sensei8

Well, why not!! 50 years old is not the end the road!! 50 years old is just a state of the mind, even though, 50 years, is 50 years!! Age is just a number! Having said that, I would still visit my doctor to get the once over to be sure that everything is up to par, as it should be at 50 years old. That's just me!! Have fun...train hard...train well!!

No!! Why? First, lineage can have quite a lot to do with growth. After all, is the growth cycle effected from a 4th Dan to a 8th Dan??!! That brown belt, while he'll be the CI of his school, he'll be mentored by his teacher, and possibly other black belts from his school, as well as the governing body. That brown belt runs his school; credible governing body will not interfere with how he runs his school, UNLESS, it affects the brand. I've personally known brown belts who are the CI of their school. At first, I was surprised, but shortly thereafter, it was no big deal. Why? The brown belts that I've seen running a school were they themselves STILL a student, and they are mentored across the board by either that brown belts own CI, and several of his/her black belts, as well as the governing body. That brown belt will not be left alone to fend for themselves. Our SKKA doesn't allow any rank under the rank of Sandan to be a CI under the SKKA brand. I've no problem with it at all for reasons already stated. Brown belts are capable of running not only a class, but an entire school. In the USA, ANYONE of ANY rank can open a MA school just as long as they have a business license. Takes years to earn a brown belt, even more so, in GJJ. So, by the time one of his students become a brown belt, that same brown belt CI, will have earned some type of Dan ranking.

I think you misinterpreted his post, sensei. His scan (in parentheses) was unremarkable. Unremarkable means nothing wrong, negative, etc.; aka what you want to hear. Tears of joy, not tears of insult. Oh crud...SORRY!! After re-reading tubby's post, I take EVERYTHING BACK!! I'm an idiot...a moron...a jerk...(_____________), feel free to add your own descriptive!! Sorry tubby for having misunderstood the post!! So, congrats on the good report from the head of oncology; I share in your tears of joy. Still, you're in my prayers everyday!! Oh yeah, I take back my offer of giving a free karate lesson to the head of oncology...instead...I'm going to give myself a free karate lesson with a huge two-by-four. More than now, I wish I had a BAG OVER MY HEAD emoticon!! Thanks for bringing that to my attention, JR!!

I MIGHT give it a look see!! I'm very selective when it comes to MA movies and the like, or with anything that has MA related titles. I don't usually enjoy MA movies because I don't know how to be that movie goer who just watches and enjoys. No! I can't separate the MA teacher that's in me, and has been in me for a very long time. I mean, heck, I can't even watch Enter the Dragon, or any Bruce Lee movie, for that fact, and Bruce was as solid as a MAist can ever be, imho, without being that MA teacher, picking things to death...I hate that about me.

It saddens me to read what your head of oncology says, and I'm of the opinion that just because someone is a human being, it doesn't mean that they know how to be a human being. That person needs to learn to be much more compassionate across the board, and if not, then find a different job, like ditch digger or something that doesn't involve interacting with human beings. Now that I think about it, I'd love to give your head of oncology a free karate lesson!! You're in my prayers, each and everyday!! Hang in there...fight that good fight!!

Thank you Mo; your words mean everything!! Before I can even realize, I'll have reached my goal way before the October 4, 2017 timeline. When I attack something, I don't come at it halfheartedly; it's all or nothing. The support here from my friends, pushes me to the end zone!! Thank you Mo, and everyone else!!

Alan, When will you be releasing your findings?? I'm that proverbial cat; curious as all get out!! Also, aren't you afraid that surveys/questionnaires, like this can be manipulated by those who know how to manipulate things similar to yours?? Yes, they can be manipulated!!

I've trained with bamboo within specific interests, for quite a long time, in which I've found bamboo to range from intense to boring. The newer the bamboo, the tougher it is to break, whereas, the older the bamboo, the easier it is to break. And let us not forget that bamboo, when being broken, can, and will, cut you to shreds, especially with any penetrating technique, with is pretty much every MA technique(s). The old the bamboo, the more one has to bind together to increase its density because, as I've already mentioned, bamboo loses its density; it becomes brittle compared to "green" bamboo. Old bamboo has a hue of "tan" to it. On last note, a fun note, bamboo makes a really cool sound effect when it's broken...I love that sound...I'm easily amused!!

Congrats; well deserved!!

Major congrats to Kendall for a dominate series of wins...he's a beast!! Good luck to him at State, not that he'll need it, imho!! Thanks for the updates, Brian!! Did you VIDEO anything this season??

I appreciate the kind words and also the advice contained. I find what you say very true. I am actually happier than I've been in years. It's like going back to before Shinshii devastated some of us with the news of his retirement. To me normalcy is teaching and helping others follow their path to personal perfection. I literally could not be happier doing anything else. I am holding a Kodansha training session this week end. It will be the first such session in the last 5 years. I am concentrating on the postures and applications of the Kata for the first 4 hours and switching to the ways of transmitting these applications to the students in a way that they get it. I get the greatest joy from seeing our Mudansha students the first time the applications are taught to them and the light goes off in their heads and they finally get it. To me there is nothing more important to the art as once this is discovered they are hooked just like I was 35+ years ago. The second best is when they reach Shodan and we interject the concept of analyzing different attack methods and looking at the postures and applying them to said attack with out the instructors intervention. We then have them implement this and allow them to discover what works and what doesn't and why. When they realize that each posture has a multitude of applications outside of what we initially teach them the light gets brighter and they are on their way to true understanding and inventive thinking. This is the first step to independence and realizing their personal path. At this point the instructor becomes less of an authoritarian and more of a resource that the student can utilize along their journey and the relationship changes. The student ceases to look at their instructor as someone that tells them to do things and more as someone that they can walk next to on their path. They are a resource and a guide rather than a drill instructor. At this point I feel the student grows more so than when totally under the control of their instructor. Most of our senior instructors understand the concept of this but not all have had the opportunity to experience the way Shinshii was able to pass this on to those of us that have had the privilege. My new mission is to keep this practice alive. My journey, other than the last five years, has made up the best years of my life and it is due to Shinshii's views of the teacher/ student relationship and how he passed the art down through his methods and his teacher's methods. If I can effect the way in which these methods are implemented, all of our students and instructors can experience this transition and the method in which it is transmitted will maintain the traditions I have lived my life by. Thus Shinshii will remain even long after he is gone. At least that is my hope. Kosei, who is our new president got to experience this not only under me but later directly under Shinshii and because of this he is now pushing me to pass this on. He feels that once the students experience this they will become our future instructors/seniors and ultimately carry on the traditions and the art to the next generations. I agree wholeheartedly and could not be happier in my role. This, too, is great news to read, through and through!! To carry on that which has been bestowed upon you, and while the responsibility is monumental across the board, that, you've accepted your new role within the governing body, and the like, in a wholeheartedly manner. It's your role to know your role, and to be the best in it, and at it, for the sake of the entire Student Body; their depending on you, even more so, to be that leader on and off the floor. And from what I'm reading, your normalcy is taken roots in its most natural way!! You're teaching...and loving it!! You're leading...and loving it!! You're experiencing newness...and loving it!! You're much more happier...and loving it. With you in a more positive mood and role, your Student Body will see it, and experience it, and most of all, learning as they've never learned before!! Control the politics, as much as it's possible; everyone deserves it...and I do mean everyone!!

Thank you, Danielle, for your kind words, as well as your continued support. Boy oh boy, can I really see the difference. Pants I've worn before, are much to big for me nowadays. People have noticed that my face is thinner...I'm overall, thinner than I was before October 4, 2016. I feel great!! Outside of the gym, my diet did a full 180 degrees from where I was beforehand. I watch carefully everything that I eat, no matter what. Whereas before, I'd watch everything I ate...as I shoveled it down my throat with great abandonment. My portions are carefully, and strictly enforced. No longer do I pile one pile upon another, as if I'm at an eating contest. I love food, in short, I use to consider myself a devote connoisseur, however, I don't love it as I use to, in which, I once was kicked out of a all-you-can-eat establishment because I was eating all I could; eating was a habit. Controlling snacks was a big issue for me. I'd consume snacks as though they were the major food groups, and that the major food groups, were the snacks. Nowadays, and that day began immediate with me in October 2016, I snack much more sensible!! For example, I snack in small proportions, and even more importantly, I'd snack much more fruits and nuts. Any protein must be grilled or baked; NOTHING FRIED!! Chicken is not only baked or grilled, but the skin is removed; we buy the skinless chicken as much as we can, and whenever we do have chicken with the skin, we remove the skin before it's baked or grilled!! Many foods/snacks that I was raised on and that I craved for even since childhood, I've gone cold turkey on them because my life depends on it; I don't miss ANY OF WHAT I USE TO EAT!! I've NO SALT!! NO SUGAR!! I've not had any fast food since October 2016. I've not had any ice cream since October 2016. I love salads, but not just any salad; size is proportions, and I will not ever violate my given proportions in any food group. What's in a salad is equally important to me. Healthy means just that, to me!! Whenever I go to a movie, I buy bottled water, and no soda!! I drink water with lemon slices!! I do not consume popcorn of any type!! How the food is prepared is everything to me. Can't cheat...don't want to cheat. Why? So, I can go back to what I was before. No way...not me. Olive Oil is the only oil I use, and it's used quite sparingly. Butter is no longer a regular staple on the table. Breads, are whole grain only. I slice; then I cut it in half for any light sandwich, no matter the type. NO MAYO...Olive Oil dressing instead. Any guide I follow is my diet bible, and I will not violate it whatsoever. My diet plans have been authorized by my PCP, Cardiologist, and a Nutritionist!! Change means change, but it must be a healthy change across the board!! In time, I gained more weight, and did very little to curb my appetite. While I was extremely busy on the floor, I ate more than I burned!! Bad habits took over good healthy habits, of my own choosing. Now, since October 2016, I've taken more accountability for my diet, however, not in a lackadaisical fashion, but with more of a deeply seeded resolve, than ever. With a change in diet, in the manner of which I'm attacking it, lifestyle changes have to be made to, and they've been made, and will continue to be made, for I've not made those positive changes for just grins and giggles, but forever, and those changes are evident, especially with my wife. I no longer live that sedentary lifestyle. For an example, my wife and I walk 3 miles a day, after dinner. I'm no longer that couch potato GM, no way...no how!! Beforehand, it would take an act of God to get me out of my recliner. That act of God came in October 2016; I thank Him daily!! I look forward in going to the gym 6 days a week, walking, and whatever else will get me off the couch/recliner daily. When not at the gym on Sunday, my wife and I GET OUT OF THE HOUSE to do something positive and healthy. I began working out in October, and not in November, even though the gym was closed for remodeling, and I could've used that as an excuse, but I refused to make any excuses. Not with my life in jeopardy!! I wished that I would've known back then, what I've learned up to now, as well as I've rekindled the knowledge that I acquired during my 5 decades of MA training. But, being honest with you and myself, I wish I had known how to better take care of myself; I was that basket case, across the board, of how to not take care of oneself...or the desire to do so. Excuses are a dime a dozen, and I was rich in excuses. So, no, had a taken much more accountability of and for myself, I'd not be in my current shape. Even though my current shape is far much better than it was in October 2016. Shugyo means to me...SUCK IT UP...take it...and I've applied shugyo in the manner of which I've chosen to when it comes to my diet and changing my lifestyle for a much more improved quality of life!!

You're a beast! LOL!! I'm the furthest thing from being a beast, but I do thank you for your continued support. What I've been able to accomplish ever since October 4, 2016 even boggles my mind, because, I had once essentially given up that fortitude, and I paid the price for adopting a negative attitude across the board, for no good reason. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet, expecting different results. My Dai-Soke was quite verbal in his disapproval of my physical appearance, where at one time, I weighed 350lbs. All of my exhibiting, was for not, and was a poor demonstration of being that Shindokan representative, over all. What was, isn't now!!

Thanks, everyone, for your support!! Still at the gym, 6 days per week, doing the same routine daily. However, results varied from day to day depending on one factor or another. This week: LAST DAY OF THIS WEEK: Saturday...March 18, 2017 StairMaster 1hr 15 min 234 floors 940 calorie burn Avg HR 117 Levels 7-10 with a 2 minute cool down every 20 minutes *note: I'll burn 1,000 calorie's next week, each day of the week* Treadmill 32 minutes 235 calorie burn Avg HR 103 Inclines from 1-15; at machines discretion per the Forest Walk program Rowing Machine 23 minutes 250 calorie burn Battle Ropes/Pull Down Ropes 14 different exercises [battle Ropes], 3 sets 2 different exercises [Pull Down Ropes], 3 sets ?? Calorie Burn Free Weights 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on what parts of the body I'm targeting. Each exercise will be 3 sets, with nominal weight; reps over weight. Swimming Each Saturday I'll do 12 laps; each length is 30 yards I'll do different swimming techniques from free style to back stroke and in between. The key, for me, is to pace myself while NOT stopping until I complete those 12 laps. Btw, my MA training hasn't been ignored. That's the furthest thing from being the truth. The MA is my life, and it's all that I'm good at. I can no longer train in the MA, than I can hold my breath forever. Will weigh myself on March 25, 2017.

Why are you skinning cats? Do you have something against them? What did they ever do to you? ROFL I have to do something in my spare time! No...I tolerate them both with as much fortitude as I can possibly extend towards them. I'm a dog person. The list is both long and distinguished! They do what cats do, and for my wife, I've demonstrated a long standing affable acceptance!!

Imagine just how BORING it would be if every single student "got it"!! What would be the challenges for the CI, and for the student, for that fact?!? As an instructor, I'm there to teach and help the students. However, if everyone "got it", and teaching is rewarding in itself, singular reward on the floor might become stale. If everyone "got it", then why do they need me!?

Traditional has its merits, however, non-traditional training across the board, also has its merits. As much as I'm a strict traditionalist across the board, I'm aware that there's more than one way to skin a cat. Thereby, I skin the cat as often as I feel it's necessary!!

Excellent mat work, Kendall at Phillipsburg!! A win is a win, and a loss is a loss, no matter how many times on the mat!! Good luck at Garden City!! It'll be fine at District!! Btw, I'm having major VIDEO withdrawals!! Hint hint hint!!

...And many, many more, my friend...Happy Birthday!!

Solid post, through and through!! It's hurtful to be labeled non-traditional/non-authentic just because we've adopted outside influences to improve our own MA betterment. After all, the core of what we've trained in for so long, is still there. That which is still there is still traditional/authentic. Change is inevitable, and from time to time, that changes has to be embraced. Just who was elected to the assumed position of Master of Everything; whereas, that, whichever it is that they do, is perfectly alright, and whereas, that, whichever it is that we do, is perfectly wrong. I'll listen to what the floor says because it's at least honest in its evaluation(s)!!

Sun Dome!! This is where two practitioners Kumite at full speed and power, however, said technique is arrested just a fraction of an inch from the selected target without making any contact with one another. Albeit, one practitioner might move faster, but the other practitioner might be more powerful. Nonetheless, with Sun Dome, the outcome might be difficult to determine whom might've defeated the other in the exchange of techniques. Greg and I often took this application to the next level, and as our Dai-Soke was quite fond of saying about us two whenever we took Sun Dome to our own conclusion, "The thread of interpretation is thin and tattered with you two, but, refined!!" In short, Greg and I literally tried to kill one another whenever we practiced Kumite together; Kumite resolved with intent!! To a novice observer, we were akin to that Bull in a China closet, however, to the experienced observer, we were akin to a tuning up orchestra that was refining their craft. Very few engaged with us, even those with similar ranks, and we're Hachidan/Kudan, because it can be quite daunting to say the least, especially at first. Yet, with the understanding and respect of Sun Dome, even in the assumed chaos we exhibited, safety wasn't taken lightly, therefore, things were learned by us each and every time we meet on the floor. Sun Dome...the tool of learning and understanding in the midst of a hurricane!!

This is indeed great news...absolutely great news!! Not just for you, but also for the Student Body as well as the Governing Body. Normalcy will return, but as in anything, it'll take time. I too, tour the dojo's within the SKKA's network quite often for a variety of reasons. Whenever I was elected as the Kaicho of the SKKA/Hombu, I toured heavily to build up that lost confidence within the entire Student Body, as well as to renew tattered relationships between the CI's within the network and the SKKA/Hombu. Slowly my travel schedule returned to that normalcy as well. As we've always visited all of the Shindokan dojo's within the network months in advance in the preparations of the Annual Testing Cycle held each and every year in June/July at the Hombu. I remember just how nerve wracking it was to walk on egg shells when the SKKA/Hombu reopened. Having made all of those critical and vitally important changes across the board, didn't alleviate the stress, but more often, it added more to my stress at the onslaught, even though the entire reopening of the SKKA/Hombu went through a meticulously process, with our Legal Team making sure that every 't' was crossed and every 'i' was dotted before any and all announcements were formally forwarded to everyone within our network. Failure is only a blink away!! Steps made had to be steps enforced!! If not, the calm before the storm is devastating at monstrous proportions that can destroy every effort made. Again, I could go on because you and I share much more than the MA, because you and I have been to hell and back, but it was, and will be, worth it all because we put the needs of the Student Body before our own interests. 'I' isn't in our vocabulary when we're addressing the needs of the Student Body. Taking care of the Student Body with a stern resolve above all things ensures that everything else is taken care of naturally!! Congrats on the beginning of normalcy!!

YES; I wholeheartedly concur with Patrick!! Let the testing cycle take care of itself. Testing Cycles can be quite overwhelming when one looks at the specifics of the required qualifications. More importantly is to do your best, and in addition, you don't have to score 100% of any given Testing Cycle. If so, there would only be white belts, and nothing else!! You'll do fine...relax...practice...oh yeah...practice...and then...practice some more...and after that...yeah...practice again...and if I forgot to mention this...more and more practice...until the cow jumps over the moon, and then some!!

Good list of nuggets of knowledge there, and in that, let me add... At the right time...not to soon...not to late...only at the exact time; timing is everything. Too soon...power apex is lost; wasted before target is reached...too late...power apex is unattainable; not achieved by the time one reaches said target!! How is this solved? PRACTICE...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...PRACTICE...and then some!!

At gradings its down to the discretion of the examiners what they want to see. Generally they would rather see a technically correct kick at a lower level than a student reach too high and get the mechanics wrong and lose their balance. In our school there are a number of older students who kick below hip level and as long as the mechanics are correct it is fine. On the other hand if the examiners knows that the student is flexible or hasn't made any effort to improve their flexibility and they kick low, they would be marked down because they haven't executed the correct technique. For disability, modifications can be made to suit the student and the examiner should be pre-warned about this if they don't already know the student. In all cases, whether they physically kick high or not, the student should still know that the kick in that particular form is meant to be performed high and be able to say where the theoretical target is. Tournaments is a different thing. For actual disability, the head umpire should be informed and then they would direct the other umpires accordingly to not penalise for modifications. If it's just an ability thing, then unfortunately its tough luck. Though it would only be a 1 point deduction. I concur wholeheartedly!! It's all about communications with whomever oversees the venue, whether it be a testing cycle and/or a tournament. High kicks are well known to be a vital staple of TKD, however, exceptions should be made on a situation to situation, and not on a wide stroke of the brush.