March, 2000 Mailbag

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I noticed that the classification under my name was "guppy". [In the Forums]I haven't seen this one before and was wondering if I got that after my usual signature (which you will see). Oh, not insulted at all. I actually get a bit of a chuckle from seeing it, which is why I use the signature that I do in the first place. :)

Adam The lowly white belt

I changed the name from Junior Member to Guppy because I liked it better! You must read Dr. "X"'s Forum rank descriptions to appreciate the humor! GEM

Dear Sensei Mattson- It is with great honor that I received your confirmation note regarding my black belt order. I recently tested for it (Oct. 2, 1999) and was told by several of my Instructors here in Grand Rapids, Michigan that I could have one made up with my name on it and that you were the one to contact. My Michigan Instructors included Don Joyner, Bill Keith, Jim Thompson and George Miller amoung others. I know these names are familiar to you and they like wise speak highly of you and your web site is doing a great service to the promotion of our style. I desire to travel your way in the future to meet you in person! Thank you again for your honorable note Sensei! 

Dave Lowry (1st Degree Shodan) Joyners Karate, 
Grand Rapids, Michigan

To sail on a dream, on a crystal clear ocean...... "Calypso" - John Denver

Thanks for your order and support Dave. Like your 'tag' line! GEM

Dear Sensei

I hope this letter finds you in good health. As a matter of fact with the trouble I've had with my email, I hope this finds you at all.

Just dropping you a line to let you know my email address has changed again and I hope that this is reliable and more permanent.

O-Sensei Tsuruoka has me hopping all over the country. Its enough to make my hair fall out. Oh, oh too late...

Will we see you in Bermuda in March?

R. Fagan
 =================================

Very happy to hear from you Ron. I was planning to call you next week to make sure you and your students will be able to head up the officiating at my Uechi tournament this year. You did such a great job last year, and everyone enjoyed the way you handled things, I hope you will become a permanent part of our little family.

The tournament is Saturday, May 20th. . . .

Please give Tsuruoka Sensei my very best. 

And hopefully I'll see you in Bermuda Ron. Meanwhile, take care.

Best, George 
 =================================

Thanks Sensei. You can count on us. Last year was so positive for us we wouldn't miss it. 

Thanks... Ron 

My daughters study Uechi Ryu Karate, and my question is ? Is there a dojo in the Pacific North West? Thanks. G.

Hi George,

I just read your February mailbag posting and noticed that a Brazilian Air Force pilot by the name of Wagner Araujo asked if there was Uechi-ryu in San Diego for his son who is attending college here. You replied to him that I would get in touch with him. Is this the same person as J.B. Flurry?

If not, please send me Wagner's e-mail address so I may get in touch with him also.

Thanks so much for the referrals. Next time you get out this way let me know what it will take to get you to visit with us. By the way, I heard on the national news last week that you had cold weather and that thing called snow. It was an average of 75 degrees and sunny every day last week. Let me know when you're tired of that weather and I'll have a real estate agent find you a nice retirement condo on beach.

Regards to you and Susan,

Jerry McDonald 

Same person Jerry. I played 18 holes of golf yesterday (Mar 2nd) so will pass on that condo in paradise. Maybe a visit though! GEM 

Hello Mr Mattson,

Could you tell me -- Is Uechi / Pangainoon still taught in China as Kanbun Uechi studied it ???

Thank You

Greg 

Interesting question Greg. Short answer is. . . probably not! Styles do not mean the same thing to the Chinese as they do to the Japanese and Americans. We practice baseball and boxing more like the Chinese practice the fighting arts. Lots more of mix and matching, based on size, strength and weaknesses. The Japanese tend to treat all students alike, training all with the same methods (style). The long answer is . . . probably not! But for different and rather complex reasons. Why not pose your question on one of the Forums??? I'd like to see what others have to say about it.

Best, George Mattson

-----Original Message----- From: Greg Parker [mailto:Greg_Parker@kennross.com] Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2000 10:12 AM To: gmattson@uechi-ryu.com Subject: 

Dear Sensei, 

Thank you for the tip on the China Root art and Stone sculptures. I have long wanted to contact you; this is reason enough. I am a sandan under the tutelage of Kyoshi Joe Bass here in Florida. Greetings on behalf of my teacher, schools and organization. I am also the southwest regional director of The American Uechi Ryu Karate Association, here in Florida. 

I am aware that you recently completed your winter festival here in Florida in the Orlando area. I hope it was a success, how did it go? I would have liked to attend and thought about offering a class for you to offer, but due to a recent liver transplant, I am still recovering, and therefore I could not attend. Much of the success behind my transplant is directly attributable to my training in the martial arts, and is a very inspirational story. I was back in the dojo two months after my release from the hospital. Not at one hundred percent obviously, but thanks to my Lord and training, I was there. 

I am aware of some degree of dissension between you and my teacher. I sincerely hope that this will eventually erode to allow better harmony between all Uechi organizations. I would like to see a more established mutual respect among all martial arts, artists, and organizations. Particularly, among the various Uechi organizations. 

I believe I feel a turfdom which separates and hinders the growth of the parent art here in the United States. Through Allan Dollar, I met several well known martial artists when I was there several years ago. Some of them now reside in your area I believe. They seem to echo my thoughts along this line. Here in Florida, we have many fine martial artists also, as I'm sure you are aware. However, some of the people in prominent positions in their own organizations will not support activities outside of their own. I shall not mention names but they stem from the Tampa area. I am working now to remedy this situation. 

We here in the southwest region of Florida have made some strides recently in this regard. In recent years we have hosted Sensei James Thompson of Michigan, and most recently we were honored to have Sensei Jack Summers host a seminar and promotion event along with Sensei Peggy Hess. She has become a regular and welcome visitor. Several others from the DC region come down regularly to train under Kyoshi Bass. I believe we missed out on an opportunity a year or so ago when Sensei Bethoney of your area was to visit. I am particularly aware of the stronghold you have built in the New England area states. Congradulations on this fine accomplishment. 

I sincerely hope you and I can develop a friendship that transcends petty differences, if any exist. I have visited your web sites and have bookmarked them as favorite places. You have done an excellent job and present a very professional image. I am impressed with Allan Moulton's work also. He has accomplished much and is also to be held in high esteem. I have recently posted a homepage within AOL and I shall include it here for your review, it is still wet and in progress but I hope to eventually have one as fine as that of yours. I plan to add sound, pictures, and several more pages, as time permits. I would like to eventually have it posted in the Uechi web ring, but not until I am satisfied with the image it presents. 

Please add my email address to your mail lists and keep me informed of your activities. I will do the same for you if you would like. I have much to contribute if you would consider my friendship an asset to you, in the way of furthering the legacy of Uechi. 

I await your reply. Sincerely, Domo Arigato, Daniel T. Adams http://hometown.aol.com/dta10182/myhomepage/index.htmlHomepage Dan

Hi Daniel:

Thanks for writing and inquiring about this year's Winterfest. Sorry that an operation prevented you from attending but pleased to learn that you are recovering fast.

Congratulations on your appointment as regional director of the American Uechi ryu Karate Association. 

Regarding Mr. Bass: I really don't know him, other than by reputation. He was communicating with me last year as he shopped the various Uechi organizations to validate his suspect 7th dan certificate. Since you refer to him as "Kyoshi", apparently he found an organization to approve his rank and title. Please pass my congratulations on to him.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my website. We continue to work hard trying to get the legitimate Uechi organizations to stop bickering and to address the serious issues destroying our style of karate. At times I feel that the inmates are running the asylum in some parts of the country, but hopefully when we reach the bottom of the barrel, legitimate teachers will cry out for reform and begin to turn things around.

Good luck with your website and directorship.

Regards, George Mattson

Dear Sensei Mattson:

It has been a few years since I last attended your summer camp and I would like to change that. I attended each summer during my first four years of Uechi-ryu and learned a great deal about the Uechi community when I met, and learned from, a very impressive list of masters. With Canadian currency in its present state, it has made it quite expensive to undertake such trips. You have in the past, however, been able to offer some special terms to Canadians and that has eased the sting of the currency differential somewhat . Do you intend to make any special offers to Canadians this year? If I can swing it, I would like to attend this year and I would prefer to make arrangements as early as possible. If you would be kind enough to let me know your plans in this regard, I will be able to make a decision in time to allow my early registration. If the news is positive, I will certainly pass the word on to my fellow students. I know a number of them are weighing the decision at this time.

As always, I enjoy the Uechi web site tremendously. The forums are very impressive. Please keep up the great effort. While we don't always let you know it, we are extremely grateful for your consistent and enthusiastic leadership.

Yours truly, Brian Hutchinson

Hi George,

It seems like someone doesn't want me to work out at the Hut. I'm happy to say I missed this workout due to the birth of my granddaughter Alexis born to my daughter Dawn. 7lb. 7oz. and healthy. I'll try again this weekend.

Bruce Witherell

Congratulations Bruce. You forgot to send a picture! See you at the Hut soon. GEM

Please send me tournament package, I would appreciate it. I am currently working under Master Roger Audette here in Cleveland Ohio. Do you know of any instructors in my area that teach Uechi-ryu ? I'm originally from Burlington, Massachusetts and first studied there in the mid 70's. Thank you and look forward to your mail. 

Scott

Your Newsletter and applications are in the mail. GEM

I don't find a Vermont School listed yet there is one located in Burlington,VT. What does one need to do to have it listed?

Thank you.

Ann P.

Ann: I keep getting email and letters from people asking this question. The only way I know about your dojo is for you to send me this information. I will be very happy to list any Uechi teacher who asks. GEM

Hi,

I sent you an invitation to join our forum, but before you do, perhaps you would like to look at our web site.

The address is:

http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Ring/9553/index.html

I look forward to talking with you.


--- "George E. Mattson" wrote:

Hi:

I visited your Yahoo discussion group this afternoon and read all the messages. If you visited the Eastern Art's web (http://uechi-ryu.com) and found your way to our Forums, you discovered that we have tackled the subject of cults and student abuse since 1995 on the Web.

If the object of your new group is to reach teachers and students, I suggest that you support the many existing groups that are well established and are reaching thousands of people every day.

As one of the senior instructors around, I take the subject of student abuse very seriously. I also feel it is my responsibility to reach and educate as many people as possible regarding what a teacher's role should be. Our association wrote a code of conduct and ethics years ago and has been successful in distributing it to thousands of new and prospective students. (Can be found in the "Federation" section.

I've helped expose cults in America and in Europe. With my limited time and resources, I must devote energy where it will do the most good.

Although I must decline the invitation to participate, I do wish you well in your journey. If you have time, please drop in to our Forums and update our thousands of visitors regarding items of interest.

Sincerely, George Mattson 

Hi George;

Well I was foiled again this weekend. I know I know what your thinking( boy this is getting old). But honest some of this is beyond my powers. I have had a battery go dead a sending unit go bad in the gas tank. The spindle in the alternator suddenly burn up. These things have all happened an only happened on my way to or home from Newton. Snow storms, sudden colds, extremely important things happen to my plans to get there. this weekend the ice was so bad i never got out of my parking spot until noon. I am dreamer and this is such message. Still I am gonna get down maybe for the regional work-out. . . . 

If you haven't found a dojo of the month yet you might take a peek at mine (smiling). If you go to "HOTBOT" and search for uechi,tilton it should be first. OR http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com:6010/SpiritSt/ralstin/ 

just a thought? 
at your service 
Steven

Well Steven, I hear all the excuses, but Bruce Witherell's won this month's award! :) GEM 

I'm guessing you've heard of Allen Moulton's new book, uechi-ryu 2000. I was thinking of ordering a copy and wanted to find out what you thought about it first.

Thank you in advance,

Adam

The lowly white belt

Hi Adam: Uechi-ryu2000 is a great book and should be in everyone's library. GEM

Hi George,

Thanks to your web site I signed up two new students recently. One is a transfer from Alan Sadler's dojo in Arizona and the other is in the U.S. Navy stationed here in San Diego. He has been studying Uechi-ryu since he was 7 year old!

I need another favor from you. Could you briefly outline your beginner classes for both the children and adults (i.e. 15 minutes warm-ups, 15 minutes punches and kicking drills, etc). Arbie and I are getting ready to open the dojo and I'd like an expert opinion on structuring the beginner classes. All I'm used to is the traditional class outline the way it is taught on Okinawa. 

One last favor. San Diego now has 3 area codes. Mine was changed from (619) to (858). Please update my telephone number on your instructor list to (858) 538-5088.

Thanks,

Jerry McDonald jerrymcdonald@hotmail.com 

Hi Jerry:

Good to hear from you. Pleased that your dojo plans are moving forward and that the Uechi web is helping.

Regarding your questions, I would recommend that you ask the experts on the Forums. Steve DiOrio is one of the top children's teachers in Uechi-ryu and offers seminars on the subject at camp. The key is keeping them interested with activities that will meet your long term goals.

What ages do you plan to teach? a 5 year old needs a completely different program than a 7 year old! In other words, teaching children correctly is not something that just happens. . . you must do some homework.

There are some good videos on the subject. Again, Steve can help you out here.

I believe this subject came up last year in the Forums and the response was very helpful to all. 

A beginner's program, as taught on Okinawa, would insure that you would always have a very small dojo. The successful Uechi dojo have programs that are interesting and comprehensive. 

Let me ask you this: If you were going to set up a restaurant, wouldn't you do extensive research into all aspects of the business? Knowing how to cook and eat would not insure that your new restaurant would succeed. We have lots of Uechi purist teaching 3 students in their garage. They teach what they did on Okinawa to a few dedicated people. I'm not saying that you must compromise your program, but the way you present the material. . . the drills and exercises you use. . . in other words, having a well thought out curriculum is a must.

This may not be what you wanted to hear Jerry, but it is the facts. Spend a few weeks visiting successful dojo. . . of all styles. Then check out some successful Uechi schools. See how they interview students and perform the business side of karate. Watch some kid's and beginner's classes. Then adapt the best of their programs into one you feel comfortable with.

Best of luck to you and Arbie,

George ps. I'll make the phone changes this morning. 

Hi George,

Thanks for your quick reply to my questions. Your answers were what I needed to hear. I'll take your advice and contact Steve and visit some dojos.

The two other dojos I've had, in Virginia and North Carolina, were in a different time. As you know, opening a commercial dojo these days is a lot different, especially in southern California where there are so many other attractions to keep people busy.

Thanks again,

Jerry

It was great to find this stuff on the web. I studied in Boston over 30 years ago, both at Harvard with Jim Rork and in town. Never made brown belt, but I still do the sun exercise and sanchin, more than ever as I'm starting to creek. I notice that all the warm-up exercises impact areas that back then I had no idea were important. I hope the videos can help me re-learn some kata. I did Japanese Karate in Chicago for a few years, but was never happy with it. I like Uechi-ryu.

Charlie Ross

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

I'm sorry to say that Sensei Thompson had to reschedule his trip to Northern Virginia from 4 March to 29 April 2000. The seminar will be held on the 29th of April at the Devils Reach Sport and Health Club in Woodbridge, Virginia. Sensei Carria hopes that you can still make it.

We are still negotiating the start time with the club, but we expect it to be either 2:00 or 2:30 PM. They have an EXCELLENT facility. The room is the aerobics room: Large room, high ceilings, one full wall of mirrors, window walls as the other two walls, and a beautiful wood floor with impact cushioning. I will send directions when we get the start time squared away.

Sean 

Sensei,

Please send me info on your May event in Marlboro.

I am a white belt thinking of participating in a kata tournament. If you have this activity for beginners, like me.

With respect. Gloria T

I'll send you a Newsletter and applications for the tournament Gloria. You will be the best judge about whether you gained any confidence and experience by participating in the event. Please write and let us know your findings. GEM

George, I finally found the modem cord I need to plug my computer into the phone line. It was packed in the bottom of a box containing glassware! I turned around when the movers where packing and it disappeared. I am almost unpacked I only have a few boxes left in each room. I have started to check out the local Uechi schools. The most convenient one is Steve Drebohl's school in Colegeville, about 15 minutes north of my office which is near Valley Forge PA.. Quakerstown is almost an hour north of my office, so for now not practical. 

I hope to be back in Massachusetts for a visit on the 4th, just before we close on our house. If so, I hope to be at the hut on Saturday.

Andrew Peterson

Steve is a great teacher Andrew. Glad you were able to hook up with someone. GEM

Congratulations Greg. Keep up the good work. GEM

hello sensei mattson a couple of us at dave hunt's dojo are trying to organize to go to the tournement. could you please send three tournament packages. 
kevin fancey

Will do Kevin. Thanks for your support. GEM

Hi George,

I have lived in Brockton for over 40 years and have seen many changes in our city. We are still the city of champions as far as many are concerned. Everything goes full circle one time or another and we are definitely on an upswing in Brockton. Would you mind telling me exactly what was the point of your editorial. Have you considered sending that into the local paper? This could have been called anytown USA, don't you think? Where is this bright spot ?

Best, Steve

Steve is referring to my editorial in last month's 'whats new'. I don't know what got into me. Must of been a bad hair day! GEM

Hello, I was wondering about something. I am contemplating publishing a booklet containing pictures of every kata that we do, warmups, hojoundos, etc. The layout would be much like that of your book Uechiryu Karate Do. It would simply provide a short section before each kata or drill and then the pictures. Nothing more nothing less. I have never published anything before. My question is, is it grossly expensive? How does the publishing process work? Please write back and give me a little advice if you have the time. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Scott

Depends on the printing process you choose Scott and what you plan to do with the finished product. All in all, book publishing is very expensive, especially if your market is as limited as the Uechi community. Many other factors, such as the use of pictures vs illustrations, can greatly affect costs. 

Good luck, George Mattson

just wondering... how often do you release a new vid mag (like the video of tomoyose)

Adam The lowly white belt "guppy" :)

No time table Adam. Whenever I get in the mood or when I discover an old film or video in my highly organized office. :) GEM

Greetings Mattson Sensi, My name is Jason Fuller. I run a Uechi dojo in Three Rivers Michigan. My father and instructor, is Steve Fuller. Perhaps you remember him from the old days. Over last Christmas for a present I received a book called "Bruce Lee, The Art of Expressing the Human Body" by John Little, Tuttle Publications. In this book on page 156 there is a picture of Bruce Lee throwing a round house kick at what appears to be a Uechi student. Behind the two is a banner on the wall which reads "Uechi-ryu Karate Do Mattson Academy Karate." My father thinks this picture was taken some time in the late 60's and was wondering who the person was in the picture with Bruce. He says it is definitely your dojo, but just doesn't recognize the person. Also there is another picture of possibly your dojo and Bruce kicking a heavy bag on page 151. If you look closely at the window in the background it says "Mattson Karate." Was wondering also what time frame this occurred. Would appreciate any information on the subject, just to fulfill our curiosity. Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Steven Fuller and Jason Fuller.

This subject has been discussed on the Uechi Forums. Bruce visited my dojo a couple of times, promoting the movie Marlow and his Green Hornet series. If you can, scan the picture and send it to me as a jpg. I'll identify the students who were part of the picture.

Best, George Mattson 
PS Please give my best regards to your father, Steve.

I am an 18 yr old college student, who after first joining Uechi-Ryu when I was 14 suffered a knee ijury which took me out of the art. I felt it was a great way to control my anger, my angst, and further more my self pride. After I got my knee surgery I did go back under light training, but our dojo had changed for the worse seeking only financial gain instead of spiritual enlightenment. Recently our dojo has been turned into a laundry mat. I was wondering if you know of any dojo in the Ft Lauderdale and St Augustine, Fl, areas or do you know where I could find them? I enjoyed the sport but was never able to complete my training to black belt status due to the circumstances, I understand that by starting over I begin at the bottom. But it is best for one to relearn his training and become stronger than to give up completely.

Sincerely, Chris Thornhill

George , This message is for Robert Otto, his computer is down at this time and he would like update his school info: It has changed to: Nautlis By the Sea New Smyrna Beach Fl. Phone # is 904-426-0079 E-mail is Otto@totcon.com 

Thanks, Kenneth L. Yoho Jr.

The "Blood and Guts Era" of American Martial Arts


Dear Mr. Mattson,

I am taking this opportunity to send you the only picture (with you and Mr. Bruce Lee) which I found. 


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






Some of the Fathers of Martial Arts in America. Gathered at the First International Karate Championships in Long Beach California 1964. (Front Row Left to Right) J. Pat Burleson, Bruce Lee, Anthony Mirakian, Jhoon Rhee (Back Row Left to Right) Allen Steen, George Mattson, Ed Parker, Tsutomu Ohshima, Robert Trias.


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


Respectfully,

Petar Bogunovic

Address: Bul. Jovana Ducica 

Thanks. I haven't seen this picture around for many years! GEM

Mattson Sensei; Hello , just reading your mailbag, I read a post from Cory Collogan about looking for the booklet number 2, Kanei Uechi is on the front with a white cover. I have that booklet, is there any way I can get a hold of him? I have no use for it, as the same info is in your red book, and I have no others in the collection.

Thanks; Scott Taylor

Hello Mr. Mattson 

First off I want to thank you for posting my letter in your mailbag, and enabling me to get connected with Scott Taylor to find that missing booklet. I am deeply thankful. On a down note, however, I received the video tape (VidMag 20) I ordered and it won't play. I get a few seconds of the "Federal Law Prohibits......" screen and can hear a voice say "62 years old" and there is the words "video calibration" flashing on it and then it goes blank. I tried letting it play on and nothing happens at all. I then tried a different tape in my VCR and it played fine. Would you please let me know what to do now so that I have a tape that I can watch? I apologize ahead of time if this comes across as rude, as I am writing it at 4 am after work. Thank you again for all your help and I look forward to the opportunity to meet you, this summer perhaps. 

Cory Collogan 

We aim to pleas Cory. However, I am sorry to hear about the tape. Another (that I've tested) is on its way. GEM

Dear George 

A Cory Collogen recently wrote to you in the February letters page looking for a book called Master Kanei Uechi's Karate, Book #2. I have this book along with a couple of others from the same type set. The #2 book that I have has what appears as a rising sun on the lower left and Master Kanei in a one leg stance on the lower right. And the reverse has the caligraphy for Karate ,Empty Hands. This book is copyrighted by you in 1971. The others that I have are books #4 and #5 .Sorry to tease but they are not for sale. But if the price is right..... Respectfully,

Jim Robinson

greetings sensei 

i am 45 years, relatively good shape, and a recent shodan. i am having a hard time deciding whether to begin serious training on the makiwara. i have done quite a bit of research, and have found very conflicting opinions. some such as benny "the jet" warn against it claiming irreparable damage can occur. others, for instance sensei allan dollar in his fine book stress an important part of uechi training is missing without training with the makiwara. i would greatly appreciate your input and thoughts on the matter arigato 

randy chestnut, florida

I recommend that you go to our Forums and perform a search on makiwara. We have discussed this at length and the bottom line is that makiwara training won't hurt you and will probably help your Uechi-ryu. . . Providing you train properly and follow common sense guidelines. GEM

Mattson-Sensei:

Okay, the proselytes are wearing me down, and I am seeing the error of my non-Uechi ways!

Are there any videos of Sanchin available?


Murray the "student"

Boy, did you come to the right place! Check out tape #17, which can be found at our store. GEM

George Mattson Sensei,

As always, it was a pleasure talking with you yesterday. I plan on adding some new ideas to the forum you mentioned by weeks end. Also, please reply when you receive this and find the attached file workable for you. It is our Healing Course brochure in Microsoft Publisher. Please feel free to modify the form to suit your format as needed. Please note there are a number of course dates specified out through July of this year.

As you can see in the brochure, Anna and I offer a significant body of info in a weekend course...with lots of hands on practice as well. Over the years, since I first discussed energy healing with you I have come to realize that we are all healers to some degree or other. To develop it one needs training, practice and INTENT...similar to the martial arts.

The martial arts, specifically Uechi-ryu when approached correctly fostered my sensitivity to ki in the martial sense which narurally brought me over to discovering healing techniques. John Spencer Sensei has always presented such notions, but it took me awhile to see what he was getting at....Like Yin and Yang they are interpenetrated parts of one whole. 

Jim Thompson Sensei has also helped me on this journey with some specialized training in energy manipulation he has been kind enough to teach me. From that point, the healing applications were much clearer. In fact, he encouraged me to study some form of energy related healing art.

In addition to my formal Reiki and Therapeutic Touch training, my partner Anna White has been an inspiring mentor to me and we work very complimentary together. She is a wonderful person and powerful healer.

The ongoing positive results in my own healing work has made the challenge of learning and practicing it worthwhile.

Thanks again for your encouragement and support.

Rik 

I posted your seminar dates on our website. Hope you get good turnout. GEM

hey george. how goes it up in boston? i just read a really good book called "iron and silk," by mark salzman. it's about an american who goes to teach english in china. it talks about various martial arts and culture as well, and i thought you might be interested in reading it. if you can't find a copy there, i'd be happy to send you mine.

also, i have a friend living in boston (brookline, i think) now who's 25 and may be looking to start karate. should i direct him to anyone in particular?

give my regards to everyone.

be well.

c'ya josh

Read the book Josh and really enjoyed it. GEM

Hi, I have been trying without success to find a dojo or instructor in West Virginia. I live in the Fairmont, Morgantown area but realize that I may have to travel a little to see one. I am close to the Pennsylvania state line so maybe there is one close in Pennsylvania. Thanks for your help. Sincerely,

Hugh Troyer

Hi George!The weather n the U.K is awful at the moment.I am hoping to go to San Francisco to train with Sensei Alan Dollar soon.Are the books by Alan Moulton on Uechi-Ryu available,If so how can I obtain them?What is it like to train in Boston?Hope all is well with you and family!! Osu.Mike

Mike Tyler

Go to http://uechi-ryu.org for information Mike. GEM

George,

I have been taking Uechi-ryu for almost three years now, and I am very interested in continuing. I have just, however, accepted a job offer outside the New England area which I cannot refuse. The job is in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto/Mountain View, California). Do you know of any Uechi-ryu dojos in that area? Can you put me in touch with a sensei in that area?

Thanks,

John Kelly

Sensei Mattson, Could you recommend any Uechi Dojos in the Worcester area. I checked the instructors list and the closest one is in Shrewsbury. Thanks in advance.

ML Volpe

I am a Shorin-ryu practitioner but am moving to Cinci and looking for a good dojo. Are there any Uechi-ryu dojos in the Cincinnati area?

Thanks

Ken Woody 

Hi There!

This is Kerry, again, from Steve Morgans Dojo...

I have another question for you about the book you wrote; "The Way of Karate"...

I am really enjoying reading about the kata's; their descriptions help me when I am practicing alone... The pictures are wonderful; offering faces to names, and the history of our art is intriguing...

(Are you waiting for the "but"? smiling......) I truly hope this doesn't come out wrong and sound offensive, but, whenever you refer to teaching a student, in particular, new students, your dialogue sounds as if you are frustrated with, or don't have a lot of faith that they will really "get it" so to speak.

As you know, I have been studying for a little over a year now, with whom I consider to be a very gifted teacher. He has shown me a beauty and depth to Uechi Ryu that has touched parts of my soul that I didn't even realize existed. I have grown to look forward to the challenges that come, finding a strength and determination to get threw them, not only within the dojo, but in the other areas of my life. I think, granted, being a young Uechi student, that a great deal of the students ability to discover these things, rests in the teacher. That being said, after reading those parts in the book that address those issues, it sounded to me as if you were telling potential teachers, that, most of their students , (mean no disrespect now please...) wouldn't be worth the effort because they more then likely wouldn't stay. As a relatively new student I found it kind of alarming that another new student, that hadn't yet discovered what I had in Uechi, would be disheartened by that undertone.

I apologize if I sound critical, I admire the fact that you are a published author whose book, Bruce Lee kept in his personal library. Not to mention who you are IN the Uechi community.

Am I completely off base? Did I misinterpret what you meant?

Respectfully bowing; Kerry Jolly 

I'll have to re-read those sections Kerry. I didn't mean to discourage anyone. Teacher do get frustrated though, working with students for years only to lose them for one reason or another. Prove me wrong and stay with your teacher for many, many years. GEM

I am looking for a Uechi-ryu Dojo in the New York City or Northeastern Pennsylvania area (Poconos).

Can you recommend anyone?

Thanks,

Ted Patikas

Mr. Mattson

I am very happy to be a part of your list for your newsletter. I have visited your web site for a long time and I think your web site should be a model for all sites. That is my opinion.

Could you send me your mailing address for I want to order a video.

Thank you again.

God be with you and your family.

Sincerely

Charles Roberts 

Always good to hear from you Charles. GEM

I currently hold a 2nd dan in aikijujutsu with the WMAF and I wish to further my knowledge of pressure points. I was looking at your diagram of the body and I wish to know what the letters and numbers mean as well as the effects (rewards and consequences) of each of the pressure points. I am kind of in a rush so I would greatly appreciate it if you could e-mail me at .... Thank you for reading my e-mail, your diagram was is great help to me.


Phillip Leach

Feb 1, 2000 - 03:18 AM

U.S. Kids Exercise Less, Eat More Fries Than Kids Elsewhere The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - American students exercise less and down more fries than school-aged kids in many other countries, a new report says.

Two-thirds of American students reported exercising for more than two hours a week, compared to 80 percent of students in Austria, Germany and the Slovak Republic who reported exercising regularly.

The findings came from a study of 120,000 students in 28 countries and were reported Monday by the World Health Organization.

Thirty-one percent of American 15-year-olds reported eating fries every day, putting the country fifth behind North Ireland, Scotland, Israel and England.

Among students aged 15, the United States ranked among the top three countries where kids eat sweets, chocolate and soft drinks every day.

But kids in other countries smoke more than American youths, said the report.

The U.S. ranks only 24th out of 28 for daily smoking, with 12 percent of 15-year-olds smoking every day. Greenland ranked highest, with 56 percent of 15-year-olds boys lighting up daily and 45 percent of 15-year-old girls joining them.

American students rank in the middle when it comes to alcohol consumption. About 23 percent of 15-year-olds said they drank beer, wine or spirits a least weekly. In Wales, the number was 53 percent, in Greece it was 52 percent and in England it was 47 percent.

Coordinated by the WHO, the study of health behaviors of school-aged children looked at students aged 11, 13 and 15 in 26 European countries and regions, Canada and the United States. The findings were derived from a 1997-1998 survey.

The study is conducted every four years. 

Thanks to Bill Hall for submitting this. GEM

I INFORM YOU ABOUT NEW VIEW OF OUR WEB-SITE. ANY YOUR SUGGESTION OR REMAR ARE WELCOME. NOTE: Web-site are optimized on resolution 800 x 600, universal alphabet fonts UTF-8 / size "Medium" and Internet Explorer. www.beotel.yu/~okikukai or www.beotel.yu/~shokugen 

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Vladimir POPOVIC E-mail: shokugen@beotel.yu Web-site: www.beotel.yu/~okikukai & www.beotel.yu/~shokugen Address: Crnotravska 13A/111, 11148 Belgrade, Serbia / Yugoslavia Tel&Fax: +381-11-661170

I have sent an attached file of the image I made. By the way, ( you probably won't want me to LOL ) If you want a picture with special effects made for you, email me and let me know the details I will gladly make one for you, free of course Warning: I will have a "by: Graham Quast" on it feel free to ask me

Very nice Graham. by all means make up the image with the bells and whistles!! :) GEM

Greetings,

The USA National Karate-do Federation New England Region will be holding a series of three events on the weekend of March 18 - 19, 2000.

Starting at noon on Saturday, March 18, 2000 in Windsor, Vermont the USA-NKF New England will be holding the USA-NKF New England Referees Clinic. The clinic will be presented by Roger Jarrett, Secretary General of the USA-NKF, who will be flying in for the occasion. Shihan Jarrett holds a World Karate Federation Judge A license. You should consider attending this event if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the criteria for scoring kata, kumite, and kobudo in order to better instruct and coach your students for USA-NKF, USAKF, and AAU competition, or if you are interested in learning how to become a USA-NKF and/or World Karate Federation referee. The clinic is open to all karate black belts; additionally, karate-ka under the rank of black belt are welcome to attend with a written recommendation from their sensei. This is a pre-registration only event and seating is limited.

All karate-ka and their guests are welcome to attend the USA-NKF New England Kick-Off Dinner (starting at 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2000 in Windsor, Vermont) where you will be able to hear first hand about the USA-NKF from its Secretary General and about the USA-NKF New England from its Chairmen. This is an opportunity to offer your thoughts and comments as well as to meet and exchange ideas with other notable senseis and practitioners from throughout New England. This is a pre-registration only event and tickets are limited.

The 2000 USA-NKF New England Karate Championships will start at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 19, 2000 in Windsor, Vermont. Roger Jarrett, Secretary General of the USA-NKF, will be in attendance and will participate as the head official of the tournament. This will be the first year that the USA-NKF has held a qualifier in New England to qualify athletes to compete in the USA-NKF National Karate Championships and Team Trials. Even if you are not sure whether you will attend this year's Nationals in California you are welcome to participate; you can decide at a later date whether you will go on to the National Championships. Last year's Nationals were held in Charlestown, West Virginia and were a huge success. This is a pre-registration only event.

We encourage you to participate in the three inaugural USA-NKF New England events. Your attendance and support will go a long way towards giving the USA-NKF New England a strong foundation upon which to build its ambitious agenda of programs and events.

If you would like more information we now have available two free informational packages:

1) The Athlete Registration Package contains all the pertinent information and registration forms needed for the USA-NKF New England Karate Championships and the Kick-Off Dinner.

2) The Referees Clinic Registration Package contains all the pertinent information and registration forms needed for the USA-NKF New England Referees Clinic and the Kick-Off Dinner.

Both packages are available in printed form or as an e-mail file attachment. If you would like to receive this information please indicate which package(s) you would like to receive and whether you would like to have hard copy(s) mailed to you, file attachment(s) e-mailed to you, or both hard copy and file attachments (please be advised that the file attachments are just over 1 meg each and are sent as separate e-mails). Please provide your name and mailing and/or e-mail addresses as necessary. We would also appreciate if you would indicate the dojo that you are affiliated with and which state the dojo is located in.

We appreciate your consideration and support. If you have any comments, suggestion, or questions please feel free to contact me.

Mark Bielecki USA-NKF New England Co-Chairman P.O. Box 4044 White River Junction, Vermont 05001 Telephone (802) 295-8978 between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm Eastern Time e-mail: msb@sover.net 

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