Page 17 - Martial Science Magazine 2019 JUL Cover DIG

When did you start studying karate?

My study of Uechi-Ryu began in August of 1969 at a Mattson Academy on Hancock Street
in Boston, MA. I was invited to visit the school where a few of my friends studied karate. I
was instantly impressed by the power and strength demonstrated in their training.

I chose to attend Suffolk University because it was across the street from the dojo. This gave
me a chance to train every day after my college school classes.

Have you practiced another martial art?

I beginning studying White Crane kung-fu in 1959. The obvious continuance was the power-
ful Tiger Style. In 1971 I trained with a Tai Kwan Do teacher to learn more about the dyna-
mics of their kicking system. 1973 I trained with a Judo/Ju-Jitsu instructor. 1975 I began
boxing. 1978 I began visiting China to train in Hung Gar, Choy-li Fut and Wing Chung.
During all these different studies, I never forsaken Uechi-Ryu because I find Uechi-Ryu the
best fighting style for me. If we train with an open mind and an analytic attitude, I don’t
believe there is a better fighting style.

Has Uechi-Ryu changed since you started? Was it very different back in the days?

I believe all martial arts evolves for real students of the arts. The students that cannot and
will not go beyond what is being taught to them will not improve the art. The real students
of the art will dissect, analyze, study and experiment to find the best possible results.

I’ve had the study and experience of multiple styles of martial arts. Yes, my Uechi-Ryu has
changed. I shake my head when I hear people say kata is not for fighting. I have progressed
our katas from dance steps to fighting techniques. We shouldn’t perform katas just for stren-
gth. Our katas contain our fight combinations and that is how we become better fighters
with kata.

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