March 2 
George: I wanted to write and tell you of my incredible journey to China. This past January I spent almost three weeks visiting various universities in southwest China. The purpose of my visit was twofold. First, I was representing my university for possible faculty and student exchange programs, and second, I was visiting martial art programs at both the university and national level. 

As you can imagine the trip was educational, eye opening, and also puzzling. What was the most interesting, concerning Uechi, however, were the comments made by the wu shu instructors that I met. After demonstrating sanchin, sei san, and san sei ryu it was unanimous that Uechi is an internal system, and the roots or history of Uechi probably originated with the Taoist martial art schools that originated in the Wudang Mountains. 

When I asked them why the following reasons were given: 1. The breathing pattern (we do not exhale on contact, but after) 2. We use counter opposing muscles -100% forward, 100% backward 3. We strike on a vertical axis, rather than the horizontal swinging motion found in external systems

I found this very interesting and did confirm my own thoughts about the origin of Uechi and its use of internal power (qi) and qi gong and Taoist thought.

Now, the question to be raised is in what ways has Uechi changed due to the influence of Okinawan culture and the "bushi" culture of Japan. Even in my own lifetime in Uechi (30 years) the changes are apparent. The way I was introduced to Uechi is not the way they are teaching the style today in Okinawa. In fact, I am kinda old fashion in my views and teaching methodology. The second question to be asked is progress and innovation a good or bad thing.

I obviously do not have an answer, but I will continue to struggle to find an answer that I can train with and pass on to my students.

Joan Neide 

Keep us posted Joan. GEM

The Hook Grip: 

Secret Weapon of Mayhem 
by David Elkins Sandan, Uechi-Ryu karate

I'm intrigued by the similarity between the Olympic hook grip and a Uechi-Ryu karate hand structure called the Bushiken (coiled thumb). It's ironic that the same hand structure serves two masters as diverse as those of lifting and karate.

Let's explore the similarities and differences between the hook grip and the bushiken. One supports the lifting of massive weight and the other is a delivery system of one of the most lethal strikes in karate.

GRIPPING THE BAR

There are several ways that one can grip a barbell when lifting. These variations are particularly relevant to the pulling motions of clean, snatch, power clean, power snatch, hi-pull, pull from blocks, bent row, deadlift, etc. You get the picture....the movements that are characterized by coach Bill Starr as "defying gravity." · The most common configuration is the parallel grip. This is just what it sounds like--both hands address the bar palm down. This is the "weakest" grip as both thumbs are oriented in the same direction (remember how to get out of a grab? Go against the weak link in a grip--the thumb.) The advantages of the parallel grip are that it strengthens the grip and forearms to a greater degree than the other two varieties. It is also safer than the reverse grip as I shall explain in next section. · The next most common is the so-called reverse grip in which the hands are configured one/palm up and one/palm down. This grip is stronger than the parallel grip since it eliminates the weak link of parallel thumb placement. It does, however, suffer the disadvantage of allowing one to lift the bar only in a limited range of motion. It's greatest utility is found in the performance of the deadlift. It supports prodigious weight; however, there is a cost. Such a structure may cause the spine to torque to accommodate the configuration of the upper extremities. Coach Louie Simmons advises us to reserve the reverse grip for strength contests. He suggests compensating for the bar's tendency to "windmill" by placing the foot corresponding to the hand in the curl grip out an extra inch or so when preparing to lift . The reverse grip structure is common to the so-called Yin/Yang hands of Uechi-Ryu and many martial traditions. In martial arts this hand structure usually "hides" a meaning of either placing a very secure grip upon the upper extremities of an opponent to perhaps pull him into a kick, or a grappling maneuver in which the opponent's body is rotated to take-down or vertebral fracture.

· The least common is the hook grip. In this grip used by Olympic lifters, the hands are parallel and the thumbs are wrapped around the bar prior to closing the fingers. This grip will allow the lifter to hoist much more weight than the parallel grip in a greater range of motion than the reverse grip. This is a variation that is made for the karate-ka (practitioner.) An additional advantage of the hook grip is that while you are lifting, you are building one hell of a strong bushiken! Go easy at first as the grip can hurt if you're not used to it -- the bushiken will always hurt!

GRIPPING THE THROAT

The Bushiken is formed by holding the hand out as though to stop traffic; tensing the first and second joints of the fingers so that the hand is concaved with the fingers touching each other; and then tucking the thumb against the edge of the palm so that the knuckle is underneath the index finger and the tip under the middle finger. 

The finger structure described above is the foundation for bushiken and can be modified to fit the anatomical configuration of whatever target the practitioner strikes. The fingers may be open, closed, begin closed and then open, or begin open and then close. These variations will be clear when applications are presented.

The exact placement of the thumb can also vary depending on the target to be struck. The knuckle and last segment of the thumb are used in striking. The bushiken is effective against both hard (the head) and soft targets (the throat, pressure points on the torso, the kidneys, the testicles, and the vulnerable inner aspects of the upper and lower extremities.) The bushiken can also be employed as the "encoded message" of an iron palm open hand slap. A well-placed, bushiken-powered slap to the temple by a trained practitioner is entirely capable of rendering its recipient unconscious.

The bushiken hand structure is found in almost all Uechi-Ryu kata (forms). A good way to conceptualize the bushiken is to imagine your open hand as a mallet striking, and the thumb as a ball peen hammer in the center of the mallet. 

It is important to realize that the strike is only the beginning of the impact of bushiken. Once the strike has been made, the thumb and remaining digits move in a pincher fashion to rip and crush whatever they encounter. 

APPLICATION AND VARIATION OF BUSHIKEN

"WHY YOU #@^**&!, I'll TEAR YOUR HEAD OFF

Your opponent punches at head height with a looping right hand (a very common occurrence in a real fight.) Strike into the centerline (the imaginary plane that connects the core of your body to his) with your left hand. Your strike will describe an egg shaped path and strike upwards into the chin. Don't strike straight out -- allow the trajectory of your strike to have an elliptical shape so that contact is made from underneath. This strike although simple in appearance and execution, represents a high level concept: that of simultaneous attack and defense. When you defend with this movement, you have both blocked his strike and returned fire all in one motion.

"THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING"

Our attention thus far has been exclusively on the first phase of the bushiken strike, the impact of the palm heel and coiled thumb. There is more to discuss though -- the bushiken is "a gift that keeps on giving!" The tensed fingertips strike the nose, cheeks, and/or eyes either simultaneously with, or immediately following the impact of the palm heel/coiled thumb. The exact location of the finger tip strikes is a function of two variables: the length of your fingers and the degree of lethality your attack demands.

"IS IT SAFE?"

Remember these chilling words of the infamous Dr. Mengele in the movie "Marathon Man?" Alas, if you are the recipient of the bushiken strike, the pain is not yet over. The third and final phase of the strike is a ripping/tearing motion. A hand conditioned by the kata and ancillary exercises of Uechi-Ryu karate, or hook-style lifting is capable of causing massive trauma to flesh. 

Although the movement involving the bushiken is now complete, the attack is not necessarily over. Your adversary may be in an altered state of consciousness or just plain mean. Any number of follow up sequences may be used to finish off the opponent. The description provided above only addressed use of your left hand. No one wants to engage in combat with "one hand tied behind their back." Similarly while you are deploying the left hand consider any number of strikes possible with your right hand or elbow. Various options of kicking or knee attacks are also possible if you have successfully trapped your opponent and are using the ripping motions of the bushiken to bring his head in a downward trajectory.

In conclusion, even if you have no aspirations to Olympic style lifting, consider using the hook grip. Its advantages are threefold. It will allow you to lift greater weight that the conventional parallel grip. It will strengthen your fingers, hands, and forearms to a greater degree than the reverse grip. And finally, its use will cultivate the bushiken, the coiled thumb of Uechi-Ryu karate.

To that end, give pause should you ever find yourself inclined to hassle a lifter. He or she may be a trained karate-ka, in full command of the hook grip, the secret weapon of mayhem. 

I am a doctor specializing in Emergency Medicine in the Emergency Departments of the only two military Level One trauma centers. They are both in San Antonio, TX and they care for civilian emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree population in the world living here because of the location of these two large military medical centers. As a military doctor in training for my specialty I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work. Most often it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash. Often it is a person of dubious character who has been shot or stabbed. With our large military retiree population it is often a nursing home patient. Even with my enlisted service and minimal combat experience in Panama prior to medical school, I have caught myself groaning when the ambulance brought in yet another sick, elderly person from one of the local retirement centers that cater to military retirees. I had not stopped to think of what citizens of this age group represented.

Then I saw the movie Saving Private Ryan. I was touched deeply.

Not so much by the carnage in the first 30 minutes but by the sacrifices of so many. I was touched most by the scene of the elderly survivor at the grave side asking his wife if he'd been a good man. I realized that I had seen these same men and women coming through my Emergency Dept. and had not realized what magnificent sacrifices they had made. The things they did for me and everyone else that has lived on this planet since the end of that conflict are priceless.

Situation permitting I now try to ask my patients about their experiences. They would never bring up the subject without the inquiry. I have been privileged to an amazing array of experiences recounted in the brief minutes allowed in an Emergency Dept encounter. These experiences have revealed the incredible individuals I have had the honor of serving in a medical capacity, many on their last admission to the hospital.

There was a frail, elderly woman who reassured my young enlisted medic trying to start an IV line in her arm. She remained calm and poised despite her illness and the multiple needle-sticks into her fragile veins. She was what we call a "hard stick." As the medic made another attempt I noticed a number tattooed across her forearm. I touched it with one finger and looked into her eyes. She simply said "Auschwitz." Many of later generations would have loudly and openly berated the young medic in his many attempts. How different was the response from this person who'd seen unspeakable suffering.

A long retired Colonel who as a young officer had parachuted from his burning plane over a pacific island held by the Japanese. Now an octogenarian, his head cut in a fall at home where he lived alone. His CT scan and suturing had been delayed until after midnight by the usual parade of high priority ambulance patients. Still spry for his age, he asked to use the phone to call a taxi to take him home then realized his ambulance had brought him without his wallet. He asked if he could use the phone to make a long distance call to his daughter who lived 70 miles away. With great pride we told him that he could not as he'd done enough for his country and the least we could do was get him a taxi home, even if we had to pay for it ourselves. My only regret was that my shift wouldn't end for several hours and I couldn't drive him myself.

I was there the night MSG Roy Benavidez came through the Emergency Dept for the last time. He was very sick. I was not the doctor taking care of him but I walked to his bedside and took his hand. I said nothing. He was so sick he didn't know I was there. I'd read his Congressional Medal of Honor citation and wanted to shake his hand. He died a few days later.

The gentleman who served with Merrill's Marauders, the survivor of the Baatan Death March, the survivor Omaha Beach, the 101 year old World War I veteran, the former POW held in frozen North Korea, the former Special Forces medic now with non-operable liver cancer, the former Viet Nam Corps Commander. I remember these citizens. I may still groan when yet another ambulance comes in but now I am much more aware of what an honor it is to serve these particular men and women. I am angered at the cut backs, implemented and proposed, that will continue to decay their meager retirement benefits. I see the President and Congress who would turn their back on these individuals who've sacrificed so much to protect our liberty. I see later generations that seems to be totally engrossed in abusing these same liberties won with such sacrifice. It has become my personal endeavor to make the nurses and young enlisted medics aware of these amazing individuals when I encounter them in our Emergency Dept. Their response to these particular citizens has made me think that perhaps all is not lost in the next generation.

My experiences have solidified my belief that we are losing an incredible generation and this nation knows not what it is losing.

Our uncaring government and ungrateful civilian populace should all take note. We should all remember that we must " Earn this."

Rangers Lead the way!

CPT Stephen R. Ellison, M.D. 

Dear Sensei Mattson

First I would like to thank you and your people for the hospitality that was given to my students and I over the weekend. We all enjoyed ourselves greatly and recognized how much the technical abilities of the competitors has improved since last year. We tried to educate as much as adjudicate and in doing so it was a learning experience for everyone. I have been following the Uechi chat line and have read that there maybe some out there who think that training their own is a better way to go. I fully agree. I think, " GIVE A MAN A FISH, FEED HIM FOR A DAY..TEACH A MAN TO FISH, FEED HIM FOR A LIFETIME" Following this simple logic, I have set up a grass roots program for officials that has been adopted by the National Karate Association of Canada and the Tsuruoka Federation. 

The Bermuda Martial Arts Federation is in the process of negotiating with me to set up the training for their country. Instead of bringing in crews let's talk about growing from within the Uechi family by using your trained Senior Officials to act as Technical advisers. By this time next year your people could be well on their way to self reliance with Officials that eventually could cross over to referee at all types of tournaments. This is so POSSIBLE. The program I have developed is not style specific and can be modified to special needs. You supply the salesmen.. I'll supply the product. Let me know if you are interested and we'll get the enthusiasm rolling

.....Ron Fagan

Hello All,

Coming this August in Toronto, Canada is the Internation Okinawan GojuRyu Karate Federations annual Miyagi Chojun Festival. We have expanded our format to allow several evenings of training open to all styles of Martial Artists, including a training session with Morio Higaonna Shihan, head of the IOGKF. 

Information on this event can be found on our website which is now located at http://www3.sympatico.ca/bw.mcgee . Click of the MCF2000 link and then click the Open Evenings link.

Best wishes to all

Bruce McGee

Dear sirs, I have searched in my browser for "peabody publishing". Your site came up and the page had a yellow box with red dragon on the left hand side. It also had a link to peabody publishing but that link does not work and it says thre is a server error.

Could you please tell me how to contact peabody as I would like to buy a book called Scissors, Rock, Paper by Harvey Liegergott. I would really like to know when the last revision was made of this book and if there is another imminent.

Many thanks for your help.

JD, England

I'll fix this old link. Thanks for letting me know about it. GEM

I am a former student ( Shodan) of Mr. Peter McRae of Plymouth,MA...seeking a Uechi-ryu Dojo in or as near as possible to Syracuse,NY... Any help possible would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you...LJS

Check the "Instructor's Listing". GEM

Hi George, Just wanted to let you know that I will be in attendance for your Summer Camp 2000. Thought I would give you the topics I would be interested in teaching. I thought about presenting something new and a little off the beaten path. What do you think? If you object to these, certainly I understand.You may already have a full menu of trainers. 

1. Dynamic punching - Methods of developing reaction time punching that is powerful and well placed for tournament competition. These are the 'secrets' used by world class karate champions for scoring decisively against evenly matched opponents. 

2. Ground stalling tactics for police trainers - A block of instruction from the RRB Systems commercial GROUNDFIGHT! course. This course is designed to teach police officers and security personnel how to control combative subjects who engage them in a groundfight. Police officer trainers and police officer trainer wannabes who attend this course (and I know a few attend camp regularly) should bring a set of handcuffs and a key to see the final steps of securing subjects after the stall. 

Empty hand take down tactics - a variety of methods used to take a combative subject to the ground without causing injury. Great for police and security personnel, this course also is of value for anyone who might find themselves asaulted by an aggressive attacker. 

Roy Bedard 

Dear Mr Mattson:

I am looking for a Uechi Ryu email discussion list, the kind where members of the list can post comments and discuss matters, and all on the list receive the dialog. Do you know of any such list? Can you tell me where to go to subscribe to them?

I am not looking for a Bulletin Board discussion where one has to go to a web site and post comments or read them, but one that has discussion coming directly to my email address.

Many thank for your help.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Charles Roberts Ballston Spa, NY

Want to see some good poems, raps, rants, and short stories about everything from love, to life, to blackness, to black sci-fi? Go to www.themestream.com, and do a search for me, Cecil Washington. I promise you, it is well worth the read.
And if you want to become an author there, you can. 

But first, read up on my stuff. Registering is free, and so is reading. Remember, search for "Cecil Washington".

Some of you all would clean up if you started writing about karate. Think about it!

Thanks,

Cecil

George, 

How are you? It has been a long time. I was a student of yours for 1 year in the sixties. You may not remember me. I moved out of the Boston area to Natick and continued to study with Walter and have been a student of since. You may remember that I had a disability. I had at age 2 and result was no muscles in my left foot and could not hold any on stance left foot only. 

I need a uechi-ryu school for my grandson, who is 11 years old, in the somerville area. I understand there is a father and , that have a dojo in melrose. I could use some helping locating them. e.g. Telephone # and address. I would appreciate your tel. # also, so that my daughter can talk to you. They would take him to your dojo, if there is no one closer. Who better than the Master could guide her. My daughter can be reached at . . .. I can be reached at . . . .. Your website is fantastic and contains very useful info. Your getting involved and speaking out on any subjects that can help the youngsters is great. Bless you.

Sincerely, Dick Bisson

Thanks for the kind words. If you get an opportunity, please drop in to our Saturday class. I'm sure some of the old timers will remember you. Check out the 'instructors' web section for dojo information in your area. GEM

 Age a factor in Uechi Ryu training
Sir;

I am thinking about joining a Uechi-ryu dojo here in Tallahassee, Fl. I know the instructor Roy Beddard and have respect for him and the style. I have experienced some martial arts in the past including Uechi-Ryu. I am 48 and in good health and condition. Is this style based on physical strength? If it is then do I have a chance of learning anything from it at the ripe old age of 48?, or should I take a look at a style like Wing Chun? I am in law enforcement and need a style that I can use now as well in my advance years.

Roy is a fantastic teacher. . . for people of all ages!

I'm 62 and enjoy my Uechi-ryu as much today as when I began back in 1956.

Uechi-ryu, as taught by Roy has other advantages besides the obvious health benefits. Roy teaches many practical applications of Uechi-ryu that may prove helpful in your job.

Let me know how you are doing. Hopefully you will be able to join Roy at our camp this August. GEM

Dear Master Mattson: 

Went to the Championships today and had a wonderful time! This was my first Uechi event. It was such a great pleasure meeting you for the first time. I have been looking forward to this. I also would like to thank you very much for taking a picture with me. As mentioned to you earlier today; I will send you a copy. I am looking forward to attending many more Uechi-Ryu events in the future. It was great!! Hope to see you again at camp.

Sincerely, 

Barbara Beauchaine 
(1st degree brown belt) (Sensi Ed Oakley's dojo RI)

George,

Last night i made several replies to post on the "Forums" and all of a sudden, my automatic registered info along with my reply disappeared. I no longer can just "write and submit" as i could and am wondering why ?

Here is my info:

.......

Even a couple of replies that i believe went through appear to not be there. I wrote nothing insulting or derogatory towards anyone so i can not imagine being "deleted" ? 

Any thoughts ? Would you please re-activate my name and password for automatic so that i need not type it in each time ?

Much appreciated ,

Gary

This is a common problem, so I thought it a good idea to devote a little space to it. When you initially register, you have the option to have your computer remember your ID and Password. . . but for one year! Guess what. . . your one year has expired! Simply go to "preferences" and reactivate this option. Then post a message, filling in your username and password. Remember that this information is case sensitive. GEM

Dear Mr. Mattson,

I would like to draw your attention to up to now unknown (but complete) style of Wing Chun Kung Fu, that started to spread from year 1990, by Grand Master/Patriarch Huynh Ngoc An (student/follower of Ho Hai Long).

I would also like to draw your attention on techniques performed under Original Wing Chun Kung Fu.

These techniques also exist in your Uechi Ryu Karate (style of "Tiger, Dragon and Crane").

Even now we can find in Wing Chun techniques which origin leads to Shaolin (Siu Lam) monastery. 

Original Wing Chun has kept origin (source) forms of five animals system - "Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Leopard and Snake".  Legend say that Wing Chun style of Chinese Kung Fu originate from this forms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grand Master Nguen Te Kong (1877-1960) & Grand Master Ho Hai Long (1917-1988) practising Bil Jee (Biu Tze, Piao Chih) techniques
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a matter of a branch of Wing Chun Kung Fu which got round famous Grand Master Yip Man and his followers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is evidently that Mr. Yip Man did not leard whole Wing Chun Kung Fu style from sons of Mr. Liong Tan (Liong Suan and Liong Bik), but only one (smaller) part. 

Complete Wing Chun style of Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An was isolated in Vietnam from 1933 (untill 1990.). 

It is obviously that this style was not undergone a transformation.

Above mentioned Grand Master Liong Tan is also known as Leung Jan, his older son Lion Suan as Leung Tsun (Leung Chun) and his younger son Liong Bik as Leung Bik (Leung Bak).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Development of one branch of Original Shaolin Wing Chun Kung Fu:

An Internet presentation of above mentioned master of Chinese boxing can be found at: http://www.vietwingchun.com/ .

Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An moved himself from Vietnam to Russia and now he is a President of Russian Wing Chun Kung Fu Federation.

Beside Russia (Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod) he has his schools in Ukraine (Kiev and Odessa) as well. 

I downloaded few pictures of techniques of Original Wing Chun Kung Fu, and you can see them as follows:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An (1954 - ) performing toe-tip kick (In Yip Man's Wing Chun, kick is performing by complete /whole/foot)

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Uechi Ryu Karate ~ Wing Chun Kung Fu (1)

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Uechi Ryu Karate ~ Wing Chun Kung Fu (2)

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Uechi Ryu Karate ~ Wing Chun Kung Fu (3)

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Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An (In Yip Man's Wing Chun, kick is performing by complete /whole/foot)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An - school in Vietnam (1) (This practising is unknown in Yip Man's Wing Chun Kung Fu)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------






Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An - school in Vietnam (2) (This practising is unknown in Yip Man's Wing Chun Kung Fu)

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Grand Master Huynh Ngoc An - school in Russia (This practicing is unknown in Yip Man's Wing Chun Kung Fu) 

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I suppose that the fact that Original Wing Chun Kung Fu originated (during 17th a 18th century) directly from style of five animals ("Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Leopard and Snake") is also news for you.

Maybe, Original Wing Chun Kung Fu is that martial art where you should try to find roots of Uechi Ryu Karate! (?)

Respectfully,

Petar Bogunovic

Hi George,

My name is Bob Adams and I studied Uechi-ryu karate and received my rank of Shodan under the instruction of Dick Pinkham back in the 70's during my college years. Our promotional was attended by the visiting Okinawans. Pretty exciting and a little intimidating. Those guys gave a new meaning to sanchin testing. After I married and got responsibilities (kids, etc...) more and more of my time was taken up and I lost touch with the Uechi-Ryu association. I often look back at those times as some of the best experiences of my life. 

Many of the skills and lessons I learned have stayed with me and helped guide me throughout my life. Occasionally I will stop by the web page to see what's new and I am also on your mailing list. I saw the mailing on the upcoming championships and I was considering taking my son to give him a first hand look at Uechi-Ryu. I tried to access the website today but was unable to do so. Would you please send me the details on the tournament in Marlborough? 

regards... Bob 

COMPAQ Bob Adams 

Thanks for the great article Petar. Please stay in touch and continue to share your research with us. GEM
Best, George Mattson =====

Dear Mr. Mattson: 

I spoke of your web sight to my sensei (Gary Mollett 6th Dan)and he told me that he knew you then followed by "those are some bad boys..and really tough"speaking of your students and of the style. Which always seem to motivate the class because we all want to be revered by Sensei in that way. He also told me to tell you hi and he mentioned something about studing or working out with Toshi,I guess that is someone that you both know.. In closing I want to think you for this wonder sight..I know you put a lot of work in it and just want to let you know that it is very appreciated. Thank You Sir John Farley( 7th 

Thanks for the very kind letter John. Please give my very best regards to your sensei, Gary Mollett.

I enjoy working on the website and get lots of help from talented people. 

Keep in touch.

===========

Again do you know if any of Mr.Uechi's students did any research into what he studied in china and or have you. =========== 

GEM: I was part of a research team that went to China in the 80's. The findings are documented in a two tape video series which can be found in our Store. 
============ 

Did your teacher copy any books or anything like that from Mr.Uechi. 
=========== 
GEM:There was a manuscript that Kanbun Uechi brought back with him from China. But is was destroyed in a fire before its contents were preserved. My teacher believed it was a copy of the Bubishi. 

==========

oh does uechi-ryu teach pressure points?
 ======= 
GEM: Yes 
====== 
What was your teacher like 
======== 
GEM: Please read the Bugeisha magazine reprints that can be found on the front page of my site for detailed information on my teacher. 

======= 
and do you know were mr.Gushi teaches out of and does he have a web page.
======= 
GEM: No and No. 

======== 
Again thank you and I hope that I am not asking to much of you.

Thank you 
Brian J.Bartunek 

======== 
I suggest that you research the Uechi-ryu.com website for all and more information. regards, GEM

Hi Brian:

Thanks for writing. I'll try to answer questions as asked GEM

Dear Mr.Mattson 

Hello I was wonder if you could answer a couple of questions for me? To your knowledge did anyone of Mr.Uechi's students or anyone ever do any research into what he had studied in china and for how long. Do you know what the origional curriculum that Mr.Uechi taught was and did he teach weapons or were you taught weapons. If possible could you give me a run down on what techniques are taught in Uechi-ryu.

============== 
GEM: My teacher, Ryuko Tomoyose, explained that Kanbun originally taught Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiryu and Kotikiti. It is believed he studied for 10 years. He did not teach any weapons. I did not chose to learn any weapons, since weapons was not part of Uechi-ryu. People who study weapons, learn from other Okinawan systems like Shorinryu. Uechi-ryu has expanded its base quite a bit in the past 50 years. We now have 8 kata, two prearranged sparring drills and two 'bunkai' (application drills). 
=========== 

What caused the splintering of Uechi's students do you know.

GEM: Lots has been written about the 'split'. You might check out the "politics' section of the website for details. ==========

Are you familier with Mr.Shinyu Gushi and what is your > opinon of him.

GEM:  Mr. Gushi is a great martial artist. 

==========

I have been thinking of studying Uechi-ryu and the closest instructors are Joan Neide, Robert Van Der Volgen, Mikio Nishiuchi and Mary Boltz, Dave Sargent and Duane Champoux. Do you know any of them and who would you recommend. Mr.Mattson what was Mr.Kanei Uechi like as a person and martial artist. I hope I am not asking to much of you and would appreciated any info you could give me
Thank you

Brian J. Barunek
========== 

GEM: Tough question. Best to visit and workout with each, then pick the person that you feel will help you the most. I know all of these teachers and feel that they all are excellent teachers. Regarding Uechi Sensei, please read Uechi-ryu Karate Do for lots of background information on him. Also check out Alan Dollar's fine book on the subject. Best, George Mattson 
=========

Sensei Mattson:

Some of my classmates and I have been wondering about the meaning of the titles, "Renshi", "Kyoshi", "Hanshi" and "Hanshi-sei".

I have not been able to find these words in the Japanese dictionary I use. Could you please tell us the meanings?

Thank you!

Wendy Barker

Check out the Forums for information on this subject. GEM

Sensei, I was wondering which magazine Harvey Liebergotts article was in. I really enjoyed reading it and thought if the rest of the magazine was that good I should pick one up. Hope to see you at the grapplers friday night. Fred Channell

Taichi Magazine Fred. See you on Friday! GEM

George Sensei,

I just thought you may be interested in checking out our new dojo website. Especially since this is where the Regional Dan test will be held.

http://www.beaconhillathletic.com/karate.html

Cheers, Louis Rivers 

 Subject: new home page 

A very good day to you Sensei, I hope you are well.

I would like to inform you I have made a new homepage (which is still in the making) and all in Dutch, but I hope soon to make it in English also.

http://my.treeway.com/shoheiryu my mail is still shoheiryu@wxs.nl

I have put only three links so far and one of them is your site. It just crossed my mind I didnt ask and I hope you approve.

I have noticed that you recieve sometimes mails from people asking for a dojo in Holland.

As far as I kknow I am the only one studying ang teaching Uechi/Shohei-Ryu here.(2.Dan,Shidoin)I would like to say that if there is someone else here it would be nice to here from him/her/them.

Wishing you all the best,

Greetings from Holland

Dragan

Thanks for letting me know about your new site. And thanks for adding my site as a link. 

I get so many e-mail, that whenever someone requests info on a dojo, I just send them to my "Instructor's" link section. I also publish all letters (as I'll post yours) so that people can get together. I also request that people communicate via our Forums.

Good luck with your dojo. Keep in touch. GEM

Hi! At first I want to tell you that I´m from Argentina and I don´t speak english very well, so pardon me if i hace some mistakes in this mail. I´m trying to compilate some information about Uechi-ryu history and i need to know about Siki Itokasu. Uechi-ryu came to my country by the hand of a Master named Chozen Nakama, he used to be a pupil of Sensei Itokasu. After a years he returned to okinawa and began to practice under Shinjo Seiyu, thats the story about how Kenyukai is in Argentina now. But Nakama is living in Japan since 1989 more or less, and we dont have much conversation lately. So I began looking for some things and i´ve found that exists a possibility that Itokasu Sensei found a new ryuha named conan-ryu. Is this true? Where can I found more information? I bought Allan Dollar´s book but he doesn´t says anything about this, did you write some book about this part of Uechi´s History? I´m very interested of letting argentinians karateka know about okinawan history. I´ve got a column in a local magazine named "ki - tu fuerza interior", and i´m trying to make a little guide for uechi - shohei karatekas with this kind of information. I will thank you any help you can give me. I have your book, the red with the dragon, and it´s a good help to me to keep learning about how to write about this. 

Cecilia Salbuchi 

Not sure if I answered your letter or not Cecilia. If not, please accept my apology. I noticed it as I was cleaning out my mailbox.

I know Mr. Nakama, but not familiar with Mr. Itokasu.

I'll post your letter in the June Mailbag on the Uechi site. Perhaps someone will be able to help you out.

Regards, 

GEM

Ny name is Alfredo Salazar. I started training Uechi-Ryu in Argentina, then I lived in the United States where I trained under Sensei Potrekus (in South Florida). Could you tell me if there is a Uechi-Ryu dojo in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Thanks.

Mr. Mattson, 

I have been studying Uechi Ryu for years, under my good friend and teacher Geoff Crouse. We were roomates for four years at Boston College, in which time he taught and trained me to the level of brown belt. After college Geoff move to Okinawa to train for and receive his fifth degree black belt from Master Nakamatsu. He then moved back to his home in Clearwater, FL to be with his sensei, Steve Gorman. I have been keeping up my training on my own, but needless to say I am in need of direction and a sense of progress. I live in NewBedford MA, but I work out of Boston. Could you point me in the right direction? Thank you. Peace, 

Dan Rockett 

Check out Ed Huff's classes in Boston! GEM 

Sir:

Thank you for the info on the 3 day camp in August. I have a few questions though. Is it open to only uechi-ryu practitioners? I study kempo. There was not an itinerary on what each day would cover. Do you have a tentative one made up? Accommodations are in dorm rooms I assume. Are we paired up with people or can we have our own room?

Thanks in advance.

Scott

All styles are invited. You might check out last year's itinerary on the web to see a typical breakdown of activities. Each hour we have as many as 20 seminars going. Something for everyone. You can sample different styles or focus on one discipline.

This year we have a problem with rooms. The Academy is doing repair work on two of the dorms, leaving us with rooms for 200 (2 to a room) You can specify a roommate if you wish. (bring a friend)

We publish a day to day activity chart about a month before the camp. 

Hope you can make it. Best, GEM

Subject: Dan Kumite (uechi-tournament)


Hi George,

Hope all is well, as i am fighting "another" cold and on my "vacation" week ! Anyway, i was talking with my student Steve last night regarding the upcoming uechi tournament. He seems to have an interest in doing Dan Kumite with me.

My question is this: i often look at Dan Kumite in a way that leads me to sometimes adding addition moves at the end of each set. With all due respect to the pre-arranged format, i see a value in putting a "finish" and/or follow up move to these sets. Sometimes a take down with a follow up strike, or a "controlling technique" such as a lock , hold or break.

It does not really deviate much from the pre-arranged portions of the sets (1-12) it just puts a different "flavor" as to a more affective "ending" per set, allowing one to bounce right back to a ready position to go into the next set of movements.

I am considering preparing it in this way with Steve that will require much work on our behalf.

My question to you is, how do you feel this would be viewed by others who are judging ? At my level of understanding and/or personal touch (if i may) i think that can be much "more" displayed in this drill where as some feel that it's pre-arranged format is to unrealistic. Maybe the "defender" of ech set of movements can actually "finish" rather than always leaving the attacker open to continue attacking ? I understand that this is the way it was set up. 

Possibly Steve and I could demonstrate something "different" in it than that of others ? Since uechi-ryu is now being "expressed" with "individuality" showig in ones understanding.

With all respect, please let me know your feelings on it. As i am sure you will either way.

Have a good day !

Gary

I'd say 'go for it'. At worse, it will show others what is possible. At best, you will win. Since there are lots of variations already part of the prearranged kumite, the judges mostly look for accurate timing and perfection in whatever you do. GEM

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