July 27-July 29, 2001
Sensei George Mattson once again hosted his annual Martial Arts
Festival on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This year, Sensei Kahn attended the three-day
camp with Mitch Zaveduk, B.J. Monson, and five year old Jami Kahn, who was attending her
first camp. Sensei Mattson's special guest for the weekend was his teacher, Master
Ryuko Tomoyose from Okinawa. Master Tomoyose has been given the honor of being
designated by the people of Japan as a Living Treasure. In addition to several
enlightening seminars led by Sensei Tomoyose, the Chicago Uechi-ryu students attended
several outstanding seminars led by Raffi Derderian, Jim Maloney and Dave Moy among
others. Jami Kahn spent her days participating in the wonderful Kid's Program led
by Steve DiOrio.
March 31-April 1, 2001
Chicago Uechi-ryu Karate once again welcomed Sensei George
Mattson for his yearly Chicago seminar. Sensei Mattson spent the first morning of
his visit conducting a Dan (Black Belt) Test for Mitch Zaveduk and Eugene Fliman.
Both students performed their material extremely well, and were proudly promoted to Shodan
(1st Degree Black Belt). Sensei Mattson spent the rest of the day, and the following
day, teaching a wide range of topics including kata compulsories, Chinese vs. Japanese
nuances in performing kata & bunkai, and Kyu & Dan kumite applications.
Everyone had a great time, worked hard, and learned a lot of new concepts that we will
continue to explore. Thank you to Sensei Mattson for all his help and support!
February 24, 2001
Sensei Kahn traveled to Rhode Island to train with his Filipino
Martial Arts instructor, Guro Raffi Derderian. Sensei Kahn spent an afternoon of private
instruction with Guro Derderian, followed by an evening seminar hosted by Guro's Martial
Arts Academy.
February 2, 2001
Sensei Kahn and several students, including "Big
Pete" Papoutsis, Peter Nason and Mitch Zaveduk performed a quick in-and-out trip to
Lincoln, Nebraska to teach a seminar at David Lamb's Capital City Uechi-ryu Dojo.
First, Big Pete led the students through a "typical" Chicago Uechi-ryu
workout. Then, Sensei Kahn followed up with some new flow drills designed to improve
the students' hand speed and eye/hand coordination. The students at Sensei Lamb's
school were very eager to learn, and cross-train with us, and we welcome the opportunity
to visit again soon. And last...even Pete Nason's wife Annette, who made the trip
too, learned a few new things!
