G.E.M. The Author
George E. Mattson has written countless articles and publications to deepen the understanding of Uechi-ryu to practitioners and inquiring minds. Many can be archived on the Uechi-ryu website in the resource/link page. His published books are detailed below.
Sensei Mattson will be featuring the introduction to his fourth book on this space so keep an eye out for this exciting event.
The Way of Karate
Back in the late 50's when this book was first published Karate was a unfamiliar tradition in the United States. George’s first book introduced his fellow Americans to the ancient mysterious martial arts of China and Japan. This was the first publication written about Uechi-Ryu Karate in America. Sensei Mattson was determined to keep his promise to Kanei Uechi and bring the knowledge of his art to Americans. This book is now out of print and will no longer be published.
The cover photo was actually pirated and used as a screen print for shirts being sold at Target Stores in 2005.
Uechiryu Karate Do
This book is out of print and a rare collectors item for few copies were ever published. For a chance to own a Limited Edition, signed and numbered book check out what is still available at the Eastern Arts Store. The depth of information is relevant today.
“When Master Kanei Uechi asked me in 1958 to do my best to further Uechi-Ryu Karate in American, I was both honored and pleased. The responsibility of my promise to do the best possible job had prompted me to open a Dojo (school) in Boston and write the first textbook on Uechi-Ryu Karate “The Way of Karate” in 1958.
Since that time I have been privileged to be part of a tremendous growth and popularity of Uechi-ryu and am confident that the future will see Uechi-ryu grow even more dramatically.
My continued study has improved my physical ability to perform the style and my ability to understand why Uechi-ryu is such a great physical art. Understanding the limitations of my first book and wishing to use Master Uechi’s photographs in the text has prompted me to write this second and more complete text on the subject.
Although no book can capture the dynamic beauty and strength of the movements, the fact that Master Uechi is performing the techniques goes a long way towards making this the complete story of Uechi-ryu.”
From the Forward of Uechiryu Karate Do second printing 1983 George E. Mattson
The Black Belt Test Guide
This invaluable guide helps the soon to be black belt know the acceptable standards for passing their Shodan Test. Anyone who has this book probably needs a new one because of the endless hours spent studying it.
In order to keep up with the dynamic changing nature of standards within a organization, George has also updated the Guide in an ebook that can be accessed through his store.