One of my early students....

George...

Funny you should write me about your online dojo program today, as I was about to send you an update on how karate is working for me as a retirement vehicle.

In a word -- well. Very well, in fact.

My doctor says I have the body of a man in his mid fifties who has taken good care of himself -- not bad for age 73!

I work out six days a week, beginning with a mile walk to get things warmed up. Then I spend thirty minutes on an elliptical trainer (MWF) or exercise bike (TTS), followed by equal time in the dojo working my way through San Chin and all the other katas, finishing up with a fourth San Chin to see if I've learned anything new each day.

I've followed this program since moving to Maine thirteen years ago. Two things make this program work well for me and my wife -- who uses a Bow Flex machine for strength training in place of karate. First is having the space in the house for all the exercise equipment and the dojo. The winters here are quite severe, and it's difficult to get out in bad weather.

Second is college level courses on DVD from The Teaching Company. Working on exercise machines without something to engage the mind is much harder than doing it following an interesting course in history, literature, music, science or many other interesting subjects offered by The Teaching Company.

The truly essential component in this kind of program is consistency. You can't succeed in a retirement exercise program working out once or twice a week. It has to something you do every day of the week.

I hope this report proves useful to you and your students. And the best of luck with your online dojo program!

Harry Brawley

Simple Works

Mount Desert, Maine

Thanks for the letter Harry. Your formula for staying fit and healthy is a good one to follow for all of old-timers. Hope to see you at one of our SummerFests. Meanwhile, stay well. GEM

Passbooks....

Subject: IUKF membership

Sensei,

I have got my new IUKF passport in the mail with my IUKF membership. However I do not know how to get my rank info and other stuff (like summer camp participation) etc. added?

I am hoping to join you guys in camp this year, although I have to admit I haven't had much chance to practice my uechi *blush* since I moved here to Michigan.

Hope all is well with you guys in sunny Florida,

With fond regards,
Susanne
=========================

Hi Susanne:

Good to hear from you… My but you move around a lot. When are you moving to Central Florida? J

The passport book information should be filled in by you and initialed or signed by a senior hosting the event or your teacher who promoted you. I’ll be very happy to sign your summerfest participation this year! J

Best,

George

Tenn. dojo??

Mr. Mattson,

Firstly I must thank you for a lifetime of dedication to Uechi-ryu. I was a student in southeast Alaska in the early 80's learning Uechi-ryu from my science and shop teachers. (Both black belts) Unfortunately, I left Alaska just as I reached brown belt status. My life continued on at that time going no further with karate. I had a family, and no knowledge of another Uechi-ryu school anywhere. Internet wasn't around then, so that knowledge wasn't available. I have searched your site, and haven't had luck finding a school close to where I live. I was hoping you may have an idea of any black belts close to where I live? I live in Northeast Tennessee, Johnson City Kingsport Bristol area. If you may know of anyone, I would be eternally grateful. I would love to get back in and further myself.

P.S., red cover final edition of Uechiryu Karate Do # 126 just arrived in the mail this morning. I have no need to open it, as I still have my 1983 gold cover edition. I am very happy to have gotten on of the last books though.

I hope to hear from you soon about a possible teacher in my area.

Thanks again, Mike.


andrea ryman

Visit to Kevin Brice's dojo

Sensei Mattson,

Photo for you of our recent visit by your students - Patty and Tim Dando.

Great fun was had by all. (We also worked hard too)

Glad they came to visit - we enjoyed having them.

Hope for a future trip to Eustis in not too distant future!

Best,

Kevin

Hi Kevin:
My students really enjoyed your visit as well. GEM

Dojo in Quebec?? email me

Hi, I'm looking for a good uechi-ryu school in Québec. On http://www.uechi-ryu.com/pages/dojolist you show that there's school in Québec but you don't mention the schools in question... So could you please show me the way.

Domo arigato gozaimasu

Seth will be at SummerFest..

Sensei,

After many years out of the country, I'm back in the United States and I'm probably going to be able to attend this year's summer camp. Looking at the Web site, though, it's not clear if I can register online. When I click on the register online link, it takes me to a page listing what's included for the fee, but there's no registration form nor is there a link to one. Should I register by mail with the PDF?

Hope to see you in July,

Seth

After reading about your world travels, looking forward to seeing you at SummerFest. Hope you will be able to conduct one of our "Under The Tent" discussions! GEM

SummerFest 2007 update...

Dear Sensei George
I hope you to be well.
to be I in the Camp, if you to agree, I to offer seminary, kata Teaching Seisan Shito ryu & Seisan Uechi Ryu, technical differences, similarities and technical aspects.
if you accept, only she must include it in the program of Saturday in the Summer Fest.
a hug
Best
Carlos


Sensei Carlos Ciriza 7* Dan Kyoshi

Thanks for the great idea for a seminar subject Carlos. I'll be sure to include it in our schedule. GEM