September, 1997 Mailbag
Hello Master Mattson,
Me and my brother Dan would like to thank you for the great
summer camp. Dan and I really enjoyed it. So how are you doing?
I'm doing good, me and my brother just decided to participate in
four karate classes a week. Just 1 on Monday and Friday and two
on Saturday. Sensei Stewart just taught us sei son(I hope that's
how you spell it). Daniel's better than me at sei son right now,
but I'm catching up. Our sensei Chris Delory just moved our dojo,
it was really junkey, but everyone helped clean it up and now it
looks great. It has a boxing ring, a room all covered with mats
and of course a dojo floor. The new dojo is also really close to
the old dojo, which is nice.
I just got your two e-mail's. Your chat-line wasn't working the
last time I tried it, I'm glad it'll be working soon. Well just
called to say "hi", now I've got to go, so I'll talk to
you later okay?
Your students: Steve and Dan Hilbich
I remember you two at camp! Very strong and accurate kata. Sensei Stewart and Delory are doing a great job. Hope to see you both again next year. GEM
Dear Sir:
I was one of the students who attended your summer camp this
summer. I invested alot of time with Bill Glasheen on Superempei
kata. I would like to know if there is an updated video available
or a written description of the kata that I could use as
reference. I am afraid that I would loose some of the things that
I have learned. I have been in touch with Bill Glasheen on a few
occasions but my success was limited. Any guidance would be
greatly appreciated.
John Umlah
Happy you asked John! I just spoke with Bill and he is almost finished with his instructional video on Superempei. Peabody will be publishing it in the near future. GEM
Dear George-sensei:
Finally back from my trip to Japan with Stephen Perry! We both
did very well at the Eastern Japan Uechi-ryu Karate
Championships: Steve was awarded first place in the adult kata
division for his Seisan, and I took first in the men's free-style
sparring competition for the second time in three years (I didn't
compete last year).
In the meantime, I am ready to submit a couple of short articles
for review. We can speak more about this when you have time.
As for me, I'm "buried" after a week away from the
dojo. I promise to follow up by the weekend.
Speak to you soon.
Gary Khoury
gjkhoury@tiac.net
Congratulation to you both. I hope you will be able to report on
your trip in more detail soon as I'm sure many are eager to find
out more about training and competition in Japan. GEM
Hello as you can see my name is Tony Arseneau I'm with WebWise
Inc.,Canada and I would like to submit our new site for the
Karate Nouveau/New Brunswick Ass.,we have just recently come on
line.Our new site address is
http://new-brunswick.net/Karate/index.html we are adding a link
to your site on our links page and hope you can do the same for
our site.
Interesting site Tony. I'll create a link to it next time
I edit the Hotlink section. GEM
Hi George,
We are moving to our own new location OCT 1, 1997 after 7 years
at the same location leased from the town.
UECHI KARATE ACADEMY
Daniel R. Portelance
Unit# 1 - 5 Furbacher Lane
Aurora, Ontario
E-mail: uechi@rogerswave.ca
Web: http://home.rogerswave.ca/drp/uechi.html
(905) 898-0138
Maybe we can talk you into visiting Ontario next year and
officially open our new Dojo.
Again Congratulations for all the events you are celebrating: 60
yrs, 40 yrs, 9th Dan, Father American Uechi-Ryu, Successful Camp,
etc....
Daniel Portelance
Uechi Karate Academy
Aurora, Ontario
And congratulations back at you for the new dojo. Good luck. Let
me know the dates of your official open house and I'll be there.
GEM
George...
Just caught your description of your 60th birthday party on your
web site. Nice going! Glad to have you join the rest of us this
side of 60 doing geriatric karate!
Also glad to see your summer camp was another success -- great
pictures!
After three years of working out alone I have a student who
studied two years at the local karate school that concentrates on
fighting. Ready or not, you fight!
Now we're concentrating on learning what you need before you try
to fight, things like stance, control, strong but accurate
movements, all the basics. I suspect by the time we have made
adequate progress in these areas, my student will have lost most
of his interest in fighting.
Off to my own workout! Cheers...
------------------
Harry Brawley
GREAT! Always pleased to hear about another "oldtimer" coming out of retirement to teach. I wonder if your student realizes how lucky he is!! GEM
Kevin:
I'll attempt to answer your questions as asked. . .
----------
From: Kevin Balwacko:
Hello - I recently purchased your video magazine #17 Part 1: the
Basics, which I found absolutely fascinating. It was
inspirational to see Uechi-ryu performed in a natural way in
contrast to the rigid, robotic manner in which I have ben
performing. It is however, difficult to unlearn bad habits. If
you could answer the folowing questions I would be very grateful:
1. In the advanced upright Sanchin stance, are the knees still
'slightly' bent?
================
I thought this subject was covered in the video... your legs
must have a "natural" bend in them, just as your arms
must also have this bend. There is an optimum bend for everyone,
based on a number of considerations. End result is that you are
the most efficient in all regards from this position. (blocking
and counterattacking) As mentioned in the video, your stance will
become more upright as you develop confidence in your Uechi-ryu,
but don't push yourself into an "unnatural" upright
position too soon. The stance, as your overall ability, will
evolve with time and patience.
=========
2. What is the width of the stance? Does it have to be a shoulder
width? Do the heel and toes have to be in line?
=================
The stance you should work towards will fall into the above
template. But it is better in the beginning to open your stance
somewhat, to compensate for lack of balance and mobility.
==============
3. How do you open out into a neutral stance? I have seen a
couple ofvariations. Is there a correct way?
===========
No correct way. I've seen dozens of variations. This is a
dojo option. Hope this helps. Keep in touch. (BTW,
please use my new e-mail address: gmattson@uechi-ryu.com
GEM
=========
Thanks in anticipation
Kevin
Dear Mr. Mattson,
Its a pleasure to see a web site by you on the net. I became
familiar with Uechi-ryu in the early 70's when I was about
fifteen. I was instructed by my older brother who had returned
from the Army after being stationed on Okinawa for several years.
His name is Jerry Salvaggio and he was fortunate to have been
taught by either Mr.Uechi himself or one of his instructors or
sons (I cannot recall which). He took the training with a friend
named "Bates" and both obtained their Black Belts. My
brother thought highly of you and your first book, which he used
as a constant reference. Jerry passed on several months ago in a
motor vehicle accident and I was just wondering whether you might
have known him? I am now 45 years old and have recently been
thinking of renewing my interest in Uechi-ryu. I would like to
find an instructor who is serious, skilled, and stays as close to
the ways of Mr. Uechi as possible. Your listing shows a man named
"Bob Yogis" in Kissimmee Florida which is near Orlando
where I live. I would appreciate your recommendation on him or
anyone else in my area that might be a good teacher. Again, its
been a pleasure finding your site and having an opportunity to
introduce myself.
Cordially
Ron Salvaggio
Sorry about your brother, Ron. I don't believe our paths ever crossed. Bob Yogis is an excellent teacher and one I can highly recommend. Good luck with your training. GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson:
Thanks for the invitation to join your Uechi-ryu converse I just
haven't been able to make the time... maybe today, I just
finished writing a web site that has take some time. (I am
learning to crawl!)
I wanted to send you a note and ask if I could get Simon's
address or even better his e-mail address? I would like to find
out if he has been back to China to learn more about Supraempi
and "Tiger Coming Down The Mountain". Since he has
studied Goju-ryu I wanted to ask him about the roots of Kin Gai,
Hsing-I and some of the other styles that influenced Miyagi.
Thanks and I'll try to get on the web one of these afternoons...
Brandon in Colorado~~~
Simon will be visiting me in Boston soon. I'll keep you posted. He recently moved and I don't have his new address yet. GEM
Dear George
I just returned from my vacation and found out of your promotion.
Congratulations as well as for your birthday.
I was in Geneva and get in teach with Uechy people there
The contact is.
Louis Mouchet
3 RUE DES BUIS
1202 GENEVE
SUISSE
Tel: + 41 22 7388629
fax: + 41 22 7411208
They are associated with Takayasu in Paris
On links page there is the same dojo listed twice, Karate club
Kranj and Andrejs Kozuh dojo. It is KK Kranj and the page is
managed by a. Kozuh.
It seems to me that you didn't receive some mail some time ago
Under Slovenia are listed dojos from Croatia. that is now
separate country, so they should be listed under Croatia in spite
that are associated to Igor Prasnikar from Slovenia.
On dojo list is my e- mail correct? I don't understand the number
codes
davor.lovincic@rujv.sigov.mail.si
Best regards to everyone
Sincerely yours
davor
Two more from Harvey Rowe. . . .
List of Newly Discovered Viruses:
O.J. SIMPSON VIRUS:
You know it trashed your system, but you just can't prove it.
LORENA BOBBIT VIRUS:
Turns you hard disk into a 3.5 inch floppy.
BILL CLINTON VIRUS:
Does whatever the other viruses are doing.
BOB DOLE VIRUS:
Tries to act virulent.
NEWT GINGRICH VIRUS:
Only trying to optimize the system. Honest.
ROSS PEROT VIRUS:
Small, powerful, and very badly wants to run the whole
computer.
DAN QUAYLE VIRUS:
Just anuther viruss.
COLIN POWELL VIRUS:
Used to be an application. Now refuses to do anything.
GORBACHEV VIRUS:
Breaks up your computer system into its individual components.
JIMMY CARTER VIRUS:
Now completely harmless. Thank god.
WOODY ALLEN VIRUS:
Bypasses the motherboard and turns on a daughter card.
TONYA HARDING VIRUS:
Turns your .BAT files into lethal weapons.
PAUL REVERE VIRUS:
Warns of an impending virus infection: 1 if by LAN, 2 if by C:/.
GALLUP VIRUS:
Infects a tiny piece of your computer, but believes its results
are equivalent to infecting your entire computer.
CIGARETTE LOBBY VIRUS:
Can prove to you that it's completely harmless.
PEPSI VIRUS:
Not quite as good as that other virus.
MARLON BRANDO VIRUS:
Has had little success in multiplying, but keeps getting bigger
and bigger.
ADAM AND EVE VIRUS:
Takes a couple bytes out of your Apple.
CONGRESSIONAL VIRUS:
Only does anything while you're watching it on the monitor.
AIRLINE VIRUS:
You're in Seattle, but your data is in Singapore.
THE MEDIA VIRUS:
Does nothing but pick on the other viruses.
BILL GATES VIRUS:
Probably wrote all the other viruses, to suit its own needs.
GERALD FORD VIRUS:
A totally lovable virus that keeps bumping its head.
JOHN F. KENNEDY VIRUS:
Was wiped out by the system. I just know it.
PBS VIRUS:
Best quality virus, but no one pays any attention to it.
CIA VIRUS:
Doesn't exist. Whoops, it does? Now it's the NSA virus. Hmmm, you
found the NSA virus? Suddenly it's the (name withheld) virus.
POLITICALLY CORRECT VIRUS:
Not a virus; an electronic micro-organism that has every
right to exist.
OLLIE NORTH VIRUS:
Plays a patriotic .WAV while it shreds your files.
JOEY BUTTAFUACO VIRUS:
Only attacks minor files.
MICHAEL JACKSON VIRUS:
Preys on child processes.
JANE FONDA VIRUS:
Attacks your hard drive's FAT.
OPRAH WINFREY VIRUS:
First it's a big file, then a small file, then a big file, ...
IRS VIRUS:
Impounds your computer before you can finish...
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
Moses: And God came down from the heavens, and he said unto the
Chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the Chicken
Crossed the road,and there was much rejoicing.
Fox Mulder: You saw it cross the road with your own eyes. How
many more chickens have to cross the road before you will believe
it?
Richard M. Nixon: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat,
the chicken did *not* cross the road.
Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't
anyone ever think to ask, "What the heck was this chicken
doing walking around all over the place anyway?"
Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken Office 2000,
which will not only cross roads, but it will lay eggs, file your
important documents AND balance your checkbook. Unfortunately,
when it divides 3 by 2 it gets 1.4999999999.
Oliver Stone: The question is not "Why did the chicken cross
the road?" But is rather "Who was crossing the road at
the same time, who we overlooked in our haste to observe the
chicken crossing?"
Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally
selected in such a way that they are now genetically
dispositioned to cross roads.
Grandpa: In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the
road. Someone told us that the chicken had crossed the road, and
that was good enough for us.
Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road.
Who cares why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever
motive there was.
Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road
moved beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference.
Buddha: Asking this question denies your own chicken nature.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: The chicken did not cross the road - it
transcended it.
Colonel Harlan Sanders: I missed one?
Dear Mr. Mattson,
If I see any interesting Uechi-ryu earrings in my catalogs of
body jewerly I will send it your way. I was wondering who was the
first female black belt in Uechi-Ryu? What is the highest rank of
a female in Uechi-Ryu? I read the first 10 chapters of Hwarang Do
by Joo Bang Lee in the back of the book had the best charts of
meridans I have seen. Is there a book you would suggest on the
subject of meridans?
Thanks for your time,
Marissa
Thanks for the "earring" information. . . Have you noticed the "shoken" earring in the Products section? I'm pretty sure that Judy Durkin has the distinction of being the first Uechi-ryu black belt. Judy continues to work out with her husband Buzz in New Hampshire and helps him teach. Judy is now a 6th degree black belt. Besides being a wonderful person, Judy is one of the best Uechi practitioners in the system! Regarding the meridians, I can't help you there, but perhaps one of our readers will have information.GEM
Dear Mr. Mattson,
I was just browsing around and noted your very kind remarks on
your Uechi-ryu web page about our publication, Furyu. Thank you
very much for recommending us. Again, due to the overload placed
on my webmaster, Charles Goodin, we decided to limit links to
those authors or people we wrote about in our feature stories,
but I do hope that in the future you or someone close to your
area would be willing to do a story about your own experiences in
Uechi-ryu, slanted for our own publication in some way, so that
we can develop links.
Sincerely yours,
Wayne Muromoto
Pleased to hear that you visited our site Wayne. I'll include your magazine in our "Publication Review Committee" Forum. In this forum people can obtain information and help pertaining to the publication of articles on Uechi-ryu. GEM
News Bulletin...
It is with sadness that I inform you of Matayoshi Shinpo's death
in Okinawa yesterday (9/6/97). I just found out myself and
thought you may want to know about the news.
Bugeisha will be covering an article in Memory and Honor
Matayoshi Sensei. I am looking for early photos of Matayoshi
Sensei to use in the article. I you would like to contribute a
photo(s) you will receive credit in the byline for the article.
Your in Budo,
Angel Lemus
Bugeisha Editor
Dear George-sensei:
How are you? I apologize for my long "absence", but
things at "The Academy" have been WILD! In the past two
weeks we've had 30 sign ups on a one month special I'm offering
for back-to-school time, so as you can imagine, things have been
out of control.
I did take a few moments out of my busy schedule to brush up on
some Uechi history, and found some (perhaps) conflicting--but
certainly interesting--information about Kanbun-sensei's Chinese
teacher. I was hoping that you could clarify.
In the info I read, there was mention that Kanbun's first teacher
was a man called "Shusshabu". In 1966 members of the
Uechi Karate Association apparently travelled to Taiwan where
they mistakenly surmised that "Shusshabu" was a variant
pronunciation of "Shushiwa", a famed kenpo instructor
from Fuchow.
Later, in 1984, however, in a visit to Fuchow City (a trip of
which I believe you were part), the piece states that it became
apparent that Shusshabu and Shushiwa were different individuals.
Assuming that this is all true, doesn't that imply that
Kanbun-sensei's teacher was, afterall, Shusshabu, and not
Shushiwa, as we all have been taught?
If you have information, ideas, or insights, please let me know.
I would be very grateful.
Sincerely,
Gary J. Khoury
P.S. I'm off to Japan on September 9th with Stephen Perry to
compete in the Eastern Japan Karate Championships again. Please
let me know if there's anything I can do for you while I'm there.
Thank you,
G
I was going to call you. Very happy to hear all is well and
especially pleased to learn that your dojo is prospering. (I
never had any doubts) If you have anything you would like me to
post regarding your trip, please send it to me. Otherwise, I'll
just wish you luck with your trip and best to you and Steve in
the competition.
Re Shu-shabu vs Shu-shiwa.
Most people in China feel that Shushiwa was the person Kanbun
worked out with. Because of the Goju look of the man who visited
Boston at the '84 camp, who is a descendant of Shushiwa, many
thought this link might not be real. When we visited China the
second time with the Uechi family and R. Tomoyose, the feeling
was the language difficulties resulted in the the name confusion.
(Also there was a slight reference to the fact that Kanbun had a
speech impediment which might have caused the confusion). My
personal feeling is that whether correct or not, there is
evidence that Kanbun knew Shushiwa and its kind of nice to have a
link with China.. GEM
From "Harvey Rowe"
ACTUAL SIGNS:
At a Santa Fe gas station:
"We will sell gasoline to anyone in a glass container."
In a New York restaurant:
"Customers who consider our waitresses uncivil ought to see
the manager."
On the wall of a Baltimore estate:
"Trespassers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the
law.--Sisters of Mercy"
On a long-established New Mexico dry cleaners:
"38 years on the same spot."
In a Los Angeles dance hall:
"Good clean dancing every night but Sunday."
In a Florida maternity ward:
"No children allowed."
In a New York drugstore:
"We dispense with accuracy."
In the offices of a loan company:
"Ask about our plans for owning your home."
In a New York medical building:
"Mental Health Prevention Center"
On a New York convalescent home:
"For the sick and tired of the Episcopal Church."
On a Maine shop:
"Our motto is to give our customers the lowest possible
prices and workmanship.."
At a number of military bases:
"Restricted to unauthorized personnel."
On a display of "I love you only" Valentine cards:
"Now available in multi-packs."
In the window of a Kentucky appliance store:
"Don't kill your wife. Let our washing machine do the dirty
work."
In a funeral parlor:
"Ask about our layaway plan."
In a clothing store:
"Wonderful bargains for men with 16 and 17 necks."
In a Tacoma, Washington men's clothing store:
"15 men's wool suits, $10. They won't last an hour!"
On a shopping mall marquee:
"Archery Tournament -- Ears pierced"
Outside a country shop:
"We buy junk and sell antiques."
In the window of an Oregon store:
"Why go elsewhere and be cheated when you can come
here?"
In a Maine restaurant:
"Open 7 days a week and weekends."
On a radiator repair garage:
"Best place to take a leak."
In the vestry of a New England church:
"Will the last person to leave please see that the perpetual
light is extinguished."
In a Pennsylvania cemetery:
"Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but
their own graves."
On a roller coaster:
"Watch your head."
Thanks to Bill Glasheen for forwarding this post.
Dear Sir,
Please add our dojo in Yugoslavia and Greece.
YUGOSLAVIA
(Shohei-ryu)
Okinawa Karate-Do Kyokai
Gen Dojo - Serbia
Vladimir Popovic - 4 Dan / Jun - Shihan
President & Headinstructor
Jablanicka 11, 11136 Beograd 69
Serbia - Yugoslavia
Prohe & Fax: +381-11- 661170
E-mail: shokugen@beotel.yu
Milan Dimitrieski - 2 Dan / Shidoin
Vice-president & Instructor
Phone: +381-11- 408908
E-mail: cira@Eunet.yu
BRANCHES:
Karate Club "Student"
Bor - Serbia
Phone: +381-30-21430
Karate Club "Rudar"
Bor - Serbia
Phone: +381-30-38765
Karate Club "Srpski soko"
Zvornik, Srpska
Phone: 381-76-596624
Okikukai "Kouros" Dojo - Hellas
Michael Grigoris - 2 Dan / Shidoin
Volos, Greece
Phone & Fax: +30-421-52210
GREECE
(Shohei-Ryu)
Okinawa Karate-Do Kyokai
"Kouros" Dojo - Hellas
Michael Grigoris - 2 Dan / Shidoin
President & Instructor
Ahilleos 107 - Oxygono, Volos T.K. 38333
Greece
Phone & Fax: +30-421-52210
Technical Director & Adviser
Vladimir Popovic - 4 Dan / Jun-Shihan
Phone & Fax: +381-11-661170
Thank you in advance.
Vladimir Popovic
The following exchange of e-mail took place with Michael
Fournier, our new Forum Administrator who will focus on real-life
self defense situations and how the experts recommend dealing
with them. We don't have a name for the new Forum, but should
have something up and running by this weekend. GEM
Yes, I think I will explore the site for the forum. I may just
have some thoughts to contribute, if that's okay. For example,
the issue of stalking and harassment - how does one deal with it.
I just got off the line with a lady in Las Vegas who consulted
with me seeking advice on how to deal with her stalker, an
ex-cop. She was very glad for the help and acknowledged that I
have been the only one who has been able to help her in this
situation, thus far.
Anyway, gotta go. Talk to you soon.
Michael
---------------------------------------------------------------
George,
Thank you ever so much for your kind words. I would very much
like to follow and participate in your forums.
I checked out the Articles page and read your article on Fight or
Flight.
I teach about the relationship between Stress (Fight or Flight
Syndrome) and Critical Incident in many of my Assault Prevention
courses. I agree with your explanation and believe I can add
further to the question why some people "freeze" when
others will not. My material is based on studies, military
interrogation and other practical applications under varying
conditions.
I intend to explain the police training example you gave but I'm
sure the following excerpt will shed some light on this
particular example. If I may be permitted....
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
EXCERPTS FROM MY COURSE MATERIAL
_______________________________________________
STRESS: The body's arousal reaction to forces or events, both
imagined adn real, that tend to throw the mind and body out of
physical and psychological synchronization.
HEALTHY STRESS
News of long-awaited pregnancy, Pay raise, Promotion, Lottery
winfall, etc.
UNHEALTHY STRESS
Unwanted/Unexpected pregnancy, Financial distress, Lay-off,
Bankruptcy, Personal/Marital problems.
CONTROL IN DAILY STRESSES
We like to be able to exercise some form of control over our
actions, well-being or destiny. This is on par with our sense of
freedom and sense of self-esteem. Whenever these sensibilities
are restricted or attacked in any way we usually tend to react.
Therefore we all need to release our anger or frustrations in
some way by engaging in an activity that will accomplish this
without harming anyone. When the process is completed we usually
feel better and recharged.
STRESS RELIEVERS
TEAM SPORTS - Hockey, Baseball/Softball, Bowling, Darts,
Euchre/Crib/Bridge et al.
INDIVIDUAL SPORTS - Martial Arts, Tennis/Badminton, Squash/Raquet
Ball, Jogging, Golf, Sailing, etc.
HOBBIES AND MISCELLANY - Model Building, Stamp Collecting, Pets,
Hiking, Camping, and Biking, etc.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA: The state of severe fright that we
experience when we are confronted with a sudden, unexpected,
potentially life-threatening event over which we have no control,
and to which we are unable to respond effectively no matter how
hard we try (Dr. Raymond B. Flannery, Jr., PhD, FAPM).
Just as our minds and bodies react in a pleasant way to good news
or happy events they will react in a negative manner to sudden
and unexpected violent events where our lives and safety, or
those of our friends and family, are at risk. Such traumatic
events not only affect the victims but also those who witness it.
BASIC SURVIVAL INSTINCTS
At the onset of a critical incident or situation our basic
survival instincts immediately cause the mind and body's
emergency response systems to activate: (as you stated...)
- Heart rate increase
- Lungs work harder to supply oxygen - Muscles tense up ready for
action
- Senses become extremely acute to suddenly remember/call on long
forgotten skills (this one is important)
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Lethal situations over which we have no control can, if we
survive them, create extremely acute reactions:
- Natural disasters
- Fatal or near-fatal vehicle accident
- Rape
- Severe beating
- Robbery or mugging
REACTIONS TO TRAUMA OR CRITICAL INCIDENTS
Phase I: Immediate or Response Phase (2 days to 4 weeks)
There are many psychological and physiological reactions....
Phase II: Delayed or Acute Phase (4 to 6 weeks)
Again, there are many psychological and physiological
reactions....
Phase III: Chronic or Long Term (over 4 - 6 weeks)
Many more reactions. These can be found in just about any medical
reference books dealing with PTSD.
CONTROL
Although psychological trauma is the result of a servere or
sudden life-threatening event over which we have no control we
will subsequently find the need to exert some for of control or
mastery, if you will, over our lives.
Before a traumatic event we are:
- Organized
- Confident
- Happy
- Enjoy a stable relationship, etc..
After the traumatic event we experience the Acute/Protest Phase
where we become:
- Confused and disoriented
- Anxious and fearful
- Irrational and eventually angry
Whatever we do, the acute/protest phase culminates in an
immediate attempt to restore control in our lives by engaging in
an activity which will give us a sense of purpose. This can
manifest itself in any number of ways such as:
- Reporting the crime to the police
- Seeking medical attention
- Seeking legal assistance, etc...
FIGHT OR FLIGHT SYNDROME
Every time we face a threatening situation our body's emergency
response system kicks into action and the decision to fight or
fly is instantly made. This is a result of the physiological
changes our bodies experience due to an imbalance in the nerve
cells' neurotransmitters (chemicals).
Neurotransmitters
Whenever we experience a traumatic event our bodies undergo
physiological changes as a result of an imbalance in the synoptic
gap of the nerve cells. The synoptic gap holds five chemicals:
- Epinephrin. Adrenal gland by-product responsible for regulating
and mobilizing the heart, lungs, muscles, our blood-sugar levels
for critical energy to prepare us for that critical event.
- Cortisol. Adrenal gland by-product. If there is imminent danger
or the possibility of facing danger this chemical provides
critical energy by releasing blood-sugar into the bloodstream and
repairs damaged tissue.
- Norepinephrin. Adrenal gland by-product transmitted to the
brain to enhance alertness and increase focus or hyper-vigilance
and also contributes to effective problem-solving in critical
situations.
- Serotonin. A chemical produced by the brain. The apparent
effect is to make a person calm, relaxed and content. When
serotonin is not present or depleted the effect is irritability,
anger, unhappiness, and depression.
- Endorphins. Endorphins can also be found in the brain. They are
produced through engaging in activity such as jogging and
aerobics. We know they are present because of the feeling of calm
and relaxation and a general sense of well-being. (Note to
George:
For a Uechi practitioner this chemical is probably easily
produced through Sanchin. The more advanced the student/Sanchin
the more easily the chemical is produced) A decrease in endorphin
may result in irritability, anger and unhappiness.
CORTEX AND LYMBIC SYSTEMS
(Note to George: This is the key to the Fight or Flight
Syndrome)
The Cortex and Lymbic Systems interact with the neurotransmitters
and are critical to SURVIVAL RESPONSE.
The Cortex
The Cortex is the area of the brain engaged in the highest level
of functioning. It is essentially conscious, thinking brain. All
the information we gather through our five senses is inputed into
the cortex for processing. While the cortex processes the
information it simutaneously scans the memory to compare to past
similar events. Once the information is processed the cortex
responds by initiating action to cope with the event.
The Lymbic System
The Lymbic System is about the size of a thimble and lies under
the cortex in the centre of the brain. This portion of the brain
is influential to the interpretation of our outside experiences
adding that sorely needed "sense of feeling." Before
there is any response to events or other stimulants, our senses
must send all of the messages they receive to the brain for
processing through the Lymbic System.
Essentially, the lymbic system controls our emotions and our
instincts for survival. Some of these instincts, although taken
for granted, include: feeding, sex, fighting, fear, fleeing,
anger, tranquility, happiness, and courage. These emotions are
all reactions caused by the nerve cells' neurotransmitters in the
lymbic system. It's plain to see that the cortex and lymbic
system have a vital role in how we react to and deal with trauma.
SURVIVAL RESPONSE
Our Survival Response is the Guardian Angel which reacts to
sudden potentially life threatening events. We never have to stop
and analyze or attempt to understand the danger - our brain and
body immediately recognizes it for what it is and responds.
EVALUATION
On the outset of trauma or violence our hypevigilance almost
instantly heightens to ensure we are alert to any immediate
threat and ready to take the necessary action to save ourselves.
The next thing which occurs is our brain will involuntarily
evaluate the situation with a two-step cognitive evaluation of
the problem (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984) by asking two questions:
"Is this is life-threatening situation or not?";
"If it is, what do I do to cope to survive?"
NEUROLOGICAL RESPONSE FOR SURVIVAL
While our brain is evaluating the situation and deciding if the
event is life-threatening a second and simultaneous reaction is
occuring in our brain which involves the cortex, the lymbic
system and the other remaining neurotransmitters: norepinephrin,
endorphins and serotonin. Scientists have evaluated that the
following occurs during this particular phase:
- Norepinephrine is released to increase our vigilance and
enhance oru problem-solving capabilities
- This causes the cortex to activate by scanning our memories for
any information which might help us react in the best way to
ensure survival
- Approximately 30 seconds after the release of the
norepinephrine, the most astounding thing occurs, the brain
causes the release of serotonin and endorphins to give us that
calming and relaxed sensation
WHY FIGHT OR FLIGHT?
Regardless of the amount of specialized or varied life
experiences we may have we can still jump out of our skins when
startled or traumatized. We will still experience the
physiological and psychological reactions to the event and the
ease and speed with which we carry out our survival reaction is
solely dependent on our coping sills and past life experiences.
The better prepared for these events we are, through learning and
practicing assault prevention and personal safety techniques, the
stronger we become in mind and body.
KNOWLEDGE IS YOUR KEY TO SURVIVAL
_________________________________________
END OF EXCERPTS
_________________________________________
There is a great deal more of the course material which further
supports or expands on the above. But I won't bore you with those
aspects at this time, besides my fingers will likely fall off.
You can see where the above applies to the police going through
simulated training with the added stress and not reacting well.
But for that example we must consider some factors such as: How
experienced were these police officers? Were they rookies or
desk-bound?
Your contention that there has to be officers out there who would
have reacted in a better fashion to the same scenario is
supported by these accounts in which I was involved or
participated in:
1. A POW exercise. I want to prove to the Army Intelligence
Training School and the Army Training System that each
"prisoner" participant, regardless of their previous
operational and training history, experiences critical stress
during these exercises. Regardless of how "tough" the
individual may be he or she can be exploited and manipulated with
proper conditioning and therefore is in need of effective
debriefing, or facilitating.
To spice up my theory I gathered all of the exercise
"volunteers" into an auditorium and I proceeded to tell
them all the tricks, lies and ploys my interrogators would use on
them (I was an instructor on a six-week interrogator course prior
to this particular exercise). I talked them through every step of
their experience from the moment they arrived into my camp: the
processing, the conditioning, the long hours of sensory
depravation, the interrogations, etc.
Then I told them they would all talk. My interrogators would be
able to get information from them that they were not supposed to
tell them. A few scoffed. I told them that they would indeed talk
and that I would be watcing them quite closely.
Now, I didn't tell them everything. I didn't tell them how I
would create the trauma which is vital to create that critical
stress condition. Every morning the unit was paraded and I paced
from one end to the other picking out 6 - 10
"volunteer." This worked beautifully. The stage was set
and, indeed, everyone did talk. No exceptions.
I put each "prisoner" through the debrief I designed.
All the participants were able to return to work the next day and
perform their duties without any signs of PTSD Phase I. This was
remarked by the unit CO in an After-Action Report. Now, all
interrogators are taught this debriefing process and it has
become a standard operating procedure for all interrogation
teams.
My Point....
In this exercise there were some personnel who had experienced
POW exercises before. Some twice, others three or more. A few had
gone through five or six of them. Most had never before
experienced such an exercise.
- Those who had previously experienced this type of exercised
coped better than those who had never. The more experience, the
more relaxed and controlled the individual was, ie., he or she
did not tend to become as disoriented as those who had never
before gone through such an experience. They had better control
over their faculties.
As with the police officers in your example, if there is no
training or real-life experience it makes it difficult for their
cortex to retrieve a past memory to help them extricate
themselves.
ROLE PLAYING IS VITAL IN SIMULATING THESE EXPERIENCES FOR THE
POLICE MAN, SOLDIER OR KARATEKA.
2. Our soldiers, and I'm sure American soldiers also, are trained
to attack the aggressor when ambushed. This erases any surprise
the enemy might have thought they had and places surprise and
momentum on the side of the ambushees. It works very well. I
teach this principal to my clients/students, it is a cornerstone
of the overall philosophy I teach.
This "Attitude" can only be achieved through continued
training and practice. Which is what I gather you are attempting
to instill through your instruction.
3. A mature and skilled female, black belt, martial artists is
brutally attacked and raped in Toronto. Many of her friends and
fellow karatekas all ask: she was very skilled, how could this
have happened to her?
It's quite simple. She had the mechanical skills but lacked the
understanding of the relationship between stress and critical
incident. Above all she lacked "real" experience from
which to draw and make the vital survival decisions for her
particular situation.
----------
-------------------------------------------------------------
I have also proven that classroom instruction on the topic of
critical stress and survival is as beneficial as actually
experiencing the trauma. This was done through Resistance to
Interrogation and Conduct After Capture training sessions. The
classroom experience now becomes a memory for the cortex to draw
on. It works, believe me.
I'm afraid I've rambled on quite a bit. As you can tell I
consider this aspect of self-defence to be vital. Without this
understanding it becomes increasingly difficult to survive or
overcome a traumatic event.
There is much more but I could better put my points across
through a lecture or presentation.
A friend
Michael
---------------------------------------------------------------
Hello George,
Did I put you to sleep with my last email? Whew!!!;-)
Yes I can see all the windows. Sorry, my mistake - I did try the
roundtable link and did get into the site with no problem.
I have never had a forum page before. This should be quite the
experience. Thank you for your help, it is most appreciated. I
shall provide you with some background and I promise to keep it
much, much shorter than the above.
______________________________________
Background: Michael Fournier, President, The Defender Group
______________________________________
It all began in 1953.... No, just kidding;-)
I was first exposed to the martial arts world when I was walking
along Brunswick St, in Halifax, one evening in 1973. I was just
coming to the top of George St and I turned to look at the view
of the Halifax Harbour and I saw a sight that I shall never
forget. Through the windows, there on the top floor of this
building, I saw men and women lined up behind each other standing
very still. Their stance looked awkward and painful but now I
could hear a sound coming to me through the open windows: the
Uechi hiss. No one was moving.
After several moments, a man began walking through the ranks
checking every person's stance by pulling on their outstrecthed
hands, lightly kicking to the crotch then snapping a short punch
to the abdomen. As he proceeded through the ranks he repeated the
same test to them all, some he spent a greater amount of time on.
These few he began to strike several times to the abdomen, the
sides of their torso from behind, the back of their knees and
their calves. All the time he was smiling and the students were
maintaining their stance.
It was the first time I had ever seen a martial artist and I
thought, "Wow, I want to know more about this!" So I
made my way down to the dojo. The man who was testing the
students was Jim Maloney. He greeted me at the door and invited
me to watch a class. Watching him teach and interact with his
students and watching the students repeat his movements was
electric. I was bitten. After the class he came over to speak
with me and I joined right away. I never looked back.
I stayed with Jim until I left Halifax for greener army pastures
in 1980. At first I was at the dojo every night just practicing
Sanchin and learning all I could. Then, military service called
me away from time to time and I missed practices for months at a
time. But the first night back in town I was right there at the
dojo. Of course, later I met my wife and had to devote a large
portion of my time to our relationship. This, combined with
mililtary obligations, caused me to miss more practice time.
However, I made bloody sure that when I was in the dojo that I
attentively listened to my Sensei's lessons and worked very hard
at honing my skills. I left Jim's dojo, and Halifax, a Gokyu.
I left Halifax in 1980 to transfer over to Army Intelligence. The
valuable lessons and skills learned in Uechi-Ryu stayed with me
and I was able to apply them to every aspect of my life and my
career. I will always say, most emphatically, that aside from the
obvious lessons my father taught me as a boy Uechi-Ryu and Jim
Maloney played a vital part in shaping me and making me the
person I am today.
-----------------------------
While in Army Intelligence I had the opportunity to serve in many
hostile environments. In these environments I drew on Uechi
philosophy and teachings to help me cope with critical
situations. Uechi-Ryu also helped me understand how I functioned
and to what limits a human body could be pushed to. These proved
useful in my career courses and specialty training.
Briefly, my career took me through many levels of the
intelligence world from the National Defence Headquarters'
National Defence Intelligence Centre to the shadowy world behind
the long-gone Iron Curtain. I served with our Special Service
Force (SSF) which was a descendent of the Devil's Brigade and I
trained in Combat Survival with the British SAS.
As an interrogator I have studied people in captivity and under
varying conditions of stress and written about my observations in
military papers. These have been infused in lectures, and courses
to improve soldiers' training in Conduct After Capture,
Resistance to Interrogation, Combat Survival. In 1993 I was
called upon to speak to senior commanders and senior NCOs at the
Annual Army Tactics Seminar on the topic of Conduct After Capture
and Women in Captivity. The lecture raised many eyebrows and
created some discomfort among the more senior personnel.
I continue to expand my knowledge in the areas of Human
Behaviour, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication and associated
fields. These form a part of the Assault Prevention training I
provide my clients and students. Assault Prevention training is
incomplete without the practical skills necessary to for the
person to feel completely in control of their life and their
situation.
The company I founded provides security training and services to
the corporate sector. These can be found on my web site,
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/defender.group But there is another
sector which needed attention - the private sector.
Over the past two years I have developed an anti-stalking service
and program unparalleled anywhere. It has been presented to the
Minister of Justice for Nova Scotia and a large number of women's
organizations. The anti-stalking services' and programs' concepts
are unique and effective. They have assisted women experiencing
the terror of stalking as far away as Las Vegas.
Presently, I am under contract with the Army to provide
Harassment and Racism Prevention training to the men and women of
the Land Force Atlantic Area Reserve Forces. When I am not busy
with facilitating these sessions I endeavour to improve my
programs, teach courses in Assault Prevention and assist victims
of stalking. Of course, I am a hockey fanatic. I play gentlemen's
hockey and oldtimers hockey. I am a life-long fan of the Toronto
Maple Leafs.
I am married. I met my wife in Halifax back in 1974 and together
we have been blessed with three daughters: Renee, Michelle and
Natalie. Renee is entering her third year in a Public Relations
program at Mount Saint Vincent University, in Halifax, Michelle
is entering grade 11 and Natalie is in Jr. High, grade 8.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I hope I haven't bored you again. Let me know what you think of
the material I sent you, if you don't mind. I like feedback.
Your friend
Michael
I thing you are going to have a ball with our gang Michael! And we will learn a lot in the process. GEM
Sensei,
I have been thinking a lot about seisan bunkai lately (I hope
that's obvious anyway!), and I was wondering about your thoughts
on starting a "point of view thread" about the subject,
and about Bunkai in general. My initial thoughts (not yet fully
formed) are that being able to bunkai kata should be an integral
part of dan rank and of the testing process itself. This should
be rank sensitive (i.e. a Shodan candidate need not demonstrate
the same level of understanding as a Sandan, etc), and I am not
necessarily suggesting that a great deal of understanding be
expected. This may take the form for a shodan of simply
understanding basic targeting (on one's opponent) and what part
of your body you are using to transmit force (weapon). Again,
this may be as simple as expecting that a shodan know that a
shoken should probably not be delivered to the sternum (although,
if they can justify, or back up this opinion in the judgement of
the test board, that would be fine too!). I would be interested
in getting thoughts from others about this, although I must say
that my ulterior motive in beginning this thread is also to ask
people to consider whether the above may be an alternative to the
current required version of seisan bunkai during the test.
Domo Arigato,
Greg
P.S. Sorry for not joining the chat which is likely in progress,
I've got loads to do...
Sounds like a great topic for our Point of View! Forum Greg. Why not post it there and see what others have to say. GEM
Sensei Mattson.
Will you please post the following message for me in your
mailbag?
The computer at the American Uechi-ryu Forum died over the
weekend and took its hard drives with it. It may be several weeks
before I am able to get the right equipment together to answer my
email, although I can still receive it. If you have sent email
within the past 90 days, please resend it. Sorry for any
inconvenience this may have caused.
Thanks,
Allen L. Moulton
Uechi@ici.net
http://www.ici.net/cust_pages/uechi
Sounds familiar Allen! Aren't computers great!!! GEM
George, the next time you update could you change my e-mail
adress in the
instructors list. New adress is "durquhar@gr.cc.wa.us".
Thank you.
Dwaine Urquhart
Bill Glasheen on Cross Training and Raffi Derderian's choice of supplementory styles.
Raffi
VERY southern chinese! Combined block attack, efficiency of
movement, flow, shallow stances, "sharp" techniques
(i.e. shoken vs fist - knife vs tonfa), etc. I have spent a lot
of time studying "around" Uechiryu to seek out what
Kanbun was really studying. I go on the assumption that something
was lost in the translation (from China to Okinawa). Now isn't it
interesting that someone like Bruce Lee, a closet Wing Chun
practitioner, also found a home in fillipino arts? Right on,
Raffi. Keep on growing the art. Between Mark's authentic Okinawan
approach and your tendency to push the envelope, I think there is
a potential for dynamite synergy. Let's keep pushing!
Bill
I am interestd in ordering some videos, but I live in Japan
and I want to be sure I understand what you to complete the
order. I tried to use the Email order form to get the details,
but the form is not working on the site properly (at least as I'm
writing you this note)
Is there an order form that I can fill out and mail to you with a
payment, or can we do this over email? Please let me know,
because I'm very interested in ordering some of the videos...
Thanks,
Todd Chambers
Quite a few people had problems with their e-mail orders forms last month. The changeover to a new server created a few problems, which have been solved. If anyone ordered products in August and has not received it, please contact Susan or me by e-mail or phone. GEM
Interesting News Release!
The Martial Arts Network: Latest Information: New interview this month with Master Blackhawk
We are pleased to announce that TMAN's first public, industry appearance at Cable '97 last month in New Orleans was a HUGE success. We have received strong indications of interest from many of the nation's top cable systems to carry the Network when it launches next year. This represents millions and millions of homes nationwide that will be able to watch all of the GREAT martial arts movies, series, and tournaments that will be featured on our 24-hour cable channel. But, this is only the beginning. There will be much more happening as we approach our '98 launch date. Check out our web site often to keep abreast of all the exciting news as it happens! http://www.martial-arts-network.com The time has come!
We would like you and your students to become members of TMAN... $12 for the year. Less than a magazine subscription. We need you and your students to join the thousands of other martial artists already on our rosters. Members, that will make a stand for this type of cable television programming.
Make your check payable to: The Martial Arts Network and send it to: 11435A Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33428. Upon receipt of your check, you will receive a phone call from me Ron Tramontano welcoming you to The Martial Arts Network as well as a membership number. For Members outside the USA, you will receive a welcome letter with your membership number.
Do this today to get a really low number.
About The Project
Welcome to The Martial Arts Network- On-line, the world's first electronic forum "established November 1995 " dedicated to promoting the future of martial arts. Our new web site is the cyberspace headquarters for many unique services that are now becoming available to the martial arts community.
The most exciting development we have to report is a new 24 hour national cable channel called The Martial Arts Network which is planning to launch in the summer of 1998. This bold venture will present programming covering all styles, forms and aspects of the martial arts industry to the general public. From original programs and self-help clinics to classic karate movies, The Martial Arts Network will have something for everyone. The Martial Arts Network- On-line Web Site will keep you informed of the progress of the TV network. Please visit our Web Site at http://www.martial-arts-network.com
Listed below are some of the selections offered when you get to our web site:
·Sign our Guest Book!: Join thousands of martial artists from around the world who have already signed.
·TMAN Awards: Each year the top competitors from around the country will come together at the "TMAN Awards Ceremony".
·TMAN Announcement Page: Make School or Organizational Announcements for all to read.
·Check out our calendar: For all sorts of Martial Arts events in your area; no matter where you are in the world! Just put in the date, state and or country you are in and all the events in that location will be at your finger tips. Add your own Tournament information for the world to see.
·TMAN Magazine Source Page: Over ten Martial Arts Magazines are listed here ready for you to read.
·TMAN Interactive Survey: Vote for your favorite Martial Arts Actors and Actress.
·List your Organization with TMAN: We will provide your Organization a Link to your Web Site from TMAN.
·List your Schools with TMAN: We will provide your Schools with a Link to your Web Site from TMAN.
·Locate information on any style in the world: The Martial Arts Network is dedicated to all Martial Arts Styles, and provides you with the information and contacts.
·Go to the Martial Arts Mall: You can market your products here. Talk about a targeted market!
·Look at our TV guide: See what martial art movies are on this month and get their time and network.
·Jump on our Chat Lines: Talk to other martial artists from around the world.
·Join our Forum: Become involved in some of the hot topics that affect all martial artists.
·If you are a Competitor: Check out the ISKA and NASKA circuits!
·Become a General Member for an Annual Fee of $12: Gets you to go behind the TMAN Door. Touch base with some of the Masters. School owners can find and use the latest martial arts business skills.
·Create your own Web Page right here on TMAN: Now your friends, relatives and students will know where to find you.
·Visit our site dedicated to all Black Belts no longer with us:
Informed reading:
"Broadcasting & Cable Magazine December 1996" "Broadcasting & Cable Magazine March 1997"
"Cable Ace Awards Program 1997" "Broadcasting & Cable Magazine May 1997"
http://www.martial-arts-network.com
Please advise what tapes are available on warn-up and kata
training. Specifically I am looking for Sanchin and Kanshiwa and
then I would hope to progress to Dini Seisan.
Regards
BobD
Tape #17 in the VidMag series is a perfect start. Check it out in the Products section. GEM
Hi,
Got the tape on line now if you want to put a link to it. The
address is
http://www.alpha-online.com/tapes
have a good day!
--
Anne Radke
Pres Among Other Things
Alpha Web Page Design & Hosting ~Promotional Items~Displays
& Graphics
(904) 514-4333 ~ Fax (904) 514-4335
http://www.alpha-online.com
OK Anne. Thanks again for doing such a great job at the camp
teaching Karate Aerobics. GEM
Mr. Mattson
I have already given your name to my friend, at the suggestion of
someone else on "the Web". I have another friend that I
believe studied with you in the Tampa area years ago. His name is
Steve Iler. He gave me a large book called "The history of
Martial Arts in America", which I believe you wrote, or at
least you are prominently mentioned in the book. I'm not sure
about the name of the book, because I gave it to my sensei as a
gift a couple of years ago. My friend who is moving to Boston is
named Steven Henderson. He would be a terrific addition to your
group os students. He is about 6'4", and 250 lbs, built like
a rock and has a great "black belt spirit". Please be
kind enough to extend to him all appropriate courtesy when he
calls, as I know you will. Thanks for your help and interest, and
your long-time contributions to martial arts.
The next time I'm in the Boston area, I would love to meet you.
Best regards,
Hoyt Hill
Now your friend would find himself right at home at Arthur Rabesa's dojo in Falmouth, MA. :) But if he can't travel that far, he will be welcomed at any number of dojo, including mine. Please call when you find yourself in the area. GEM
A big congratulations goes out to Mattson Sensei on his
promotion to Kudan (9 th Dan). Few individuals have worked so
long and hard to expand the base of traditional Okinawan arts
here in the States over the years. It is a recognition well
deserved.
Take care.
C. Bruce Heilman
Email: "ikkf@enter.net"
Web Page: "http://www.enter.net/~ikkf/"
Reading, Pa. USA
Many thanks for your note Bruce. GEM
Sensei:
I recently purchased some of your videos. One of them, VidMag#006
"Superempi" Lost Uechi-ryu Kata?, was very poor
quality. Both the video and audio were very bad. Is this normal
for this tape or did I receive a poor copy? If this is normal
quality for this tape, then I can live with it for the content is
extremely interesting and unique. If not, I would like to return
it for a better copy. Please let me know your desire and opinion
on this issue.
In spite of my experience with this tape, I would like to express
my gratitude for making this tape, and others in your library
available to us. Uechi Ryu is certainly richer in its heritage
from your contributions. Are you going to create a tape with
yourself or someone from your school performing the Superempi
form? I am extremely interested in learning this form as a Uechi
kata as I progress in my training.
I would give anything to have traveled your path in the Uechi Ryu
schools in Okinawa. I am traveling to China in October and plan
on visiting Shushiwa's village in Fujian Province. I hope to
obtain some photographs of this area for historical purposes and
meet an official who is the head of the tiger style of martial
arts in the area. I hope to see and possibly film an exhibition
or training which resembles Pangainoon as taught to Uechi Kanbun
Sensei.
I am currently studying under Rik Lostritto in Gaithersburg, MD
near Washington DC. His sensei is John Spencer in Connecticut.
Sensei Marty Dow, who I understand you traveled to China with at
one time, is also living here and supervises our tests.
Thank you for your time. I'm sure my sensei and we would feel
honored if you would attend one of our classes if you are in the
area.
Thank you again,
Brian Rogers
You must have gotten a bad tape Brian. I rechecked the film stock and although the lighting isn't the best, the quality of both sound and picture were fine. Send it back and Sue will get you a replacement. Keep us posted regarding your trip. GEM
Dear Sensei Mattson,
As I continue to train in Uechi-Ryu karate (it's only been 3
years), I notice that the benefits continually change and become
more subtle and more difficult to describe to potential
practitioners. With 40 years of training, you have an amazing
perspective on this subject - a perspective which all of us would
love to read about, preferably in the letters section - probably
the most widely read part of your Web site.
Cheers,
John Lovas
Dave Hunt's Karate Academy
Bedford, Nova Scotia.
I'll have to think about this a bit before writing about the
subject. Mostly, I just train and teach, without thought about
benefits. As you can probably see by this website, I get most of
my "benefits" from watching generations of my students
grow and develop from and through their Uechi-ryu studies. For
the first few years I was very concerned about the practical
applications and self defense benefits from the study. Then I
became more confident and content with my life and my ability to
deal with what fate had in store for me. As a quick thought to
pass on to you, I guess this has been the biggest benefit which
my training has given me, albeit many years ago. You are right
though, it is a difficult subject to describe. GEM
The second day marked the arrival at the Camp of Sensei Kanmei Uechi andhis s on Sensei Kanji Uechi. In the morning, in a extraordinary gesture from Sensei Kanmei Uechi everyone witnessed the promotion of a totally surprised Sensei George Mattson to Kudan (9th Dan) for a lifelong devotion to the development of Uechi Ryu Karate.
i just picked this up off the cyberdojo. congratulations,
sensei. what an honor. as a lowly, and mid-aged, shodan, i fear i
will never see such learning. but the learning i am experiencing
will, no doubt, last me whatever my lifetime may be.
i bow to you,
Lynda St.James
Thanks Lynda. In case you don't know who Lynda is, she is
Howard High's hard working assistant on the Karate Cyberdojo. GEM
Sensei: I have identified myself in file xx051.jpg. Note the
green gi opposite Jim Witherell. Caption: "What have I
gotten myself into now?" Watching a JW kick coming to your
head is a thing of beauty. However, it is more fun watching it
happen to someone else- like watching Jim Malony demonstrating
pressure points.
Can I get a glossy of this? This was one of the high points of
the camp and am pleasantly surprised to see someone captured it.
Regards, Rich Castanet of Glasheen's Asian Arts - Richmond VA
I'll check with Barry, who took the photos with a digital camera in low resolution. My initial guess would be no, since the quality would not be very good. GEM
Random IDs
XX8
Person on right is Mike Mullens (Richmond club). I think you
recognize ponytailed person on left. Looks like the BC team and
their exercise drills. Mike, the consummate military man
(reserves), looks to be in heaven.
XX38, XX39, XX40, XX41, XX42
(scattered across pages 2 and 3) Buzzy Durkin working with Arn
Abadines on Seisan kata while others watch. Arn was formerly
Richmond club; he just went back to Charlottesville for grad
school and is taking over UVa club.
XX51
Rich Castanet (Richmond club). I will quote Rich in an e-mail to
Ron Klein: I thought: "that Witherall kid does not look so
tough, I can block that kick". Well guess again. I am glad
someone caught that on film. It will remind me to stay out of
trouble.
Bill Glasheen
Dear Mr. Mattson
Greetings from Australia,
Just a short note to say congratulations on your recent promotion
to Kudan Hanshi. Your work has long served as a great source of
inspiration for me. In spite of never having met each other I
understand we have several mutual friends. May I wish you
continued success and kindest regards.
BTW, we have only recently built our own web-site (in spite of it
not being finished) and would like to link it to yours, if you
would grant us permission.
Patrick McCarthy
"On Ko Chi Shin" (To know the old is to understand the
new)
International Ryukyu Karate Research Society http://203.32.12.133
More kind and generous comments by Patrick on the Cyberdojo:
George Mattson
One of the very first books I ever bought when seeking to better understand the history of Karate was "Uechiryu Karatedo," by George Mattson, published in 1974. I still have that book, and one day, if I ever have the opportunity or privilege to meet this wonderful man, I'll ask for an autograph.
As a pioneer of Okinawan karate in America, your writing and contributions are deeply appreciated as is your lifetime of effort and dedication an inspiration to all. Congratulations on your recent promotion and, on behalf of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society, may I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Kindest regards
Patrick McCarthy
Thanks very much for your kind and generous comments, Patrick.
I'd just like to say congratulations George, from a humble student (however tenuous and indirect the relationship may be). Now I'm REALLY sorry I missed camp.
yours,
maurice,
mori@interlog.com
Toronto, Ontario
To Sensei George Mattson, my heartfelt congratulations go to you on your recent promotion to Kudan. Like Sensei McCarthy, yours was one of the first books that went into my collection and I have enjoyed reading it a number of times. Thank you for all you have done with your efforts to bring authentic Okinawan karate into the US.
Kindest Regards,
John Shipes,
AOSKKF Western Director
Dear Mr. Mattson,
Congratulations on your recent promotion. Thank you for inspiring so many of us over the years.
Yours in Bushido,
Wendi Dragonfire
Hello George,
Thank you for the invitation to join in the chat program. . . .
If you are having it next week I shall endeavour to join in.
Yes, I think I will explore the site for the forum. I may just
have some thoughts to contribute, if that's okay. For example,
the issue of stalking and harassment - how does one deal with it.
I just got off the line with a lady in Las Vegas who consulted
with me seeking advice on how to deal with her stalker, an
ex-cop. She was very glad for the help and acknowledged that I
have been the only one who has been able to help her in this
situation, thus far.
Anyway, gotta go. Talk to you soon.
Michael
On behalf of the Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Club at California State
University, Sacramento, I woulfd like to congratulate you on your
promotion. Thank you for what you have done to promote Uechi-ryu.
All the best!
David Shorey
Hello Sensei Mattson:
Just a quick note to say congratulations on the wonderful
promotion. I am sure it was exciting to receive such an honor
with so many of your own students in attendence. I heard last
night at Brandeis that your camp was terriffic. Again, I hope to
meet you in person soon.
Sincerely,
Dan Cohen
Brandeis Kokondo Academy
Sensei:
I was finally able to download netscape, and I was able to
successfully log-on to the NAC Forum. Thanks for your help in
correcting the problem.
Also, please update my instructor listing to: Wheeling, IL (847)
255-3096
Thank you,
David Kahn
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