei from Okinawa, and Murayama Seitatsu Sensei from Osaka. The event is scheduled for January 27th through 30th, 2000 in beautiful San Diego.

I anticipate that this event will generate more interest and enthusiasm than the two previous Gasshukus. Likewise, I hope that the practitioners realize the benefits obtained by participating in a training with instructors of such high quality without either the added financial expense of traveling Okinawa or the consumption of time such a trip would require.

If you have the interest to participate in this unforgettable Gasshuku, I have included all the information necessary in the file attached. Also, if you think that this unique event is something that other practitioners can benefit from, feel free to forward this information to them or let me know so I can send them the information. Please remember that in supporting this type of event, you are not only helping to keep the ancient arts alive and free from extinction, you are helping to pass them on to future generations, since the next generation is not privileged to practice with the founders of these arts.

If you have questions about this coming Gasshuku or any functions of the Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Hoping to see you in January 2000. Yours in Budo,

Franco Sanguinetti Matayoshi Kobudo Kyokai USA 1655 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., Suite 107 San Marcos, CA 92069 * USA (760) 744-5560 * bushikan@millennianet.com

Dear Sir: I was looking through the web and found your site on Uechi-ryu. When I finished high school in 1993, I left a kenpo school in Syracuse, NY and have always wanted to continue my training ever since. My main problem is lack of time (from school and work) and money. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how I might be able to get books or training techniques via the www. Basically, what I'm looking for is a free way to train at home on my own time. I would need to learn new techniques and not practice the same old ones. I did find one site that showed through mpeg video different techniques, however they were very basic. Also, I was curious about your school and training. I had never heard of Uechi-ryu and I'm interested in other styles. If possible could you tell me if there are any Uechi-ryu schools in my area. Thank you in advance for your help.

Randy Revette

I studied Uechi Ryu from 1984-1987 in Okinawa under Takao "Al" Akiyama while stationed at Kadena AB. It was a privilege to study with him, and get the opportunity to train and study with Master Uechi himself. Unfortunately, when I rotated back stateside I could not find an Uechi instructor in the area I was stationed. I have, however, continued my study of the martial arts, and I am a 3rd Dan in Cha Yon Do, under Master Weldon Ashworth. I am a Police Officer (Sgt) with the Longview Police Department, in Longview, Tx. I am interested in finishing what I started! This has nothing to do with the education I've received in my current style, however my genesis was in Uechi Ryu. I was 1st Kyu when I left Okinawa. I rotated in October of '87...unfortunately, Dan testing was in November. I am not interested in hanging another certificate on the wall. I was totally disenchanted with the martial arts stateside. I mean my God, kumite was merely playing tag, and to me safety equipment meant you wore your mouth piece. My first tournament stateside I was disqualified for excessive contact. A good 'ol reverse punch taught to me by Akiyamasan got me that. I would just like to finish what I started and find a place where I can do that close to this area. I am a cop so I live with limited means. You may be happy to know that my current style built on all that I had learned while training in Uechi Ryu...it took nothing away. I would not trade anything I learned from this hard (yet soft) style! Keep the Uechi fire burning, and if you even read this e-mail, and have suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Yours truly, Mike Augustine

Good to hear from you Mike. If you read any of my editorials on the subject, you will realize that you are not alone in your views. I know Akiyama sensei very well. Used to train with him back in the 'ol days!

We don't have many dojo in Texas, but John Ray is located near Dallas I believe. Go to our main page and check the 'instructors' link. John is an excellent teacher and may know of other Uechi dojo nearer to you.

Stay in touch. Best, George Mattson

George:

It was nice seeing you working out in the hut during the Thanksgiving weekend. The turkeys and stuffings didn't slow you guys down at all !!

And congratulations to your new web layout. Excellent job!

When you have a chance, I would appreciate if you can change my phone number in the Instructors Listing to: (510) 245-0567. Thank you.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Henry Thom, 12/8

Hello,  I was wondering if there is a dojo or instructor in the Fairmont WV area that you know of. 

Thank you for your time.
Hugh Troyer

Lots of great dojo in your area Hugh. Please check out our "Instructor's" page. GEM

Folks,

It looks like Angel is trying to make a go of Bugeisha once again. Please visit the following site and check it out (still under construction) and show him your support: http://www.Bugeisha.Net.

Also, for the Wado people in the crowd, visit: http://www.egroups.com/group/wadokarate.

john Hassell

Mattson Sensei,

These are some of the pictures from the most recent kick-a-thon we had at the dojo. The children worked very hard and raised over $2000.00 for the underprivileged in our city. I am very proud of them.

My son Mason is the 7 year old brown belt demonstrating Seisan in two of the last photos, I think he has great kicks.

Respectfully,

Darrell Chagnon dchagnon@mindspring.com ( click on image to see full size)

hi Mr. Mattson.

its Sarah.  I was wondering, are there any pictures from this summers camp?   I'd really like to look at some.  Thanx!
                                 Sarah

Hi Sarah:

Good to hear from you. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

You are the third person this month asking about camp99 pictures. Unfortunately, I didn't take any stills, focusing my energy on video clips. I'll ask around though. Perhaps someone will lend us their pictures.

Regards,
George Mattson

Dear Mr Mattson, In regards to my earlier e-mail about the applications for sanchin. Through our research we have discovered that sanchin truly does hold the key to all of karate! Sanchin is undoubtedly the kata that all shaolin based forms grew from and our studies can prove this. Sanchin is not a mere series of blocks and strikes nor is it a dynamic tension excersise using battle breath (through it does use pranayamic breath restraint)

Sanchin is more a principle to which all of ones karate should adhere to. Sanchin holds within it all the basic techniques required for the practice of true shaolin pushing hands. When I say this please do not be put off by thoughts of taichi pushing hands or even that of wing chun. Sanchin based pushing hands is a totally different kettle of fish. Sanchin pushing hands is based on the principle of following the line of least resistance or the watercourse way, and uses touch reflexes to disolve attacking forces and return them to the sender without the recipient having to think about a response.

Touch reflex is by far the fastest of all the reations, as one does not have to see the attack, think of a response and then perform it on just reacts to the force with a trained response in the same way one would touch something hot and move ones hand away before one has time to think about it.

If you would like to arrange a meeting to see a demonstration of sanchin pushing hands in action and to discuss our findings please e-mail me.

Kind regards

Hayden Ebert

Please visit our Forums and discuss your views there. Of course, any time you wish to visit Boston, please call. GEM

AT FIVE TWENTY THIS MOIRINING NOVEMBER TWENTYTH NINETEEN HUNDRED AND NINETY NINE "JAMIESON McCOY MORGAN" ARRIVED EIGHT POUNDS SIX OUNCES. HEATHLY AND A JOYUS GIFT. LIFE IS A GIFT USE IT WISELY TODAY FOR JAMIE

THE MORGAN'S STEVE, KERRY, STEPHEN, BRANDON AND JAMIE.

What. . . No pictures!! gem

Hello Sensei Mattson

Please change my address on the instructor listing to:

Jody McFadden
5347 Hwy 141 South
Paragould, Arkansas 72450

(870) 573-6968

Thanks.

Jody

Done! GEM

hello this bernard in Indy. the last time I emailed you I don't think I gave the address of my dojo. Well here it is :

Uechi Ryu Karate School of Indianapolis, 537 Turtle Creek South Drive. suite 14-E. Indianapolis In.46227. Ph.# 317-780-0782.

Also I ventured up to see the Battle Creek and Kalamazo MI. crowd and let them know I was down here. Futhermore I met Al Bennet and managed to get some quality training with him right before I opened my Dojo on November 1st 1999.

I'll post your dojo info on our Instructor's page. GEM

Sensei George,

I received the order I placed for the 3 tapes, i.e. Summer Camp 1995, Summer Camp 1986, and New Wave Uechi-Ryu with Jimmy Maloney. Thank you for expediting them promptly to me.

I've watched each one and enjoyed each very much. Each has some very good information in it.

I have a question about the form that the Chinese gentleman from Fuzhou was teaching on the Summer Camp 1986 tape. My question is what is the name and origin of the form that he is teaching and performing? I've seen some village Hung Ga forms that one of the older sifus in our association demonstrates at public appearances. As I watched the tape, I noticed some striking similarities (no pun intended) between the form on the tape and the village Hung Ga forms. Any information on this form would be appreciated.

Also - I very much enjoyed Sensei Maloney's comments and demonstrations of Advanced Uechi-Ryu techniques on his tape. His interpretations are very close to the manner in which the Hung Ga techniques are applied in combat.

Larry Tan's comments and performance of his forms from the Summer Camp 1995 video were also interesting and I enjoyed them also. He mentioned that there were no dragon movements, i.e. coiling movements with circular footwork, in Uechi-ryu as he was demonstrating his dragon form techniques.

I'd like to point out that I believe there are dragon movements in the San Chin form. They are not the overt or obvious coiling movements with circular footwork found in the "usual" dragon movements as demonstrated by Larry on the tape. However, I believe that the circular footwork movements and the subsequent coiling of the body do exist within SanChin. In analyzing SanChin, I would venture to say that the basis for circular footwork and body coiling can be found in two places, i.e. the tenshin movements - last 3 moves of SanChin - and the mawate - the turns to the rear and back to the front in the SanChin. I believe that if one analyzes these moves in detail that the basis for the circular footwork and the subsequent coiling is there in SanChin. However, the moves are not overt or obvious These circular footwork/coiling moves, I believe by definition, would constitute some form of "dragon moves" in the Uechi system.

My last set of comments is just an observation that I've made given I've been doing alot of thinking about Uechi-ryu in the context of Bagua and the dragon techiques/forms. The above comments are merely my own observations.

(Name withheld by request)

Hi,

We're now discussing the development of a "Fitness Kickboxing" association to help combat the efforts of aerobic associations which are claiming to be THE authorities for kickboxing certification. We are looking to enroll charter members who will be on the Board of Directors for the IFKA (International Fitness Kickboxing Ass'n). Once it is set up, we will elect a director. You may be hearing from Robert Mason who is also the Commissioner for the ISKA, the world's leading sanctioning body for the sport of kickboxing. Or, for more information you may contact him at Mason@ukc.com or call him at (954) 472-0630.

Regards,

Frank Thiboutot Sport Karate, Inc.

as you've commented in your whats new section.... many martial artists are grieving over the degradation of the rank system. Mostly for when rank is given without just cause. And many would say to just throw it out. Now, throwing out the rank system would be valid, but probably not practical and also kind of wasteful. The rank system serves a good purpose, to show where you are on the stepping ladder and how long you've been practicing. the problems arise when people's goal is the rank and not to achieve that what rank is given for. Perhaps a cure to the rank problem, a long recovery time though, would be to simply stop emphasizing rank... see what happens when you have the students stop wearing their belts to class for a couple of weeks. You go to the dojo to become a better person over all and to increase your knowledge and ability in the martial art, emphasize that.

When I come up with a better way to say it, I'll e-mail you Adam The night star

Excellent viewpoint. As I mentioned in my last editorial, rank will always have a place in the dojo. . . even if it is only used to determine class structure. Although rank is a big problem over 5th dan, the attitude you refer to, does begin with white belt. GEM

I haven't forgotten your request for a copy of the Bruce Lee tape showing your book, however life doesn't seem to slow down long enough for me to get one made. That is unless you could do something with an 8mm. That I can do at home and send it down to you. Let me know. Also there are a few of us who think we might like to order an embroidered belt and we were wondering how much belt has to be left hanging so as not to interfer with the embroidering. Also I was wondering what cards you take, really do you take Diners Club? And is there a phone # so I don't have to put my credit card# into the net.

Gilbert MacIntyre Yondan, Sydney Uechi-Ryu Sydney, NS Canada

Thanks for the video Gilbert. Regarding your belt: Add another six inches to each side. We take MC and Visa only at this time. If you are hesitant about using our secure ordering service, either call or fax the information. GEM

WARRIOR AS HEALER A BOOK WORTH CHECKING OUT!

Did you know that traditional Chinese martial arts training placed as much emphasis on nurturing the spirit as it did on the fighting ability of the aspiring martial arts student? This extended to the study of the healing arts and the use of herbs not only for injury management, but also to increase sensitivity, improve energy levels, and, most significantly, raise consciousness.

Many of the greatest figures in martial arts history were as renowned as healers as they were as warriors. Leaving behind a history of extensive healing tradition that includes an immense repository of herbal formulas. This book Warrior as Healer provides the recipes for the formulas that have been used for centuries to stop bleeding, speed healing, and increase vitality as well as those that increase one's ability to focus and calm the mind or spirit.

In addition to re-examining the historical relationship between the martial and healing arts Warrior as Healer also discusses how modern martial artists can incorporate the use of herbs as part of their martial art training, to improve stamina, condition their hands and feet, and to maintain their general health.

The book is almost 200 pages in length, it is user-friendly, filled with easy to understand instructions. It is currently available in local bookstores, or you can find it online at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

If you'd like to learn more about the book or the author Thomas Richard Joiner, here's the URL to his website:<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/tjseaofchi/myhomepage/index.html">http://hometow n.aol.com/tjseaofchi/myhomepage/index.html</A>

Or if you'd like to purchase the book, you can go directly to those book stores that sell online, like "http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0892817968/qid%3D931973299/002-5044912-4832808"

Thanks for forwarding the message from Nadine. I was astonished. Haven't heard from her in years and years.Your Uechi family really has spread out. I still check your Website and happy to see things seem to be going well. Sorry I missed Buzz Durkin's party. He's a great guy. Please give him my best when you see him. Cheers. Tim Horgan

And of course, the Mailbag would not be complete without a few humorous stories. GEM

IT'S THAT SEASON...TIME FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE PSYCHIATRICALLY CHALLENGED:

SCHIZOPHRENIA:
        Do you Hear What I Hear?

MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER:
        We Three Queens Disoriented Are.

DEMENTIA:
        I Think I'll Be Home for Christmas.

NARCISSISTIC:
        Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me.

MANIC:
        Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and  Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and...

PARANOID:
        Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me.

PERSONALITY DISORDER:
        You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll tell you Why.

DEPRESSION:
        Silent Anedonia, Holy Anhedonia, All is Flat, All is  Lonely.

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER:
        Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle
        Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle
        Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell,Jingle
        Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell,
        Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell
        Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell,
        Jingle  Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, .......(better start again)

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE PERSONALITY:
        On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me (and then took it all away).

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER:
        Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire.

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry as stated:

"If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would be driving twenty-five dollar cars that go 1000 miles to a gallon".

In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stated by Mr. Welch himself: "If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics: Dear Martial Artist:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.

2. Every time you repainted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason and you would just accept this, restart and drive on.

4. Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre such as a left turn, would cause your car to shut down and refuse to start, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Only one person at a time could use the car unless you bought "car95 or "carNT" but then you would have to buy more seats.

6. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive, but would only run on five percent of the roads.

7. The Oil, Water temperature and Alternator warning lights would be replaced by a single "general car default" warning light.

8. New seats would force everyone to have the same size butt.

9. The airbag system would say "Are You Sure?" before going off.

10. Occasionally for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

11. GM would require all car buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of Rand McNally roadmaps (now a GM subsidiary), even though they neither need them nor want them. Attempting to delete this option would immediately cause the cars performance to diminish by 50% or more. More over, GM would become a target for investigation by the Justice Department.

12. Everytime GM introduced a new model, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

13. You'd press the "START" button to shut off the engine.

A man piloting a hot air balloon discovers he has wandered off course and is hopelessly lost. He descends to a lower altitude and locates a man down on the ground. He lowers the balloon further and shouts "Excuse me,can you tell me where I am?"

The man below says: "Yes, you're in a hot air balloon, about 30 feet above this field."

"You must work in Information Technology," says the balloonist.

"Yes I do," replies the man. "And how did you know that?"

"Well," says the balloonist, "what you told me is technically correct, but of no use to anyone."

The man below says, "You must work in management."

"I do," replies the balloonist, "how did you know?"

"Well," says the man, "you don't know where you are, or where you're going, but you expect my immediate help. You're in the same position you were before we met, but now it's my fault!"

Copyright 2000 Eastern Arts & Humanities Center, Inc. All rights reserved.