September, 2002 Mailbag

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Hi George, great camp again this year. Thanks for processing my late regisration. :)

I was looking at the website and happened across the camp photo album. It's great to see all those pictures, but I thought that they kinda flew by and that it was hard to really look at them. Do you think there's any way you could set up a thumbnail page, or even just a basic list links to the images, so that folks can peruse them at their own speed?
Thanks, 
Justin. 

Wish I had time to do this, but until I catch up, don't think I'll be able to put out another page. I purchased the program that shows large numbers of pictures for web viewing. Guess I could slow down the presentation. . . anyone else want the pictures to scroll more slowly? GEM

Hi George,

It was a great summer camp. I was disappointed in the turnout from our school as we only managed to get a couple of our students to attend. A few others wanted to attend but had commitments, we are telling everyone to red line the dates for next summer and hope to have a larger contingent from Stow. I think the pictures and comments from the two that went should spur enthusiasm.

I had a great time working with Jimmy Maloney, David Mott, and Bobby Cambell -not to mention the many other sessions I observed using Cambell's "stealing eyes" techniques (although I'm sure not as well as B.C.). I was especially impressed by the sense of community at the Saturday night promotion ceremony. I was describing it to the wife of one of my students and found myself getting all choked up. It's wonderful to feel so close to a group of people.

But I digress from the topic of this email. Jay Sal made a suggestion to me that I am passing on to you for consideration. He said that Crane Officials have distinctive uniforms that they wear to events and that since Kodora is in the business of uniforms maybe we could produce something for the Uechi officials. I know the standard has been black pants and white shirt at previous tournaments and that you may want to keep it that way. If I remember correctly, Jay said that Crane Officials wear a uniform with a black stripe down the arms and pants with lettering on the back saying "KRANE Offical" and the person's name.

If you are interested, we could get some nice heavyweight uniforms from Sunwin with striping on the arms and legs. We have a company that does Uechi crest and IUKF embroidery for us and can also do large designs or lettering on the backs of uniforms. If you find this idea of interest we can pursue the costs of the uniforms with Sunwin. 

An alternative concept might be to go with embroidered or silkscreened white polo shirts for the officials, if you want to keep the black pants and white shirt look. You can probably get this done through Susan's contacts or through the person who does our work. We could do Uechi-IUKF embroidery on the front and silkscreen or embroidery on the back "Uechi-Ryu Official" and the name or perhaps the name on the sleeve, or whatever you think would be appropriate.

Just some ideas for you to ponder. Barring any computer problems I am excited that I have recovered sufficiently from the many physical problems I've been suffering and plan to return to classes at the Hut this week. 

Fondly,

Don 

Great idea Don. Hope the other tournament officials agree to this. GEM

Subject: Kung Fu Video 
Greetings Sensei Mattson, I hope my letter finds you in good health. My name is Anthony . . .  and though I am not a Uechi-Ryu practitioner, I really enjoyed going through your site. It contains so much, strangely, fresh air; I think it has to do with the bright colors that you use throughout your site. If this was unintentional, take notice-- you have stumbled onto something. I am writing you about a Kungfu Video that was produced on the West Coast. According to the box cover, it came from one of your trips to Taiwan. I found that trip back in time enjoyable. Unfortunately the producers took some liberties with its contents; e.g., the young girl doing the double straight swords routine was interspersed with other masters performing for the sake of humour (a thought just caught me: did YOU do this?). 

The soundtrack was horrible: it was not respectful to its contents. Additionally, the tape appeared as if there was so much more missing. I really wanted to see the master in the white sweatshirt perform his broadsword form. He never really got started. This brings me to the following two questions: 1) Is there an unedited version of that gathering available for purchase? 2) Do you have more footage like that (I hope) that will be available for purchase? It is really great stuff. I have read your book on Uechi-Ryu and Alan Dollar's book. In your research into your Grandmaster's trip to China to learn fighting techniques, you both may have overlooked something very important: as a Graduate student, your Grandmaster may have been given a Chinese name. And he may have used that name while teaching in China. I get the feeling that you are both looking for a Chinese transliteration of your Grandmaster's name. If you have not considered this, I hope this helps in your research. Regarding the Tiger Claw that is used in Uechi-Ryu. I understand that the thumb knuckle is used for striking. Was there ever a time when the thumb was used to pierce the flesh/muscle and rip? Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Best Regards 
Anthony 

Hi Anthony: I'm aware of the video. It was copied from a pirated copy of the original film lent to a former student many years ago. Not sure how much of the tape got on the video you are questioning. We ran out of film during the session, so missed some of the performances. (16mm film is much less forgiving than today's video) 

I sell what is probably pretty much the same film on my web's store, including the little girl's cute performance. The original tape did not have sound. 

"When the thumb was used to pierce the flesh....?"  Probably only in man's minds and in legends Anthony! Best, George

Sensie George, 

I am writing to tell you about a 10yr old boy who I was teaching at the Rec center in Frederick. I just received a letter from his Great-Grandmother, who is now raising him, that both of his parents have left for parts unknown. His name is Logan . . . and even though it looks like life has stacked the deck against him, he keeps practicing. He used to bring me a list of all the practice time he did outside of the do-jo. His Great-grandmother also told me that even when he sprained his ankle, he came and sat in a chair and did all of the hand techniques. He has heart and a spirit that won't quit even though I know how much he is hurting inside. I know that if you sent him a photo of you signed to him it would make him very happy. Although he has never met you, I have told him all about you and it is one of his wishes to meet you. He is 8 hours away from the Cortez dojo and his great-grandparents are to old to make the trip. Otherwise I would have had him go down when you are there. Heroes come in all sizes. So if there is anything that you could do for him I would be deeply in your debt. I have become very fond of Logan and if I could I would adopt him. Any way here's him address . . . .

Thank you Sensie, Love and God Bless, 
Rose D. 

Gooday Mr George M, 

Hi how are you ,your camps look really great .Wish we had them down here .I am Ray Gardiner and live in Australia on the Sunshine Coast. I have now another Dojo and do find it hard to get more Seniors as I have quite a few juniors. We do very well at mix Tournaments (meaning with a lot of different styles). Hopefully one day their will be a Uechi one day . Just a question I have Junior Black belts now and how do yours progress them till they are old enough to be seniors and any ideas on how to retain their interest for a couple of them have about 3yrs for their senior. Well if any one over there thinking of visiting the Crocodile man Steve he only up the road from me and anyone welcome to drop in . You are doing a great web site and thanks for sharing a lot of information.

Ray 

Hi Ray: Thanks for writing. My recommendation regarding the kid's class is to check in on our Forums. Bill Glasheen's forum has a couple of threads on the subject of working with kids. You might start a new topic on the subject. GEM
 

For those of you living under a rock, I'm moving to Japan - starting with a cross-country road trip. I would like to thank all of you who know me for your friendship and drink-sharing over the past several years. I hope that you all have learned as much from me as I have from you. 

If you wish to keep in contact with me, I can be reached via email at seth@azuen.net, and you can follow (and comment on) my adventures west of Boston at http://www.azuen.net/~seth/biginjapan. 

Best of luck to you all,

seth 

Blue Road to Atlantis Update:

Hi Jay:

I was very busy with the camp these past few weeks and decided not to read your book until after things quieted down. Last night was the first time I had a couple of hours of quality time in months. Anyway. . . Tia and I decided the time was perfect to discover the magic of the Old Fish and the other creatures who come to life in your book.

I was expecting a kind of mature children's story but instead discovered a very sophisticated and deep exploration of our identity, lives and world as interpreted through our neighbors in the sea.

As I looked up from the book occasionally at Tia, I was reminded that she too, can "read" my mind and through very special gifts, is able to communicate with me, Susan and our many guests as I suspect, your ocean creatures speak to and through you.

Your book is beautifully written and contains many important messages and insights. I can't see any reviewer not praising it as an important work and one that should be read by every man, woman and child in the world.

I can now understand why the publisher elected to have it released in Japan first. 

Regards and continued best wishes,

George

Hello Sensei Mattson,

I have heard much about you.

Do you know of anyone teaching Uechi-ryu karate in Minneapolis Minnesota?

Please let me know. There seems only Korean karate here.

Regards,
David Meysman

Yes David, those Korean schools keep popping up like a grasshopper infestation! :) Hopefully someone out there will know of a single Uechi dojo in your area! GEM

Dear George Hi ! 
The Summer Camp this year are very exiting and good success ! ! ! The best whishes to sensei Carlos Ciriza. However he is a good teacher and very quiet . Good luck Sensei Mattson too ! Ever friendly from Patagonia Argentine, Mario and all members of our Dojo Uechi-Kan

Sincerely your ,

Mario Abel Molaroni 

 Congratulations!

Dear Sumako:

Although I don't know you, except through Gordi's correspondence, I have grown to respect your ability and knowledge. Throughout the world and especially in Japan, it is very difficult for a woman to succeed in the business world. I was very pleased to hear of your recent promotion and new responsibilities. Congratulations and good luck with your new position.

Sincerely, 
George Mattson

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

Dear Mattson sensei,

Thank you so much for your message. I was honored to receive such a message from you. I work at the Civilian Personnel Office on Kadena US Air Force Base as Labor & Employee Management Relations Specialist to make better relationship in between American Civilian/Military and Japanese Government employees. I like my job and enjoy it. 

First of all, I appreciate your dedication to the development of Uechiryu Karate world. congratulations on your success of your recent event "summer camp". We are so happy that Drew has made a good friendship with the participants at that camp. Gordi and I would like to visit the USA,meet with you and attend your camp in our future. Please take good care of yourself. Doomo Arigato gozaimasu.

Respectfully 
Sumako Matsuda Breyette

After many unsuccessful attempts to access and register in this forum, as invited by Datu Halford Jones with my antiquated computer clone, I finally arrived. I was able to read some of the postings in the forum. Very interesting and informative at best. I have met Datu Jones at one of our Sikaran Tournaments in New Hampshire last year and was very
pleased with his support and participations and has gained my respect. I have been teaching Sikaran in the States since 1952 upon returning from a tour in Korea aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY BB-62.

Congratulations are in order to all of you who have being doing your best to educate the mass the distinction between the many forms of martial arts that exists today and many that are being developed every day.

My participating in this forum depense on 1) I do not wish to discredit nor legitimize anyone's rank or position. 2) I believe, as instructors, students must be our foremost concern and responsibility and office politics have no place in martial arts descipline. 3)If the instructor is qualified to teach, he must be encouraged to do so. I will not judge any one. The true test of the instructor's ability to teach, is the fruit of his labor......his students are the living testimony to his skill as a teacher and role model. I survived 8 encounters and confrontations in the streets in various parts of the world with many broken bones and scars to show for it. I have confidence and very grateful for the knowledge many have shared with me without which I would not be here to share my feelings and thoughts with you. I have nothing to prove and quite frankly, my only desire is to continue to be the best teacher I can be and to enjoy the confidence and trust of my students, many of whom are grandfathers, and grandmothers,  and have been with me for over 40 some odd years and are still going strong. I founded "THE LAGAREJOS' SIKARAN INTERNATIONAL". To better understant who we are, I invite everyone to visit our website <www.sikaran.com/gm> and link on to our "CODE OF CONDUCT". We do our utmost to live our CODE and fervently apply it in our WAY OF LIFE.

We, as Martial Artists and Teachers can better serve our positive agendas by consentrating all our efforts in becoming the best we can be thus bringing credit to our teachers and mentors who have made sacrifices by sharing their knowledge with us and honor them further by sharing them with our students. We are holding a benefit Tournament for the local chapter of "THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION" in Laconia, New Hampshire on 8/3/02. The particulars of the Tournament is in our website. I hope some of you will join me there. Until then, with much respect....

Yours truly,


Louis T. Lagarejos - Grandmaster
LAGAREJOS' SIKARAN INTERNATIONAL

I noticed a reference to Varmannie in one of the discussions on your forum. It might be of interest to know that there is a rather long article on one of the early instructors of Varmannie in an issue of the New Yorker Magazine circa 1952-3. I am pretty sure it was prior to 1954.

If you check the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature for that period, I think you may find the subject heading. 

There is very little published about this rare form of martial arts. I visited the studio mentioned in the New Yorker article shortly after it was published. I regret that I did not pay closer attention at the time since this art is close to being completely lost. Indeed, it may be lost with only its name surviving.

Sincererly,

Richard Riehle

Hello George;

Many years ago I came up to your dojo in South Boston when fine tuning for my Shodan test. I was with the South County group from RI.

Anyway, I am looking for a description and/ or photos (as in the original books you penned) of the final katas... san serui in particular (pardon the spelling, please).

1. Does this new book have them (i.e. Uechil-ryu 2000)?

2. Or is there a site or file which I can access or can be sent?

Thanks for any help you can render,

address: ride9109@ride.ri.net

Jim Bedell Shodan 

Get Uechiryu2000 Jim. Great book with all kata beautifully described. GEM

Dear George,

Just to let you know that I received the books and videos for $225. Thank you.

Also, my wife Margaret Colgan also received the book 'Uechi-ryu 2000'. There is still an outstanding amount of $10 owed to you which I will send on in the next few weeks. We will be looking to buy more material and also thanks for your newsletter of July 21st 2002. Everything we have received is extremely interesting and well researched.

I would like to know if you have a video on hand and body conditioning? If so could you let me know the total cost of same.

Thank you for all your help.

Sincerely,

Raymond & Margaret Colgan

I studied under Allan Dollar for several years. I have moved to the Portland area and are looking to continue my studies. If you know of any facilities in the area please let me know. 

Thank-you 

Mikel Farrell

Dear Mr. Mattson, 

I know a teacher of Uechi-Ryu who is not on this list and he would like to be listed. His name is Andreas Haberzettl he is a 5. Dan in Uechi-Ryu (Kenyukai) . 
His address : Hochbergstr.28 97688 Bad Kissingen GERMANY 
phone : 049/971/3692 
e-mail: wambliluta@aol.com 
It would be nice if you will list him. Thank you! 
Sabine Baumbach 

Mr. Mattson,

I have enjoyed your book very much and some 30 years ago I was awarded the rank of shodan by my sensei, 3rd degree black belt Nels Anderson in Milwaukee. Do you know his where a bouts? Would be so grateful for your help!

Dennis Wozniak 

Heard of him, but don't know where he might be today Dennis. Anyone else know?? GEM

WinterFest Activities!

Sensei Mattson,

I hope I'm not out of line in asking this...and I hope I'm not asking inappropriately....

I was wondering if you've given any consideration to the possible upcoming Winterfest?

There are a lot of people here in the Tampabay area that I'm sure would love to see Winterfest held here in our area. For instance, at my sensei's dojo we currently have 14 blackbelts (1-6 degree) and a class of 5 brown belts about to test for black. In nearby Clearwater, Sensei Gorman also has a good number of high quality black belts and a class of browns about to test. I know there are several other schools not far from this area also....so.....

How many attendees does it take to not have to cancel this years Winterfest? 

Rick (Ross Michael Wiseman) Liebespach 

and

GEM and all, lets do the Winterfest here in Orlando 2003. I think the venue for the area is best suited. Our numbers picked up the second year, and will only go up. Your replies welcome. 
David Berndt 

RE: "The Birth of Marine Corps Ryu"

Dear Sir:

We have never met, however, I've certainly heard of you and am delighted to write that I have many friends who study and teach Uechi-ryu Karate-do. 

I came across your website and took a bit of interest in the subject titled article which discussed some training by Mr. Castanet during a bit of time he spent with the Marine Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) at Quantico, Virginia, recently.

MCMAP is being well received by warriors around the globe as a serious, effective, and comprehensive means of close quarters combat, and, like any martial art, its development continues as I write this. I am aware that the Corps appreciates the favorable mentions on your site and I personally applaud Mr. Castanet for his successful efforts.

May I mention for your reader's and viewer's information that the other two Marines seen in the first photo with Mr. Castanet are (on his right) Colonel Bird, Commanding Officer of The Basic School, and (on his left) Master Gunnery Sergeant Urso (formerly Chief Trainer of Instructor-Trainers for MCMAP). Since that photo was taken MGySgt Urso has retired from our Nation's Marine Corps and is assisting with the Air Marshal Program in New Jersey. 

If I could add just one note concerning the program. In addition to some serious "hard (combative) skills" Marines are also taught "soft skills" so as to create something of a "governor" for their emotions during the high stress encountered during today's "three-block war" combat scenarios. These "soft skills" are based on the Marine Corps' time-tested core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment and provide an excellent counterweight to the aggression developed in the program. There are many who believe our Nation is better protected today as a result of MCMAP.

As one of a handful of individuals designated by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to create and further develop MCMAP I am always happy to read comments such as were written on your site. I'll be certain to mention your site to the Director of MCMAP.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to help others unwrap the treasures you brought back from Okinawa.

Respects,

Bill Hayes, Maj., USMC (Ret.) "Old Student" of Shorin-ryu Karate-do 

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

Hi Bill:

Many thanks for you great letter, which I've reproduced on Van Canna's forum. 

Please feel free to drop in to our forums and say hello. I know quite a few people would be pleased to hear from you.

Also. . . If you have the time and interest, please consider joining us at our SummerFest on Cape Cod (as my honored guest). I promise that you would have a great time and you would make a lot of old timers real happy!

Best, George 

============================ 

Mattson, Sensei:

Thank you for your kind response. I appreciate your posting my e-mail to Mr. Van Canna's forum. (I hope I didn't do the "redundant thing" in registering for the forum this morning and posting some comments similar to those I sent to you. Perhaps it will turn out that it's not a bad thing to say good things more than once.)

Also, thank you for the generous invitation to join you and others at your upcoming camp. I know it will enjoy the tremendous success of your past camps and I might even know some of the attendees. My involvement with a few uplifting projects here in Virginia and elsewhere will prevent my being able to attend. 

Between continuous personal training, teaching, conducting seminars (our general seminar title is "What was Kata before it was Kata?"), writing my quarterly newsletter, marketing the 3rd and final printing of my book "My Journey With the Grandmaster", writing a second book, and helping out with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program I stay well occupied in "retirement".

In addition, I am on a "crusade" to better the health of serious practitioners through clinically proven natural supplements. As you know, there is no way that the advanced levels of the Okinawan arts can be taught to those who are not in good health. Kyusho and Tui-di waza are designed to intentionally damage the body yet so many who are dabbling in that area do nothing to restore the balance required for continued good health once their training day has ended. As I often say, the second most important person in the Shaolin Monasteries of old was the cook!

Again, thank you for the kindness shown an old student of the Okinawan way.

Respects,

Bill Hayes 

sensei...

i am a student under sensei rik lostritto in MD. i originally began under sensei mike murphy. i am traveling to Aruba on july 27th. i have been there before and studied uechi ryu there with sensei adolph lichtenstein while there on vacation. i have misplaced his contact information. do you have any knowledge of contacting him? thank you. please email me at . . .

stanley crump

I'm not aware of any dojo there. . . plus, I'm a little late in posting this. . . Sorry. GEM

What happened this year to David Elkins? 


Hi George,

Sorry that I haven't been in better touch. I won't be coming to camp. I have a spinal disc that is bulging on the nerve roots and am in pretty much constant discomfort. It lets up now and then and just about that time I think (or better said - don't think) and lift a sack of dog food or turn the wrong way and it gets very interesting again. I'm not training or teaching now. I do yoga daily as that seems to help the body and the mind.

I'm sorry to cancel out in this manner. The data has been slow in coming in and allowing me to make a good decision about what to do and I just told my student yesterday that we wouldn't be able to train for an indeterminate period.

My very best to you and Susan and to the success of this year's camp.

David

So sorry to hear about your disc problem David.

Please take care of yourself and please stay in touch. We really will miss you next month, but I will let everyone know that you are with us in spirit. . .

Best, George

Hello Mattson Sensei,

I hope you are well. I'd like to add your Uechi Ryu site to my Goju-Ryu site with your permission. I have heard many good things about you and your organization and I only feature the best. You may visit my site for your review at: www.karateforlife.org

Thank you, 
Jeffrey A. Teagle 
Karate for Life Dojo Cataula, GA 

Sensei Mattson,


Almost 20 years ago for a short time I took Uechi-ryu for a short time in a school whose home was in St. Petersburg Florida and then again from a Sensei Karl Kazuba while I was stationed at Eglin A.F.B. in Florida. I would like to get involved again in Uechi-ryu again. If you could please tell me of a dojo in my area i would appreciate it. I live in the Kissimmee/Orlando of Florida. My email address is  . . . .

Respectfully yours,

Donald Shortman

 Inspiration

Hello Sensei GEM

Recently a student of Bridgewater Uechi - ryu was promoted to Shodan. Fred is 74 yrs. old and began his study at age 70 with an est. 500 hrs. class time. He has become somewhat of a local celebrity after the local paper did a full page spread on his incredible life which includes how he survived a Russian POW camp at age 15-16 as a German captive , his escape through the "Iron curtain" in the fifties and other adventures including some Uechi stories. 

His outlook on the Uechi style, friendship and his view of motivation captures the hearts of those around him. I would like to "snail mail" you a copy of the article if you provide an address.

P.S. We are hoping to convince him to attend Summer Camp with Victor and Troy but much will rest on the health of Shirley (his wife).


Leo

Hi Leo:

Please encourage Fred to attend. We will have a number of "senior" citizens attending. Al Kunian, in his mid 70s, will be testing for Shodan at camp this year. I know Al would love to meet Fred.

Best, George

 Hi! Do you remember me?
Dear G. Mattson,

My name is Sarah Coulombe. Does the name sound familiar? I am a student of Frank Ruscitto (I think that is how you spell his last name) of Massachusetts. He is in the Chelmsford dojo. I started Uechi-ryu when I was 6 yrs, and I am now almost fourteen.My e-mail address is Uechiprincess@aol.com , so if you would like to keep in touch we can! *~ Sarah . . . 
~* P.S. I think about 4 yrs ago or longer you signed my uechi red book. That may help you remember! 

Hi Sarah:

Good to hear from you. I know Frank very well. I hope to see him at camp this year. Please drop in to the "kid's" forum and introduce yourself to the other kids.

Study hard and please say hello to Sensei Frank and your classmates.

Regards, George Mattson 

Mr. Mattson: 
I am sensei Mike Nutter, and I was wondering what would be required to post an article on your page. I found some interesting reading there, and it seems like a good place to express an opinion. I was really interested in the article "The Liverpool Nutter" since it

did involve my name. But to the point, do I need to use any certain program to submit with. Can I write about things that I feel need to be said? I have students all over the world as I have taught Isshinryu Karate in three countries and in 12 different schools. Isshinryu is made up from the 5 system including uechi-ryu as well as kobyasha-ryu, shurin-ryu, goju-ryu & Motobashi-ryu created by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. and I think some things need to be expressed about the entwining of the systems... I have studied and taught Karate for 33 years, and I belong to some well founded organizations. I would like to post some articles about the arts. Just need to know how to go about it. Thanks: 
Sensei M.J.Nutter. 
Roku Dan Laclede School of Isshinryu 

Hi Mike;

Please feel free to submit any article of interest to our audience and I will publish it in our article section. If you wish to post information yourself, please go to our "forums" and register. The process if very simple and once you have a password you can post to any of the forums any time you wish.

Best, 
George Mattson 

Dear Sir:

I have a student, who is in 3rd grade and has taken karate classes. I am a special education teacher and he is one of my students.  It is very hard to motivate him.

I'm hoping to find somewhere that I can buy carotid posters, stickers etc..  So I could purchase days and having worked towards earning them.  Can you please inform me as to where I can purchase some of these items.  I'd greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

sincerely,

Kathy Harsch

Anyone out there who has any ideas, please contact me and I will forward the information to Kathy. GEM

Hello, I am seeking instruction in Uechi-ryu in the northern Virginia area. I once studied Pangai-noon and wish to resume studies, but have been unable to find any schools nor individuals in the area. Can you recommend someone or a school that is in or around the Alexandria, VA area? Thank you. 

Servio Medi

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

 Hi Servio: You are in luck. I believe we have a couple of excellent Uechi dojo in your area. I've cc'ed Bill Glasheen with your request. I'm sure he will be able to help you out. Stay in touch and good luck. Best, 
George Mattson 

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

Thank you. It has been some time since I last studied, and at that time it was at a Pangai-noon school. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to resuming studies. 

Again, thank you. 
Servio 

dear Mr. Matson,

I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for having the dedication to set up and maintained a way to online magazine.

I noticed that master Isamu Uehara's (who has run the Tokyo Shinjuku Uechi Shubukan since 1967) name is not on the Japan instructors list.  He is one of the sons of Sburo Uehara Sama, who you know was a second student of Kambun Uechi Sama in Wakayama (another son, Takenobu San, runs the Oroku Shubukan on Okinawa).  I was lucky to a train to have trained with Master Isamu Uehara in Tokyo for 10 years (1988-1998) after having originally trained with Walter Mattson Sama in my teens.  

As there is only one Uechi dojo  actually in Tokyo (waseda/shinjuku dojo), it is difficult for foreigners to locate a place to practice.  The location is just a one minute walk from Waseda subway station on  Tozai line in a beautiful Buddhist temple across the street from Waseda University.  

As this is the Uehara lineage, there are three additional katas ( two of which are very interesting challenging and different) taught before Kanshiwa is taught.  The atmosphere is very friendly and helpful and they enjoy visitors and training with foreigners.  They are usually one or two foreigners training regularly there and the emphasis is on the basics plus many good prearranged techniques like Dan kumite-strength stands out in their practice.  Classes of Tokyo location are held Monday Wednesdays and Friday nights.

Sensei Uehara is a healthy 62 years young now and typically short and very muscular and dynamic, he is impressive and can demonstrate everything fully. Tamura Sensei is now taking over the dojo as Uehara Sensei formally "retires".  Tamura Sensei is larger and very powerful and perhaps the strongest person I've ever train with over 20 years in many countries.  

I just thought anyone want to Tokyo should have a chance to train at a great Dojo if they so desire. Anyone can feel free to call me at the clinic here in Scottsdale AZ  If they need more information.  (Not much angle is the spoken Tokyo do do but don't let that discourage anyone).

Sincerely,

Paul Sweeney

Note: contact me for information on Paul. Also. . . Hirohito Uechi, our guest at camp this year, is from this dojo in Tokyo. GEM

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