Rick’s Blog December 7, 2013

Hi Everyone:

I have started this public blog where I will be posting my thoughts, technical material and reviews of training material.

I hope you enjoy it.

Before I start with that material I thought it best to introduce myself and my background.

I have been involved in some form of martial training since I was kid.

I started as a little tyke being trained to box by my grandfather and WWI veteran, Wallace Wilson.

For the next few I don’t want to give any impression that I studied these for a long time or achieved any rank but I did train for a while in each and each experience increased my love of martial arts.

As child at the Takahashi Judo dojo in Ottawa:

http://www.takahashi-dojo.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masao_Takahashi

Then as a teen I trained a little at John Therien’s Jiu-Jitsu:

http://www.jiu-jitsu.com/index-en.php

http://therienottawasouth.ca/john-therien/

As a young adult I trained Tae Kwon Do (went farther in TKD than the others) under Master Hong Park:

http://hongparktaekwondo.ca/

http://hongparktaekwondo.ca/?page_id=32

Then I found and began training in Uechi Ryu under Neil Dunnigan Sensei and trained with Sensei until I had just been awarded my Sandan (3rd Degree). Neil began his training under Jim Maloney Sensei and now trains under Nakahodo Sensei:

http://www.dunnigankarate.com/

http://www.dunnigankarate.com/senseidunnigan.html

I then trained under David Mott Sensei (who is also known as an exquisite musician) and achieved Yondan (4th degree):

http://www.compass360.com/coldmountain/section7.swf

http://www.davidmottmusic.com/

I had the pleasure of meeting George Mattson Sensei when I attended one of his excellent summer camps back in 1999 – no idea why I have not gotten to more of these – sigh.

Then I just went my own way.

I learned a great deal from all my teachers and thank them for all they provided to me, but for those who might see where I have gone with my expression of Uechi which is focused on self defence and being as efficient and effective as I can make it– they aren’t to blame.

 I focus a great deal on body mechanics that can work to improve any practitioner’s effectiveness.  I work with people from a number of styles and what works – works for everyone.

I have also had two very important mentors who have greatly influenced my Uechi and my approach to it:

* Sensei Van Canna. Van Sensei has been very influential in how I think and approach the practical side of training:

http://uechi-ryu.com/presenters-van-canna/

* Sensei Jim Maloney who as luck would have it showed up for another visit one weekend in Edmonton looking to get together with some Uechika – the very weekend I was hosting a spring camp. He graced my camp with his teachings and stories. I even had the pleasure of teaching his grandchildren:

http://uechi-ryu.com/presenters-jim-maloney/

I was a little shocked and greatly honoured when Jim Sensei invited me to teach some seminars in Nova Scotia. He has also tested and awarded me my Godan (5th Degree) and Rokudan (6th Degree).

I have learned a tremendous amount from the good training partners and students who I have worked closely with: Rick Bottomley, Reg Kinal, Tony Fell, Dave Chow, David Elkins, Rav Rupnarain, Stan Tubinshlak, Randy Pelletier, Adam Ahmed, Eric Beaudoin, Chris Beaton and Paul Hunter .

In addition to my Uechi I work hard on maintaining mobility as a student of Coach Scott Sonnon, and in this next year (2014) I am devoting myself to his tactical fitness programs:

http://www.rmaxinternational.com/flowcoach/

https://wpd-rc.com/scott-sonnon/

I ran My Uechi School from July 1994 to July 2012 when family responsibilities required my attention.

Now I have private dojo in my home. Although my grandchildren claim it is theirs and I focus my time on the grands, my training and this web site.

I love training my martial arts and mobility.

I love reading about the arts and greatly admire the reality brought to training by the writings of Rory Miller.  I will be reviewing his writings and DVDs here on the blog soon.  I feel he is a MUST READ for anyone wanting to delve into actual practical martial art training:

http://chirontraining.com/Site/Home.html

My outlook is to make my martial arts as efficient and effective as possible. I have found Uechi as the perfect platform for this development for me (you choose yours).   My former “pay the bills” job was focused on critical analysis of how things are done and how to do them better and how to teach people to do them better.  I bring that critical analysis and bridge from principles to teaching to this web site.

 By the way, in my other life there was also a focus on referencing material, in fact it was vital, hence all the links in this post.

All the best in training.

Rick Wilson