Lots of new mail. GEM
August 15, 1996: Fantastic camp! Record number of students and teachers. Check out the August letters for the reviews. The "Dojo Roundtable" is still not working 100%. USA1 is upgrading to a new version of the program and we should have our new setup within a week. I'll let you know when the change occurs. Meanwhile, you can still leave 50-60 word messages.
Harvey Liebergott's book is now available. Email me for information. GEM
August 2, 1996: I received an invitation to attend next year's Okinawa Karate & Kobudo World Championships. Because of all the problems and bad publicity associated with last year's "prelim" Tournament, I am concerned over lending support to the "main" event. I'm in touch with the organizers on Okinawa and hope to begin a dialog with them concerning how the mistakes of last year will not be made again next year. Watch for the Forum following the camp. In the meantime, I'll be posting letters regarding this event in the August Mailbag. Still experiencing problems with the Forum. You can leave short messages, (About 50 words) but larger messages get "bounced".
To those of you who will be taking John Ray's Aido seminars, take note:
Just a few points before the summer camp begins. First, my sensei, Peter Kellogg, was in town last week and I was able to meet with him. He sends his best regards to you, Sensei Campbell, and any of the many other Uechi-ryu practicioners that he has had the pleasure of meeting. He wishes all of the participants a successful experience. Next, I have been asked about what kind of materials are necessary to join my Iaido workshop. I will bring all of my Bokken (wooden swords) along with me, but (depending on the turnout) if anybody is interested in joining me, and they possess a bokken of their own, I would urge them to bring it. I am assuming all of the participants will be beginners. If not, and if some would like to bring both their Iaido costume and their katana, please do. HOWEVER, if you are not used to handling a shinken (sharpened blade), please do not expect to use it in practice. If you have one, I would prefer if you brought an Iaitou, or practice sword. Also, please do not bring a Mogitou, or display sword. The connection between the blade and the handle is not safe on such a sword. I will check all katana before beginning. Finally, I would just like to say that I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone and contributing whatever I am able to towards the success of the camp. Sincererly, John Ray
I'll be pretty busy with the camp for the next 2 weeks, but will try to check my mail on a regular basis and will update this column when possible. If you can make it to camp for a day or even for the whole camp and you haven't registered yet, call or email me ASAP. There will be a "late fee", but there are a few spots still available. GEM
July 29, 1996: Just got off the phone with Dr. Li Yi Duan. Dr. Li is in the states on business and has been able to arrange his schedule, making it possible for him to attend all three days of our Summer Camp! For those of you who do not know Dr. Li, he is the person most responsible for the research leading up to the discovery of the Uechi "roots" in Fuzhou, China. Dr. Li is a high ranking official in both the All-China Athletic Federation and the Fuzhou Wushu Association. He works closely with all martial art groups who can trace their roots to China. Dr. Li was especially helpful to our association during fact finding trips to his home country. He and his associate, Mr. Chang, will participate in many of the camp seminars dealing with Kanbum Uechi and Uechi-ryu's link to China. Also. . . Larry Tan has freed his schedule and will be able to attend all three days of the camp. GEM
July 27, 1996: Well, we found the "Dojo
Roundtable", but in the process, lost the
ability to leave messages. Service is working
on the problem. Meanwhile, you can read
the messages. Lots of new mail in the July
Mailbag. We still have a couple of Overnight
and Daytripper spots left at the camp. Call
me at 508-586-3969 for information. GEM
July 26, 1996: If you have been having trouble logging on to the "Dojo Roundtable", you are not alone. The Forum has been moved to a new server, resulting in some minor problems which are being corrected. Received quite a few email saying they have no problem viewing the multi gif file of Summer Camp pictures, however I did get one who said "what 8 pictures??" To get the most from your web browsing, I recommend using Netscape 2.0. . . at least for the near term. July 25, 1996: I'd be interested in learning if you have any problems loading and viewing the 8 pictures in the above "clip". Please drop me an email simply saying "no problem" or "problem", if it causes your system to slow down or if you have a problem accessing this page because of the GIF file. I'd like to use this multi picture medium more often, but wish to keep the site simple and accessible to all. BTW, to stop the pictures from "looping", simply click the red STOP button (if you use Netscape).
In follow-up calls to students regarding camp registrations or other camp related matters, I get an occasional gasp of disbelief . . . "Are you really calling me??" Naturally, I'm flattered, but quickly set the person straight by explaining ".. Just doing my job!" Last night I received a good natured email from a New York student I called who wasn't home. Although I normally wouldn't put it in this column, it was so funny that an exception is warranted:
Hi George,
Your phone call the other day reminds me of the young boy whose house was visited by a great
piano teacher he admired. The boy comes home to find his house burned to the ground and his
front yard filled with policemen, firemen, and EMS techs. The frightened boy composed himself
enough to ask one of the officers what happened. The cop tells him that the great piano teacher had
come over to his house. He murdered the boys parents with an axe and chopped the bodies into
small pieces. He canibalized parts of the bodies and finally burned the house to the ground by
soaking the boys puppy in gasoline and using it as a torch.
"Wow!" said the boy. "You mean the piano teacher was HERE?"
==================================================================
I talked to Jay and Chris and they said that about 10 New Yorkers will be at the camp. I could not
find out any names for you (beside Nick Lynn and myself). When I have more info I'll e-mail it to
you.
Looking forward seeing you at the camp Itzik Harel
Itzik@aol.com
Looking forward to seeing you and your friends as well! I'll leave my AXE at home! GEM
July 22nd: New letters, new Forums in the "Dojo Roundtable". If you haven't browsed this site lately, (if you are like me, you save favorite pages with a "bookmark" and limit your wandering to these areas) check out the "Table of Contents" and look around. GEM
July 21st:, 1996: Only 18 days until Summer Camp. Don't miss this exciting Festival of Martial Arts seminars, demonstrations and fun! "Keep the Spirit Growing!" Check out the Dojo Roundtable. Lots of new and interesting topics. Get involved. Lets hear from you.
July 20, 1996: Received an article from Bob Kaiser about important information relating to aids and karate. This is important information for all teachers and students to know. People who have HIV do not wear a scarlet letter on their foreheads. In most cases, they may not even be aware of their condition! Some of my associates feel we shouldn't discuss the subject, as it might affect enrollment. If what Bob and other experts say is correct, there is very little chance of contracting the HIV virus through sensible Uechi-ryu training. However, Bob makes some very important points that every student and instructor should know in case someone gets injured and bleeds. GEM
July 18, 1996: Had a few minutes to update the July letters section today. Also made a few corrections to pages where link errors were noted. Has anyone been able to access the Furio Magazine? I haven't been able to make the link this past week.
Bob Campbell is a gifted martial artist, who will have a problem this year at camp! What to ask him to teach! Those of you who know him and of his abilities, will understand our dilemma. How about some feedback to help Bob decide what to cover. Mail your suggestions to me and I'll pass the information along to him next month. GEM
July 16, 1996: Students will often call or write, asking my advice about visiting Okinawa. Now that visiting there is so expensive, fewer non-Japanese are able to afford the luxury of going there. However, if you are contemplating a visit, check out the July Mail Bag regarding some personal recommendations regarding this subject.
Be watching for a brand new martial arts magazine called "Bugeisha: Traditional Martial Artist". According to the Publisher, respected martial artist Angel Lemus, "Bugeisha" will cover topics of interest and relevancy for the traditional martial art community. I've agreed to become a contributing editor for this publication and have written a rather lengthy article for the premier issue. I had to dig into my memory bank to write this piece, since the subject of it deals with my original introduction to Uechi-ryu and my experiences on Okinawa during the 1950s. I also dug out of the archives, pictures of Okinawa, Ryuko Tomoyose and me taken during this period. If you would like information on the magazine or if you would like to offer it to your students, please contact Mr. Lemus at "lemusa@petersenpub.com".GEM
July 14, 1996: The Whats New page was getting too large for easy access, so created Whatsnew II for older entries.
Susan reports that lots of Summer Camp entries still arriving. Looks like we will be having another great camp. Don't forget, there is a late charge for all applications postmarked after July 15th! If you fill out an "on-line" application before the 16th, and call-in your master card or visa number before the end of the week, we will consider the application "on time".
I starting another Forum category today: "Dojo Reviews". This is the place where dojo owners, teachers or students can talk about their schools and the focus of their instruction. I hope we won't receive any negative comments here, since the purpose is to let people know what to expect if they visit these dojo. Some schools don't welcome visitors. . . this is their prerogative. . .other dojo are from the "old" and "hard" schools, and you better be prepared when you visit or join their group. Still other schools specialize in children's programs with few adults training.
Tell us about your dojo. And remember, you can "pull" any comment or topic you add by simply clicking on the "tool" icon located at the top of the Forum page and selecting "delete". You can use this if after posting a topic or reply, you find a "typo" or a mistake you wish to correct. GEM
July 11, 1996: Updated the July Letters section. Check it out if you have time. Also added a few new publications to the Publication Review section of the "Dojo Roundtable". The reason for including this review section as a "Topic", was to give you an opportunity to either list a title and offer your review, or to add your comments to an existing review.
I tend to be impulsive in my writings and in my actions. Often, with the benefit of time and reflection, I will look at something I wrote or something I said in haste and wish it could be rescinded. In my haste to add the Publication Review section topic, and place a couple of entries in it, I wrote a quick and rather harsh review of Allan Moulton's book. . . focusing on the technical errors more than on the positive parts of the book. After re-reading it the next day, I pulled it with the intention of rewriting it later, focusing on the many positive virtues of the book. In the meantime, the Dojo Roundtable welcomes anyone's review of Allen's book. Just add it as a "Topic".
On the other hand, I was so excited about Alan Dollar's book, many thought I was selling it! The main reason for my pleasure, was that it has such an extensive history of Uechi-ryu, covering periods in Kanbun's life that I was either totally unfamiliar with, or where many gaps occurred. One example is the popular theory that Kanbun's student killed a person in China over a land dispute. The Uechi family sticks with this story, even though extensive research by George Chaplin, while he was in Hong Kong, and now Alan's sources claim that Kanbun was the one who was involved in the fight. Seiko Toyama, who is credited with this version of the story, claims to have overheard Kanbun tell Ryuyu Tomoyose: "...had used a technique that he now disguised as the crane and had killed a men. . . and had to leave (China) as a result." [from Alan's book]
The technique was revealed to be the vertical finger strike (the last movement in Sanseiryu). I remember Tomoyose sensei telling me that there existed a number of different ways to perform this technique and showed me three variations which I've taught over the years. Although all are very dangerous, one version (according to him) was "deadly as a Hobu bite"!
Reading Alan's book has been extremely important to me, as it not only fills in lots of gaps in the Uechi-ryu history, but it helps me understand many of the ambiguous and criptic statements made to me by Master Uechi and Ryuko Tomoyose over the years. Much of the history and background for the book, comes from other "branches" of the Uechi tree. And though the information may be controversial and disputed, it is important for the historians of the future and practitioners of the present.
July 10, 1996: Sensei Higa sent me an announcement regarding a July 21st Okinawan Karate in Atlanta "Super" seminar, featuring Hanshi(s) Shugoro Nakazato, Ryuko Tomoyose and Seikici Higa. These three gentlemen are all part of the Okinawaken Karatedo Rengokai and the Atlanta Olympic karate demo team. There will be a comprehensive agenda, including basic kata demonstration along with applications of each style. Additionally, there will be instruction by masters and technical staff. Finally, there will be a formal announcement for the first world karate tournament, which will be held in 1999. The seminar/demonstration will be held at the South Forsyth Education complex in Cumming, Georgia. According to the announcement, this group will be part of the 1996 Olympic karate demonstration team. I'm pleased to see that Okinawan karate will be represented at the Olympics this year and I wish to congratulate this team for making it possible. If anyone would like more information about this event, contact Walter Mattson at 508-481-4344.
July 9, 1996: Received an amazing number of email regarding the new name of the "Lets Talk" forum. The majority of readers liked the "Dojo Roundtable" description. One letter expressed the majority opinion very well:
"I view the entire Online magazine as a "Dojo of the mind." I do so for several reasons, however the most significant is that it is focused on thinking and sharing ideas. . . . How important it is to be able to communicate with people who share the same or similar values,where we can openly discuss issues that were taboo, and also receive advice and encouragement without prejudice!---Hmmm maybe Dojo of the Mind and Spirit........ "
And another. . .
"The forum, that arena of ideas is really a Round Table.....and maybe that is the best title: "Dojo
Round Table...." With Bill Glasheen as facilitator..."
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People ask me how I decide which letters and email to put in the "Letters" section. Some people appear upset that a communication sent to me didn't appear. First off, the subject should be of general interest or addresses an important issue or asks question that has been raised frequently. I won't print anything that is personal in nature or will embarrass the writer or others if selected. If someone expressly asks me to publish a letter, I will. And of course, if the person asks that the letter not be printed, that request will also be honored. Occasionally, I'll feature a very special letter in the "Whats New" column, such as the following:
George,
One of my students is a nationally rate judoka, age 16 earned his blackbelt at 14. His goalsl have been to try out for an Olympic team and use his judo skills to help with college, possibly through a scholarship. He is quite a fellow, very dedicated, excellent academic record etc. His mother talked to me tonight about a problem he is having. He is currently studying at a school started by one of the instructors at the YMCA here, The YMCA program was rated nationally until the director retired, The YMCA school broke up into two groups. Philip went with a group that open a school on Kalamazoo's South side. Both the YMCA and Southside programs in Judo have degenerated. Philip is very upset as he is seeing his judo dream evaporate.
Philip is a very skilled martial artist, Judoka who have seen him compete have told me he is extremely gifted. Is there someone on a national level that Philip can talk too about the potential of getting his dream back on track-someone who would be able to provide honest advice? Philip is a very trusting kid-he even gave the South dojo $2000 from his college fund (his parent's are trying to get it back) to help the school get set up so he would have a place to train. I think being able to talk to someone in the know would be of great value.
His family are on-line and are probably reading the home page as I write to you. They are quite well informed about martial arts and are very impressed by the NAC!
Take care.
Thanks,
Ron Klein
If anyone would like to contact Ron, his email address is: rdklein@am.pnu.com
Later. . . GEM
July 8, 1996: I've received three new books in the past couple of months. Dr. Jerry Aiello's "Warrior Legacy" is well written and contains lots of great training information. Although Jerry's background is not Uechi-ryu, his philosophy is universal.
Allen Moulton's book arrived shortly after Jerry's and provided another view of Uechi-ryu. Allen, who was an active practitioner until a very serious accident nearly killed him, still trains and has become a publisher. He credits his Uechi-ryu for helping him learn to walk and live again following this tragedy.
Finally, last week I received a copy of Alan Dollar's monumental new work, entitled: "Secrets of Uechi ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa". I can say, without exaggeration, that this is the most important book on Uechi-ryu to ever be published! It is not a "rehash" of "teach-me-techniques", but is a thoughtful and comprehensive body of research and history of Okinawan karate. Much of the historical information contained in the Grandmaster's book on Uechi-ryu was translated and helped Alan compile historical and technical information that is contained in his book. This is an expensive book, but well worth the price.
Bill Glasheen and I have been discussing changing the name of the "Lets Talk" forum to more fully reflect its purpose. I liked "Dojo of the Mind: where all are students and all are teachers"! Bill suggested "Roundtable Dojo" with the subheading. If anyone wants to help us, please write.
One of the new categories I'm adding today is "Publication Reviews". I'm hoping that people will share with us, their feelings about the many new articles, videos, books and movies available. I'm hoping that some of you will let us know what you feel about the Uechi Video Magazine and the latest video Special Releases. Hope you had a safe and pleasant 4th of July weekend. GEM
July 1, 1996: Remember as a child how slowly time passed? This phenomenum sure changes as we grow older!
I was able to update the site this morning, adding the July Mailbag and many of the recent letters received.
Just finished reading the galleys of Harvey Liebergott's new book, "Scissors, Rock, Paper: A circular path through the martial arts". 350 pages of interviews and commentary, this book breaks new ground in the Uechi-ryu publishing world. Look for the special Summer Camp limited edition that will be available during this year's camp.
If you haven't visited the "Lets Talk" Forum lately, do yourself a favor and check out the various topics. Do everyone else a favor and add your comments, ideas or suggestions to the forum. GEM
June 26, 1996: I've been really busy with camp preparations. All indications point to a large turnout. We will definitely have more instructors at his camp than any other since I started running a camp in 1983! Getting lots more support from non affiliated and Shoreiryu schools, which is a good sign. Students and teachers are beginning to look beyond their seniors and the politics. . . back to the basics of learning and sharing. Lets keep this spirit growing!
We plan to have quite a few seminars relating to the building of a successful dojo or club. Attorney
Noah Mandell will be working with dojo owners on things they should know relating to the many
types of insurance that are available and what every teacher should know about liabiliaty and
coverage. This is an important subject for all dojo owners and teachers. Plan to attend and
participate. GEM
June 23, 1996: Made a mistake listing the 1996 Uechi-ryu Tournament results. Scott Thivierge's
name was not listed as a "Dan Kumite" winner. The Tournament page has been corrected. My
apologies to Scott and his instructor, Dan Dovidio.
Monique Illara, from "Model Mugging" of Boston and I spoke on the telephone last week. Monique is looking for male self defense instructors. Candidates must be in excellent physical condition who have previous martial arts or athletic training. Prior teaching experience is particularly valuable. Anyone applying for the position must also be sensitive to women's perspectives and sexual assault and abuse issues. Call 617-232-7900 if interested.
In case you have never heard of "Model Mugging", it is a self-defense and empowerment training program for men, women and children. The "model Mugger" simulates a range of assaults, based on the most common ways people are attacked (including the use of verbal intimidation tactics). The male instructor's padding enables the students to learn to use full force techniques. Students are trained in the physical and mental skills of practical self defense, both while standing and on the ground. "Model Mugging" is one of the many seminars scheduled to be part of this year's Summer Camp.