George, The self-defense theme for camp is right up my ally. I would also like to present my Ju-kumite at the masters celebration as my thesis. This is something I developed about 15 years ago and I teach it at all of my self- defense classes. It's a great combination of Uechi techniques and ju-jitsu. I know you have seen it a few times and I'm sure you remember it.
Bruce
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Mike Black - formally from Boston area...
I'm sure this will be a great tournament
======================================
Dear Sensei Mattson:
It would be an honor if you could attend our event on Saturday, June 14th in Gainesville, Florida. Our headmaster from Kagoshima, Japan, Iwao Tamotsu will be there along with karateka from USA, Puerto Rico, Dominican, Panama and Mexico.
Let me know if you might be able to visit us. Thank you.
Mike Black
Renshinkan Karate
352-264-0205
352-332-0236
======================================
Dear Sensei Mattson:
It would be an honor if you could attend our event on Saturday, June 14th in Gainesville, Florida. Our headmaster from Kagoshima, Japan, Iwao Tamotsu will be there along with karateka from USA, Puerto Rico, Dominican, Panama and Mexico.
Let me know if you might be able to visit us. Thank you.
Mike Black
Renshinkan Karate
352-264-0205
352-332-0236
So many people are complaining...
they can't find anything on my uechi-ryu.com site, so my favorite student sent me this:
Remember you can always refer people to www.GeorgeEMattson.com
I designed the website with people in mind who have trouble finding things on your website. There are very easy to find, direct links to the Summerfest Application, Virtual Dojo, IUKF membership and your store. It is very easy to negogiate and I get compliments on it all the time.
Missed you this week at class.
Patty
Remember you can always refer people to www.GeorgeEMattson.com
I designed the website with people in mind who have trouble finding things on your website. There are very easy to find, direct links to the Summerfest Application, Virtual Dojo, IUKF membership and your store. It is very easy to negogiate and I get compliments on it all the time.
Missed you this week at class.
Patty
Looking for Sensei
DEAR MR. MATTSON:
MY NAME AND ADDRESS IS AS FOLLOWS:
WILLIAM J. MURRAY
621 ROSA COURT
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA 33410
IN THE YEAR 1997 I STUDIED UECHI-RYU WITH SENSEI DON BAKER AT GOLD'S GYM IN PALM BEACH GARDENS FLORIDA. ON AUGUST 21, 1997 I WAS AWARDED THE RANK OF 5TH KYU GREENBELT BY THE UNITED STATES UECHI RYU KARATAE ASSOCIATION.
I AM CURENTLY RE-LEARNING FROM YOUR BOOK UECHIRYU KARATE DO AND FROM VIDEO TAPES BY ROD MIDLIN AND PANTHER PRODUCTIONS. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT I NEED IN PERSON TRAINING INSTRUCTION.
I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING SENSEI DON BAKER OR ADVISING ME OF THE NEAREST LOCATION THAT I COULD RECEIVE INSTRUCTION.
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE
WILLILAM J. MURRAY
MY NAME AND ADDRESS IS AS FOLLOWS:
WILLIAM J. MURRAY
621 ROSA COURT
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA 33410
IN THE YEAR 1997 I STUDIED UECHI-RYU WITH SENSEI DON BAKER AT GOLD'S GYM IN PALM BEACH GARDENS FLORIDA. ON AUGUST 21, 1997 I WAS AWARDED THE RANK OF 5TH KYU GREENBELT BY THE UNITED STATES UECHI RYU KARATAE ASSOCIATION.
I AM CURENTLY RE-LEARNING FROM YOUR BOOK UECHIRYU KARATE DO AND FROM VIDEO TAPES BY ROD MIDLIN AND PANTHER PRODUCTIONS. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT I NEED IN PERSON TRAINING INSTRUCTION.
I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING SENSEI DON BAKER OR ADVISING ME OF THE NEAREST LOCATION THAT I COULD RECEIVE INSTRUCTION.
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE
WILLILAM J. MURRAY
Real Martial Artist!
Inner Training/Outer Training.
I remember a lesson my Sensei once taught me when I was about twelve or thirteen.
We had this sort of 'inner-circle' group of very serious people that I was about to be welcomed into, people in the group called it 'Warrior's Journey' and one of the books we had to read as part of the initial entrance was 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior' by Dan Millman.
At the time I didn't really understand it, but after so many years since then, things have really sunk in.
The lesson in question was about sweeping the floor. Bud Cook Sensei, the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Program at the Evergreen Learning Center was sweeping the Dojo floor, Sensei told me to go take the broom from him and sweep myself, to share the responsibility of Dojo cleaning, he compared it to Shoji, or Temple Cleaning in Zen Buddhist Temples.
I hesitated, I asked Cook Sensei if he would like me to do the sweeping, he said no and continued to sweep the floor, unsure of myself, I simply backed away, taking his word for it.
Sensei got up, took the broom from Cook Sensei and swept the floor in his place, I did not understand the meaning of the lesson at that time, I think I was a bit too young to understand the deeper aspects or the magnitude of the journey on which I was about to embark.
Karate, for me, had been more about tournaments and sport, something interesting to do after school and a group of friends to do it with.
Kata, at that time, was a dance used to gain points the way they do with forms in Gymnastics, and sparring was something completely different, neither one seemed to coincide, but again, I was too young to think twice about any of it.
That all changed very quickly, and it did not take long for me to begin to question the way things were done.
Now I realize the lesson behind sweeping the floor in Sensei's place. It was not about respecting their authority, although I am certain this was an aspect of it, but it was more about my hesitation to do so.
If I hesitated in grabbing the broom, how can I expect to respond quickly and effectively in other areas, whether they are fighting, working, or anything else.
It is about training the mind as much as training the body. If the mind is hesitant, uncertain, whatever the case may be, then it will reflect not only in Karate technique, but every other aspect of life as well.
You will not be able to land a powerful strike, you will not be able to execute an effective lock or escape or throw, your body will be broken, you will be out of harmony with yourself.
In other areas you might not perform well at your job, which will effect that next promotion or pay raise, it will effect how you drive a car, how you walk down the street, how you interact with others, even in the smallest way.
In training we not only seek to be effective Karateka, we seek to be effective human beings.
We seek to eliminate this sort of thing from every aspect of our lives, to delve into things with the ferocity, focus, and indomitable spirit of a warrior on a battlefield.
This, too, will reflect not only in our Karate, but in EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF OUR LIVES.
These days this sort of thing seems to be overlooked in many schools, both traditional and non-traditional alike.
People think it is all physical, they work their muscles, they train their bodies hard, but neglect the internal aspect of training altogether. This is only half a Karateka.
There is a huge difference between a mere fighter and a Martial Artist, and that difference is in how much they train or do not train in the above aspect.
I remember a lesson my Sensei once taught me when I was about twelve or thirteen.
We had this sort of 'inner-circle' group of very serious people that I was about to be welcomed into, people in the group called it 'Warrior's Journey' and one of the books we had to read as part of the initial entrance was 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior' by Dan Millman.
At the time I didn't really understand it, but after so many years since then, things have really sunk in.
The lesson in question was about sweeping the floor. Bud Cook Sensei, the Chief Instructor of the Aikido Program at the Evergreen Learning Center was sweeping the Dojo floor, Sensei told me to go take the broom from him and sweep myself, to share the responsibility of Dojo cleaning, he compared it to Shoji, or Temple Cleaning in Zen Buddhist Temples.
I hesitated, I asked Cook Sensei if he would like me to do the sweeping, he said no and continued to sweep the floor, unsure of myself, I simply backed away, taking his word for it.
Sensei got up, took the broom from Cook Sensei and swept the floor in his place, I did not understand the meaning of the lesson at that time, I think I was a bit too young to understand the deeper aspects or the magnitude of the journey on which I was about to embark.
Karate, for me, had been more about tournaments and sport, something interesting to do after school and a group of friends to do it with.
Kata, at that time, was a dance used to gain points the way they do with forms in Gymnastics, and sparring was something completely different, neither one seemed to coincide, but again, I was too young to think twice about any of it.
That all changed very quickly, and it did not take long for me to begin to question the way things were done.
Now I realize the lesson behind sweeping the floor in Sensei's place. It was not about respecting their authority, although I am certain this was an aspect of it, but it was more about my hesitation to do so.
If I hesitated in grabbing the broom, how can I expect to respond quickly and effectively in other areas, whether they are fighting, working, or anything else.
It is about training the mind as much as training the body. If the mind is hesitant, uncertain, whatever the case may be, then it will reflect not only in Karate technique, but every other aspect of life as well.
You will not be able to land a powerful strike, you will not be able to execute an effective lock or escape or throw, your body will be broken, you will be out of harmony with yourself.
In other areas you might not perform well at your job, which will effect that next promotion or pay raise, it will effect how you drive a car, how you walk down the street, how you interact with others, even in the smallest way.
In training we not only seek to be effective Karateka, we seek to be effective human beings.
We seek to eliminate this sort of thing from every aspect of our lives, to delve into things with the ferocity, focus, and indomitable spirit of a warrior on a battlefield.
This, too, will reflect not only in our Karate, but in EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF OUR LIVES.
These days this sort of thing seems to be overlooked in many schools, both traditional and non-traditional alike.
People think it is all physical, they work their muscles, they train their bodies hard, but neglect the internal aspect of training altogether. This is only half a Karateka.
There is a huge difference between a mere fighter and a Martial Artist, and that difference is in how much they train or do not train in the above aspect.
Remember Mike Black??
George: If I remember, I came in 4th place in black belt fighting at your 1971 or 1972 tournament in Boston. I was the only one in the whole tournament that had to go to the hospital (Dennis Passeretti broke my glasses that cut me over my eye). Ahhh the good old days....lol. Plus Joe Campisi (my instructor) and I always tried to attend your events whenever possible.
Let me know anytime you might want to visit the Gainesville area. My wife Angela (a former George Pesare student), cooks a mean lasagna.
Mike Black
George Mattson wrote:
> OK. . . Now I remember you!
>
> :)
>
> Best,
> George
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael Black [mailto:mblack@gator.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:19 AM
> To: George Mattson
> Subject: Re: Tounament
>
> Sensei Mattson:
>
> Thank you for your response. Say hi to everyone up in New England for
> me. I have many fond memories of my battles with some of your students.
> I really loved getting beaten up by the likes of Jim Maloney and Bob
> Bethony but at least I gave them their money's worth. Make sure you
> have some of that great lobster up there.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Mike Black
>
> George Mattson wrote:
>
>> Hi Mike:
>>
>> Many thanks for your kind invitation. I'm scheduled to be in New
>> England on the 16^th , but if I can get back to Florida early, I'd be
>> honored to attend your tournament.
>>
>> I've posted your announcement in my dojo and a couple of my black
>> belts said they will be attending.
>>
>> Good luck with your tournament and please stay in touch.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> George Mattson
Let me know anytime you might want to visit the Gainesville area. My wife Angela (a former George Pesare student), cooks a mean lasagna.
Mike Black
George Mattson wrote:
> OK. . . Now I remember you!
>
> :)
>
> Best,
> George
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael Black [mailto:mblack@gator.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:19 AM
> To: George Mattson
> Subject: Re: Tounament
>
> Sensei Mattson:
>
> Thank you for your response. Say hi to everyone up in New England for
> me. I have many fond memories of my battles with some of your students.
> I really loved getting beaten up by the likes of Jim Maloney and Bob
> Bethony but at least I gave them their money's worth. Make sure you
> have some of that great lobster up there.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Mike Black
>
> George Mattson wrote:
>
>> Hi Mike:
>>
>> Many thanks for your kind invitation. I'm scheduled to be in New
>> England on the 16^th , but if I can get back to Florida early, I'd be
>> honored to attend your tournament.
>>
>> I've posted your announcement in my dojo and a couple of my black
>> belts said they will be attending.
>>
>> Good luck with your tournament and please stay in touch.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> George Mattson
Hi From Andy Hanson...
Hi George -
For some totally odd reason I was wondering what ever happened to
Harry Brawley, googled him and found that you had moved to Florida
and had become a blogosphere of your own! I'll actually be in Boston
Sunday and Monday, and had been wondering if you would still be there,
but it seems not.
Anyway, I'm doing fine, still work out (in the middle of a long jog) several
times a week, though I do just the basic three kata slowly and strongly so as to
maintain the aging joints in good shape. Check out my web page - you
might still recognize me - you look the same as ever in your photo :-)
http://www.cs.indiana.edu/~hanson/
Take care - hope you are well.
Best wishes, Andy Hanson
(from all the way back at Columbus Avenue,
with Dave Ruth and Dick Philbrick, all recruited to Uechi-Ryu
by Will Zachman as I recall)
For some totally odd reason I was wondering what ever happened to
Harry Brawley, googled him and found that you had moved to Florida
and had become a blogosphere of your own! I'll actually be in Boston
Sunday and Monday, and had been wondering if you would still be there,
but it seems not.
Anyway, I'm doing fine, still work out (in the middle of a long jog) several
times a week, though I do just the basic three kata slowly and strongly so as to
maintain the aging joints in good shape. Check out my web page - you
might still recognize me - you look the same as ever in your photo :-)
http://www.cs.indiana.edu/~hanson/
Take care - hope you are well.
Best wishes, Andy Hanson
(from all the way back at Columbus Avenue,
with Dave Ruth and Dick Philbrick, all recruited to Uechi-Ryu
by Will Zachman as I recall)
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