To Mr.G. Mattson,
IŽd like to thank you for the warm welcome to the CyberDojo! I can see by the mails in the "Mailbag" and in the rest of your site that you are a person with a lot of knowledge and humility. I just like to wish you a Happy Easter that will last the rest of the year...at least:-) Enjoy your day. And by the way you are very welcome to Sweden!! My best regards and respect from Annelie (brand new Karate -ka) Stockholm Sweden
I have just been informed of the passing of Shihan Osamu Ozawa in Las Vegas this week. I saw and spoke with him the weekend of the 10th at his tournament and told him I would see him next year. He told me he didn't think he was going to live that long. He died 2 days later. He was 72.
He was the most senior Shotokan instructor outside of Japan having trained with Gichin Funakoshi prior to the war. I had the fortune of training with him for many years in Las Vegas and enjoyed the insight that he had in Karate.
Fro those of you who knew him, feel privledged, for those of you who didn't, you don't know what you missed. Another of the links to karates past has gone. My heart is heavy with his passing, my instructor, my friend.
Scott Lippacher, Plattsburgh Karate Club www.commercial.com/baldman
George san,
Another of our links to the past has died. Shihan Ozawa Osamu died earlier this week in Las Vegas. He was the most senior Shotokan instructor outside of Japan being senior to Nishiyama by two years. I was at his tournament this last weekend of the 10th working for him as a medic as I did yearly. I had trained with him for many years, and many are the nights I remember sitting and talking with others in the dojo about his life. He was a founding member of the JKA and though independent for years maintained close ties.
At his tournament this year when I told him I would see him next year as I travel from upstate NY, he told me "Scott, I don't think so, I don't think I last that long."
The night after the tournament he was in ICU at the hospital on a ventilator.
For those of you who knew him, feel privledged. For those who didn't, you don't know what you missed.
With a heavy heart I mourn his passage, my instructor, my friend.
Scott Lippacher, Plattsburgh Karate Club www.commercial.com./baldman
dear mr.mattson does uechi style have any nunchaku forms that are a recognized form by the uechi masters ?
richard goguen.
Greetings from Texas, I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to attend the California Koshukai hosted by Alan Dollar Sensei. I am 4 weeks into recovery from knee surgery (it seems to be going very well, thank you). My good friend, Mike Nazar will be there representing Texas. I hope that those attending can get to meet this outstanding karate man. I wish everyone attending the very best. I would like to announce (finally) the preliminary form of my new web page. I know some in the Uechi-ryu group are also interested in iaido and I hope that the information and links given will add to your knowledge of this fine art. It is difficult to add to the tremendous body of knowledge on Uechi-ryu already on cyberspace, but I do hope to change both text and pictures regularly. If anyone has any comments or suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. <http://people.unt.edu/~djr0001> Sincerely, John Ray Denton, Texas ray@isp.unt.edu
I haven't checked in for a while. It's good to see some articles from Van Canna. I studied under Van from 74 to 77 and many of his views on handling confrontations have not changed much. I learned a lot in his classes which focused heavily on fighting techniques. I have been studying Uechi again for the last two years. A good subject to write about from someone with experience could be avoiding the confrontation altogether.If some words of wisdom from Van or George or others can be offered on these pages, it would be beneficial. If there have been articles in the forum related to this, please direct me to them. Thanks.
Dear Sir: Iam considering signing up for Karate lessons in the next few weeks. Iam 40 years old but in good shape. Can you tell me what the differences are between Shorin-ryu and Uechi-ryu styles? The high kick techniques of Tae Kwan Do are definitely out at my age. Appreciate your comments: Mike
Testing mailbag forum.
Looking forward to receiving your letters, comments and questions via this Mailbag forum. E-mail me if you have any problems getting your messages on-line. Regards, George Mattson
Don't forget to check out Gary Koury's new Tournament forum! Important information for martial artist!
Please feel free to pass this important on to anyone that you feel qualifies for such an honor. (I hope we are not overstepping our bounds by posting this message. Please forgive if we have.)
--------------------------------------
New Publication to List "Who’s Who" in Martial Arts
Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
McCullough Publications, a publisher of "who’s who" and other specialized directories, has announced a new publication for the martial arts community.
The new book, titled Who’s Who in Martial Arts, will include thousands of martial artists from around the United States. Each feature article will be written by professional writers. Featured martial artists will receive a certificate of recognition and a professionally-prepared news release to be distributed to their local media outlets.
Martial artists of all styles are strongly encouraged to seek listing in the publication that is slated for distribution in 1999. Copies will be vigorously promoted to public libraries around the country at substantial discount, making this publication especially valuable to martial arts school owners. There will be a national public relations campaign to help educate the martial arts consumer about the value of inclusion in this reference book.
Owners of martial arts schools will also be able to purchase the book at substantial discount for sales to their students and distribution to their local media. It is estimated that a single listing in this publication could generate $1,000s in free publicity for martial arts school owners and their instructors.
For more information, please send self-addressed stamped envelope to: "Who’s Who in Martial Arts," c/o McCullough Publications, 13081 Rt. 99, Suite #1, Edinboro, PA 16412.
K.L. McCullough, Publisher
Please feel free to pass this important on to anyone that you feel qualifies for such an honor. (I hope we are not overstepping our bounds by posting this message. Please forgive if we have.)
--------------------------------------
New Publication to List "Who’s Who" in Martial Arts
Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
McCullough Publications, a publisher of "who’s who" and other specialized directories, has announced a new publication for the martial arts community.
The new book, titled Who’s Who in Martial Arts, will include thousands of martial artists from around the United States. Each feature article will be written by professional writers. Featured martial artists will receive a certificate of recognition and a professionally-prepared news release to be distributed to their local media outlets.
Martial artists of all styles are strongly encouraged to seek listing in the publication that is slated for distribution in 1999. Copies will be vigorously promoted to public libraries around the country at substantial discount, making this publication especially valuable to martial arts school owners. There will be a national public relations campaign to help educate the martial arts consumer about the value of inclusion in this reference book.
Owners of martial arts schools will also be able to purchase the book at substantial discount for sales to their students and distribution to their local media. It is estimated that a single listing in this publication could generate $1,000s in free publicity for martial arts school owners and their instructors.
For more information, please send self-addressed stamped envelope to: "Who’s Who in Martial Arts," c/o McCullough Publications, 13081 Rt. 99, Suite #1, Edinboro, PA 16412.
K.L. McCullough, Publisher
The new comer to Maryland could check out Rik Lostritto in Gaithersburg, MD. If that is too far, Rik will know of other dojo in the MD/DEarea. Reach him at 301-977-3606
George,
I'm sitting here on a Sunday morning having my coffee and reading some of your back issues of mailbag letters (better than reading the Sunday paper). Wow! I found one of my former students from 20 years ago when I had that small dojo in Quantico, VA. A John Kuchera from Leesburg, VA wrote and asked you about any material and you advised him to check out the "books and products" page. John and his brother studied with me for about one year. I'm happy to hear he wants to get back into Uechi. He got my rank wrong though - I was a NiDan at that time. I'll have to talk with him about that and about forgetting my name! Well at least he remembered Uechi-Ryu, that's all that matters anyway. If you can dig out his e-mail address and pass it on to me I'd like to get back in touch with him.
Thanks,
Jerry
I would like to ask if anyone has ever supplemented their uechi training with other styles/systems of martial arts? Specifically such arts as Aikido, Jujitsu, Arnis/Escrima, Jeet Kune Do, etc.
What has been your success and/or fail rate?
How much change was/is necessary?
Does training in other systems give you a better understanding of uechi overall?
Ron Shively RSShively@aol.com
September 8
George,
I received a lovely surprise in the mail yesterday. I had no knowedge that my student, Dave, was plotting the return of my lost pin. I want to thank you for your generosity, and also a public thank you to Dave for his kindness. Joan Neide, Sacramento CA
Mattson Sensei,
Although I never have the privilage of meeting you yet I feel that I have known you for most of my life. I read your book "The Way of Karate" in the early 60s and it inspired me to learn karate-do in 1964 and have never look back since then.
Our link did not stop there.
In 1967, I was taught by Sensei Yukiaki Yoki who I believe had spent sometime in your Boston dojo in 1965(?). I hope that you will remember him, short in status but great in techniques. He is from Seigokan (Goju-ryu).
Well, thirty years on and I am still at it thanks to your book.
I just surfed on into your site, great work, loved it.
Best wishes Bill Mok, 6th dan Renshi Hong Kong Seigokan Shibucho billksmok@hotmail.com
Mattson Sensei,
I just want to mention that Seisei Yoki was the one doing tobi-geri with you in a mid 60s article in Black Belt magazine.
Bill Mok
Hi Sensei,
I hope this note finds you and Susan in good health and good spirits. All is well here in Nova Scotia. We have just finished a four day weekend of seminars with Kyoshi Sensei Maloney and as usual, he was very inspiring. Master Maloney went first to Bermuda, then to Ontario and has spent this week in Nova Scotia.
Sometimes when we think of Jim Maloney, his expertise in pressure points and weapon defences come to mind, and for good reason. However, after exploring the kata Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseiru with him this week,it became quite evident to everyone where he obtains his awesome karate ability. It is from the practice of kata so explosive, it is hard to take your eyes away from him. Sensei Maloney has honoured myself and Loius Hopper with the Rank of Renshi. Even though 25 years have passed and it seems we have come so far, we still feel like raw beginners when he visits.
It was an awe inspiring visit which will serve to charge my batteries and no doubt charge the batteries of all of the Nova Scotia Students who attended his workshops. It is hard to imagine that he thinks of you, the same we do of him. Sensei, you have produced one of the finest karateka in the world.
Regards
Bub Pelham Kentville, N.S. karate@glinx.com
Thank yo for the opportunity to ask questions!!! I have been studying Uechi Ryu for only a year, but I have been reading alot. My question: On our gi's there are 3 chinese characters, which my sensei has always told us meant "Uechi Ryu", but, recently i have read an article by Chong Mouton he writes that the characters actually mean 'shang', 'Di', and 'Liu' or upper, earth and flow. Which to me is more an embodiment of Uechi Ryu, when I asked my sensei about this he replied that he had been told by Tomoyose himself, and therefore it meant exactly translated - Uechi ryu.
Ok, so is there a difference in meaning? I would appreciate any feedback on this!
My address is wbark1@aol.com. thank you very much!
Wendy Barker
George:
Would you let Josh Gant know that Mike Brag left the Sacramento area to train on Okinawa. The last time we talked, he was living in the Washington D.C. area.
Robb in Sacramento
Jay,
I saw Duane briefly over the summer. Among other things, he has a thriving business teaching in-line skating. You can probably find him in the phone book. If not, call Cambridge Adult Education (and/or Boston Adult Ed.) and ask them how to contact him.
Greg
I LIKES KARTE YOU ARE SO CUTE
My name is Bruce Hamilton. I train in Uechi-ryu by my Sensei Duncan MacLeod. I am glad to see places where I can E-mail otheer Uechi-ryu practioners. I really enjoy Uechi-ryu and plan to keep it up for the rest of my life. Please E-mail me at brucejr7@hotmail.com.
Greetings Mr. Mattson:
Erata Sheet request if you would be so kind. In the first post of mine that you listed, I have incorrectly noted my time in Hung Gar as 33 years. The correct number if 30 years. Perhaps a minor point but if I am to use-refer to years of training as a qualifier I should at least strive to be accurate. Peace, good training and good health, John.
I would like to know any updated information and/or treatments available for Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia (FM), as I have suffered for 11 years and have tried just about everything. Holly Hamilton, Sacramento, CA 95831 ---E-Mail:holly46_99@yahoo.com Thank You
Holly and all: Please post any questions that are not related to the "Mailbag" to one of the Forums. (Dojo Roundtable)
Also, this bulletin board will be deleted May 1st, 1999. Please use the new one. Thanks, G.Mattson
Erwin, This letter is in response to your October note to GEM about Harold Pfieffer. Harold began his study of Uechi sometime around 1974 under sensei John Spencer in Hartford, Connecticut. After receiving the rank of Shodan, he moved to Germany for several years, then returned to the US where he again began attending classes in Hartford for a short time thereafter. I believe he sustained an injury or became ill, and he terminated his training in Hartford after a short time. I saw him the late 1980's when he visited the Hartford dojo, but have not seen him since. I originally met Harold through some friends while attending college in the early 1970's, and was actually the person who suggested that he begin training in Uechi, which I had been studying for several years at the time. I believe that Harold is still in the CT area and I could probably find him if you like. Please contact me at piacentinit@aeltus.com.
Regards,
Tom Piacentini
Sensei Mattson:
It's been a few years since I've written. I saw the recent messages on your board from Sensei Yoki and Sensei Mok, and I wanted to add my own greetings. I suppose I'm one of the Seigokan Goju-Ryu [great] "grandsons" of Sensei Yoki, being a student of Sensei Marcos Collaco here in San Mateo, Calif.
What we all also seem to have in common is the inspiration of your writing and example in the martial arts. Thanks for providing this forum. Regards, Dave Kalman (dkalman@diablo44.com)
nunchakus
Mr. Mattson-
How are you? My name is CJ. I study Uechi-Ryu in Indiana. I just recieved the rank of Rokkyu yesterday. There is a possibility that I will be moving to Houston Texas. I was wondering if you knew of any Dojo's in that area. I would really love to continue my studies, and become all that I can be in the Uechi-Ryu world.
Thank you for your time,
CJ
Check the 'Instructor's" site for teacher information in Texas. You might also post a note on the Forums.
Donna Abbot is searching for the Hatfield Shubukan.
Hi Donna:
Good to hear from you, but it was just by chance that I checked this archive board! Please go to the regular Forums, which can be found from the home page. Also, all the instructors are listed on the "Instructor's" section.
Stay in touch, George Mattson
dear mr. matteson i have tried unsuccessfully to locate mr. larry tan. any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. thanking you, c.keys keys@ticon.net
Hey, Sensei Mattson. If you're like me, you're probably tired of the politics involved in Uechi Ryu. I mean, to this minute, I don't know if it's Uechi Ryu, Shohei Ryu or Mattson-Ryu. Have they gotten their proverbial act together in Okinawa and become one family again? I'm wearing a Uechi patch, regardless of whether it's politically or organizationally correct, in honor of Kannei Uechi. -James Gemmell, Sandan, Joyner's Karate, Grand Rapids, Mich.
MY COMMENT IS ABOUT POLLITICS IN OUR SCHOOLS MY SO IS IN THE 5TH GRADE HE GOES TO A SMALL TOWN SCHOOL HE WAS RECENTLY JUMPED BY A GROUP OF BOYS SOME QUITE BIGGER THAN HIM, THEY TOOK A KNIFE AND CUT HIM IN HIS LEFT EAR RESULTING IN HIM HAVING 10 STICHES IN HIS EAR ,WELL WHEN I FOUND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPEND AND WHO ACTUALLY DID THIS TO HIM I WENT TO FILE A POLICE REPORT AND TO TAKE A WARRENT OUT ON THIS CHILD ,I COULD NOT EVEN GET THIS SMALL TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE A WARRENT BECOUSE THE CHILDS PARRENT SERVED ON THE SCHOOL BOARD, I AM OUTRAGED THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN A SMALL TOWN AND ALL BECOUSE OF POLITICS, I FELL OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANYMORE THEY NEED TO LISTEN TO OUR PARRENTS NO MATTER WHAT LEAVE THE POLITICIANS OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
MY COMMENT IS ABOUT POLLITICS IN OUR SCHOOLS MY SO IS IN THE 5TH GRADE HE GOES TO A SMALL TOWN SCHOOL HE WAS RECENTLY JUMPED BY A GROUP OF BOYS SOME QUITE BIGGER THAN HIM, THEY TOOK A KNIFE AND CUT HIM IN HIS LEFT EAR RESULTING IN HIM HAVING 10 STICHES IN HIS EAR ,WELL WHEN I FOUND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPEND AND WHO ACTUALLY DID THIS TO HIM I WENT TO FILE A POLICE REPORT AND TO TAKE A WARRENT OUT ON THIS CHILD ,I COULD NOT EVEN GET THIS SMALL TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE A WARRENT BECOUSE THE CHILDS PARRENT SERVED ON THE SCHOOL BOARD, I AM OUTRAGED THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN A SMALL TOWN AND ALL BECOUSE OF POLITICS, I FELL OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANYMORE THEY NEED TO LISTEN TO OUR PARRENTS NO MATTER WHAT LEAVE THE POLITICIANS OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! cottertop@excite.com
Define singaporre kindness movement
Sensei Mattson,
Do you have any up to date information on the status of MacPubs "Who's Who in the Martial Arts"? Is is really going to happen?
Thanks,
Tom Levak tlevak@yahoo.com
These styles of nunchaku used by karate associations, are they really affective in fighting and speed? Im an Expert in nunchaku of shaolin style kung fu. My skill is still however growing day by day. What are your views in relation to karate and shaolin kung fu using different styles of nunchaku in order to fight better. Aram.
Dear Mr. Mattson: Do you know if Bob Roth is still teaching Tai Chi down in Seminole Florida, and if so, how I can reach him? My son trained with him when he was associated with John Gabriel, before he left to concentrate entirely on Tai Chi. Thanks, Carol Liller White, lillercat@aol.com
Okay, I give. Who the heck is Al Leong? I mean, I've seen him in a dpzen or so movies, never any spoken lines, but I always look for him. Filmographies are plentiful, but where is he from? What's his story? Did he show up in 1998 as invited? I've searched the 'net, and there's very little on this guy other than movie info. Thanks. (allen@mcbroom.org)
Dear George Mattson, I don't know if you got my first e-mail. But, I hope you do this time. I am trying to find Sensi Kresge from Florida. I use to go to school at his dojo back in the 70's and until 1982. I was one of his leading champions at the time I hope under his insturction I could be once again. Sincerly, Anita Ruiz P.S. e-mail address is arnurse@fiai.net Thankyou.
sensei Mattson: i saw the picture in this forum of a number of black belts from dartmouth and it brought back a lot of memories. ive been kicked in the shins by most of them louie,clay,sensei maloney. I spent a lot of time at the club when i moved to halifax from a very small town to go to tech. school. so much time that i earned my shodan while there . they were basically my family for three years and i owe them all a lot. i surf the web and can say by the comments that uechi is flourishing over the world, but i am still proud to say that i am from the darthmouth uechi club and that louie and clayton are second to none in skill,poise ,toughness (clay cannot be hurt ask anyone) and just the right amount of humor to get you through a class where losing five pounds of sweat was a regular occurance. nice talking to you sir corey burbine, nidan
hello my names micki-jo ferrelli i am 5 wks pregnant I can't get my 9 month old dog to stop chewing and biting are things!!! I am scared for the baby!!I live in rochester nh please help me!
hello my names micki-jo ferrelli i am 5 wks pregnant I can't get my 9 month old dog to stop chewing and biting are things!!! I am scared for the baby!!I live in rochester nh please help me! ps anewaytothink@yahoo.com
I was looking at your website with great interest. My former classmate at Sophia University, Gary Khoury was featured here and I would like to get in touch with him. My email account is blue110sky@yahoo.com Can you kindly pass this information to him. Thank you, Charlie Tiu
Wow, this is a good discussion group. I just came accross the postings back in the January 1999 mailbag session where John put a message up about studying Southern Praying Mantis with Gin Foon Mark. I myself also intended to learn this art and I put some very serious effort and spent most of my time learning the only truht: Gin Foon Mark is absolutely not interested in teaching this art to anyone.
Sounds like I came to just a little higher level than John was able to reach, but trust me John, I put in some very serious efforts to get there. I myself just stepped into the second level when I decided this is no longer worth the effort put into. He is not interested in passing down his art, he spends most of the class time painting and in the best cases he walks around and once a month MIGHT show you something even if you were there for many years. If you had other instructors, this might be something hard to imagine. An instructor who literally spends 90% of class time painting.
When I first started there, I was taught by an unqualified student who studied there for 4 months!!! I didn't know about this till just later, after I picked up many wrong techniques from this guy. Gin Foon Mark does not care about this. I finally ended up with over 3 years of training in this school thinking it will change; I helped with things around the school, cleaned up the floor after most of the class sessions, took care of his fish/dogs/birds, framed his paitings, put in extra time to practice after sessions with the senior students, even quit my carreer job and just took up on an easy job to spend more time helping him and studying. At the last few months I even came to class every day of the week and practiced hard and helped him teach and do things around the school. I then finally realised that he is absolutely not interested in teaching me or anyone else matter of fact. I very highly recommend anyone reading this message to not even try studying in his school. I have seen a lot in the 3 years of my time.
I picked up most of my knowledge from the senior studends who themselves teach techniques and forms differently and just make you confused which form is the right form. Sometimes Gin Foon Mark corrected the forms that I learned from these senior students of 10-15 years. When I said I learned this form from this or that person, he then corrected that person as well. I don't want to be the one beeing corrected on lower level forms after 15 years of studying.
It's really ashame to see an art get lost because the master is not interested in teaching or passing it down. Not sure what is the criteria of becoming a master in this system but if it's only knowledge - which Gin Foon Mark does have - but the absolute lack of an instructor's skill then it is a sure way to have the art lost. This art is already lost. I have seen a lot of people trying, very industrous, tallented and helpfull students. They all left.
Hope John will read this message and let us know of his experiences.
Regards, Wilson-
Hello my name is Margareth i live in Poland and i need information about my family their name is BALWAKO if you can help me Thank You very much this is my e-mail malgorzatakorys@interia.pl
Hello my name is Margareth i live in Poland and i need information about my family their name is BALWAKO if you can help me Thank You very much this is my e-mail malgorzatakorys@interia.pl