Dear George Sensei,
I just wanted to send a personal congratulations for your promotion to Judan last Saturday. This is long deserved as much as it was well-deserved. I think of a person with your history and work ethic over the years is a person who influences people both intentionally and unintentionally. Many of your lessons and philosophies are studied and made dojo practice whether you have personally worked with that student or not. This is what you have done with me. Whether it was working with you on Sanchin at the beach or in some other seminar, I always left with something to work on for me and my students. And even though distance has transpired against us, I still talk and work with people who have more direct contact with you and what you are teaching. I just wanted to thank you for both and wish you continued luck and good fortune.
Contratulations again for the promotion. You certainly deserve it.
mike
Friday, July 31, 2009
From Darin Yee
I want to thank you Sensei George Mattson for allowing me to run my junior black belt test at this years’ summer camp. I must say this has been the high light of all my students’ martial art achievements. This is something my students will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.
These students have achieved much in their training and studies. They have worked diligently and relentlessly to be where they are today. The added bonus was to receive their reward in the presence of many local seniors and seniors from other parts of the world. The presence and approval of grandmaster George Mattson sitting on their board is already becoming legion among the student in my dojo.
Many of my students’ parents are calling me to ask if this could be their case when their child is ready for black belt testing. There were 15 messages on my dojo phone and 5 more on my cell. They pledged the dedication of their child in anticipation of such a glorious event involving their little warrior.
If junior testing is something you are willing to do at your camp every year, I will plan for this. I’m sure all my students will work hard for the opportunity to duplicate and experience the joy my new junior black belts felt.
I also believe this will be a goal for all my young students. This may encourage many other students to stay focus and continue studying. A few of my calls at the dojo was from parent who had took their children out because of other interest.
These students have achieved much in their training and studies. They have worked diligently and relentlessly to be where they are today. The added bonus was to receive their reward in the presence of many local seniors and seniors from other parts of the world. The presence and approval of grandmaster George Mattson sitting on their board is already becoming legion among the student in my dojo.
Many of my students’ parents are calling me to ask if this could be their case when their child is ready for black belt testing. There were 15 messages on my dojo phone and 5 more on my cell. They pledged the dedication of their child in anticipation of such a glorious event involving their little warrior.
If junior testing is something you are willing to do at your camp every year, I will plan for this. I’m sure all my students will work hard for the opportunity to duplicate and experience the joy my new junior black belts felt.
I also believe this will be a goal for all my young students. This may encourage many other students to stay focus and continue studying. A few of my calls at the dojo was from parent who had took their children out because of other interest.
From Dave Mott
Hi George,
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you again on your very appropriate promotion to Judan. After all, you are the roots of the tree from which most North American (and beyond!) Uechi-ryu grew and blossomed. I was very happy that I could be there for this (either I'm out of the loop or it was a very well kept secret). And I really hope that when I'm 71 (barely 6 years from now!) that I can perform a kata
1/2 as good as yours! You're an inspiration.
Thanks for letting me "do my thing" at summer camp. There were a number of people who wanted to work with the coiling silk exercises and I wanted to give them time beyond the normal slots. By the way, although you listed me under Chinese martial arts, I consider the Cold Mountain Coiling Silk Exercises to be Uechi-ryu. Or at least no more Chinese than the roots of our style in Fukien. I'm not naive enough to think that the CMCSE will ever be part of the Uechi-ryu canon, but there are people who come to camp looking to learn, practice, and deepen their understanding and ability in ways such as this. Of course, the scenario training, grappling etc. will well serve an important segment of our community but most of the more mature students look for something that is, well, more mature. I'm happy to be one who offers that.
I hope that you and Susan got home safe and sound and can kick back and enjoy the rest of the summer. Bobbi and I leave on Sat. to spend August at out place out in the woods. I have a new commission for choir and instruments to compose and hope that the rain lets up so that we can also canoe and swim –as we like to do.
love to you and Susan!
David
PS Any news on the release of your new book? We're all eager.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you again on your very appropriate promotion to Judan. After all, you are the roots of the tree from which most North American (and beyond!) Uechi-ryu grew and blossomed. I was very happy that I could be there for this (either I'm out of the loop or it was a very well kept secret). And I really hope that when I'm 71 (barely 6 years from now!) that I can perform a kata
1/2 as good as yours! You're an inspiration.
Thanks for letting me "do my thing" at summer camp. There were a number of people who wanted to work with the coiling silk exercises and I wanted to give them time beyond the normal slots. By the way, although you listed me under Chinese martial arts, I consider the Cold Mountain Coiling Silk Exercises to be Uechi-ryu. Or at least no more Chinese than the roots of our style in Fukien. I'm not naive enough to think that the CMCSE will ever be part of the Uechi-ryu canon, but there are people who come to camp looking to learn, practice, and deepen their understanding and ability in ways such as this. Of course, the scenario training, grappling etc. will well serve an important segment of our community but most of the more mature students look for something that is, well, more mature. I'm happy to be one who offers that.
I hope that you and Susan got home safe and sound and can kick back and enjoy the rest of the summer. Bobbi and I leave on Sat. to spend August at out place out in the woods. I have a new commission for choir and instruments to compose and hope that the rain lets up so that we can also canoe and swim –as we like to do.
love to you and Susan!
David
PS Any news on the release of your new book? We're all eager.
Thank you Brian. . .
Dear George Sensei:
I wanted to offer my congratulations on your new/long overdue promotion to judan. After fifty plus years in Uechi, this rank is well deserved.
When I walked into the Hancock Street dojo in 1973, I never imagined still training and teaching so many years later. Knowing that you still train with such vigor and enthusiasm is a great inspiration to continue to work hard, even as the aging process makes it a bit tougher to roll out of bed in the morning! And, the fact that, at your rank, you continue to work with beginners is a great lesson in humility and the genuine love of the art, that all of us should emulate.
I know I'm not the first to acknowledge that you have introduced so very many of us to a great style of karate. I think most would agree that you have also introduced us to a great life style. The need to work-out, the addiction to exercise is an amazing gift that "keeps on giving." Not only have you given us Uechi, you have also made us healthier, happier people. That's quite a legacy.
Great thanks George!
Your in the arts,
Brian Stoia
I wanted to offer my congratulations on your new/long overdue promotion to judan. After fifty plus years in Uechi, this rank is well deserved.
When I walked into the Hancock Street dojo in 1973, I never imagined still training and teaching so many years later. Knowing that you still train with such vigor and enthusiasm is a great inspiration to continue to work hard, even as the aging process makes it a bit tougher to roll out of bed in the morning! And, the fact that, at your rank, you continue to work with beginners is a great lesson in humility and the genuine love of the art, that all of us should emulate.
I know I'm not the first to acknowledge that you have introduced so very many of us to a great style of karate. I think most would agree that you have also introduced us to a great life style. The need to work-out, the addiction to exercise is an amazing gift that "keeps on giving." Not only have you given us Uechi, you have also made us healthier, happier people. That's quite a legacy.
Great thanks George!
Your in the arts,
Brian Stoia
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The "old" days. . .
Peter Porter has sent you a message
George,
I was on board testing black belts for the Okinawan Karate Academy in Lebanon NH about a week ago. Sali Emen Azem was on the board also. I used to train with him in the early 80's. Pretty sure he trained with you in the 60's or 70's. I also heard of a Walter Mattson that did Uechi. Related to you?
Pete
No, Walter just happened to have the same last name.
George,
I was on board testing black belts for the Okinawan Karate Academy in Lebanon NH about a week ago. Sali Emen Azem was on the board also. I used to train with him in the early 80's. Pretty sure he trained with you in the 60's or 70's. I also heard of a Walter Mattson that did Uechi. Related to you?
Pete
No, Walter just happened to have the same last name.
JuniorFest letters
Dear Mr. Mattson
Thank you so very much for letting my daughters Brianna and Melissa be part of the summerfest 2009 and to let them have the opportunity to get their Junior black belt promotion that night. They were so happy to be part of it and to have you on the board also. Thanks again for all your comments , it means a lot to them.
Have a wonderful summer and hope to see you again next year !!
Sincerely,
Mary Mc Carthy
Thank you so very much for letting my daughters Brianna and Melissa be part of the summerfest 2009 and to let them have the opportunity to get their Junior black belt promotion that night. They were so happy to be part of it and to have you on the board also. Thanks again for all your comments , it means a lot to them.
Have a wonderful summer and hope to see you again next year !!
Sincerely,
Mary Mc Carthy
more on SummerFest
Hi George,
I wanted to thank you and Susan for a wonderful weekend and the master's ceremony was so inspirational and emotional. Congratulations on your 10th degree black belt. Well deserved, no question about that. The woman named Toni, that was tested told me that if it hadn't been for Uechi-Ryu she would not be alive. I am speechless at the thought and from having seen just how many lives you have touched and I thank you again for what I have received as a result of Uechi-Ryu.
You are a rare individual and the world needs more people like you.
Bless you and Susan for all that you have given and still give to so many people.
--
Thank you,
Michele Ann Turner
I wanted to thank you and Susan for a wonderful weekend and the master's ceremony was so inspirational and emotional. Congratulations on your 10th degree black belt. Well deserved, no question about that. The woman named Toni, that was tested told me that if it hadn't been for Uechi-Ryu she would not be alive. I am speechless at the thought and from having seen just how many lives you have touched and I thank you again for what I have received as a result of Uechi-Ryu.
You are a rare individual and the world needs more people like you.
Bless you and Susan for all that you have given and still give to so many people.
--
Thank you,
Michele Ann Turner
From Seth Rosenblatt
George-sensei,
Just wanted to offer my congratulations, but more importantly, my thanks for your years of dedication to teaching us all Uechi-ryu. From your open-minded and challenging summer camps to tolerating fumbling new students (like myself in '95) in your senior student classes at the Hut, from encouraging students to explore other styles and see how they relate back to Uechi to giving me my first opportunity to teach karate to children, your influence and wisdom has not only made us all better Uechi-ka, but more importantly better people as well.
My most sincere thanks for the impact you've had on my life, and those who've taught me.
P.S. I owe you a Scotch, next time I see you!
Just wanted to offer my congratulations, but more importantly, my thanks for your years of dedication to teaching us all Uechi-ryu. From your open-minded and challenging summer camps to tolerating fumbling new students (like myself in '95) in your senior student classes at the Hut, from encouraging students to explore other styles and see how they relate back to Uechi to giving me my first opportunity to teach karate to children, your influence and wisdom has not only made us all better Uechi-ka, but more importantly better people as well.
My most sincere thanks for the impact you've had on my life, and those who've taught me.
P.S. I owe you a Scotch, next time I see you!
On my surprise promotion!!!
George Sensei,
First of all, congratulations to the well deserved and long long overdue 10th Dan.
I just watch the video of the Seisan kata your performed in the Masters Celebration. What a beautiful performance. I am proud that you are our head of the organization, and proud to be able to claim you as my instructor.
I will not make any excuses for not being able to attend the Summer Camp, other than I just could not make it this time. I am sure you understand.
I will see you in the Winterfest or the next Summer Camp for sure.
Take care.
Henry Thom
http://sites.google.com/site/henrythomselfdefenseandkarate/
First of all, congratulations to the well deserved and long long overdue 10th Dan.
I just watch the video of the Seisan kata your performed in the Masters Celebration. What a beautiful performance. I am proud that you are our head of the organization, and proud to be able to claim you as my instructor.
I will not make any excuses for not being able to attend the Summer Camp, other than I just could not make it this time. I am sure you understand.
I will see you in the Winterfest or the next Summer Camp for sure.
Take care.
Henry Thom
http://sites.google.com/site/henrythomselfdefenseandkarate/
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
From Rose Dyer
Sensei George, Just a note to say thank-you for all that you have done for me. It is a realization of a dream that both you and Susan helped to come true. This Summer-Fest has been a truly inspiring one and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it. I also feel truly humbled to have the opportunity to test with such a courageous person as Toni.
I also wanted to congratulate you on your promotion and recognition to tenth degree. As a sensei, you have always been a role model of modesty and humility to me. You have never asked anything for yourself but have been ready to assist anyone in their aspirations to personal goals in Uechi-ryu. I am soo proud to call you Sensei.
Scott and talked it over on the ride home and we are planning to come to the Winter-Fest this year. Hopefully, I will be able to bring some students with me.
Until then, you are always on our hearts and in our prayers,
Your student,
Rose
I also wanted to congratulate you on your promotion and recognition to tenth degree. As a sensei, you have always been a role model of modesty and humility to me. You have never asked anything for yourself but have been ready to assist anyone in their aspirations to personal goals in Uechi-ryu. I am soo proud to call you Sensei.
Scott and talked it over on the ride home and we are planning to come to the Winter-Fest this year. Hopefully, I will be able to bring some students with me.
Until then, you are always on our hearts and in our prayers,
Your student,
Rose
My promotion. . .
Dear George,
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion to Judan! Your friends, students and fellow Uechi-ka on the IUKF Board and far beyond all feel that this honor was far overdue. Think about your writings, your years in Uechi-ryu, your years of teaching and number of students, and your continuing presence on the Uechi-ryu website. This all adds up to an adult lifetime of commitment to our Art.
We are proud to call you our Grand Master of the IUKF, and of North American Uechi-ryu.
With affection and appreciation,
Paul Haydu
Chairman
IUKF
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion to Judan! Your friends, students and fellow Uechi-ka on the IUKF Board and far beyond all feel that this honor was far overdue. Think about your writings, your years in Uechi-ryu, your years of teaching and number of students, and your continuing presence on the Uechi-ryu website. This all adds up to an adult lifetime of commitment to our Art.
We are proud to call you our Grand Master of the IUKF, and of North American Uechi-ryu.
With affection and appreciation,
Paul Haydu
Chairman
IUKF
2009 SummerFest Mail
Hi George,
Hope you had a pleasant flight back home and getting settled in. I'm sure Harley was glad to see you.
Enjoyed our time with the two of you, even though you kicked my butt in golf, I forgive you.. I think everyone at camp really had a great time, it seems as though they were most all very involved in something and keeping busy. I'm sorry Toni and I didn't contribute much but it was great for us to meet up with so many good friends, especially the ones who we don't get to see much. Hope it worked out for you financially.
Congratulations again, of course you deserve this step and have for a long time. Wear that belt with pride, you earned every stitch.
A special LARGE thank you for your giving Toni the opportunity to do her "thing" as she has been working so hard over the last couple years. I know it didn't look like much, but it was all she had and I guarantee, she will get better. I have had my share of rough times but honestly, I don't think I could go through what she did, and is, going through. Her determination, her heart, without ever a complaint, it's just been an unbelievable trip for me. Again, never will I forget your allowing her to do this. Enough said.
Hopeing you enjoyed your stay and you never know, we may be down for a visit, sometime.
Take care, both of you, rather, the three of you.
Love from all the Bauknecht's
Bill
PS I know you must have a million pictures but I will be sending you a few. Debbie got some real nice shots of you doing your kata.
I already have the pics but she is going to send them to me on the puter so I can forward them on to you.
PSS I almost forgot. Toni told me when I talk to you to tell you she apolgizes for patting you on the butt. She has no control over that left arm and when someone took a pic of the two of you, her arm nailed you. I told her sure,,,it was an accident? Good cover up LOL. I told her you probably liked it anyway. (-:
Hope you had a pleasant flight back home and getting settled in. I'm sure Harley was glad to see you.
Enjoyed our time with the two of you, even though you kicked my butt in golf, I forgive you.. I think everyone at camp really had a great time, it seems as though they were most all very involved in something and keeping busy. I'm sorry Toni and I didn't contribute much but it was great for us to meet up with so many good friends, especially the ones who we don't get to see much. Hope it worked out for you financially.
Congratulations again, of course you deserve this step and have for a long time. Wear that belt with pride, you earned every stitch.
A special LARGE thank you for your giving Toni the opportunity to do her "thing" as she has been working so hard over the last couple years. I know it didn't look like much, but it was all she had and I guarantee, she will get better. I have had my share of rough times but honestly, I don't think I could go through what she did, and is, going through. Her determination, her heart, without ever a complaint, it's just been an unbelievable trip for me. Again, never will I forget your allowing her to do this. Enough said.
Hopeing you enjoyed your stay and you never know, we may be down for a visit, sometime.
Take care, both of you, rather, the three of you.
Love from all the Bauknecht's
Bill
PS I know you must have a million pictures but I will be sending you a few. Debbie got some real nice shots of you doing your kata.
I already have the pics but she is going to send them to me on the puter so I can forward them on to you.
PSS I almost forgot. Toni told me when I talk to you to tell you she apolgizes for patting you on the butt. She has no control over that left arm and when someone took a pic of the two of you, her arm nailed you. I told her sure,,,it was an accident? Good cover up LOL. I told her you probably liked it anyway. (-:
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