Sensei George E. Mattson

Shared Moments

• Sensei Mattson, though I am a bit older in age, is actually my grandfather in Uechi ryu. He is my teacher’s, Art Rabesa, teacher. I have known George for the 35 years I have trained and taught. George and Susan have become more than just friends to my wife and I, they are more like family. My story is not about the martial arts but a more personal relationship. When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and not given much of a future, many friends came out of the woodwork to support me. George and Susan went out of their way to help me get through some tough and painful times. George constantly ask how soon I would be able to play golf again. I never thought I would because of damage from the cancer. He kept after me and finally I gave it a shot. I’ll never forget that day, we played at his course. With George’s encouragement, (I think he just wanted to beat me (-:), I played terribly. Even so, I will never forget how I felt. I was so elated, I knew that I would be able to play golf again. I’ll never forget that day, or the support from the Mattson’s. I don’t know if I ever was able to thank them properly. I do so now. Thank you George and Susan, and most of all, congratulations on your 50th year in Uechi ryu. I owe you much but all I can offer is my love and sincere life long friendship. Your support over all these years mean so much more than I can write here. As always, Suzie and I send our best wishes and wish you many many more years of success.
  God Bless,
  Bill and Mary Sue Bauknecht

  Post by Bill Bauknecht — March 12, 2008, 8:52 am

• George Sensei:

  Just want to take the opportunity to offer my congratulations on your 50 years of teaching and your extremely successful organization. Your devotion to the art and advancement of Uechi Ryu have resulted in generations and hundreds of excellent black belts throughout the U.S. and abroad. Congratulations and I wish you many many more years of leadership on the continuing success of Uechi Ryu.

  Since this is a page to share memories, at the risk of exposing my darker side (ha!) please allow me to fondly bring back the memory of the little celebration we had after my Shodan test. It is strange that I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night but I still remember that night after more than 40 years. Do you remember the old couch near the front door of the Columbus Ave dojo? You and your brother John brought out a bottle (bottles?) of Sake for the new black belts after the test. That was the first time in my life I had Sake. I remember liking it so much and it went down so nice and smooth but — I can’t remember what happened after just a few dinky cups except that I found myself waking up under the couch the next day. I think John (or you?) must have pushed me under there. What a fond memory for a significant milestone of my life!

  Your humble student,
  Henry Thom

  Post by Henry Thom — March 14, 2008, 3:56 pm