Uechi-ryu Journal Blog

Part of my Saturday morning routine is to log in, read messages, email and prepare the weeks Uechi-ryu Newsletter. I also like to scan through the world news.

I came across this video on the front page of CNN’s web site; it is a video of a teacher and a student fighting. I think it is from Georgia.

Here is the video of the fight caught on a cell phone: Click for video

There is certainly a can of worms here opened, and more than likely both the student and teacher will face disciplinary action.

There is a language movement called ESP (English for Specific Purposes); basically stating that teaching English can/should be focused on the specific area the speaker needs it (business, medical, industrial English).

I have no idea how this brawl started or who threw the first blow; these are just a few general questions for you:

1. If you are a student defending against a large/older teacher; how do you react? What is your limit of force used?
2. You are a teacher defending against a younger/faster student; where do you draw the line to stop the student?
3. As a Karate teacher, how do you or even can you prepare your class for this type of attack?

Is there such thing yet as Karate for Specific Purposes? Do we train people differently for the various lifestyles they live?

Uechi-ryu techniques are deadly by nature of design, they were put together in Kata because they worked, the difference today is the litigation that follows the use of these techniques to protect ourselves.

So my question is can we teach others to use elements of the system effectively? Do we teach proper application and perhaps more importantly can we teach students when to use the right kind of defense to fit the situation?

I think this area is much more difficult than teaching just the techniques…

Please leave a comment with your opinion!

May 31st, 2008 | Tags: English for Specific Purposes, Karate for Specific Purposes, student teacher brawl | Category: News & Events, Personal | Leave a comment

This morning I had the chance to stop in at Dave Chow’s Invitational competition. Dave, who operates the Renshinkai School of Karate; was a gracious host and offered the spectators a well organized event, comfortable seating and refreshments (the chili dog’s were fantastic!). Present were dojo members representing Southern, Central, Western Alberta, as well as neighboring Saskatchewan.

Unfortunately another event kept me from staying to watch the adult forms and Kumite; however I left with a great impression of the youth competitors.

Smiles & enthusiasm seemed almost contagious among the close-knit group. It is was pleasure to attend!

May 25th, 2008 | Tags: competition, Dave Chow, Edmonton, tournament | Category: News & Events | Leave a comment

Last Tuesday night David Beckham was here in Edmonton for an exhibition game between the L.A. Galaxy & the Vancouver Whitecaps (The Galaxy lost 2-1).

37,000 fans turned out to see Beckham play; with the mania in full swing I took time to do a little research online and was pleasantly surprised to have Beckham teach me something about Karate!

It has been written that nobody can ‘bend it like Beckham’ and indeed I wonder if anyone can. He has the ability to ‘bend’ or curve the ball into the net. This is what led me to watch his technique more closely.

Other players kick the ball, that is they kick the ball towards the goal…..just like we in Karate kick our opponent; what makes Beckham different from his teammates is that he can kick to a specific, point or target in the net. Oh what we can learn from that!

Training consists of repetitious kicking, we do this to help build leg strength, and to be able to pull kicks off on the fly. But where are we kicking? How often do we visualize an exact point to strike?

Like Beckham we need to be able to kick from any point in the match (defensive situation) with such precision that we can pick and choose our desired target at will. Not telegraphing this is a definite bonus.

I am sure there are other players who have similar skill; and certainly Karate students should be training more for this type of direct kicking….rather than just kick ‘at’ the opponent we need to train to kick (and nail) a specific target of the opponent’s body.

Thank you David Beckham.

Here is just one of many books about David Beckham:

May 19th, 2008 | Tags: David Beckham, Karate, Soccer | Category: Training | Leave a comment

Just before I head outside to brave the *ahem* waters of central Alberta….(okay so I am heading to the grocery store for Lobster)…. I wanted to post a short message.

Happy Mother’s Day from everyone here at the Journal!

May 11th, 2008 | Tags: Mother's day | Category: Personal | Leave a comment

We don’t live in the a quiet 19th century English countryside…

We live in the real world, unfortunately where  it seems things can be more dangerous. I was reading through the news reports this morning and an article struck a chord with me.

For those who know me personally you are aware of my passion for realistic training, real world protection. In our modern world we have the protection of the police, 911, video surveillance cameras at every roadside…are we any safer?

Do most people still practice for real confrontation (are schools teaching it?) or as a society have we been conditioned to feel ’safe’ in our community?

I read this article from the Telegraph (UK Newspaper) basically stating that their CCTV system was useless to help detect crimes.

More practice with Konchin I guess….maybe the stories of master’s non-stop training has some bearing even today?

Imagine that….

May 7th, 2008 | Tags: CCTV UK, crime, Karate | Category: Personal | Leave a comment

As a bonus for joining the Uechi-ryu Journal Newsletter you get regular updates, event notices and a selection of ever popular lesson plans & class drills!

I have already been received positive feedback from the first series of drills posted via the newsletter; if you are teaching classes and can benefit from this series, you need to become a subscriber of the newsletter!

The drills I am presenting over the next while will not be posted online anytime soon (you’ll find out why in the newsletter ) …the only way to get them is to become a member….

So how to do this?

1. Go to www.uechi-ryu-journal.com and fill in your name, email using the box on the left hand side of the page.

2. When you get a confirmation email, you must click the link to confirm your subscription. I do this to make sure you are a real person.

3. Once this is done you are automatically added to the list and will receive regular email with updates, lessons, drills, and a whole lot more!

Again, you need to go to www.uechi-ryu-journal (mainpage) and fill in the request box on the left hand side.

May 4th, 2008 | Tags: Uechi-ryu Newsletter | Category: News & Events | Leave a comment

Over the past couple of years the Newsletter membership for the Uechi-ryu Journal has grown considerably; so much in fact I have had to change programs to run the mailing list.

Because of this I ask you to go to the main page of the Journal (click here) ; on the left hand side of the page please re-enter your first, last name and email to be added to the new program.

I was going to do all this manually however I thought it best to make sure everyone opt’s in on their own.

Sorry for the inconvenience, you will like the new content I am sure!

Train hard;

Scott

April 27th, 2008 | Tags: Uechi-ryu Newsletter | Category: News & Events | Leave a comment

Visitation/memorial has been scheduled for Sensei VanDeLaare. His family and I will be receiving visitors at Langland Funeral Home at 622 S. Burdick in Kalamazoo on Friday April 25 from 5-8 pm. You may visit their website at www.langelands.com for more info or driving directions. We will also be receiving visitors at Victory Life Church 6892 D. Drive N in Battle Creek on Saturday from 3-8 pm. We ask only for the honor of your company at these times, if possible. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice House in Battle Creek, MI or to the charity of your choice. Cards may be sent to me at 410 East Ave. N Battle Creek, MI or his parents Darrell and AnnLouise VanDeLaare at 6100 Twighlight Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts during this time. He really was one of the great martial artists of his generation. His knowledge, expertise and spirit will be sorely missed by all.

Susan Owen

269-275-6332

April 24th, 2008 | Tags: Sensei John VanDeLaare | Category: Letters | Leave a comment

I regret to inform you all that Sensei John VanDeLaare passed away at approximately 5:10 am this morning, Sunday April 20th. He gave no signs before he passed and went very peacefully. Thank-you to everyone who expressed concern and well-wishes or came to visit. Cremation has already been arranged, but a visitation will be held both in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek for those who wish to attend.

I will have more details as to places and times when plans are finalized. I know John meant a lot to many of you and has had a great impact on many in the martial arts. He will be sorely missed. His family and I wish that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice House in Battle Creek for all of the wonderful care they gave him in his last days. I hope as many of you as possible will make it to one of the visitation/memorial ceremonies.

Sue Owen

April 24th, 2008 | Tags: Sensei John VanDeLaare | Category: Letters | Leave a comment