e-Book review... Thumbs up I'm happy to hear.

George,

Thank you for the help in connecting with your ebook. Everything is fine.

I was watching one of your video clips which gave me a flashback to a time at my local health club where I was punching on the heavy bag.

There was an old black guy in the room (who I later found out was a former prize fighter) who said "You don't have any power in those punches ! Power comes from HERE (and he pointed to his hips and his lower body).

When I tried that, what a difference.

I guess this is something that doesn't have to be introduced early in the training, but by black belt time ,as your video says, this would get to be a must-know.

Best regards,

Millard Cramp

Dojo/practitioner in Grafton, MA???

Hi George:

Only a few weeks until summerfest and I am looking forward to seeing you and Susan there.

One of my star students, Ethan - he tested for his blue belt when you were here in January - has moved to Grafton MA - too far for him to continue with me.

I have been looking for a Uechi school near there but havent found anything except a Goju school run by Brad Warren. Do you know anything about him, etc/

Much appreciated and I think a couple more of my students may be planning on at least being there for Saturday - hey are supposed to be contacting you regarding registration.

Doing what I can for the organization!!!!

John

John:
Perhaps one of our readers will be able to help you out with a dojo or a fellow Uechi practitioner. Thanks for the update on more students coming to SummerFest. Much appreciated. GEM

Uechi-ryu: A lifetime activity

Uechi-ryu: "A Lifetime Activity"!

A good friend and Uechi-ryu teacher called me recently, asking advice regarding a gifted student he had, who was "breezing" through the Uechi curriculum in record time. The teacher's question involved rules regarding speeded-up promotions and how to teach this individual, who could memorize a kata every couple days.

Hi George,

Maybe I missed something, I did re read, but didn't catch a reply to the promotions question. I too have a couple of such students who on occasion have come to me asking to watch a kata I didn't even go over with them yet. They either have been watching more advanced students practice before and after class or read the printouts I have on my website describing the moves. I have seen parroting over the years where students learn moves in kata but have no idea what they mean. We try through bunkai to have them explore how these movements apply to the kata and basic self defense. Some get it some don't. This is where for some "gifted performers" there becomes a problem in the training. ( I have a couple of 4 year olds in a tots class who can perform kumite 3 / 4 with good form and semi powerful crisp moves but pair them up and wow it's like we are now speaking another language in doing the same kumites.)

I have categorized learning kata in 2 elements.... the mechanical element, being able to do the foot pattern and hand moves, generally knowing the mechanics, and the technical element where they now show an understanding of what each move means and does in relation to the kata or bunkai. It isn't until they can blend the mechanical and technical aspects along with good form and power that I acknowledge that they now ' know ' the kata.

Many teachers want to rush kids along and quickly promote them to keep them in the school.

The true test for how a student is progressing for their age and rank is through the Uechi ryu kids competitions, My kids miss them as they learned to use their success and failure as a measuring stick beyond the dojo.

One thing I did early on was to establish a system for awarding stripes one at a time, not 2 like the 'old days' to kids for learning certain material. They have learned to be patient and not expect quick rank and they have learned to practice more to learn the material they need to know. I think our dojos success in competition proved to the kids and parents that this method pays off.

Can a quick promotion making a 6 year old a purple or red belt be good for the child... I think not. But that's me, What do you think and how did you reply to the question about speeded up promotions?

Thanks for always posting stuff to make people think.. well some people anyway.

Steve

Hi Steve:
Thanks for the email and great tips.
GEM

Our next dog???

Mr. Mattson,

I just arrived home and am writing to thank you for your hospitality last week when I came to your dojo. I really enjoyed my visit, and hope to be able to do it again sometime.

As I forgot to bring along my USB camera connection on my trip, I couldn't email any photos before I arrived home today. Attached are the two photos of you and me, as well as two photos of our dog, Santiago
("Ago") taken just before we left for Florida. He's a 10 month old Labradoodle. Hope you and your wife enjoy them.

Please give my best to everyone at your dojo, and thank you again for the opportunity to visit.

Best regards,
Bob Bland

Hi Bob:
Thanks for the kind note and pictures. Susan really likes this breed of dog. Looks a lot like "Herman", our first Standard Poodle/Pitbull. What a wonderful dog he was! GEM

Looking for a dojo

George,

I dont know if you are the same guy that had the studio on Hancock St in Govt Ctr(above Kelly's Ice Cream)... but about 30yrs ago, I was a student for a yr or two. Had fun, but never had time to dedicate to the form, between college, job, commuting... I remember you and Clarence... I am sure I would remember others, if I jogged my brain.

Anyway.. I had my kids taking Karate for a number of yrs and they enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I considered it more like Karate babysitting, than Karate. Kids 6, 8, 10(all started at age 4 at a big franchise where the Grand Master's name is on the door)

I am looking to get my kids back into it and was thinking of Uechi Ryu. Frankly, Tae Kwon Do may be in the running as well. As a busy family, proximity matters. We are in Medfield, Ma. Any ideas for convenient locations for Uechi Ryu ?

Ken Devlin

Newton Hut interest

Hi Mr. Mattson,


This is Ben Keyser, a former Uechi student of Michael Aceto. Due to conflicting scheduals in high school I stopped practicing shortly after reaching junior black belt rank. I live in Newton, Massachusetts and am very interested in learning more about your sessions at the hut, as well as any other information on recommended instructors the Boston area with whom I could continue studying Uechi-Ryu during the week. Whatever information you could give me would be great.

Thanks,

Ben Keyser

Hi Ben:
Hope you were able to get started at the "Hut". Paul Giella, Vinny and the gang are doing a great job teaching there. GEM

an old Al Ford student...

George,
it has been many years I know. I have been reminiscing about years gone by. I was a student of Al ford for many years. in fact you gave my first belt at his dojo. Always wondered what happened to him. Looked up your Martial Arts site and was shocked to see his name in the no longer with us list. I know you are busy. Sure would appreciate some info about Al, we were the same age. Lost track of the ole gang, been in Arizona for many years. Mike Deluty was a shock also. I am happy you are still around and helping the UECHI Karate effort.

Hector Nadreau
Shodan