October, 1997 Mailbag
On "What's New" you wrote:
Where did all the visitors come from? 613 people logged onto
the main page today! That's an all time record.
Hmmm. Could it be we're getting the attention of the tai chi
(and/or the Tai Chi) crowd? Better that is done on your home page
instead of the next issue of Tai Chi.
And I think that's wonderful.
By the way, how well do you know this guy with the chi detector?
There are classic books out there on medical instrumentation
(Webster is the bible) that talk about the principles of
operation of almost all modern day medical instruments. Is this
guy willing to divulge the principles of operation of this
device? If it is for real and it's new, then he should be
applying for a patent. If it's existing technology, he shouldn't
be afraid to talk about how the basic transducers work and what
they are measuring. For example, pH electrodes and CO2 electrodes
for blood gases both operate on the same basic principle. And
devices that measure blood flow work on the same principles (flow
of charged particles in a magnetic field) as devices that measure
flow of a fluid in a tube.
As always, I'm both skeptical and interested.
Bill
Noah Mandell is looking forward to demonstrating his device at the Healing Arts Forum. GEM
Hi George,
Your forum looks very interesting and I would like to participate
as a presenter of shiatsu bodywork. From the program outline it
looks like the presentations will run from 10-1pm. It would be
helpful if you could give me an idea of the length of time I
would have to describe/demonstrate shiatsu so that I can plan my
presentation.
Thanks for inviting me!
Peg Doyle
pdoyle@warren.med.harvard.edu
Looking forward to your presentation Peg. The morning will be devoted to introductions and demonstrations of the various healing arts. The afternoon will be devoted to workshops followed by a question and answer period. Lunch will be included. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
My name is Stephen Quinn . Before coming to this country, about
ten years ago, I studied at the Dojo run by Dave Scott in
Liverpool UK . I tried to locate a Dojo in my area that taught
Uechi-Ryu, but I was unsuccessful . Having just got on the
internet I decided to look up a Uechi Ryu site and that's how I
got your name. Would you be so kind as to help me locate a Uechi
Ryu centre in the NYC / Northern NJ area?
Thank you for your time,
Stephen Quinn
Check out the instructor/dojo listing on this website for instructors in the New York area. GEM
Mr Mattson, I was wondering if you could help me with an
article I'm looking for. It was written by William "Wild
Bill" Johnson on the topic of dedication to teaching and
training in the martial arts. Mr Johnson tells me that he thinks
there's a copy on an Uechi ryu page somewhere. Since you have
such an extensive list of articles, I was wondering if you might
have this one archived somewhere.
Many thanks
Benjamin Ford
Check out the "articles" section. I know we have at
least one contribution by "Wild" Bill. GEM
Dear Master Mattson,
My name is Craig Boudreau, I am currently studying Uechi-Ryu here
Prince Edward Island, Canada. While surfing the Net, my Sensei,
Bill Marshall suggested checking out your Web-site.I am still
reading through this site, but see here I may need a password. If
it is not too much to ask, would it be possible to get a
password. I have just recently earned the rank of Rokkyu, and
very much enjoy my Karate studies. I also teach SCUBA diving, and
have had the opportunity to introduce my Sensei, Bill Marshall to
the sport of SCUBA diving. I look forward to my studies and
hearing back from you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Craig Boudreau
P.S. Sensei, Marshall sends his regards and best wishes...
I've enclosed your username and password. Looking forward to your participation in the NAC forum, along with your sensei Mr. Marshall. GEM
I have been a fan of yours ever since i bought your first book
back in the early 70's I believe. I do not study your style but
have used some of the training principles during the years. May
you live forever in your students actions!
george>okla
Check out my websites @
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3722/index.html
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/moosulkwan/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/towers/8602/index.html
http://members.tripod.com/~moosul/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/9015/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Loge/1272/index.html
Hello George,
I couldn't find the Tai Chi magazine in the local book store. It
really doesn't matter anyway because from the comments I read on
your web site, that article is probably not worth reading anyway.
But, having said that, I am a firm believer that there are
usually lessons can be learned from criticisms. Sometimes we may
really really have to push off our anger and pride and look hard
before we can see what there is to learn, or benefit from.
One example is the so called no-rules matches (UFC, etc) in the
past several years. There were and still are criticisms and
arguements between the stand-up and ground fighters about each
other's style and techniques, that how one type of fighting is
more superior to the other. I think that the most significant
outcome is that the smarter ones of the two camps are learning
from each other and are benefitting their styles while the dumber
ones are still there doing not much more than criticizing.
It is a known fact that the Kung Fu folks of the hard and soft
styles have been criticizing each other in China for centuries.
May be our Uechi ancesters were the smarter ones in China who
decided to incorporate a little of both. This latest article in
the Tai Chi magazine shouldn't really bother any one, no matter
how stupid it is. Besides, if I couldn't even find the magazine
in a major book store here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I don't
know how successful the magazine really is or if it deserves much
attention. I hate to see several thousand Uechi folks around the
globe trying to buy the magazine due to the controversy. The
magazine might think that it got popular all of a sudden and
raises its price.
I would like to offer a suggestion that, for those who have read
the article, try to find something worth learning, and inform the
rest of us. If it is really so terrible that nothing there
deserves learning, then let's just forget it. Writing or
responding to them in this case would just make us look defensive
and may even make them look better.
My other suggestion is, George, may be we should look at this
whole thing as a challenge. May be we need more publicity, or
more education for martial artists of other styles of what our
style is about. One forum could be the Black Belt Magazine. Some
people don't like the BBM but it is widely distributed. I can't
remember reading more than may be 2 articles about our style in
any national magazine within the last 20 or more years. From
reading your columns I am sure that quite a few of the Uechi
people can write up a storm. So at least the Tai Chi article, if
nothing else, serves as a catalyst for a swarm of Uechi articles
to the "outside" world to publicize our style. How is
this for a challenge?
Henry Thom
Martinez Karate Academy
Martinez, CA.
10/22/97
P.S. Pls don't volunteer me because it took me all day just to
write this letter.
And I was all ready to suggest you write the definitive Uechi article! Oh well, maybe Bill Glasheen will help us out. BTW, I subscribed to the Tai Chi magazine. Some very good articles in it. GEM
It's easy to be a critic. It's much more difficult to embrace
or even to synthesize an idea and defend it. It was child's play
to poke holes in the article from Tai Chi by the gentleman from
Edmonton (he left SO many loose ends to tweak). Having gone on
record as being a critic of that piece, I would like to take the
next step and heartily endorse the piece you posted by Joe
Bellone.
Unlike the gentleman from Edmonton, I am not speaking "from
my understanding..." In addition to my dan ranking in Uechi
and Goju, I also have dan ranking in aikido and practiced the
Yang style (short form) of tai chi. My own inefficient but
ultimately rewarding journey to understand these vague concepts
of the internal arts even included some esoteric Nei Gung
training from a visiting Chinese professor at UVa. While all this
was happening, I was also being trained in applied mathematics,
electrical engineering, and ultimately biomedical engineering.
This academic journey was followed by a five year faculty stint
in the division of cardiology.
This journey for a "unified understanding" of concepts
was not without its frustration. Some of the most talented
practitioners I studied under did not have the training in
physiology, kinesiology, and other related sciences that would
help them articulate the concepts. Consequently I would get
someone like Rad Smith (magna cum laude from Harvard in English)
blowing me away, and then explaining how he did it by quoting a
favorite poet. We all have our frames of reference, but there was
a lot that a talented athlete like Rad understood internally but
could not communicate to his students (i.e. the students couldn't
reproduce the feats). And in fairness to Rad, there is a lot in
the world of science and math that is difficult to communicate
without reverting to the "right" half of the brain. By
now we know that the whole field of nonlinear mathematics (chaos)
explains this unpredictable and arbitrary behavior of beings and
things.
The arrogance and smugness demonstrated by the gentleman from
Edmonton is not isolated. The very well known tai chi
practitioner and author Robert Smith used to frustrate the hell
out of me with statements like "all that other martial stuff
doesn't count" and "I can't give you copies of the film
of the master because you wouldn't understand it." It didn't
take long for me to see the smoke screen which covered up basic
insecurities and a desire to control. This is tragic because he
was and always will be considered a pioneer of this art in the
U.S. And if he was more secure in himself and had more trust in
his students, they could have advanced the general understanding
in areas where he was weak and relatively uneducated such as in
the pushing hands exercise.
Some of my best teachers of martial arts were professors in
graduate school. One in particular, J Milton Adams, never let me
get away with inprecise statements or personal, unproven ideas
passed on as fact. I can remember several internal seminars I
gave where the faculty mercilessly roasted me. One in particular
left me so burned out that I had difficulty completing sentences
by the end of the talk. All this was tough love, designed to
prepare me for the day when I would present scientific ideas at a
conference of my peers where my ideas would be challenged by
others competing for the same research dollars. And this process
- exercised by many western countries - is what leads to the
rapid discovery and dissemination of ideas that get results.
So when I hear people make statements like energy coming from the
soles of the feet, or that capacitors can have a higher voltage
than the generator that fed them, you must understand how it
causes a visceral response. These statements touch on important
concepts of physics, but they end up articulating nothing but
nonsense. For the most part I forgive instructors who physically
understand a concept but have a difficult time expressing it.
I've been there often, and we all will be there while we are
groping for a better understanding of our world. But I take
exception as soon as someone steps forward purporting to be an
authority for the purpose of driving a personal agenda to harpoon
a neighbor, and then makes a complete verbal ass of himself.
Much of the prevalence of this in the martial arts has to do with
what is lost in the translation from culture to culture, language
to language. When I finally am able to do some of the fantastic
feats that some claim in the internal arts (like immovable arm,
attacking with intent, explosive power without force) I usually
am disillusioned by those who first communicated it to me because
I find the application to be nothing but natural and
understandable. It's when I then begin to try to articulate these
concepts to others - and go back to the language of the Chinese,
Okinawans or Japanese who first explained them to me - that I
begin to understand the "mystique". The true meaning
was there all along, but it was hidden in inprecise language like
"energy flowing through the arm like water through a
hose." Yes, I now know what they mean, but this was not a
recipe for reproducing the feat. And it never really explained
what was physically going on.
But then again, I'm no poet.
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I got a second job as well as starting to do aerobics to balance
out my karate training so no time for the internet for me. I
tried looking on the internet for an Okiniwan flag the best offer
was to have one made for $130 dollars. If you see any better
deals let me know. I just read the response to women and chest
protectors on the roundtable. I like the response alot. I like
your clock. If you have the time it is in Okiniwa as well, I
would be impressed even though I don't need to know the time in
Okiniwa.
Marissa
Dear George,
As a newcomer to the net,it is a real pleasure to use this medium
to be able to congratulate you upon your recent promotion to 9th
dan. This adds still another to the long list of honors accorded
you by the Uechi family in your recognition as the father of
uechi-Ryu on american soil,your traditional and seminal
teachings,your unfailing leadership and your conceptual work in
creating and sustaining the north american chapter.
I shall always remember with admiration your tireless efforts to
promote and bring about events and make "things happen"
for the enjoyment of us all.I could not imagine our american
Uechi family without your spirit of determination and enthusiasm
which will,I know,carry you on to further accomplishments.
Through our web site,unquestionably,our family is embarked on
it's greatest mission ,both domestically and world wide,for
peace,fulfillment and greater learning in our quest for
brotherhood.I was particularly impressed at summer camp by
"Patrick"of Belgium who came to study classical
Uechi-ryu but left with his hearth overflowing with emotion at
our closeness and mutual respect.
George,I am delighted that this honor has come to you and I
remain your ever loyal and humble student.
Cordially yours,
Van Canna
I'm very honored Van. Thanks for your very kind words. Everyone is also extremely pleased to have you on our website, contributing articles of interest, from your 30+ years of experience. GEM
Subject: 1st. hmdojo / williams town youth center youth karate
tournament
first let me say wow! i never realized how much work went into a
tournament, and how rewarding it is , for it to run smoothly. we
had six schools attend with 39 students Hidden Mountain dojo with
6 Williamstown youth center with 13 Cheshire Uechi karate with 4
Berkshire Tae Kwon Do with 9 Pittsfield Karate Klub with 4 Green
Mountain Tae Kwon Do with 3
WEAPONS
1st is CHEYNE ASHLINE, BRANDON BURNS,AND BJ HRUSKA
2nd. is DONALD HOULE,JAMES SNEED, AND TIM ETMAN
3rd. is KEENAN CHENAIL, BRANDON CARNES, AND TRAVIS COOKE
2 PERSON SETS
1st. is DONALD HOULE/BRANDON CARNES, NICKOLAUS KUNI/SHAWN FLYNN
AND KRISTEN CROSS/MARK BALAWANDER
2nd. is BRANDON BURNS/KEENAN CHENAIL, WALTER SASS/CHEYNE ASHLINE,
ANDSAMANTHA CLEMONS/TALER SCHILLING
3rd. is JOSHUA RAHILLY/JACOB MEYERS, CLAYTON JOHNSON/JAMES SNEED
ANDBJ HRUSKA/STEPHANIE SNEED, TRAVIS COOKE/ TIM ETMAN
KATA
1st. is WALTER SASS, NICKOLAUS KUNI, JESSE MINER, DAVID PHILLIPS,
KRISTON CROSS, MARK BALAWANDER, AND AARON SOLARI
2nd. is LELAND GARAVALTIS, TALER SCHILLING, MATHEW MARTIN, JOSHUA
BIEKLAND, CLAYTON JOHNSON, BOBBY QUINN, AND JOSHUA O'NEILL
3rd. is CHEYNE ASHLINE, DEVON THOMAS, JAMES SNEED, MAEKENZIE
FOIST, TIM ETMAN, AND ALICIA CHESBRO
SPARRING
1st. AARON SOLARI, JAMES SNEED, WALTER SASS, KRISTEN CROSS, MARK
BALAWANDER, AND TIM ETMAN
2nd. is TRAVIS COOKE, TALER SCHILLING, ALICIA CHESBRO, MATHEW
MARTIN, DEVON THOMAS, AND NICKOLAUS KUNI
3rd. is CLAYTON JOHNSON, JUSTIN QUINN, LELAND GARAVALTIS, AND BJ
HRUSKA.
THE CHAMPION IN EACH DIVISION
BEGINNERS : 8 YEAR OLD CHEYNE ASHLINE
NOVICE: 16 YEAR OLD WALTER SASS
INTER: 12 YEAR OLD KRISTEN CROSS
ADVANCED: 9 YEAR OLD TIM ETMAN
BLACK BELT: 13 YEAR OLD JESSE MINER
EACH OF THESE STUDENTS RECEIVED PLAQUEC AND A $50.00 GIFT
CERTIFICATE. THE HIDDEN MOUNTAIN DOJO RECEIVED THE SCHOOL OF
CHAMPIONS PLAQUEC AND A $100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE
well thats about it , i really enjoyed the tournament, the only
thing i didn't like was not being able to watch my students.
looking forward to summer camp.
ekc
Sensei,
Please pardon the interruption, my new webpage address is
http://www.erols.com/kyusho/ it will be under construction for a
little longer.
Evan Pantazi
Sensei George,
First, I want to thank you for coming on Friday and I'm glad you
enjoyed it. It was an honor having you in my Dojo again.
Next, I've been researching Karate and specificly Kata history
for the Inner Secrets series and would like to host a forum on
the subject.
. . .
Steve DiOrio
Sounds like another great Forum Steve. I'll have it up
later tonight. GEM
George
I had a chance this weekend to read the Tai Chi magazine article
several times by the gentleman from Edmonton. There are many,
many fallacies in the article - almost too numerous to address.
Some have to do with martial arts, and his white belt
understanding of karate. Some have to do with his comical
misunderstanding about electric circuits. Some have to do with
basic errors of logic. And then there is his poor sentence
structure, spelling, vernacular language, vagueness, hyperbole,
defensiveness, and arrogance.
Several thoughts come to mind. First, I blame Tai Chi magazine
for allowing an article like that to come through in the first
place. A decent editorial board would have at least worked a
little on the article before allowing it to come through. An
editorial board composed of seasoned and secure martial artists
would have considered the diatribe pointless. And I can't believe
that good tai chi practitioners would have put up with his rather
narrow interpretation of external vs internal - most likely made
necessary by the fact that the Uechi style he was harpooning
shares much with soft styles. By the way I have a good argument,
using this guy's own logic, which would show that a taequondo
spinning hook kick is an internal technique.
My question is this: what is the best avenue of response? Should
we encourage readership of this poorly edited magazine by
engaging in a dialogue via their letters to the editor? Is the
home page a good place to analyze the article? Are there other
magazines worthy of a parallel article - either in the form of a
rebuttal or perhaps an original article that is positive in
nature on the subject? Or should we leave the narrow Tai Chi
crowd alone and uninformed, basking in their smugness?
By the way, the though occurred to me that a rebuttal article to
this piece would be a good a priori requirement for an advanced
dan rank in Uechi Ryu. I'd be tickled to be on the review board
of such articles.
Bill
OK Bill, lets see what others have to say!! GEM
Hello George,
I saw a thread talking about continuous sparring and would like a
little info on what is involved, it sounds interesting. Thanks in
advance.
Wayne Paulsen
P.S: Website is still gettng better every day.
Thanks for the note Wayne. There are quite a few
tournament methods, each trying to do something a little better
than the others. I began the "continuous" match concept
years ago, because the "point" events seemed so
unrealistic (at least the in the tournaments I witnessed) for the
traditionalists. When Rich Baptista convinced me 3 years ago to
put on a mini tournament within his big one, I consented
providing we could use new rules. We've been experimenting and
seemed to have found a great set of rules which now are being
used. (Can be found in the Tournament section of the website)
Our British "mates" are also trying to improve on our
rules and have posted their views on the forum you saw. Let me
know your views. GEM
Hi George,
Enclosed is a short essay about internal power. I hope it helps
clarify some of the misconceptions about what people have been
told about what internal power is. This essay was prompted do to
the resent misconceptions of what is internal power and what is
external power. Please let me know if it would be useful to the
readers of your webpage.
Joe
p.s. I'm currently working on an article for Allen Moultan's page
that deals with a slightly different slant on this subject.
Thanks for the article Joe. Its been posted to the Articles
section. GEM
Woah, Sensei.
I read the article "External Vs. Internal Martial Arts"
as soon as you faxed it. My initial impression is that the author
did a tremendous amount of superficial research with shallow or
no understanding, almost like gathering parts of a number of
disparate mathematical formulas, dumping them in a cup, shaking
well, then pouring the solution onto paper in hopes to convince
the multitudes... The results simply didn't seem to add up (I
like puns these days).
There appears to be much good information but it mixed with
filler and doubtful material. If you know Uechi-ryu in any kind
of capacity then read his article you tend to disbelieve
everything the author says because you immediately know at least
one place where he is talking through his socks. The Uechi-ryu
portion of the write up cast a very dark shadow over the
remaining contents. At the end, he presents himself as an expert
in Chi as he gets into an Archery stance (to shoot more arrows at
Uechi-ryu?).
I typically don't read this stuff, but what convinced me to read
the entire text was the method a punch is delivered and what's
behind it in a hard system, and to top it off, on the last page,
the author says "...concoct these cock-and-bull stories are
practitioners of the Okinawan Uechi-ryu and Goju-ryu..."
Woah again and frost the cake! This guy tensed some involuntary
muscles while attempting to describe Sanchin which stimulates an
urge to put something together for a weekly lesson.
Thanks for the article.
Allen L. Moulton
I received the magazine a couple days ago. The model used
for the photographs of Sanchin, obviously never studied our
style. It looked as though he was posed for the pictures in order
to reinforce the inaccurate and misleading points made in the
article. The publisher also sent me a copy of October's Taichi,
which contained a rebutel letter by our own David Mott, 7th dan
and Kyoshi in Uechi-ryu. If I can get permission to quote Dave,
I'll post his letter here. GEM
FOSTER DOYLE <doylefl@ns.sympatico.ca>
To:
"GMattson@usa1.com" <GMattson@usa1.com>
Dear Sensei: I am a practitioner at Dave Hunt's Karate Academy in
Bedford, N.S. Am currently a Yonkyu and am enjoying my
"journey" into Uechi very much - but of course still
have a very long way to go. We are very lucky to be able to
practice not only with Sensei Hunt but also his assistant
instructor Sensei Deb Duder (Shodan). At our class last night we
did a 12 minute sanchin and were so into mushin that we all
thought it was only about 3 minutes long. What a rush!! We at
DHKA are also all very excited and lucky that Sensei Bethoney is
coming for a visit next weekend. It's sure to be a good time and
will no doubt be a great learning experience. Just a quick
question. We do quite a bit of conditioning (lower arms, upper
and lower legs and stomach) but I was wondering if you have any
suggestions for upper arm conditioning? I find that whenever I do
bunkai I always tend to get bruises during the club attack. The
defenders seem to constantly nail me in the bicep muscle and the
fleshy part of the upper arm. Although the bruises heal I am a
bit concerned that this might lead to a "weak" spot as
my training continues.
Foster Doyle
I'll post your letter to Bill Glasheen's forum. Bill has some great advice regarding conditioning and training in general. My advice is to work on your blocks. Your upper arm and areas of your body that cannot be conditioned, should be protected during your practice. If your blocks or timing is off, you will get hit! GEM
Dear George,
Please include me in the dojo listings.
Stephen Drehobl
Collegeville, PA
(610) 489-4418
e-mail: 76740.1477@compuserve.com
Thanks again,
Steve Drehobl
Hiya there! *s* My Martial Arts Site, listed as "Martial
Arts Sites" has moved to....
http://www.keylink.net/deanna/dworld6.htm
Thank you,
Deanna
_________________________________________________
Deanna's World: http://www.keylink.net/deanna/
Email & PowWow: deanna@keylink.net
IRC Channel: http://www.keylink.net/deanna/irc.htm
Shoutouts: http://www.keylink.net/deanna/friends.htm
Whats a "Shoutouts Deanna??? GEM
Hello George:
Hope all is going well..... I would like to know a little more
about the "Healing Arts" seminar you are holding in
November.... I as well as some of my students are intrested in
this area.
I know you have not posted who will be teaching, as of yet. But
when you do know, could you please let me know. We would be
intrested in early registration, but I would like to know in
advance who is teaching.
Thank you, and take care.....
Jay Sal
PS: The Seminar/Promotional last week that Bob Campbell held at
my dojo went great. There were about 40 people in attendance.
I should be able to update the program this coming week.
Should be a fascinating event, with many "healing"
martial arts represented. Ironically, many of the Western
programs use "chi" and "meridians" in their
techniques. I've been learning a great deal about how the Uechi
kata can be used for healing and good health in addition to the
movements deadly potential through these "healing"
arts. Great opportunity to expand your martial arts knowledge in
an area that few teachers cover in class.
Pleased to hear that Bob's seminar was a big success. I'm expecting him back from New York this week and plan to get him to my class on Saturday. GEM
Good Evening George,
It sounds like a good meeting on the healing art's. I wish I
could be there, since I am some distance away; all I can do is to
wish you and your group good luck and HAVE... FUN.... That is one
of any topics that I am interested in learning more about.
George, I see myself as a student surround by MASTERS. For you
all have so must knowledge about the art's. That I fell that I am
an ant and you all are Giants. There is so much that people can
learn from the group if they would listen and participate.
Good luck and God be with you.
Charles Roberts
dear Sensei Mattson, thanks for the info on how to locate the new York practitioners. I have been able to contact them. Nanny S. (Godan) for example. And I am going to take my wife to monitor a class this week. So thanks again and its really good to hear that Marty Goldberg is with you again. I have been away from Boston for so long. My extended family lives there so maybe I'll get chance to see Mart again. Its been so long that he will probably not remember me. But I remember him and Uechi, although between now and then I have studied and dabbled in several styles. But I have a mundane question which I hate to trouble you with but which I am sure you have answered so many times before. And that is about past ranking in Uechi. what is the appropriate thing to do upon return to practice in a Uechi dojo. May I wear my Uechi belt (4th kyu) or must I wear a white belt. Do I have a choice? My preference is to explain my past rank to my new Sensei, wear a white belt until I get in shape and get to the point where I feel that I have arrived back. And I am my own worst critic. Or must I wear a white belt or must I wear my previous rank. Is it at my option. Together with my other styles over the years such as shotokan and goju, where I attained 5th and 2nd kyu's respectively, I am clearly not a beginer, although no one is ever completely finished with the basic. So I do not feel comfortable wearing a white belt. And, yet, I do not feel comfortable wearing my former rank when I know that I am presently nowhere near this rank. What is the proper thing to do. It will be clear to my Uechi Sensei that I am not a rank beginner and it will be equally clear that I am not where I was when I received my 4th kyu ranking. Thanks for your time and thanks for helping me get back to Uechi. I am thrilled to see how the style has progressed so much in my absense, I cannot wait to introduce my wife to the style I have talked about for so many years. She is coming to the class with me.
The option of what belt to where when joining a new dojo, rests with the instructor. Check with him/her. Good luck with your training. GEM
From Harvey Rowe:
An Army Ranger was on vacation in the depths of Louisiana and
he wanted a pair of genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but
was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were
asking. After becoming very frustrated with the "no
haggle" attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the Ranger
shouted, "Maybe I'll just go out and get my own alligator so
I can get a pair of shoes made at a reasonable price!" The
vendor said, "By all means, be my guest. Maybe you will run
into a couple of Marines who were in here earlier saying the same
thing."
The Ranger headed into the bayou that same day and a few hours
later came upon two men standing waist deep in the water. He
thought, "Those must be the two Marines the guy in town was
talking about." Just then, the Ranger saw a tremendously
long gator swimming rapidly underwater towards one of the
Marines. Just as the gator was about to attack, the Marine
grabbed its neck with both hands and strangled it to death with
very little effort.
Both Marines dragged the Gater to shore and flipped it on its
back. Laying nearby were several more of the creatures.
One of the Marines then exclaimed, "Damn, this one doesn't
have any shoes either!"
HELLO MY NAME IS CHRIS ALPREN I AM IN THE USAF AND WOULD LIKE
TO GET ANY INFORMATION ON YOUR CAMP FESTIVAL I CURRENTLY A
STUDENT HERE IN GERMANY UNDER SHORIN-RYU (ANTHONY RUSSO'S SCHOOL)
I KNOW IS PROBABLY A LITTLE EARLY BUT IN MY LINE OF WORK THE
SOONER THE BETTER. YOUR CAN CONTACT ME VIA E-MAIL AT
(CHRIS.ALPREN@RHEIMMAIN.AF.MIL) OR MY MAILING ADDRESS IS
THANK YOU CHRIS
Thanks for your interest and early response. Watch the website for camp updates. Just remember the camp is always the 2nd weekend in August! GEM
The Board of the Uechi-Ryu Karate Do Association (GB) :
Dave Scott, Terry Daly, Paul Fulton, Jim Hulse, Steve McNally,
Paul Natzyl and Mick Pappas;
has unanimously decided to join the International Uechi-Ryu
Federation (IURF). This is an organization founded by George
Mattson in conjunction with Kanmei Uechi. Its aim is to unite
into one federation, those national Uechi-Ryu organizations
(chapters) that wish to maintain a relationship with Kanmei Uechi
and his family and to promote the practice of traditional
Uechi-Ryu Karate.
The board of the British chapter (BC) are particularly delighted
to reforge their links with the Uechi family, George Mattson and
the NAC. Dave Scott, who spent all of his formative training
under the instruction of Master Kanei Uechi and Jim Hulse our
IURF representative are also most pleased that the British
Association will continue in the tradition on which it was
founded.
Mick Pappas
P.R. I.U.R.F. (B.C.)
Nice to have you guys aboard Mick. Looking forward to working with your group once again. GEM
Sensei-
I'm sure that you don't remember me, but I was a student of yours
in Boston in the early '70s, eventually earning a brown belt. I
left Boston in '73 to go to grad school in Oregon, and when I
returned to the area in '77 the dojo was gone and I never was
able to find out what had happened to you or the school. Anyway,
I moved to the Philadelphia area shortly thereafter, had a brief
fling with Tae Kwon Do, which I really didn't like, and a brief
but satisfying affair with Aikido before marriage, family, work,
etc. conspired to essentially end my relationship with the
martial arts. Recently, I have gotten the urge to become involved
once again in some type of martial arts activity- karate, aikido,
jiu-jitsu, maybe- but I have reservations regarding a lot of the
schools I visit. What I liked most about your dojo was the
respect for tradition and the spirit of karate, and the way your
attitudes were reflected in the other instructors. I am looking
for a similar situation here and was hoping that you might know
of some good people or schools in my area.
Where is my area, I hear you ask. Good question. I am located
in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 25 minutes NE of
Philadelphia. I would truly appreciate it if you could take some
time from your busy schedule to respond one way or the other. In
any case, I am happy to see you are still around and well, and I
look forward to hearing from you.
John Duffy
I remember you John! Pleased to hear you are looking to get back into Uechi. BTW, I moved my dojo in the mid 70s. Sorry you didn't get the message. (That was before the Internet!) Hopefully someone will let us know the nearest dojo to you so we can get you back in a Uechi gi. Keep in touch. GEM
I am very impressed by your web site. I am looking for some
kata's on the net that are diagram by diagram. If you can help me
locate this, I would appreciate it.
Cheryl Soper
I don't know of any Cheryl, but perhaps someone else does. GEM
Sensei Mattson:
Please revise our E-mail address to read
"gokflynn@sprynet.com". We appologize for not getting
it right the first time.
Thanks!
Mark and Connie Flynn
Albany, NY
Hello Mister Mattson,
Perhaps you could insert a link to Bushido Online Martial Arts
Encyclopaedia.
http://www.bboxbbs.ch/home/ben/
Of course I will link back to your site.
Thank you,
Regards,
Marco Benedetti.
Will do Marco. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson,
As per my fax, here are my comments on the article:
1. The author's understanding of peng jing and fa jing are
essentially correct. The aspects of the article where he talks
about "internal" arts and tai chi are more or less
correct both in terms of philosophy and body mechanics, i.e. the
actual expression of power in technique.
2. His bias against karate seems to imply that he views it
(karate) as a set of functions, exercises, etc. that simply use
isolated muscle movements rather than the integrated, coordinated
body mechanics as he describes relating to TCC and other internal
arts. In this respect, I can only conclude:
A. He has seen karateka who are stiff and use mainly isolated
muscle movements
B. He seeks to show that there are EITHER external (hard) or
internal (soft) arts only. There are no "hybrids" by
the definition of his arguments which include using body
mechanics as a classification and the how power is
issued/transmitted when a technique is performed. (In his view,
all of the power is either from isolated muscle movements, i.e.
external style, or coordinated body mechanics, i.e., internal
style, and nothing "in between".)
3. I believe that the author does not understand the Uechi Ryu
San Chin and how the the rooting and power are generated and
manifested. Again, he has either seen or talked to people who:
A. are doing Uechi Ryu the old, stiff way (circa 1970s)
B. do not have a complete understanding of the body mechanics to
generate rooting and power.
I would suggest that you enlighten the author with some of the
knowledge and information that you presented on "Video #17
Dynamic Uechi-Ryu Part One: The Basics". Your tape and the
information contained within are excellent and would refute the
claims that he has made regarding the body mechanics of
"hybrid" styles. (I found your tape an excellent
discussion of how to root and generate energy from the San Chin
kata.)
4. As a practitioner of Chen Tai Chi, I noticed that many of the
principles you discussed within your tape regarding San Chin are
contained within Tai Chi. In San Chin, the principles are
manifested in a more subtle fashion, but after viewing your tape,
I can see them and understand how they apply to generating root
and power.
I hope that this gives you some additional insight and provides
some more input for a rebuttal to the article that was printed.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Wong
Thanks Jeffrey. I hope you plan to send this letter to TaiChi Magazine. GEM
Hi George,
There have been several confusing articles written in the past
year regarding the health concerns of Karate practitioners and
how they use different energy, breathing specifically, compared
to the Internal arts (Tai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing-I Ch'uan and Bagua
Zhang). The Journal of Asian Martial Arts published an article
written by Robert Smith that also addressed improper breathing
techniques (in the article Mr.Smith mentions Goju-ryu Karate-do
and Uechi-ryu Karate-do) and how they could be detrimental to the
practitioner.
As I have a background in Uechi-ryu Karate-do (Yondan certificate
#431) and a Bagua Zhang and Hsing-I Ch'uan student of Tim
Cartmell, I would be interested in participating in the forum on
November 23rd. I also discussed Sanchin breathing at length with
Goju-ryu master Anthony Mirakian, who helped shed some
interesting insights on the subject. Dr. Chris Gundel (also a
Yondan in Uechi-ryu Karate-do) and practitioner of Bagua Zhang
(Chris is a student of Kent Howard, and has studied other
internal arts) has written an article concerning transitions from
External to Internal martial arts in last years Pa Kua Journal.
He also would be interested in joining the forum.
We would be happy to share our experiences and insights in both
of these rich martial art traditions.
Sincerely,
Joe Bellone
Pleased to hear that you wish to help out on the 23rd. If
there are any other individuals who would like to participate,
please contact me. GEM
The following was sent in by Randy Danielson.
Legend of the Geese
This spring when you see geese heading back north for the summer
flying along in a "V" formation, you might be
interested in knowing that scientists have discovered about why
they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an
uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a
"V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% flying
range then if each bird
flew on its own.
Basic Truth #1: People who share a common direction and sense of
community can get where they are going quicker and easier because
they are traveling on each other's thrust.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the
drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets
back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the
bird immediately in front.
Basic Truth #2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay
in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates to the back and
another goose flies point.
Basic Truth #3: It pays to take turns doing the hard jobs--with
people or with geese flying north.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up
their speed.
Basic Truth #4: We need to be careful what we say when we honk
from behind.
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshot and
falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to
help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able
to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out on their own
or with another formation to catch up to their group.
Final Truth: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by
each other like that.
Thanks for sending this in Randy. I hope all the martial artist
who read it will "get" the message! GEM
I have received a book from Allan Dollar and 3 tapes from your
production.Really nice. I saw a Sensei called Seiko Toyama 9 Dan,
who is the last person that has trained with Sensei Kanbum Uechi.
Do you have his address at Okinawa?
Best regards,
Wagner E. Araujo.
No I don't, but Sensei Dollar should have it. GEM
Hi george,
I was very happy to find a drawing to build a makiwara. At once I
sent it to my printer. But my friend who will build it cannot
read the characters. could you send me the gif-file ? It would be
very pleasure!!
Thanks a lot and best regards
Bernhard
Thanks for your note. You can "capture" a gif or other image file onthe internet by simply right-mouse clicking on the image, then selecting save image to a file. You will be saving the same file I am using on the page. Good luck with your project. Let us know how your makiwara works. GEM
With enormous joy and greatfulness we announce a new member of
the Dojo in
Rotterdam !!
At 14:14 h on the 10.10.97
Daniel Simic came and presented himself with his amazing
technique !
The mother and baby are doing fine and the father is GREAT !
REGARDS TO YOU ALL
POZDRAV SVIMA
Ines & Dragan
Sensei Mattson:
In the Tae Kwon Do Wall Street Journal thread you mention that no
one else has stepped forward to take part in this forum.
While I'm sure there are more experienced people than myself, I
have always enjoyed writing, and (as I'm sure you've seen)
sharing my opinions.
I have just received confirmation that Black Belt Magazine will
be publishing an article I wrote about striking on the ground,
but that is my only "published" articles.
So, if I can help out I would be happy to.
Rick Wilson
Thanks for your interest and help. Hopefully we will be joined by others who would like to publicize Uechi-ryu. If anyone else would like to get involved, please email me your choice of username and a password. GEM
Sensei Mattson:
Congratulations on your promotion to 9th Dan!
Dave Lamb brought back a copy of the fine article done in the
local paper on your promotion. Although I am not able to practice
as I should I still enjoy keeping up with Uechi Ryu through your
web page.
Again, Congratulations and best wishes for the future!
Tom Hauder
Dear Sensei Mattson,
This e-mail to let you know that I have been in Paris to contact
Sensei Shimabukuro. We have a basic agreement that he will help
me in learning Uechi-Ryu and in making my dojo the first
Uechi-Ryu dojo in Belgium.
There are still a lot of issues to be covered. Uechi-Ryu has to
be implemented within the Belgian Karate Association, which will
not be easy as several of the fractions are in heavy turmoil over
financial issues once again...
While it is still early for an official announcement, I think we
are heading in the right direction.
Hopefully I can meet you (virtually that is) in one of the chat
sessions.
Kind Regards,
Patrick.
--
Patrick Wauters
I've just been on your web site and saw that you put a clock
on it. Excellent, now I know what is the time difference between
Slovenia and your place. I'll try to wake up sometimes at 4
o'clock in the morning to chat with you online.
Regards,
Andrej Kozuh
E-mail: andrej.kozuh@bigfoot.com
kkkranj@usa.net
Home Page: http://phobos.fov.uni-mb.si/shohei
Sensei Mattson:
I do not have a copy of the Taichi article but did give it a
glance in the store. My general impression is that the writer
contends that it is impossible to have both a hard and soft
style, therefore Uechi Ryu Gojo Ryu etc. are all frauds. He had
many complaints about the Sanchin stance and used some Taichi
phrases that I am not familiar with to demonstrate how this
stance could not possibly be soft.
It distresses me that many "martial artists" criticize
another art without studying it. I remember reading an article
where the writer warned of such quick leaps. He had been in the
Philippines with Don Draeger and had a remote village's style
demonstrated. He found their short hooking, ripping punches
totally lacking in power and decided the style was useless. When
they got to know him they revealed that the style was not an
empty hand art but used a short blade that extended in a hook
beneath the hand. All of a sudden the moves became very deadly.
The writer of this article may have fallen victim to this same
syndrome. I won't comment further because I did not read the
article extensively, but what I did read annoyed me.
Rick Wilson
Sensei Mattson,
I would like to offer some personal input on the Tai-Chi Magazine
Article as well as Sensei Taskers question on Kyusho.
First let me State that I have been practicing Tai-Chi for 10
years, (Master Bo Sim Mak as my instructor). I have been studying
Sanchin, (A close open hand version of the Uechi Style Kata), for
about as long. What I have found is that Sanchin developes Chi
circulation quicker, stronger and more readily usable than
Tai-Chi. Usable in Healing as well as Martial applications.
As for the Kyusho Question...I teach limited Kyushu to Kyu ranks
and Kids. In today's rather interesting society our children are
under serious attack (as are we all) by the growing crimminal
element. I think I (with caracter judgement sternly in place) owe
the student that seeks my help, as a guide to personal
protection, the most efficient and powerful tools available. In
today's letiginous society if I someone is attacked and returns
with destructive force enough to physically injure (Damage Body
Tissue, Organs of Skeletal Structure) they then are at risk for
legal assault as well. Also if a student is trained to break arms
or strike the eye, it then becomes reaction, a child taught to
punch to the face or kick to the ribs will naturally tend to use
it in a self defense scenario at school or play. We all know that
a kick to the ribs can potentially, seriously and perhaps
permanently damage the aggressor. With Kyusho you can show a
student how to take an assailant out of the situation with no
permanent or physical damage. To illustrate this all that
attended this years Summer Camp witnessed me render two Ukes
unconcious with little power and no physical damage. That doesn't
mean you KO evrey one. A Child is taught a kyusho point on the
arm to numb that arm for up to twenty minutes, (ever hit your
funny bone?) isn't that better than the kick to the ribs?
As for the question of permanent damage over the years of
dedicated practice...I was recently allowed to participate in a
Goverment approved and funded Medical study at the University of
Pennsylvanias Hospital. Nuerologists and Nuerosurgeons were on
hand to Observe, Test and mearsure the heart, lungs, brain,
vascular systems, and several other test with the most advanced
technology available. They found no shock or damage to any of
these organs or processes. The Dillman organization, by the way
still the only ones able to demonstrate this in public, have been
using Kyusho for over fifteen years NO INJURIES OR ILLNESSES. I
also find that Kyusho practitioners become very adept at healing
methods as well.
I will cut this letter short as I would continue for days. I am
always available to disscuss this subject on any level. Email
<www.Kyusho.com>.
Evan Pantazi
Certified Tui Na and Chi Gong Therapist
B.A. Eduction
Master Level Kyusho / Kempo
Thanks for the information Evan. If anyone is interested in learning more about Kyusho and Uechi-ryu, please contact Steve DiOrio. Steve and Evan are hosting a free seminar on the inner secrets of Seisan kata on Friday, October 17th at the Wellesley Athletic Club. Attendance is limited. GEM
Hi,
I was viewing the new forum "Healing Arts" and I was
thinking; how would it be if Wes would post per week a healing
point and the facts about the area. This might get people more
involved in the forum and it would be a teaching tool as well as
an discussion tool. Wes could pick the points to cover injuries
that happen in the dojo's to start.
Will George, I better stop now. I hope I am not out of line with
my suggestion. I think that Wes has a forum that can do much in
educating the people. Just like all the other forums you have in
your web site.
Take care and God be with you and your group.
Great idea Charles. . . please post on Wes's forum. GEM
Sensei Mattson
Will you please add the following to your instructors list.
James Foley- St.Louis, MO: 314-569-0310
Dean Klossner- Wentzville, MO: 314-639-5515
Thank You
Dean Klossner
Sorry for the oversight Dean. Thought Jim was listed already. GEM
Sensei Mattson,
Over the summer I had the opportunity to begin studying uechi-ryu
at Sensei Bethoney's dojo in Brockton. I am now back in college
in Nashville,TN, and have been unsuccessful at finding any dojos.
I am writing to you in hope that you may know of any dojos in the
Nashville area. Thank you.
Eric Dahlgren
Hi Iam a Brown Belt in Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate and was wondering
how our styles are alike I know this style has sanchin and well
so do we as one of our many forms. Any info would be greatly
appreciated!
Thanks
Boomer
I'm not familiar with your style Boomer. My advice is to post your question on one of the Uechi forums. Many different sensei visit the forums and may be able to answer your questions. GEM
From: Harvey Rowe <hrowe@mindspring.com>
Subject: HUMOR: Things rednecks don't say
Things you wouldn't NEVER hear a Southerner say:
* I believe you cooked those green beans too long.
* Honey, these bonsai trees need watering.
* Cappuccino tastes better than espresso.
* We don't keep firearms in this house.
* You can't feed that to the dog.
* Wrasslin's fake.
* We're vegetarians.
* I'll have grapefruit instead of biscuits and gravy.
* Give me the small bag of pork rinds.
* Trim the fat off that steak.
* The tires on that truck are too big.
* Little Debbie snack cakes have too many fat grams.
* Checkmate.
* I don't have a favorite college team.
* Those shorts ought to be a little longer, Darla.
* Elvis who?
Please address all comments and complaints to "Harvey"! GEM
George,
In one of the article's I have been reading you stated that you
would like to do sanchin in a airplane.
I was thinking how about making a floor out of 2x4's and suspend
it from the ceiling so it would be no more than 3" off the
floor. Then place around it bumper's, to keep the floor from
swinging to much. Also, it would aid in a change in direction.
This floor does not have to be very big, no more than a sheet of
plywood (4x8).
This was just a thought, I hope you like the idea. You may not
have enough room in you dojo to try this there.
Maybe, Bill would like to try this idea. : )
Well you all there take care.
Charles
Thanks for the tip Charles. Guess I'll pass on building the plateform, but Bill very well might be up for it. Thanks to you also, for submitting a great wrist/finger strengthening device, which I've posted to the Articles section. Check it out. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson,
First off, congratulations on you promotion in August. From the
few times I have talked with you, I believe you are deserving of
this honor.I am writing to inform you that I will no longer have
this e-mail address. I would also like to tell you I am off to
Japan in a couple to study martial arts (hopefully Uechiryu, but
I will be happy with whatever comes my way) and to experience
life in a new culture. Thank you for your assistance in giving my
sensei (David Lamb from Lincoln, NE) advice in this matter, and I
would also like to let you know that Sensei Gary Khoury has been
extremely invaluable in helping me with my quest, and I am sure
he will continue to be after I arrive. I will leave you with this
short true story:
Coincidence or Kharma?
I contacted Sensei Khoury soon after I recieved his name
following Summer Camp 97. I landed a job with Nova (ESL company),
which has over 100 schools all over Japan. I had no clue where I
was to be placed in Japan, so Sensei Khoury said to let him know
when I found out where i would be located. Soon after, I was
destined to spend my first year in Kitakyushu, and quickly
e-mailed Sensei Khoury. To my joyful suprise and his shock, Not
only was Sensei Khoury in this city for over a year, but also in
the same ward! It was then I was really convinced I was destined
for this trip.
Thank you for your time,
Jason Varga
Good luck with your studies. Keep us informed as to your progress. GEM
I have had a problem finding a book that has the uechi-ryu
katas and techniques in it.The only book that any one has of
yours is the way of karate. could you tell me where i might find
one .I live in the ottawa area.
Domo Jason McMaster(rokyu)
Check out the Uechi "Products" section Jason. Lots of great books and other products. GEM
Good evening,
I've just visited your nice site, for that my comliments are due.
My name is Cosimo, I'm a Kempo Dankan athlet and teacher in
Italy. I also the webmaster of the WKDF-World Kempo Dankan
Federation official site, so first I like to invite you to visit
it at the following url:
http://users.iol.it/cosmit
hoping you like it.
I also want to propose you to exchange a link on our own pages:
I'm right ready for that! Please don't esitate to contact me
whenever you like.
Respectfully,
Cosimo Mitaritonno
e-mail: cosmit@iol.it
www : http://users.iol.it/cosmit
I'll check it out Cosimo and create a link to your site
next update. GEM
Dear George
We just put an article up that I believe you will want to read.
It is called "Car Jacking".
Located at our site under the "Hot" category at
http://www.americanselfdefense.com
Enjoy
Larry Tahler
Very interesting and informative. Check it out. GEM
Sensei,
I am glad that I attended the 1997 Summer Camp and will always
remember the many very fine people that I met there. I found it
to be a gathering unlike any other that I have attended. To meet
people like Windsong Blake and Kimo Wall was not only very
exciting, but spiritually inspiring. I made quite a few new
friends in the various clinics that I attended. I very much
enjoyed the Yamani-Ryu seminars with Mr. John Hassel, and have
continued to practice the bo kata that he taught.
One of the students that I met came from Germany, he and I have
been exchanging e-mail. His name is Georg Adam, and has tried to
send e-mail to his roommate from the camp. The roommate's name
was Joshua, and was the fellow who entertained the party with a
stand-up routine on either Friday or Saturday evening, which
demonstrated some of his 'Southern-based katas' and discussed
other non-Yankee traditions. The e-mail address that Georg is
trying to send to is jajima@visuallink.com. Could you put me in
touch with Joshua either by phone or e-mail? Thanks.
I congratulated you for receiving Ninth Degree. It is such an
honor to have even witnessed it that I did not even know what to
say. Even if I am but echoing what everyone else has said, I
would like to say that I think that you are very deserving of
this honor. You have brought so many people together with
Uechi-Ryu over the years through your hard work and dedication,
that if I hear anyone who has a criticism of this or of you, be
certain that I will try to politely point out to them that they
sound like 'sour grapes'. I heard you say a number of times that
we should keep an open mind to all of the teaching and that we
should try to understand the differences, rather than judge them
as right or wrong. I agree, and have been trying to teach the
importance of bringing people together in spite of differences,
rather than be divided.
Also I took a few photos that turned out pretty good. Would you
like me to send you some prints? Where to?
Domo Arigato Go Sei Mashita
Stephen Drehobl
Josh monitors this site and will contact you I'm sure. If possible, please email the photos as image files. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I was interested in buying an Okinawan flag for my Sensei's dojo.
Would you know where I might look for one? My instructor bought a
chest protector for a female yellow belt to use when she is
sparring. He suggested awhile back that I should get one as well.
I didn't like that idea. After a 4th dan female told him that was
dumb idea he stopped trying to tell me to buy one. I have to
prove myself again and again to the higher rank male students in
the dojo. Which is to my advantage but also to my disadvantage. I
always push myself but sometimes the guys don't punch at me as
hard as they would a male. I notice that alot of male green belts
were at the level I was when I was a brown belt. I can't do the
takedown in Yakusoku strongly with anyone who is 180lbs. or
above. I weigh 145lbs. When I get taken down in Yakusoku I feel
as if I on a rollar coaster flying down to the ground. I hope
that any instructors reading this take into account the size of
their students. I like trying to kid myself that size doesn't
matter but sometimes it unfortunely is a factor. I just have to
work harder then the boys and that makes me feel as if I am the
black belt that I wear. Well, I just wanted to ask about the
Okiniwan flag and elaborate more on being a female black belt. I
hope anything is going well for you.
Until Next Time,
Marissa
Maybe someone out there can help you with the flag Marissa. Regarding your other comments, I'll post them to Bill Glasheen's Forum. Check it out for other people's opinions. GEM
I would like to inform everyone, that because the official
committee has not decided to put results on Okinawa Prefecture
page, I've put them on our dojo's pages.
The results are official! I've got them directly from committee.
Regards,
Andrej Kozuh
E-mail: andrej.kozuh@bigfoot.com
kkkranj@usa.net
Home Page: http://phobos.fov.uni-mb.si/shohei
Nice pictures Andrej. Check them out. GEM
Sensei,
I hope this finds you in good health and good spirits. Sorry for
the delay in sending this to you. I have included both the
mission statement for the forum and my bio. If you need any more
information please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Mission statement for "Healing & The Destructive
Potential of the Martial Arts"
"A one sided coin is useless..."
My Sensei of Tenshin Shintai Ryu left me with these words. I have
often pondered over them. One of the main points he wanted to get
across was that inherent in most "traditional" martial
arts was the ability to kill, maim, etc., and the ability to
heal. The particular style that I was fortunate to study had a
large number of healing arts as well as destructive arts
contained within it. Even in Uechi this dualism existed - Uechi
Kanbun, when he was in China, was a practicing herbalist. One
does not become an herbalist in Chinese Medicine without
extensive knowledge of healing arts.
The purpose of this forum is to discuss, among other things,
healing arts as they relate to practice and application of
martial arts. By 'healing arts' I want to include not only things
like massage therapy and chiropractic as well as western
medicine, but also anatomy, physiology, etc. - from both eastern
and western points of view.
The first topic I would like this forum to address is 'Kyusho'.
Recently this topic has been one of great interest to many
martial artists due in part to the efforts of such teachers as
George Dillman Sensei, Erle Montaigue Sifu, and Seiyu Oyata
Hanshi. Kyusho ('pressure point striking' - Dim Mak in Chinese)
exists in most legitimate martial arts as higher level or secret
teachings. Why?... Some believe that Kyusho should be taught and
practiced at every level. Others believe that it should be
reserved for advanced students and not actually applied in
training due to its potentially harmful and long-lasting effects
on the recipient. I would like to invite opinions on this subject
as well as any other thread that might develop within the scope
of this forum.
Domo arigato gozaiimasu
-wes
Here is some information regarding Wes's background. GEM
Wes Tasker has been a student and teacher of Tenshin Shintai Ryu (a classical Japanese Bujutsu founded in 1688, by Koyama Oguri Dai Sensei) for 14 years, in which he attained the rank of yudansha-dai. He has trained in a variety of other arts, including Kempo Karate (Shodan), and various Filipino martial arts (Guro Lakan under Bruce Juchnik). His healing arts experience includes being certified as a massage therapist within the National Assoc. of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. He has also trained in shiatsu, sotai, anma, seifukujutsu, and herbology.
Check out Wes's new Forum. Fascinating! GEM
Hello, sensei Mattson!
I'm sending you this letter to inform you that I've managed to
scan some from many photos our members made on their journey to
Okinawa Karate and Kobudo World Tournament this August. I
published them just now and I'm inviting you to check them out.
If you're willing to write me your opinion about them, I would be
glad to hear (read) it, especially regarding my poor english.
Thanks!
Best regards,
Andrej Kozuh
E-mail: andrej.kozuh@bigfoot.com
kkkranj@usa.net
Home Page: http://phobos.fov.uni-mb.si/shohei
P.S. I saw photos from your summer camp - a lot of activity in
such short time. Maybe next year I'll be able to attend if I make
my trip to the States as I'm planning to do.
Hope you can make it Andrej. Looking forward to meeting you. GEM
Hi Master Mattson! Hope everything is fine. Our grand opening
for our new facility was a success. Tonight my students and I are
going to support Master Maloney at his grand opening in White
Rock B.C. It's good to see Uechi-Ryu spreading in the west.
Sincerely,
Chris DeLorey
I heard that both your and Sensei's Maloney's grand opening went very well. Good luck. GEM
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