September, 1998 Mailbag
George:
My son and I really enjoyed the camp. For me, re-defining the form is always a great help and inspiration. since the 1984 camp on Thompson Island, this was oly my second trip back. Worked with you a bit in '94 one night.
Many people came to me and said they were sorry I didn't pass the test for Sandan! This is not a sorry thing - for as little time that I have spent with fellow students and seniors in the last 20 years - it is a remarkable credit to our Karat system, method of training and my teachers that I was able to test at all. Between 1977 - 81 I was so ill from things previously contracted in Central America, that I never thought I'd have the strength to work out abain.
Attending the camp was far more important than failing any test - even with my son watching.
On Sunday morning Kamei took a group of us through Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Seichin, Seisan and Sanseryu. His corrections - I thing - were no different than what you taught us 25 years ago.
Thanks for being there!
Sincerely,
Steve Vosa
Senei Mattson:
Now that I've returned home, gotten back into a routine and back to work, I wanted to drop you a line of "thanks"! Summer camp '98 was tremendous! Even though we missed many of our Canadian brothers and sisters, the rest of the participants participated and interacted very well (and had great attendance). I enjoyed the variety of workshops that you organized againd this year. The choices were many and the quality was excellent. I especially enjoyed and utilized the healing arts. After working at several workshops throughout the day, from Kumite to kata, the healing arts helped me to re-energize and realign my body, mind and spirit which helped me charge back into the other workshops. thanks for this balance - I couldn't have made it otherwise!
I also appreciate the opportunity to witness a black belt test. I found this very enlightening and very enjoyable. The participants performed well and I was pleased at the number of people who did choose to attend. Great support!
Thank you for all that you and Susan do and have done for the Nebraska connection. You two really make the students feel welcome, comfortable and wanting to return for the next year's camp. I appreciate all that you do and who your are - very special people!
Yours in budo -
Dave
To: George E. Mattson
GREETING FROM ARGENTINE FOR YOU.
Our be happy for you HANSHI rank, 9 dan. You are "The father of Uechi-ryu in America" and good reference for all students in my country today.
George I live one year inBariloche City for training with Zen Monks. Hard work everydays: zazen, cooking zen, Sumi-e; Chado and shaitzu: shower could early in the morning and walking for Hill's; For each work (food, zazen or job) sound with elements wood, metal and thumbs... but now return for business and certainly karate. This experience is the best for better understand the Uechi-ryu in my dojo; maybe what I teach all in Summer Camp Patagonian this year in Comodoro Rivadavia city. I read the news in your WEB site of my friend Internet. Howevr please send me for mail news of future events from Massachuysetts and USA that you consider important. Thank you and hope notice soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Mario Abel Molaroni
Uechi-ryu Argentine
ps. Would you like to visit to Argentine?
HI SENSEI MATTSON!!
BILL & I TRUST YOUR SUMMER IS GOING WELL. WE ARE BOTH STAYING VERY BUSY IN SCHOOL AND
AT WORK. I AM HOPING THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SUGGEST A PLACE FOR ME TO STAY OVER THE
PERIOD OF SEPT 18 -OCT 21 WHILE I'M ON AN EXTERNAL ROTATION AT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM. I
HAVE NEVER ACTUALLY BEEN THERE BUT THE WEB SITE IS INCREDIBLE AND I'VE HEARD LOTS OF
AMAZING STORIES. I NOT SURE WHAT MY SCHEDULE WOULD BE, BUT I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE AN
8-5 KIND OF THING WITH WEEKEND WORK. I KNOW YOU ARE IN BROCKTON, BUT I THOUGHT YOU MAY
KNOW SOME UECHI STUDENTS RIGHT IN BOSTON. I WILL NOT HAVE A CAR, SO I'LL HAVE TO BE WITHIN
WALKING DISTANCE OR TAKE THE T. ANY SUGGESTIONS YOU COULD MAKE WOULD BE GREATLY
APPRECIATED... I'D CONSIDER STAY AT A HOTEL, MOTEL OR YMCA/HOSTEL, BUT IT WOULD BE NICE TO
STAY WITH SOMEONE WHO KNEW THEIR WAY AROUND...WELL, BYE FOR NOW...ENJOY SUMMER CAMP....DO
A SANCHIN FOR US!!!!!
THANKS A MILLION
ANDREA AND BILL
Please contact me asap if you have any suggestions to help Andrea find a place
to stay. Thanks... GEM
Hi Again Master Mattson
I trust summer camp was a success...I'm sure you put together as great a
program as ever!!! Just a reminder for the below message as you
suggested - I'm presently working on a room at Angell Memorial but it
sounds as though it's quite a far from central wharf...I'd appreciate
any help/suggestions you could give me !!!!
Thanks Again
Andrea Fraser
Hi Sensei. Came across this while hunting for some pictures for someone
else; thought you might like to have a picture _of_ Gary, since you've got
so many pictures _by_ Gary.
Don't know if the resolution's OK; I can always rescan it if not; let me know.
{click on picture to see full size}
I think I lost my Sao Paulo Film Festival hat on the last day; if it did
turn up please get it to Dave Hovey - I'm probably coming out for the
workshop he's hosting in early October.....thanx
Regards
Mike Cleven
CONCHO,GOOD AFTERNOON-
JUST WANTED TO DROP YOU A LINE AND ASK YOU FOR SOME ADVICE.
I AM OVER IN OKINAWA, STATION AT FUTENMA MARINE CORPS AIR
STATION, WELL MY PASSION WAS TAE-KWON-DO, THAT IS UNTIL I
WAS INTRODUCED ITS UECHI-RYU, THE STORY STARTS WITH MY WIFE
AND HER BOSS TALKING AND THE SUBJECT OR THE ARTS CAME UP.
ONE THING LEAD TO ANOTHER AND I WAS INVITED TO AN OPEN
TURNY WHEN I MET KAWA AND SENSEI TOYAMA. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH ALL HIS STUDENTS AND THE
STYLE. WELL AFTER SOME SMALL TALK (MY WIFE TRANSLATING) I WAS INVITED TO THE DOJO FOR A
LITTLE PARTY AT THE END OF THE NIGHT I ASKED SENSEI WHAT MAKES UECHI-RYU DIFFERENT FROM
THE REST, AT THAT TIME HE STOOD ME UP AND
DEMONSTRATED THE SCHACHN AND GAVE ME A NICE BLOW TO THE
AB'S STANCE HAS POWER. I CONTINUED TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT
HISTORY AND PICTURES. AT THE TIME I WAS INVITED TO WORK OUT
TUESDAY. MY EYES WERE OPENED WITH THE BLOWS THAT LASTED
45 MIN, HAD 2 FRENCH BLACK BELTS WORK ME OVER, I HELD MT OWN-NOT A BACK STEP OR A EATI OR
STOP, JUST WENT UNTIL SENSEI SAID STOP. DAMM I WAS SORE FOR THE NEXT WEEK, THAT WAS 3
WEEKS AGO MY HEART AND MIND IS TOTALLY INTO IT NOW. I AM 30 YEARS OLD AND 6'4" AT 210
WITH ABOUT 4 YEARS OF TKD AND KICK BOXING. I WOULD BE GREATFULL FOR ANY ADVICE, OH STARTED
ON YOUR BOOK, WHERE TO GO FOR MORE HISTORY? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
SSGT Matt Andrews
[An update from SSGT Andrews]
THANKYOU FOR THE REPLY. I MADE A MISTAKE ON SENSEI'S NAME,
HIS NAME IS TAKOTOMI NOT TOYAMA, SEMSEI TELLS ME THAT HAS KNOWEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR
QUITE SOMETIME, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW THAT SENSEI OPENED A NEW DOJO ON THE BACK SIDE OF
THE MCAS, HE ALSO HAS ONE OF HIS STUDENTS COMPEATING IN THE GRAND PRIX ON SEP 15, FROM
WHAT I HAVE HERD THERE ARE SOME HEAVY HITTERS IN THIS ONE.
WELL, JUST WANTED TO PASS ON A HELLO FROM SENESI AND
CORRECT MY MISTAKE.
TAKE CARE
MATT
Hi George,
Glad you found the article interesting. I will view it and also check out
the Dojo Roundtable. Thanks again!
As an FYI, I am now working on organizing trips to the original Shaolin
Temples in Henan Province. Our first one is scheduled toward the end of
September. The cost is @ $1,400. for seven days and includes airfare,
hotels, meals, sightseeing in Beijing as well as the side trip to the Temples.
Frank
Note: if anyone is interested in participating in this trip, please contact me
for Frank's email info. GEM
While in Okinawa I began my learning under Sensei Breyette. He highly recommended your
book (The Way of Karate). It has been one of much reading for me along with the Bubishi
(translated and commented by Paul McCarthy). Thank you for your insights into the
Uechi-Ryu system. Now back in the U.S. I hope to soon join "The Dojo" in Denton,
Texas under John Ray. Right now I live over an hour away, but plan to move closer.
Although my instruction was first rate in Okinawa, it has almost been 2 years since I
left...I am afraid I will have to start over.
Semper Fidelis!
John D. Hosch
Yon-Kyu, Okikukia Shoheiryu Karate-do
Mattson Sensei,
I have tried to send this e-mail right after the Camp from my other account;
evidently it was never delivered despite my sending it. So this is a little
late but...
Thank you for bringing together such a fantastic set of activities at the Summer Camp! It
truly was a fantastic 3 days for me. I found it very stimulating and thought provoking to
have so many complimentary martial arts, kobudo, healing arts, meditative arts and more,
so readily available to work with. Each was done well, with enthusiastic proficient
instruction and presented in such a way so as to allow for immediate and meaningful
participation. Furthermore, the respect for each others art, the individuals and for the
open-minded atmosphere was very evident and satisfying for me to see and be a part of.
Needless to say it was a great learning experience.
Also, it was great opportunity to get better acquainted with some great folks
as well as make some new friends. The facilities, dining set-up, camp store,
parties etc at the MMA really foster mixing which contributed much to my enjoyment of the
long-weekend. I also think the nightly demonstrations,
discussions and Dan test were solid contributions to the learning, growth and
thereby the fun as well.
It seemed that everything was on my agenda but sleep; which is fine with me.
We're looking forward to Summer Camp-99 already!
Also Special thanks to Glasheen Sensei for shaing his video camera and sai with me and to
Folta sensei for being a great roomate..never a dull moment.
Rik
Hello George,
I will be moving to L.A at the end of this month, and I would like to know
which dojos I could stop in ...
I checked the web site, but some of the states I will be going through do not have an
address. I am wondering if you could help me out: are there any dojos in:
MN
IA
WY
UT
AZ
that I could go to?
Also, I will be living in L.A., do you have any recommendation for a good dojo there? I
will be living near Venice Beach, in Marina del Rey. Anything close to that location that
you know of?
Thanks so much for all your help, and THE CAMP WAS AWESOME!!
Beatrix
Mr. Mattson,
Sorry I have not written in several months but I moved to Denver. I wanted to let you know
that I am of course still doing Uechi-Ryu. If there is anyone coming into Denver or who is
right now in Denver that wants to work out. I can be reach at work [email GEM
for tel number]. In case you had forgotten who I am my name is Marissa and I
am originally from Indiana. That's all for now. Thank you.
Marissa
I have been in an Attunement Practitioner for over 17 years. I am currently interested in
networking and broadening my customer base. The following introduction is a brief
description of what Attunement is. I am also available for seminars and other organized
whole health functions.
INTRODUCING ATTUNEMENT
It is not hard to acknowledge that there is an invisible Source inherent in all things.
The very fact that we are alive is evidence that the invisible is being made visible
constantly. There is a continuous manifestation. When this flow is impeded, there is
experience of dis-ease.
To attune actually means to "bring into harmony". The word harmony comes from
the root word harmonic, which means "a pure tone". Utilizing this terminology,
attunement with life can be explained as an experience of harmonization of body, mind and
emotional capacities with the true tone of life, with Source.
There is a technique used during an attunement session which facilitates the flow of life.
The one who receives the attunement reclines quietly, while the attunement practitioner
places his/her hands over the specific areas of the body of the one reclining. The primary
areas of connection with the flow of the life current are through the endocrine system and
the central nervous system. There is no physical contact, but in these key areas lie the
vibrational gateways between the invisible and visible dimensions of the human being. In
attunement
these dimensions come into harmony.
In this experience of resonance and trust, there is a depth of union with Source that is
touched, and a release of the life current that could not be known on one's own.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, in his book, Perfect Health, makes this statement: "There exists
in every person a place that is free from disease, that never feels pain, that cannot age
or die. When you go to this place, limitations which all of us accept cease to exist…
Visits to this place may be brief, or may last for many years. Even the briefest visit,
however, instills a profound change. As long as you are there, the assumptions that hold
true for ordinary existence are altered, and the
possibility of a new existence, higher and more ideal, begins to flower."
Thank you for your time and anticipated response.
Attunement Practitioner
Stuart Lovett
P.O. Box 2211
Branford, CT 06405-1311
(203) 315-0491
E mail: jklopfer@snet.net
Thank you for your response and suggestion. I am also a fellow martial artist, as well an
Attunement Practitioner in the healing arts. I studied Shotokan for over 14 years, 4 years
in the military, and I currently study Shaolin Kempo. Again, thank you for your help.
Health and Blessings,
Stuart Lovett
Greetings to Mattson Sensei and all on the list,
I have read postings from all of you regarding hearing impairments and can share some
common ground on what one can face. I happen to have Meniere's disease, a disorder of the
inner ear which damages both hearing and balance. There is no definite cure and the
disease can vary in its severity and effect to the individual. At the time of this
writing, I have a total loss of hearing in my left ear, and substantial loss in the right.
Where I believe that karate has benefitted me is that when things were out of control with
attacks of vertigo and nausea(extreme), a last resort surgery was performed severing the
balance nerve from my left ear to try and stop the vertigo. When this is done, the body
must "reprogram" its balance function. For several weeks, I felt like the
proverbial drunken sailor all of the time. The doctor had prescribed a series of
excercises to help retrain my balance, but upon trying them out for a short time I
thought,"Hey, I'd rather be doing karate!". So I
practiced kata, with eyes both open and shut. To this day, balancing with eyes closed or
in the dark is difficult as the brain really needs to see to help orient the body with
it's limited balance input from the remaining ear. But I returned to work in only two
weeks after the surgery, as opposed to the two month's my doctor had projected! I can only
think that doing kata was a major factor in this.
One last comment. I read with some understanding Brian Johns letter mentioning the
reaction of the Sensei to his hearing aids. People do seem uncomfortable around someone
with hearing aids. Would they be the same way around someone wearing eyeglasses?
I enjoy the different forums and the Uechi ryu site, although I myself study another
style(Matsubayashi). If anyone else interested in Menieres would like to contact me, that
would be fine. About 2% of the population has it to some degree so I've been told.
Wayne McKnight
wmcnight@flash.net
Since Wayne posted his note on his hearing impairment, I have been in regular contact with
him. His using his mind to do kata and helping him to cope, really caught my eye. My
experience was similar. When in the hospital, all drugged up I remember how it bothered me
that my concentration was nil. I was unable to keep my mind working on anything for more
than 5 seconds. That's when I started doing kata in my mind. Sanchin was as far as I could
get, and at first my mind wouldn't let me even get through the first couple thrust. I just
kept
putting my thoughts back to the beginning and after many tries was able to complete a
short sanchin. It wasn't too long before I was teaching dan kumite. This was such a boost
in my morale, I remember that more than any other part of my treatment. All through my
recovery I continued to do all my kata in my mind until I could walk and felt strong
enough to go to the dojo. It took me 3 times longer to do them but I did them. My Uechi
training kept me going and continues to be there for me.
Bill
[Check out Bill Bauknecht's "Special Needs" website and forum.]
Hi George,
I would like to send along my Dojo address and Email address. I have enjoyed exploring
your web page. Regardless of affiliation, good informaton creates friendship and
comunication. Keep up the good work.
Rick Potrekus Roku-Dan
Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Center
326 N. Dixie Hwy
Lake Worth, Fl.
PBshubukan@msn.com
George:
I wanted to let you know that your web site is doing good things for Uechi-ryu. We had a
visitor last Wednesday, his name was Jeff. He came out to Colorado to go to CU and also
wanted to continue with Uechi-ryu. He sent you an email which you posted. One of the folks
here in the Denver metro area saw his email and called him. So now we have six people
doing Uechi-ryu in the Denver metro area and another six people doing Uechi-ryu in the
Loveland Colorado area (northern Colorado).
Thank-you
Brandon Broderick
Mr. Mattson,
My name is John T. Anderson. I am a former student of Mr. Gordy Briette
(please excuse the spelling of his name) in Okinawa, Japan. 1992/1993
I have lost touch with him, and was hoping you might be able to lead me towards a person
in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area of Minnesota that would be willing to assist me in
training once again in Uechi-ryu.
Any information you provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
John T. Anderson
Hi,
I just received this reply and I thought all of you would be interested. Chalk one up for
the good guys!
Mike
From: "Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, Capt. USN (Ret.), R. NJ Legislative
District 13" <asm.jazzolina@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Mike & Carol DeDonato" <mjdcgb@rembrandt.artnet.net>
Subject: Re: Martial Arts Bill, Assy. No. 2216
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 14:52:21 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1161
Dear Mr. & Mrs. DeDonato,
Thank you for your letter regarding bill A-2216. I have received many letters, so I will
be brief.
After reviewing all the letters and comments that came to me, I have withdrawn this bill,
effective July 30, 1998.
Again, thank you for your input.
Sincerely,
Joe Azzolina
Assemblyman, 13th District
Dear Martial Artist,
As a fellow martial artist you are invited to have a look at our home page.
We have just re-formatted and updated it with many new additions. As usual, we will be
continuously updating the site with pictures and information as it gets completed, so we
hope to bring you the latest news in Ashihara Karate.
Please feel free to visit our site at
"http://users.iafrica.com/a/as/ashihara/"
If there is anything specific you feel we need to add, please inform us and we will
endeavour to add it. Please do continue with visiting.
If you have the time please sign my guestbook with your comments. Thank you in advance and
once again Domo Arigato for your comments. It is highly appreciated.
Best regards from all of Ashihara Karate.
Hoosain Narker
Dear Mr. Mattson,
My name is Dana Acly and I live in Ft.Worth Tx. and am interested in finding someone in
the area if possible that teaches Uechi Ryu. I currently am studying Japan Karate Do
Genjikai, a system based off of Mas Oyamas system under Makio Nashida.I hold a nidan rank.
I have always been interested in Uechi ryu and have both your books. Any information you
can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou,
Dana Acly
Sensei Mattson:
It has been along time since I have talked to you (once on the phone). At the time I
talked to you, you sent me a video of your tape series and I full intended to order the
tapes, but my father died and finances got very tight. Would you please send me some
information on the tape series and any other information you have on Uechi-Ryu.
I am deputy chief instructor for Sensei William Dometrich of the Chito-Ryu organization
and he ask me to tell you hello. (I told him that I was going to call you, and then I
founnd your e-mail address) Dometrich Sensei is doing great and says that someday when he
is in your area he would love to meet with you and talk about old times. I hope that I can
be with him on this one!! I would love to have time to talk to you about the old type
training. I started in 1970 and at that time training was tough, but as I have heard not
like yours and his.
Dometrich Sensei and I were in Okinawa for the world tournment and we had a chance to
visit your teachers son in his dojo. We also had a chance to see his sons working out with
their father in his dojo. I still remember when I first started karate I saw your book at
my teachers house and it fascinated me. I have always thought that if I could have picked
a style in Okinawa to study it would have been Uechi-ryu. The movements are so powerful
and the style is very unique. Sensei Uechi treated us very good when we visited his dojo.
I hope to visit Okinawa again soon and take my 17 year old son with me and visit the Uechi
dojo. I also would love to visit your dojo one day with my son, if that would be alright
with you and maybe Sensei Dometrich could come also.
Thank You Sensei for your time and I look forward to ordering your tapes. Are you on the
tapes?
Yours in Karate-Do
Jim Davenport
Sir:
I am curious as to the correct way of translating Uechi kata names into the
english language. Especially the newer katas that Kanei Uechi developed and
added to the system. Such as Kanshiwa>the proper english term for this kata,
etc.
Thank you
Ron Shively
Sir:
Recently, I have received info that possibly Sanchin, as well as other katas of chinese
origin were heavily influenced by not just Fukien White Crane, but also Southern Praying
Mantis. Roger Haygood has published a text outlining this belief. I have an additional
copy (xerox) of it should you be interested. I would need your school address so that I
could mail it to you.
Presently this coming weekend I am traveling to St. Paul, MN to train with Gin
Foon Mark of the Kwong Sai Jook Lum Pai-Southern Mantis system.
Thank you for your previous response.
Ron Shively
Hello George,
Just watched a biography of Bruce Lee on A&E. I understand it was a rerun and maybe
you've seen it. In one photo of Bruce standing in front of a shelf in his library he has a
copy of "The Way of Karate" (8th ed?). I guess he took the best of the right
styles. Just thought I'd write to you about it.
Kevin
Osu, Sensei --
I recall reading in your book some years ago that as a sho-dan or ni-dan, you
put together a creative venture affectionately dubbed the "Yankee Kata."
Jerry Stanley, with whom I studied many years ago, remembered having seen the
form once, but did not appear able to reconstruct the moves. No one with whom
I have spoken over the past ten years or so seems acquainted with the form.
Jerry indicated that you, yourself, did not take the kata particularly seriously, and that
the Okinawans were, at best, mildly amused by your effort. Still, I am curious to know
whether you have the sequence of moves on file, and if so, whether you could make them
available.
I have studied Uechi-Ryu for 13 years, and reached the somewhat inflated rank
of san-dan. At age 50, with a back injury and slight nerve damage in one leg,
I have no pretensions. Nevertheless, I have developed an enormous appreciation of the art,
get to the dojo regularly, and practice katas seven days a week. I must append that a
yan-dan colleague and I have put together a "sanseiru bunkai" -- which is to say
that I am intrigued by the notion of your own form as much for the creativity it shows as
by the understanding of the art it may convey! [And, as I am sure you realize, the
so-called "new" prepared kumite -- certainly inferior to dan kumite, in my
opinion, though not without some interesting ideas -- was put together by go-dans.] Many
thanks for sharing whatever you can. Cordially, --Lenny Cavallaro
Oos Sensei
I am in the central florida area and very curious if there are any uechi-ryu schools in
this area. Over the years I have study several systems and most recently Shito-Ryu. I
enjoy the "hard" Okinawan style but am not satisfied or happy with my
instructors. I have been reading up (so to speak) on uechi-ryu and am interested in
getting more information, however, if there is not a school in my area I may have a
problem.
Your time and consideration would be greatly appreciated.
*bow*
Cathy
Dear Sensei Mattson:
Do you know if the sparring match between Gary Khoury and Roy Beddard at
your recent camp was videotaped? I had the pleasure of training under Sensei
Beddard for a short time and have heard many great things about Sensei
Khoury as well, and would like very much to watch them in action.
Sincerely,
Jason Upright
Orlando, Florida
ju1@worldzine.com
Sensei...thank you for your reply. I have located Bob Yogis in Kissimmee which is about 45
minutes from me.....a little far but close enough to check out. Unfortuantely I would not
be able to attend the camp that is rapidly approaching. Thank you for your consideration.
I will contact Sensei Yogis in the very near future and thank you once
again.
Oos
*bow*
Cathy
Thank you for the reply. Since you replied to me personally I thought I might mention that
I believe you may know my instructor back in Florida- Bill Hall. Unfortunately, I had to
leave him to pursue law school in Ohio & have not been able to locate anyone to train
with here.
Well, again thank you for the reply. If you have any suggestions on where to
train in the Columbus, Ohio area the input would be very appreciated.
Robert Winess
Dear George Sensei:
Thanks for a great time. My students and I enjoyed Saturday very much. Needless to say,
they want to spend more time next year. Many thanks to all who ran the seminars. Their
instruction was most thoughtful and informative. (Of course, our most memorable event was
Master Uechi's decision to eat lunch at our table! We'll be telling that story for awhile.
And you have my word that we won't embellish it TOO MUCH!) And thanks for the opportunity
to reconnect with Clarence Sensei again. It has been far too long! Finally, thanks Susan
for putting
up with the last minute registration frenzy!
Most respectfully yours in Uechi-ryu,
Brian Stoia
Hatfield Shubukan
Sensei,
Thank you for another awesome Summer Camp. I have taught kids programs at the summer camp
for the last 3 years. This year's kids were by far the hardest working, most talented and
most spirited group I've ever had the honor of working with. I hope I taught them half as
much as they taught me.
Regards
Steve DiOrio
Dear Mr. Matson,
I have two boys aged nine and seven. They have both taken light martial arts courses in
our hometown. We are interested in vacationing in the Berkshires the week of August 24th.
Are there any Uechi Ryu classes being taught for children that week?
Also, are there any Uechi Ryu instructors that you know of in or around Cleveland, Ohio?
We would be interested in enrolling our boys in Uechi Ryu classes here in Cleveland.
Thanks for your help.
Larry Waxman
Success. . .
Dear George,
Thank you so much for forwarding the information on Uechi-Ryu summer classes to me. I hope
we will be able to take advantage of it. Also, if you should receive any responses to our
interest in classes in the local Cleveland area, I would most appreciate your passing that
information on to us.
Regards, Larry Waxman
Greetings Mattson Sensei ... It was really great seeing you again at camp this year. I
twice enjoyed your Sanchin by the sea, and found your candid views about Uechi-ryu to be
quite interesting. ... Thank you George for continuing to teach [the way]. ... My thanks
to Susan also ... patient, pleasant, and helpful. You are indeed a lucky man. --- Daughter
Kristen enjoyed the experience this year as much if not more so than last. We are already
planning for 1999. --- This year some of the seminars I "did" were: Larry Tan,
Evan P., Master Uechi, a couple with the kids, Steve D, & Mike A. ... We are now doing
kata flowers and the sleeping tiger at our dojo. <grin> My thanks to Steve, who did
real well making the difficult job (handling the kids) look effortless. Next year I look
forward to advanced Uechi, grappling, and/or weapons classes, and spending some more time
talking and listening to the seniors. I had a nice chat with Van C., who was more down to
earth and conversational than I thought he would be.
Congratulations to him on his promotion to 8th Dan. --- The Saturday night Dan test was
eye opening. I can only comment as though it were me in the place of those being tested.
Although it is a great honor to test in front of such a distinguished board, there can be
no greater fear IMHO. (In my humble opinion) A true test of nerves. Some of those
candidates would probably have preferred a
street fight to a show of unpreparedness, or choking due to nervousness
... in front of us all. My respect and congratulations big time to those that managed to
overcome and persevere. --- It was interesting to observe the debate about sparring in
competition. IMHO, without "beginning only type" divisions you get what you got.
A few very talented, well trained, and highly spirited people beating the pulp out of the
rest of us. From what I have been able to read and observe, the only true or real way to
"do" sparring will surely keep most of us from participating. ... Ahhh that fine
line between what is best for the masses, and the few champions vs the survival of the
sport and it's ability to draw new participants. I wish you well Gary K.
Stay well George ... I hope to see you Saturday in Newton, real soon now.
Craig Cross, Sankyu
Hello Mattson Sensei:
My name is Jim Prouty, I train in Okinawan Goju Ryu with Teruo Chinen Sensei,
I live in the Worcester area. I was browsing your web site, and came across
Van Canna's name, but did not see an email address for him.
We had a mutual friend (his former student), who passed away a few years ago
in Mike Cherven. I last saw Canna Sensei at Mike's funeral, and wanted to
give him an update as to how the family is doing.
If you could kindly forward this to him, it would be most appreciated.
May I congratulate you on an excellent web site, I will be visiting it often.
With warmest regards,
Yours in karate-do,
Jim Prouty
Jundokan International of New England
http://members.aol.com/JundokanNE/index.html
hi george. its been a while,and i hope that finds you and susan doing well.
would you consider my sending you a small article,that you might publish
over your internet. i am yinkolun@aol.com Thanks,either way . if you like
i could mail it ti you.
Respectfully,
Bill Finnerty
Note: check out Bill's article in the "articles" section. GEM
Dear Mattson Hanshi,
Congratulations on Summer Camp 1998! The great numbers in attendance as
well as the great diversity of activities must have required a great deal of work on your
behalf. During the camp, I regularly overheard individuals expressing their satisfaction
with this year’s camp. The high level of management planning, organizing, activating,
and control and flexibility in accommodating change must have been a key to the successful
outcome of the camp. The stellar cast of class seminar instructors was certainly a
significant contributor to the camp’s success.
My personal thanks to you, all the Senior Sensei who sat the Dan-rank
promotion test board, the various meeting attendees, all who attended my classes, Sensei
Rik Lostritto for assisting with the rank promotion test board, and especially to Sensei
Gary Khoury and Master Kanmei Uechi for working with me during the camp.
The Summer Camp 1998 certainly exceeded my expectations. I believe it
met or exceeded the expectations of many if not all of those people who attended.
Accordingly, I anticipate that we all look forward to Summer Camp 1999!
Sincerely,
Nestor T. Folta
Dear George,
I am one of Roy Bedard's students and teach at his dojo. He just filled me in about the
Summer camp. I am now sorry I missed it. He says that he had a great time and fun was had
by all. I wish that I could have met Master Uechi. I plan on coming up to Mass next year.
Thanks for all your work to keep Uechi-Ryu strong in America.
I do have a question for you. What did the Uechi's do during WWII?
I have been curious about this for years.
Thanks for keeping me on our mailing list.
Chris Ellrich
Hello Sensei Mattson,
Thank you for adding me to the instructor list! Is the list more for individual
instructors or for entire dojos? Depending on the format you prefer I'll need to send you
updated information for my sensei John Bassett also. We greatly appreciate your providing
this information to the martial arts community - we actually gained 3 students thanks to
your list! The most illustrious of those being Tony-san!
Speaking of Tony-san, he suggested the name for my forum as "Uechi Babes" --
I told him I'd pass that on to you and he's somewhat chagrined...but I thought you would
appreciate the suggestion! On a serious note I thought of the more general "Women and
the Martial Arts" which would invite women of any style to participate rather than
something more specific like "Women of Uechi" which has a nice ring to it but
might not have as broad of a draw.
If you have any suggestions for the name I'd like to hear them...or if you feel that
"Women and the Martial Arts" is ok, then we can go with that. I've been thinking
quite a bit about the forum and am excited about the topics that will fit in there - some
of the ideas I have are:
Co-ed workout concerns from a female perspective
(might include extra blocking concerns & a myriad of subjects)
Special protective gear for women and when to use it
Males who treat you like you're going to break and males who are TOO Rough
Specific Uechi techniques that can be exploited by women Dojo politics and women
Being in the minority in the dojo and how to make it work to your advantage
Male concerns working with women karateka (How in the heck to check
sanchin!)
Male benefits or concerns with a female instructor
Male instructor benefits or concerns with female students
Self-defense technique practice by and on women (many techniques must be
modified! -- ie groin strikes aren't going to be as effective ON a woman and some
techniques that are easily learned by men are executed differentlywith female anatomy)
Self-defense situations for women in a variety of situations - work, shopping, at home in
bed (break ins etc.) and even dating self-defense situations (kind
of a female companion issue to Van Canna Sensei's forum!)
These are just a few of the things that have crossed my mind or come up in
discussion, some of these will probably lend themselves very well to a forum
type arena - others may not go very far - but a really nice aspect of all this is that any
and everyone who has a female related karate issue will now have a specific place to air
their concerns - Thank you for setting it up! I will do my best to "keep the ball
rolling" as you say on the Dojo Roundtable Table of Contents. I'm also promoting the
forum to my female students (I have almost a dozen women students - female membership has
grown over 400% just this year...Yet another topic and reason for this forum!). They all
promise to contribute something soon.
I am truly honored that you extend to me this opportunity on your website. I will do my
best to follow the great traditions carried out by my esteemed and august fellow forum
adminstrators.
Thank you for your confidence in me.
Peace,
Lori
Dear Sensei --
In a message dated 8/12/98 9:46:00 PM, you wrote:
"There are quite a few (sanseiru) bunkai that has been created over the years. I'd be
interested in seeing what you have done."
Ben Favazza and I study with Ron LaBrie in Beverly. If circumstances ever bring you near
our neck of the woods, I am certain that Ron and all of us would be honored to have you
drop by. Alternatively, I've been hoping to get down to one of your Saturday A.M. classes.
Indeed, Mike Hurney has offered to car pool with me on several occasions; it is merely
time and other commitments which have created the thusfar insurmountable obstacles.
The bunkai Ben and I developed is in multi-person form, much like the kanshiwa
bunkai with three or more attackers. It is therefore not a formal bunkai (like the one for
seisan). Of course, I could send you a prose transcription of the moves, but they'd be far
more meaningful if you could see them. Perhaps I'll now feel more motivated to get down to
Newton!!
Finally, you wrote: "The Yankee kata was never taught to anyone" Would
you be averse to showing it some day? I'm sure that many of us would love to
see it. I certainly would!! All best, --Lenny
Dear Sensei Mattson,
Hello. My name is John DiMarco and I had the pleasure of going to your camp this Saturday.
It was incredible and quite informative. But, I have a question. In addition to uechi-ryu,
I also enjoy weightlifting, and I was wondering if you had any information on any kind of
uechi-ryu specific workout which could assist me in developing strength, speed, and
coordination specifically for uechi-ryu. Thank you
John DiMarco
Science Applications International Corporation
Hello George,
My son, Dennis, would like to do something with music at the camp next year. He would be
interested in organizing an informal rock and roll band next summer (NO MC, just a band).
Actually he wanted to play this year but he found no one to start anythin with.
I am interested in finding out who some of the musicians are and getting
Dennis to contact them.
Allen
Sensei Mattson:
My Sensei Kevin Meisner recently visited your Brockton MA. Dojo. He
suggested that I see your interesting style for myself. I was wondering If you might
recomend a quality Uechi-Ryu dojo In the Philadelphia area. I look forward to the
experience and to perhaps meeting you in the future.
Thank you
Scott A. Elkins
Ni-Dan Sensei Wado-Ryu
Dear Mr. George Mattson:
My father, Gerald McDonald Jr., has been studying Uechi-ryu Karate for quite some time
now. He and I came across your website a while ago and I asked him what the symbol meant.
He didn't have an answer for me so I tried to do my own research. I came across many
deadends. So, I am wondering if you have the answer. When I tried to look it up, it said
something about being the symbol of Hachiman, the god of war, is that true?
Thanks
Received the Sanchin tape (#17) and found it very helpful in looking at Sanchin from a
different perspective. By that I mean what I suppose you could call a more internal
perspective. It's right on the money for where I am in my training now. I'm very strong
physically but always find it challenging to marry the hard and soft. It also is difficult
when there is wide variation in the way that seniors view Sanchin in that many still tend
to view Sanchin as a strength builder via the dynamic tension facet and little else. In
any case thanks for sharing the knowledge.
David
Hello.My name is Joel Freeman.I would like to know about pressure points or
just some good moves to pin my opponent.I have never had any lessons.Do u
recommend any cheap books or magezines?Thanks for the help,
Joel Freeman
Hi George! I would like to appologize for not being on your web. Althought I
have been following your site everyday. Haing a baby takes a lot of your time. I will be
heading to Kanasa City on Sept.20 to 27 for law more law inforcement training. With your
permission, I would like to do a seminar at this years camp on the Use Of Force in todays
society. When I get back from Kansas I will fax you all of my credentials.
Please say hello to Susan and the dog.
Sincerely,
Chris DeLorey
Hello ,
just writing to say how much I loved the summer camp this year. My name is Jared and my
teacher is Ed Oakly. Was wondering if you could tell me if Larry Tan is going to be there
next year.
George Sensei-
Just wanted to drop a line to congratulate you on another superlative Summer
camp- this was my fifth, and they just keep getting better every year. Our little
Pennsylvania contingent is finally reaching critical mass and I am confident of increasing
our presence as time progresses. As far as the video project, the footage we got seems
quite satisfactory- if you could send the Hi-8 stuff I would like to at least peruse it
before starting actual editing ( I don't thing we'll really need it, but would like to at
least see it before getting down to the final editing) As you might imagine, the final
stages of the process are a little agonizing- all the more so as I feel the subject will
be of singular relevance and interest to students of Okinawan Karate of whatever lineage!
Bill Glasheen has provided a CD for musical material and will be writing an intro for
voice over, etc. I'd appreciate you comments on this part as well, e.g. attributions and
so
forth.
Best regards,
Bill Jackson
Note: the video project is Bill Glasheen's superempi instructional tape. . .
all very professionally done by Mr. Jackson's company. GEM
Dear Sensei:
Congratulations to you and Susan for an excellent camp! The Uechi Ryu students and
instructors have proven themselves to be the finest budoka and people I've trained with.
Thank you once again, Sensei, for inviting me to present and participate in the camp. It
was a great honor and pleasure to be there again and share good karate and kobudo with
some wonderful folks.
I wish Uechi Sensei and all other instructors and attendees who came from afar a good and
safe trip back to their homes.
I should not close without thanking you also for facilitating the opportunity to be
treated by some fine healing arts professionals. I am very grateful to Dr. Ann and
colleagues, Margaret Chojin, and Dr. Dumont for the fine work they did cracking, bending,
and needling me back into health with their chiropractic, shiatsu, and acupuncture
therapies, respectively.
In closing, Sensei, if you would, please convey to those who took part in the kobudo
sessions I taught to contact me if they have any questions on the
material covered or want to continue training. I can be reached at
john.hassell@digital.com or jhassell@ultranet.com.
Regards,
John Hassell
Dear Sensei Mattson,
Here's to you and Susan and all of the wonderful instructors for an enjoyable
and educational three days. My daughters and I already look forward to next
year's camp.
See you at class!
Fondly,
Nancy Gottlieb
GEM sensei: First- reserve me room 3113 for the future to insure that I once
again get that great view and a nice breeze. Camp was great. My special thanks to Raffi D.
and Evan P. senseis who put up with me following them around for two days making notes and
asking many questions. Be certain to invite them back. And thanks also to Dr. Ann who
added at least an inch to my height. I'm taller than my 15 year old again, at least for a
little while.
Regards,
Rich in Richmond
George Sensei,
Van Canna said it beautifully in his forum, but I will say it my way, and to you: Camp 98
was truly a peak experience in my life. Not only did my karate benefit from exposure to
the finest teachers, but I personally was affected in ways and to an extent I did not
imagine. How is it that so many Uechi practitioners are downright pleasant, courteous,
patient, funloving people? I have an idea, and will remind myself and others of it by
making use of the term "karate-do," the Way of Karate. Yes, I believe the
practice must influence the person in a most positive way...that is, when taught by a
wise, balanced teacher. On this 40th anniversary year, my I congratulate you on your
faithful commitment and dynamic, ever-evolving work in bringing the spirit of Uechi-Ryu to
the West.
Warm regards,
Michael Knight
George,
I know you were very busy at camp. So I want to drop this note to you.
Though you protest otherwise, you and Susan are great organizers. How else
can such a camp take place, providing such a wonderful experience for those
attending.
More personal, I thoroughly enjoyed your morning Sanchin classes. Beside the
magic of the early morning hours, there was the magic of your teaching. You
have become increasingly an inspiration for me: One, I hope to be practicing
and in your shape at your AGE!!! Two, I hope to have the courage and perserverance to
continue to grow, develop and evolve to someone better as you
have through the years...
I must admit.... As a kid at Hancock St, I thought of you as a stick in the mud. Perhaps,
I was wrong. Perhaps, you have changed. Perhaps, I have changed. Or, it can be a
combination of these. But, you have my admiration
and my gratitude for your teaching.
I look forward to my next Saturday class.
sincerely,
david Moy
Dear George-sensei:
Thank you for taking the time to post on my forum!
I know you must be extremely tired. As such, I thought I'd send my reply
along in case you don't have an opportunity to check back.
Dear George-sensei:
More than happy to assist at this year's tremendous camp!
You know, the credit really has to go to you as someone who is confident and kind enough
to "step aside" and allow others to get involved. Your open and encouraging
attitude has been a true motivator for me, and I look forward to working closely with you
in the (great) times to come!
Again, thank you for hosting such a wonderful camp and for giving us all the opportunity
to celebrate and share our Uechi-ryu!
Sincerely,
Gary
Many thanks to all who wrote to me about the camp. The spirit you felt could not happen
without energetic and open-minded people. Thanks
for helping out with your dynamic and spirited performance this weekend, making this, my
40th year teaching in America, most enjoyable and memorable.
Best,
George
Concerning the article on defensive mindset and karate by Dave Sargent: it may help to
have students, after a "minor injury," keep sparring to develop a survivalist
attitude, but doing so is a real hazard, because it sometimes takes 15
minutes or more of rest/relaxation for the adrenaline to wear off and the damage to be
noticed or appreciated. I had a student who tweaked a knee before class try to work out
because he thought he was fine; I ordered him to sit it out.
This injury turned out to require surgery, and kicks wouldn't have helped. Others students
have misclassified bone chips as "bonks." I suggest resting any POTENTIALLY
"structural" injury--pull/ fracture/sprain as opposed to
bruise.
Ian Jenkins
Univ. of VA
One thing to add to my last message. The two articles on HIV/AIDS in the dojo are
generally correct and suggest useful steps to prevent infection. Hepatitis, however, poses
a greater threat. Its various forms are not as dangerous but more common and more
transmissible, so the total risk of death it poses is higher. Hepatitis can live on
countertops for days, unlike HIV, and the blood supply is less protected from some forms.
Prevention is the same as for HIV, but I thought sparring supervisors who rightly conclude
the HIV risk is tiny should know about it so they're not tempted to ignore warnings.
Ian Jenkins
UVA medical school
Shihan George Mattson:
Sir, recently I aquired a copy of Alexander Co's new book on the Five Elder's Fist Style.
Which is a possibly composite system of Fukien Chinese and Okinawan systems. I was familar
with Jose Chua's book on the Five Fist Style in which he outlines both a 1 man and a 2 man
sanchin set (bears little resemblence to Uechi and Goju ryu) However, Mr. Co writes that
Miyagi and Kanbum Uechi both possibly studied their style. The main reference being that
the Sai was an integral part of their training. Which is evident when you add the Sai to
the Uechi Katas.
I have some experience with Uechi katas, as well as whitebrow, fukien white crane, tai tzu
ch'uan-emperor's long fist/southern style, and southern mantis;
and all of them have some similar relationships. However, I realize that in China of that
day, it is impossible to trace anything accurately. And names change quite frequently with
each person with regards to their own identity, and the style they practiced.
My point is this; after reading the material I sent you on southern mantis, could their be
some possible kinship between Uechi and these other systems?
Originally, I worked out in Jim Thompson's Kalamazoo dojo (I taught t'ai chi and Tracy's
kenpo there) and I could not help but observe that in the Sai weapons katas there were 2
distinct styles used for the 3 Sai katas: 1st whitebrow, 2nd Fukien White Crane, 3rd a
composite of the two. This was very
evident when I asked them to demonstrate the Sai kata without a weapon-empty
handed. Just as there was a heavy Shuai Chiao/grappling influence when the BO
katas were done emptyhanded.
I inquired of a wing chun stylist in calif who is fluent in the fukien dialect. He felt
that some of their claims may be true, however, there was no actual written proof of thern
other than a similarity in their training with the Okinawan systems. Which could also mean
that the Okinawans gave alot more than the fukien chinese would be willing to admit.
I hope you received the copy of the text on southern mantis ok.
Thanks for your help
Ron Shively
Sir:
In your last letter, you stated that the uechi katas are very "basic", and that
they lend themselves to many weapons of that era. Your comment intrigues me as to which
weapons (other than the sai and the butterfly swords) is easily adapted to the uechi
forms. I was not aware that other weapons were equally cross applicable. Which ones are
you referring to?
Thanks again, I'm currently re-reading your master text on Uechi Ryu for the
4th or 5th time! A good text is well worth additional study.
Thank You
Ron Shively
Dear Sensei:
As per our phone conversation, please add our dojo to the list of schools in Western MA.
Hatfield is a small town about 20 minutes from UMass, Amherst. We are located at 95
Prospect Street. The dojo # is 1-413-247-0159.. Thanks again.
Most respectfully yours in Uechi-ryu:
Brian Stoia
Hatfield Shubukan
Sensei Mattson,
Would it be possible to put together a Uechi-Ryu e-mail white pages? There are a lot of
people who visit these web pages, leave messages, etc. However, one is stuck if you want
to reach someone, one-on-one through e-mail. It could be part of the TOC listing.
This is just an idea,
Gene DeMambro
To all,
I thought these would brighten the day up a bit. Pretty funny stuff.
Mike
1. Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things.
2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
3. One nice thing about egotists: They don't talk about other people.
4. To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.
5. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
6. The older you get, the better you realize you were.
7. I doubt, therefore I might be.
8. Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
9. Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
10. Women like silent men, they think they're listening.
11. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish,
and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
13. A fool and his money are soon partying.
14. Do pediatricians play miniature golf on Wednesdays?
15. Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
16. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery.
17. If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?
18. If God dropped acid, would he see people?
19. If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?
20. If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
21. If work is so terrific, how come they have to pay you to do it?
22. If you're born again, do you have two bellybuttons?
23. If you ate pasta and antipasta, would you still be hungry?
24. If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?
25. Why is it called tourist season if we can't shoot at them?
Subject: You know Boston...
You might be a Bostonian if....
1. You think of Philadelphia as the "deep south."
2. You think it's your God-given right to cut someone off in traffic.
3. You think there are only 25 letters in the alphabet (no R).
4. You think three straight days of 90+ is a heat wave.
5. All your pets are named after Celtic hall of famers.
6. You refer to 6 inches of snow as a "dusting."
7. Just hearing the words "New York" puts you in an angry frenzy.
8. You don't think you have an attitude.
9. You know the significance of 1918.
10. Everything in town is "a five minute walk."
11. When out of town, you think the natives of the area you're visiting are
all whacked.
12. You still can't bear to watch highlights from the game 6 of the 1986 world
series.
13. You have no idea what the word compromise means.
14. You believe using your turn signal is a sign of weakness.
15. You don't realize that you talk twice as fast as everyone else.
16. You're anal, neurotic, spasmatic & stubborn.
17. You think if someone is nice to you, they must want something or are from
out of town.
18. You think $15 to park is a bargain.
19. Your favorite adjective is "wicked."
20. You think 63 degree ocean water is warm.
If you're from Boston:
1. You'll know who the cahdnal is, how to take the T to JP and what the
blinking red light atop the old Hancock Building means in the summer.
2. And if you're smaht, you'll know how not to get cahded at the packie.
Herewith, a survival guide to Bawstin:
How we tok:
We don't speak English. We speak whatever they brought over here from
East Anglia in 1630. The Bawstin accent is basically the broad A and
the dropped R, which we add to words ending in A (pahster, Cuber, soder).
For the broad A, just open your mouth and say "ah," like the docta
says.
So car is cah, park is pahk. If you want to talk like the mayah, repeat after
me: "My aunt takes her bahth at hahpast foah. "
When we say: \We mean:...
bzah\odd
flahwiz\roses, etc.
hahpahst\30 minutes after the hour
Hahwahya?\How are you?
khakis\what we staht the cah with
pissa\superb
retahded\silly
shuah\of course
wikkid\extremely
yiz\you, plural
How we'll know you weren't bon heah:
You wear a Harvard sweatshirt.
You cross at a crosswalk.
You ask directions to "Cheers."
You order a grinder and a soda.
You pronounce it "Worchester."
You walk the Freedom Trail.
You call it "Copely" Square.
You go to BU.
Getting around:
Boston is a mishmosh of 17th-century cow paths and 19th-century landfill
penned in by water. You know, "One if byland, two if by sea.
Charlestown? Cahn't get theyah from heah.
And which Warren Street do you want? We have three plus three Warren
Avenues, three Warren Squares, a Warren Park, and a Warren Place.
Pay no attention to the street names. There's no school on School Street, no
court on Court Street, no dock on Dock Square, no water on Water Street.
Back Bay streets are in alphabetical odda. Arlington, Berkeley, Clarendon,
Dartmouth. So are South Boston streets: A, B, C, D.
If the streets are named after trees (Walnut, Chestnut, Cedar), you're on
Beacon Hill. If they're named after poets, you're in Wellesley.
Dot is Dorchester, Rozzie is Roslindale, JP is Jamaica Plain. Readville
doesn't exist.
The North-East-South-West thing:
Southie is South Boston. The South End is the South End.
The North End is east of the West End. The West End is no more.
A guy named Rappaport got rid of it one night.
Eastie is East Boston. The East End is Boston Harbor.
About our "cuisine":
Boston cream pie is a cake.
Frappes have ice cream; milk shakes don't.
Chowdah does not come with tomatoes.
Soda is club soda. Pop is Dad. If it's fizzy and flavored,it's tonic.
When we mean tonic water, we say tonic water.
Scrod is whatever they tell you it is, usually fish. If you paid more than $6
a pound, you got scrod.
Brown bread comes in a can. You open both ends, push it out, heat it, and eat
it with baked beans.
They're hot dogs. Franks were people who lived in France in the ninth century.
Things not to do:
Don't call it Beantown.
Don't pahk your cah in Hahvid Yahd. They'll tow it to Meffa.
Don't swim in the Charles, no matter what Bill Weld tells you.
Don't sleep in the Common.
Don't wear orange in Southie on St. Patrick's Day.
Don't call the mayah "Mumbles." He hates that.
Don't ask what she's majoring in. You don't care.
Things you should know:
There are two State Houses, two City Halls, two courthouses, two Hancock
buildings. There's also a Boston Latin School and a Boston Latin Academy.
How should we know which one you mean?
Route 128 is also I-95. It is also I-93.
It's the Sox, the Pats (or Patsies), the Seltz, the Broons.
The Harvard Bridge goes to MIT. It's measured in 'smoots.'
Johnson never should have hit for Willoughby.
Never mention Bill Buckner's name.
The subway doesn't run all night. This isn't Noo Yawk.