This is very bad news, indeed. Al was my first contact with Uechi Ryu outside of Okinawa. My early attempts to post on any forums was on Al's forum. He was kind enough to post my writings and photos when I deployed from Okinawa to Thailand back in '98. I bought his books and refer to them on occasio...

Bill, you make a great point. It's been interesting watching what "makes news" and what does not. There are many good things being done in Iraq and many Iraqis are happy that we are there,... but you don't see much of that coverage. Recently there was an open letter printed in the base new...

Check out the thread on Van's page regarding "does Uechi always start with a block". Good initial discussion on this topic.
vr,
d2

Rich, That is true. One negative comment I've had about MCMAP is that the instructors I've worked with only know what they know, (if you know what I mean). Haven't been very receptive to understanding that many of the techniques come from Uechi, for example. Didn't want to see an alternate technique...

Check out a recent article on the Women's tour:


http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Af ... arate.html

Rich, In my organization, hazing is defined as "conduct by one military member to another that causes suffering or exposure to an activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliting or oppressive. It includes: forms of initiation or congratulatory act that involves physically striking another to infli...

Hi Dana, As I believe you will get the chance to be on a Marine Corps Base or two (Camp Courtney for one, right?) There are American banks there with ATMs where you can get cash, exchange YEN, and deal with traveler's checks. (In fact, at Courtney one of the banks (Nations Bank) dispenses YEN from t...

Dana,
Never sang for my Zankai brothers, but I did have a wonderful time on the town one night a few years back with Takamiyagi Sensei and crew at a karaoke bar. Whew! That was a three day recovery! Have fun! Drew

:D Dana, et al, Sound like a terrific trip! Camp Courtney was my old stomping grounds from '96-99. When you get to Zakimi dojo and speak to TOYAMA Sensei, mention to him that you and I met at GEMs camp. I've told him of the great time I had there, and the nice folks I met. Additionally, take a look ...

Good security topic for anyone, women or men. Having just come from a personal security assignment, we always tried to have our protectee on the 1st floor. Several reasons; if power goes out- no elevator issues, (i.e. stuck in the elevator) easier exit in case of fire/smoke (no stairs to contend wit...

Dana,
You are a good sport, an awesome martial artist, and I'm sure we all learned when to "Back off! Just Back off!" I'd love to get to the camp next summer, depending on orders of the USMC, but short of that... Let's get that regional workout together! Til next time.
d2

I don't think I could get away with wearing those boots?&%$#@

Thanks Len and Bill for the kind mention of my time at Summer Camp! What a pleasure it was for me to meet you and the many wonderful seniors who received me so warmly. (I felt like a long-lost cousin who finally made it to the family reunion). I owe George and Susan a sincere Thank You for inviting ...

Gene, et al; Once again, here's Gordi-San's email address: <A HREF="mailto:breyettg@ii-okinawa.ne.jp">breyettg@ii-okinawa.ne.jp</A> Contact him directly if you have questions. You will be well received, and get the answers you are looking for. Why ask "anyone" else to explain som...

Bill, et al: Sorry for the long post to follow, but I felt the information was too rich not to share it as I received it from Gordi-San. By the way, anyone desiring more information can email Gordi at breyettg@ii-okinawa.ne.jp I am perfectly happy to pass along any requests to him, but he is the bes...