Summer camp 2007
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Summer camp 2007
Hi All.
This years summer camp to me was one of the very best. The "All In Uechi" concept was great. I truly enjoyed working on Uechi Ryu with everyone. It was great working and learning on the field with instructors such as" GM, Walter Mattson, Buzz Durkin, Al Wharton, Mark Belsford, and so many others. Also, as always it was great seeing old friends and making new ones.
Great Camp George.
Jay Sal.
This years summer camp to me was one of the very best. The "All In Uechi" concept was great. I truly enjoyed working on Uechi Ryu with everyone. It was great working and learning on the field with instructors such as" GM, Walter Mattson, Buzz Durkin, Al Wharton, Mark Belsford, and so many others. Also, as always it was great seeing old friends and making new ones.
Great Camp George.
Jay Sal.
Jay Sal
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
- Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
George does an amazing job doesn't he, Jay?
I've been attending these camps ever since 1983 or so. I missed one in the early 1990s with the birth of my first child. This year was just the second I had to miss - because of a family obligation. I was hoping to align one of my monthly Boston business trips with camp, but it missed by a week. Herding MDs is like trying to herd cats. Whenever you can get some of New England's finest MDs to agree to get together for a full day, you have to go with it.
I did manage to send a team to camp - including complete instructions for running the Firedragon fitness test. I'm hoping to get the results of that soon for documentation and further research.
I did make it to camp via a cell phone that Vicki graciously passed around the MMA cafeteria tables. A few folks tried to see if they could stump me by asking whom they were. I didn't miss a one of them.
Hopefully we'll get more reports on how well things went.
Bill
I've been attending these camps ever since 1983 or so. I missed one in the early 1990s with the birth of my first child. This year was just the second I had to miss - because of a family obligation. I was hoping to align one of my monthly Boston business trips with camp, but it missed by a week. Herding MDs is like trying to herd cats. Whenever you can get some of New England's finest MDs to agree to get together for a full day, you have to go with it.
I did manage to send a team to camp - including complete instructions for running the Firedragon fitness test. I'm hoping to get the results of that soon for documentation and further research.
I did make it to camp via a cell phone that Vicki graciously passed around the MMA cafeteria tables. A few folks tried to see if they could stump me by asking whom they were. I didn't miss a one of them.

Hopefully we'll get more reports on how well things went.
Bill
I was a "daytripper" on Saturday, my first visit to Summerfest. I had a great time.
I was looking forward to working with Al Wharton on his Seichin bunkai, so when we broke out into groups by kata after the morning warmups, I chose to work with Al on Seichin.
After that I went to Joe Pomfret's session. I knew Pomfret was a great fighter, but I didn't know he was such a great teacher.
After lunch I found myself under the tent with Walter Mattson and a group of 8 or 10 other guys (most, if not all of them outranked me by a long, long ways--I felt like a pretender in shorts and a camp t-shirt). Walter went over some drills to improve Uechi basics. That may sound dull, but I loved every minute of it and left thinking that I had just made a quantum leap forward in my understanding of Uechi, comparable to the night I first worked out with Fedele after a 25 year hiatus from karate.
Then it was on to Roy Bedard's session on combat spirit. Roy's insights into Sanchin were enlightening. I learned a few things that I'll be thinking about as I perform Sanchin, and oh, BTW, some might help save my life one day.
Then it was on to Al Wharton's Seichin bunkai. Al Wharton. What can I say about this guy without gushing. Fantastic Uechi-ka. When he would demonstrate, words like "Now that's what I'm talking about!" would flash into my head. Loved the bunkai, bought the DVD.
The master's ceremony was also a blast. Finally got to shake Van Canna's hand. One of the surprises and pleasures for me was watching John Felipe perform Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu. Fantastic! When he was warming up he looked familiar to me, even though I knew I hadn't met him before, and I finally realized that I had seen him on Alan Dollar's DVDs (made circa 1993).
I was looking forward to working with Al Wharton on his Seichin bunkai, so when we broke out into groups by kata after the morning warmups, I chose to work with Al on Seichin.
After that I went to Joe Pomfret's session. I knew Pomfret was a great fighter, but I didn't know he was such a great teacher.
After lunch I found myself under the tent with Walter Mattson and a group of 8 or 10 other guys (most, if not all of them outranked me by a long, long ways--I felt like a pretender in shorts and a camp t-shirt). Walter went over some drills to improve Uechi basics. That may sound dull, but I loved every minute of it and left thinking that I had just made a quantum leap forward in my understanding of Uechi, comparable to the night I first worked out with Fedele after a 25 year hiatus from karate.
Then it was on to Roy Bedard's session on combat spirit. Roy's insights into Sanchin were enlightening. I learned a few things that I'll be thinking about as I perform Sanchin, and oh, BTW, some might help save my life one day.
Then it was on to Al Wharton's Seichin bunkai. Al Wharton. What can I say about this guy without gushing. Fantastic Uechi-ka. When he would demonstrate, words like "Now that's what I'm talking about!" would flash into my head. Loved the bunkai, bought the DVD.
The master's ceremony was also a blast. Finally got to shake Van Canna's hand. One of the surprises and pleasures for me was watching John Felipe perform Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu. Fantastic! When he was warming up he looked familiar to me, even though I knew I hadn't met him before, and I finally realized that I had seen him on Alan Dollar's DVDs (made circa 1993).
Mike
- Kevin Guse
- Posts: 82
- Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2004 4:30 am
- Location: Nebraska
- Contact:
video clips/ Fire Dragon Test?
Anyone have any video clips they could post of things like the Master's Ceremony etc. Sure would be great for those of us who couldn't attend this year.
How was the Fire Dragon Test this year?

How was the Fire Dragon Test this year?
- Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Kevin
My team is bringing the results of the Fire Dragon test home with them. We were supposed to exchange information over the phone so I could compute final scores and George could give the patches out Saturday, but I think the administrative team was too busy having fun. I heard something about an annual trip to "the biker bar."
I think it's safe to assume that your standing broad jump record is still intact.
- Bill
My team is bringing the results of the Fire Dragon test home with them. We were supposed to exchange information over the phone so I could compute final scores and George could give the patches out Saturday, but I think the administrative team was too busy having fun. I heard something about an annual trip to "the biker bar."

I think it's safe to assume that your standing broad jump record is still intact.

- Bill
- gmattson
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6073
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Lake Mary, Florida
- Contact:
FireDragon Challenge....
Eleven competitors took the Challenge this year. All did amazingly well. (Not sure, but one from John Spencer's dojo, came very close to Kevin's long jump record.
I made an "executive" decision in awarding all eleven the FireDragon crest and lapel/belt pin at the Master's Celebration Saturday night.
Bill found the 2006 data and I will make sure he sends 06 and 07 records to me for publishing in the FireDragon website. Based on what Bill's team told me following the test, all passed.
Many thanks to Vicky and her team for setting up the challenge and running it smoothly and very accurately. Of course we missed Bill, but the Challenge ran without a hitch.
By the way.... who was that "mighty-mite" super kid who did so well??? (Pictures and stories coming soon)
I made an "executive" decision in awarding all eleven the FireDragon crest and lapel/belt pin at the Master's Celebration Saturday night.
Bill found the 2006 data and I will make sure he sends 06 and 07 records to me for publishing in the FireDragon website. Based on what Bill's team told me following the test, all passed.
Many thanks to Vicky and her team for setting up the challenge and running it smoothly and very accurately. Of course we missed Bill, but the Challenge ran without a hitch.
By the way.... who was that "mighty-mite" super kid who did so well??? (Pictures and stories coming soon)
GEM
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
- gmattson
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6073
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Lake Mary, Florida
- Contact:
Go direct to Al for his dvd
There is information on the home page on how to contact him.
GEM
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
Great Summer Camp once again, great to see old friends and as usual made a bunch of new ones to look forward to meet again next year, thanks Sensei Mattson!
It was great to see Vicki back and along with her associates they did a great job with the Fire dragon; you would have been very proud Bill, anyone’s legs as saw as mine? I’m getting too old for this sh*tuf……………………………………………not!
---------
Fedele
It was great to see Vicki back and along with her associates they did a great job with the Fire dragon; you would have been very proud Bill, anyone’s legs as saw as mine? I’m getting too old for this sh*tuf……………………………………………not!
---------
Fedele
Thanks to George and Susan for putting on such a great camp.
The seminar by Fong Li, Sanchin by the Sea, Uechi kicking with Darrin, The FireDragon Test, The Masters Ceremony, seminar by Mr. Rabesa and catching up with friends. Missed some good ones from what I hear.
The FireDragon was a great test. I would vote for moving the pullups to the bar around the corner. That bendy tree-branch didn't thrill me... though it didn't seem to matter to most of the other competitors. Kudos to Sensei Glasheen's Team.
Hip Hip ...
The seminar by Fong Li, Sanchin by the Sea, Uechi kicking with Darrin, The FireDragon Test, The Masters Ceremony, seminar by Mr. Rabesa and catching up with friends. Missed some good ones from what I hear.
The FireDragon was a great test. I would vote for moving the pullups to the bar around the corner. That bendy tree-branch didn't thrill me... though it didn't seem to matter to most of the other competitors. Kudos to Sensei Glasheen's Team.
Hip Hip ...
BioDiesel USA
- Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Camp was wonderful with most excellent teachers! What a treat to see our Master doing their katas, that have become so finelly honed after many dedicated years of practice....blew me away!
I especially like the 'For Women Only" class that was given by Judy Durkin and hope we have a repeat of that for next year.
Once again, thank you George and Susan for a wonderfully organized and fun Summer Camp. You out did yourselves.
I personally wanted to thank Sue, for running with her 'behind the scenes' organization skills for the Firedragon Challenge. What people don't know is that she got with Bill before hand (without being asked) and ran with organizing everything needed from co-elating all of the handouts, setting up the agenda, to running around buying stop watches, index cards, pencils, etc., all of the necessary accouterments.
Believe it or not, Sue considers herself an introvert so she asked me (the extreme extrovert) to be the spokes person for the 'challenge'.....I got it by default since our speaker 'extraordinaire', Bill Glasheen, was taken away from us due to an important family commitment. We really missed you, Bill. No one does it like you do but we were glad to oblige in the test.
Sue is very much like Susan at being a fantastic organizer and help-mate, along with Jim and Harry who helped measure, count, flag, and encourage those who participated. Richmond sent a wonderful team who not only works well together, but plays well together. BTW, Jim kept Rob (from Sacramento) greatly entertained during the camp.
Bill, you have a heck of a support team in your students....and you know why? Because they love ya and would do anything for you!
What fun and congrats to all of you who participated down to 6 year old Mark who ran one great race......and check out his pictues once they are posted as George checks his Sanchin. What a glorious future we have with kids like this!
The only thing that could make our Summer Camp just a little better is the addition of some great desserts to have with our drinks on Friday and Saturday night, the word is CHOCOLATE!!!
Regards,
Vicki
I especially like the 'For Women Only" class that was given by Judy Durkin and hope we have a repeat of that for next year.
Once again, thank you George and Susan for a wonderfully organized and fun Summer Camp. You out did yourselves.
I personally wanted to thank Sue, for running with her 'behind the scenes' organization skills for the Firedragon Challenge. What people don't know is that she got with Bill before hand (without being asked) and ran with organizing everything needed from co-elating all of the handouts, setting up the agenda, to running around buying stop watches, index cards, pencils, etc., all of the necessary accouterments.
Believe it or not, Sue considers herself an introvert so she asked me (the extreme extrovert) to be the spokes person for the 'challenge'.....I got it by default since our speaker 'extraordinaire', Bill Glasheen, was taken away from us due to an important family commitment. We really missed you, Bill. No one does it like you do but we were glad to oblige in the test.
Sue is very much like Susan at being a fantastic organizer and help-mate, along with Jim and Harry who helped measure, count, flag, and encourage those who participated. Richmond sent a wonderful team who not only works well together, but plays well together. BTW, Jim kept Rob (from Sacramento) greatly entertained during the camp.
Bill, you have a heck of a support team in your students....and you know why? Because they love ya and would do anything for you!
What fun and congrats to all of you who participated down to 6 year old Mark who ran one great race......and check out his pictues once they are posted as George checks his Sanchin. What a glorious future we have with kids like this!
The only thing that could make our Summer Camp just a little better is the addition of some great desserts to have with our drinks on Friday and Saturday night, the word is CHOCOLATE!!!
Regards,
Vicki
Last edited by chef on Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Cry in the dojo, laugh in the battlefield"
PS We tried that bar in the back before hand but it was shredded with the tape around it and quite high. Maybe we can clean up the bars and use a stool next year. I think the branch has had it since we had to have a guy to support it with some of the muscle-bound, beefier weighted guys.
Definitely worth working on.
Vicki
Definitely worth working on.
Vicki
"Cry in the dojo, laugh in the battlefield"
- gmattson
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6073
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 1998 6:01 am
- Location: Lake Mary, Florida
- Contact:
Were any records broken???
I know Bill has to do a lot of computer magic in order to work out the final numbers, but everyone is wondering if Kevin's long jump record was broken and if Fedele's pullup, pushup, squat record still remains intact.
GEM
"Do or do not. there is no try!"
"Do or do not. there is no try!"