sensei8

You bring up some very valid points here. You have to assess what it is the instructor has to teach you, and just what the instructor's rank is. You want to get the most you can out of the instructor, and you want it to be what you want the most. I'd not look at the rank much because not all black belts, no matter rank, can teach, nor should they ever try. They've the solid technicians through and through, but they've not the minimum of an idea as to how to effectively convey the methodology/ideology as far as teaching is concerned. That's where the rubber meets the road. Both the CI/Instructor(s) and the student have to meet expectations because it's not a one-sided relationship; take two...one to teach, and one to learn...both accountable for their expectations. Students know what they want from their CI, and if the student believes that that CI isn't providing it, then the student has the right to seek out for a different CI; after all, the student is the customer. Is that CI providing the student with what the student wants?? Is the student experienced enough to know if the CI isn't providing what the student wants?? What the student wants doesn't have to be inline with what the CI wants, however, the student has to be accountable for their own training and practice. The student came to the CI, and the CI didn't come to the student; who knows versus who doesn't, and those have to meet somehow in the middle of the road so that both are satisfied, but there's a teacher and then there's a student...know you role.

Well, not meaning to throw a stick into the bicycle spoke here... The MA holds a treasure trove of importance to that said MAist, in which, what motivates and/or touches one MAist isn't the same for another MAist, but each stand upon their personal/professional reasons unswervingly, but nonetheless... What's NOT the point of the MA??

Congrats, Chunmonchek; well deserved!!

Yes, Pinan 1-3 (especially 1-2) has been drilled almost every session. 4 and 5 moves into much less known territory. What surprised me the first time I saw yondan was that one of the stances looked just like the ones I associate with Kung Fu. Little did I know then about the history of karate and its Chinese influences. Backwards in segments...sounds very hard, but fun and inspiring. Any particular favorite kihon or bunkai from Yondan you would like to pick out and elaborate some on? Curious and interested to hear about such. Relation to kihon/bunkai always makes parts of a kata seem more logical and makes it easier to remember To the first bold type above... The embusen for Pinan Yondan is unlike any you've encountered, thus so far. The introductions of transitional shifts and the like are also unlike any you've encountered, either, thus so far. Therefore, the Bunkai, especially Oyo, opens up the flood gates of effective possibilities, that's for sure. To the second bold type above... Without the Bunkai, imho, Kata is merely a dance. As far as the Kihon, well, imho, they stand seperate and away from the Kata; Kihon speaks for itself, and truly don't rely on the Kata, like the Kata depends on the Kihon. It's the Bunkai that marries the two together, Kihon and Kata, and can't be divorced from the Bunkai, however, and once again, the Kihon doesn't need Kata.

Yondan provides a bunch of yummy things across the board as far as its Kihon and Bunkai are concerned. The upgrading of transitions are quite exciting, or can be. I love drilling it backwards in segments...I'm evil that way.

Time contributes to ones wear-and-tear whether one like it or not. This October will usher in my 54th year in Shindokan Saitou-ryu. However, my being 60 years old, 61 years old, as well, this October, have had my share of dings with the knees, my right knee in particular. How do I continue to train A static body can't remain strong and healthy!! I exercise the tar out myself, and it every known part of my body, especially where my knees/legs are concerned. Without turning this thread into an Health, Training and Fitness forum... Strong knees require strong quadriceps, glutes, and calves!! I've a strict routine at the gym, and my lower extremities are no exceptions. I've an extensive series of knee strengthening/extension exercises that I do daily, both at home and at the gym. For example... Mini or partial squats Standing hamstring curls Marching in place Heel raises Quad sets Straight leg raises Wall slides with a ball Clams Glute bridges Side leg raises Resistance band leg 4 corners Knee extension machine (AT THE GYM, unless you own one) Leg presses (AT THE GYM, unless you own one) Those are some of the exercises I do daily. Some other things I do, and am not ashamed about... Compression Knee Sleeves Stretching routine Swimming Biking Let's also not forget one of the easiest exercises that strengthens the whole body, not just the knees...walking!! No matter all of the care I take to protect my aging knees, there's one factor that I can't ignore, and that's not effectively defending my knee, however that might be, from a well placed kick, and if the knee is struck at the optimum angle, well, the knee's simply toast. For me, I keep moving, and just jam the crap out of them, while leg checking them as well, when they try to gain distance from me, well, I'm like that irritating glue that you just can't get off and/or get away from. I also try to keep my right knee in the rear of my stances. I do all that I can do so I can continue to train. Anyway, hope this helps a little.

Kaicho/Kancho are not ceremonial roles, by any stretch of the imagination. Dai-Soke held the Kaicho position, under Soke, from 1950 to 2008, 58 years. Nothing!! To our knowledge, neither did anything to warrant their decisions, personally and/or professionally. So why?!? Reason of Redundancy!! The Board expressed that having a Kaicho AND a Kancho, while they're important positions for the sake of the check and balance affect, were antiquated, yet, we admirably had fulfilled our expectations, as well as our responsibilities of obligations. The Board, furthermore, expressed that the existence of the Board was far more than adequate to run the day to day operations effectively, whereas, the Kaicho and Kancho positions are superfluous, in that, the Board absorbs both the Kaicho and Kancho, henceforth. Our Legal Team states that a Silo Effect seems to have taken residency unwittingly by either parties. One other reason, directed directly to me, was the Mobility Clause; however, that was ruled in my favor due to the fact that I was grandfathered through Dai-Soke to administrate mobile, in which, conference calls via Skype and/or cellphone, are admissibly approved by all parties.

Thanks, JR; your support, as well as your kind words always mean a lot to me. There's more than one way to skin a cat, and if that way's not forthcoming, then I'll make a way.

All Hierarchy departments are still active, therefore, executive leadership across the board exists, for the moment.

Point 1. Anytime you have more than 3 people "in the room", there's the potential for "politics"...an unfortunate truth. Point 2. I couldn't agree more...I wish more did. Solid post!!

LLLEARNER wrote: I appreciate your thoughtful words!! I've been with them 54 years this October 18th, and there's been way far to many great days, than there have been bad, and we've experienced our share of devastating tragedy, but as a Governing Body, we've lived up to the well known maxim that says..."7 times down, 8 times up!!" Things happen, and this latest thing shall pass, and it will not define me whatsoever. My passion grows stronger day by day for my students, for the entire SKKA Student Body, and for Shindokan...to my last breath. MatsuShinshii wrote: Rereading my OP, I didn't write "removed". However, if by "removed" you mean "eliminated", our positions, then yes, for now, just like Soke types were eliminated, therefore, Kaicho and Kancho have been eliminated. These eliminations will be duly recorded appropriately. MatsuShinshii wrote: No...Yes...Yes!! Neither of us, Kancho and myself, have violated any By-Laws whatsoever for us to be "shunned" for; we are both still very much active in the comings and goings of the SKKA/Hombu, just not as Kaicho/Kancho. Our memberships are also valid!! Because we, and several others as well, have been grandfathered in our membership, and therefore, have no expiration dates. These Life Time Memberships were awarded by Soke alone to the chosen few. We both can still teach/promote under the SKKA umbrella. MatsuShinshii wrote: Nothing whatsoever affects my students and/or dojo...nothing. They can eliminate all they want everything that they want until the cows jump over the moon. The SKKA is forbidden form interfering with any networked dojo in any shape, way, and/or form. My SKKA position, or the lack thereof, has no bearing whatsoever on my students and/or myself. If I was ever ostracized, for cause, my students and myself would be fine, and not even miss a step or the SKKA. The SKKA is just a thing, and I've way to much knowledge/experience across the board to allow a thing to affect us/me. After all, proof is on the floor, and only there. Thank you for your kind words, and great questions. You and I share way to many similarities whenever the MA is concerned through our training and in our Governing Body histories. So much so, that I feel that you and I are kindred through our MA journeys/experiences across the board. This, for me, is great and refreshing!! To many times I've brought to the forefront here at KF both the good and the bad news/information and the like, and that was not to toot my own horn, but to share Shindokan/SKKA/Hombu with those outside of our little circle of MA misfits. So others might see behind the closed doors of a thriving MA Governing Body, for whatever benefits can be garnered, and possible help them through their own circumstances when dealing with a Governing Body for whatever that might be. The Pred wrote: Thank you for that. We'll ALL be fine; life goes on. Chunmonchek wrote: Thank you, Chunmonchek. I'll always have my students' back for life...and yes...The Road Not Taken...because it has made all of the difference. Politics will chew you up and spit you out and not think twice of you...IF you let it, and I most assuredly will not allow politics to win. Politics might take the wind out of my sail, but it'll only be for a abrupt split second. I might lose the battle, but not the war!! Spartacus Maximus wrote: Thank you for that, Spartacus Maximus!! Politics are that unforgiving beast. The Governing Bodies of the MA are no different, possibly worse, than any other political endeavor. I've vetoed so much ego driven crap that's ended on my desk as Kaicho, that I often wonder just who in the ding-dong world are these people?! Solid MAists, through and through, but once you get them off the floor, and into a boardroom, they've not a minimum of a clue what they're doing, not in the slightest. But they all, each and everyone of them were duly elected into their positions. There's the wise saying... "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Seems quite fitting concerning my new found dealings.

...of what you assume. Because if you don't, that thing which you feared the most, even though you believed that the impossible could never ever occur, will reach up and bite you in your apparently doubtful backside, when you least expect it. What I'm about to share, could be right out of a nightmare, and this has happened to me and our Kancho (Vice-President). I find myself in complete, and unexpectedly, befuddled as to the how's of this... How did this happen?? How did I not foresee this?? How did I miss it?? How did I fail at this most basic of my responsibilities?? How?? How?? How?? Our By-Laws, as written by our Independent Legal Team, were worded in such a way, that ever possible scenario considered had triple redundancies to ensure, and protect the SKKA/Hombu, and in turn, its Student Body, for the long term. An error, somehow slipped unnoticed, and unavoidable, between the cracks of between the lines. However, and nonetheless, an inconsequential error that does nothing to lessen the value of the report and/or the By-Laws. Apparently, Lawyers, for both sides, have fenced with one another, and now that the dust has settled, the other side seems to have a far more cleaver knowledge of the law than our Legal Team, in which, they, the other Lawyers, obviously can read between the lines far better. There's no legal recourse!! Unanimously, the Hierarchy, as well as the Regents, have eliminated the Kaicho and Kancho positions!! Both Kancho and I have been ceremoniously ushered into the unemployment line, with cause, it seems. How?? Through a proxy vote, which is both legally binding, and irreversible, unless, by sheer luck, there's a majority vote to reverse it, which is highly unlikely to occur, and it wouldn't make any sense to do so in the face of the most recent vote. Why?? The SKKA tends to be quite dysfunctional from time to time ever since the passing of Soke and Dai-Soke, respectfully, in which the SKKA loves to throw a big stick into the bicycle spokes just to see what happens, sitting back with some popcorn and soda as they watch the crash. So, be careful of not reading, nor understanding, in its entirety, of any and all documentations asap because your future within the Governing Body and/or your school of the MA just might depend on it, especially if you're part of the hierarchy. There's the saying... "Be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, you build the trust of those who are present." ~ Stephen Covey

Why stop at salutations? Why not get rid of foreign language terms for techniques, kata names, titles, and so on? Because you start to lose the origins and traditions of the system. I personally think some of the terminology and traditions go a tad too far, but I’d much rather keep it than get rid of it. My post was just a passing thought. Nothing more, and nothing to be taken serious.

I get an education/knowledge!!

Solid post!!

How about...salutations uttered in one's own native language, and not in Japanese/Uchinaaguchi, unless one's from Japan/Okinawa, for example.

I've never heard of that before, which is of no surprise, seeing that I'm computer/etc illiterate to the core when it comes to things like this. Interesting concept/idea, though.

Solid post!! I wholeheartedly believe that most, if not all, of us will miss the camaraderie that were each share and relish with those we truly treasure both on and off the floor. I most assuredly know that I will miss them/you all when that time arrives in my own journey; these aren't idle words, and I mean this with all of my heart and soul!! I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank each and everyone of you/them for each and everything you/they have unselfishly done for me/my family/my students/my MA betterment/for the SKKA/Hombu, and its Student Body...I BOW TO EACH ONE OF YOU LONG AND DEEPLY!! Each of you have shown and taught me the true meaning of...Proof Is On The Floor!!

I agree with you. Every now and then, I see some students get particular about where they are in line during line-ups, and I always use that opportunity to tell them exactly that. Its one of the best lessons a student can learn. Agree, with both!! The line is just a line, really, it is. There wouldn't even be a line if there was never the first White Belt to stand there!! Besides, worrying about line positions starkly becomes quite clear when one understands that there's one spot in the line that they'll never ever stand at/on/in... IN FRONT OF THE LINE; that's where the CI's AT/ON/IN, and you, as the student, ARE NOT. Is the goal of your school to destroy student's aspirations? Why will they never ever be the chief instructor? To the bold type above... I'm speaking in present tense, and NOT in future tense!! I'm the CI of my dojo and our Hombu has a CI as well, so, when I'm in house at the Hombu, even though I'm Kaicho, I'm not the CI of the Hombu; there's no room, or reason, for me to stand in front of the line where the Hombu's CI stands. Aspirations are find and all, and I wholeheartedly support them, but until the current CI of wherever steps down, that spot in front of the line is reserved, for the moment. Anyone that knows me on and/or off the floor knows that I'm a staunch proponent for the Student Body, and that I encourage the entire Student Body in whatever their aspirations are, wherever they might be, and that includes becoming the CI wherever that might be.

Even though that last day will occur, that unavoidable day shouldn't repress ones MA journey whatsoever because it's what one does until that day that truly matters. Imho!!

The age IS the decider says the founder, says the Governing Body, and says the By-Laws of said style no matter what the masses might say because of the founders given right to say/do/enforce so.

I agree with you. Every now and then, I see some students get particular about where they are in line during line-ups, and I always use that opportunity to tell them exactly that. Its one of the best lessons a student can learn. Agree, with both!! The line is just a line, really, it is. There wouldn't even be a line if there was never the first White Belt to stand there!! Besides, worrying about line positions starkly becomes quite clear when one understands that there's one spot in the line that they'll never ever stand at/on/in... IN FRONT OF THE LINE; that's where the CI AT/ON/IN, and you, as the student, ARE NOT.

With learning from very limited sources comes very limited knowledge. How ever, that would depend greatly on just what are those limited sources. The great thing is that those limited sources are geared for you and by you and afforded to you from wherever they might be, near and/or far. If I had not decided to cross train, would that mean that my limited source from just Soke and Dai-Soke would've been a determent of my acquiring effective knowledge. Maybe. Depends on the individual/practitioner. With learning from very great source comes unlimited knowledge, even if the source is limited. Who's to truly determine that which is limited and that which is not?? The practitioner, I suppose!! It's not what you do with it, it's what you do not do with it.

You're welcome; glad that that link helped.

I have to say I have been obsessive over my financial calculations. It is making me feel really ill the amount I've spent out so far but I worked it out as if I recruit around 20 students over the year I'll break even. I've gone in hard on the marketing and have had 37 sign on for trial lessons and I'm hoping I can convert at least half of them. You've got a very solid plan; excellent. The school must comp up through positive variances as well as peer variances. Those parameters will go negative, which is to be expected, but as long as the positive parameters are far much more, the doors stay open. I sincerely believe that you're solid across the board!! Again, you're in a great place in your MA betterment/journey!!!!!!!