sensei8

Had a compliment from a doctor in a hospital, about three years ago.She said that my level of understanding, medically was above a med student of two years. Sad to say that my mum died from organ failure art the time; she had an enlarged heart. I had been drawn into understanding medical heart issues due to my own heart condition also. There are many possible heart problems that can occur to anyone, but it must be said that the medical world is far more advanced in treating many conditions, than it was fifty years ago; the problem now is that smoking and bad eating habits are still causing unnecessary, preventable illnesses. Personally, having arteries drilled out and stents put in to keep the flow of blood circulating, with daily meds and eating habits that are reasonable, changing my lifestyle, is the least I can do, without messing up everyone else's work, to keep me alive and kicking. So sensei8 just do what you need to do to stay healthy and alive, for yourself and everyone else that you are connected and associated to. Far too many great people check out earlier than they should, being stubborn like me with out being great, still feels great doing it, because without health; everything becomes difficult and challenging. Focus on health as a priority and everything else will fall in to place or it can wait. My martial arts training has given me back more than I have put in to it, I can honestly say, that by living longer, I hope to repay my debt with being helpful to other martial artists, along their journey, even if they are small pebbles of encouragement. Solid post, Alan!! I will take your advice and suggestions to heart [pun intended]. But, seriously, I've one life to live, and I'm thankful that I've taken my health, and what it takes to improve it, all seriously, so that I can live a very quality life. I wonder if this is just a coincident...Shindokan means...House of the Heart Way. Thanks, Alan!!

Shindokan, being an Okinawan style of Karate, I wanted to cross train with as many different Okinawa Karate Styles that I could. Why?? To learn about how they differed from Shindokan. The road wasn't as long as I thought it might be, but one of the very first Okinawan Karate Styles I came across was Uechi. Eventually I found a Uechi Dojo in the Los Angeles area, and that meant that I was going to have to travel about 25 miles, but I thought it would be worth it, so I took the drive. I thought the Shindokan Hombu was right out of the old days of Okinawa, but this Uechi Dojo was even more out of the old days, not by much, but, man oh man. I wasn't there to train, but I was only there to observe the one class...Yudansha class. I was both intrigued as well as excited. Some of the "stretching" they did, I had never ever seen... They'd be standing with their feet about shoulder width, then, they'd go from flat footed ONTO THEIR TOES, it looked as though their feet were curling into a fist. Over and over, they did this. Blew my mind!! Why do that?? My question was quickly answered. There were about 4 planks sticking out of the ground, similar to what a makiwara would be, except there was no padding type whatsoever...just a plain plank. The students, at the bark of their CI, lined up, one behind another, as though they were waiting for their turn. My ears perked...my eyes widened out of sheer curiosity... WHAM!! WHAM!! WHAM!! Then the next student would stand before those planks awaiting for the CIs command... WHAM!! WHAM!! WHAM!! Then the next student, so forth and so on. HOLY MOLY...OUCH!! These students were kicking those planks with their BIG TOE!! Yes...their big toe!! Blew my mind, and it made my big toe hurt sympathetically for these Yudansha's, but they seemed to not be phased one bit while one student after another seemed to relish the tar out of whacking these planks unrelentingly. The class went onto Kata and up and down drills: Nothing really surprised me, even though some of their Kata's, I hadn't seen before. Sokusen-geri...Big Toe Kick or Kick with tip of the toes!! Whatever Uechi calls it, I call it painful. Which it is at first, like anything that's new to learn, but over time, as in anything in the MA, the pain is forgotten. This, Sokusen geri, is the staple of Uechi-ryu, and it's said that if a student of Uechi-ryu don't master this kick perfectly, then a student of Uechi-ryu will not be possible to know the deep principles of Uechi-ryu. I've crossed trained over the years with several different Uechi CI's, and I really enjoyed what I took away from these CI's in learning the methodology/ideology. BUT... I didn't, and I mean I DID NOT want to learn Sokusen-geri, and everyone of these CI's understood and just laughed. "It's not for everyone!!", referring to the Big Toe Kick. I wasn't ridiculed, nor was the CI upset; it was my choice...and it's still my choice. I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to find some resources about Sokusen-geri on the internet. Prepare for it...it'll be introduced to you whenever the time is right for it. Meanwhile, train hard...train well...enjoy Uechi-ryu!!

Transitions are not part of the stance, but merely the in-between movement point 'A' to point 'B'; they're separate entities. The fussing is important, imho!! If the stance isn't correct, than the stance is weak, and if the stance is weak, than that stance can't do what it's suppose to do effectively. In my OP, I was trying to stress the feet placements of Kokutsu dachi, and I was only referring to Kiba dachi as a far as feet placements are concerned. I observe the wrong feet placement mostly in Kokutsu dachi, so much so, that the feet are more resemblance of what Kiba dachi is. Kokutstu dachi's feet placement are 90 degree, or the 3/9 o'clock position, but when they're incorrect, then the individual is, and will be, incorrect/affected. Get it right!! If not, get off the floor!! Again, if this wasn't important, than Soke and Dai-Soke wouldn't be adamant about it...I can't ignore that. If the instructor isn't correcting feet placement, then that instructor is being lazy, thoughtless, and incompetent. Correction begins with feet placement.

The conditioning that I'm much more concerned with isn't related to MA at all. I've done that for almost 53 years; that's run its course, even though, I still engage in productive MA conditioning, and I can not ever stop that, as I can't stop breathing. No, it's my cardiac conditioning betterment; improving that quality of life!! Obeying, to the best of my abilities, what my PCP and Cardiologist order from me... Exercise lose weight not living that sedentary live style any more watch my portions Make those necessary and required doctor visits I've not experienced the heart issues that you, Alan, have endured. Nonetheless, had it not been for being diagnosed with Afib, I more assuredly have not done anything to improve my health, which in turn improved my quality of life. Sometimes, I do need a brick to land on my head...A LOT...before I wake up!! Cardiac conditioning...that's priority in my life. The MA is just a thing, but my life is not just a thing, and my wife and kids are not just a thing. Without them, I'm nothing at all!!

JR 137, MatsuShinshii, and Spartacus Maximus...thank you for your posts; some solid points, through and through, and I will consider them all!! After training with the throng of my students just the other day, I'm gearing and ready to open up my 4th Kyuodan Dojo ASAP...doctors or not!!

Just the other day, I reached out to Tempest via the KF PM, in the hopes that we might be able to meet one another. After all, the two of us live within Tulsa County; Tulsa, OK for him, and Owasso, OK for me. Roughly we're about 14 miles from one another. We agreed on a place to have lunch, as well as a day and time. That day was today, and that time was around 12noon, and the place was not a disappointment to me at all. I ordered early, and finished my salad just as Tempest arrived. Sorry, I was starving, and that's why I didn't wait...my bad! We said our salutations, and we sat!! He ordered his lunch, and we talked. Nothing specific, just general conversations about a many things in and out of the MA, although our conversation was more geared around the MA. Not to surprising, seeing that we're both MAist. I pray that I didn't disappoint him in any shape, way, and/or form. He didn't disappoint me in any shape, way, and/or form. I found him to be quite affable, knowledgeable, approachable, relaxed, confident, and fairly easy to get to know. He is someone that I know that I can learn from, and someone that I can call my friend, in and out of the MA. I look forward to when we're able to meet up again!! I don't like to project any negative aires about myself; I am who I am, and I don't apologize for it, and that simply means that, I don't act like something that I'm not, for anyone and/or any reason. In short, I'm Bob, and nothing more. What you see, is what you get. I hope that Tempest's first and last impressions about me were positive across the board. We spoke about the SKKA and my plans, and things like that. I was quite open with him, no matter the topic, and no matter the question; I had nothing to hide. He offered me some solid advice concerning the SKKA and the like, in which, and in truth, I will consider his advice. 1 and a half hours later, we went our separate ways; him back to work, and me back home. As I drove home, I was reflecting our meeting, and I was already looking forward to our next meeting, whether it be over lunch or on the floor!! Thank you Tempest; it meant everything to me!!

More to the point, I've never owned a whiteboard, but instead, I own a chalkboard mounted on a mobile A-Frame that I bought sometime ago from a small towns General Store. It has served me well all of these many years...and yes...I still have the darn thing.

Yes!! It's a very important tool whenever I teach. So much so that whenever I do a seminar, I'll bring one with me if the school where the seminar is being held doesn't have one of their own. Can't see myself ever without one.

Great topic, Shizentai; thank you for starting it. Mine isn't as impressive as yours, Shizentai, however, it is what it is... *Fuyuhiko Saitou (Soke) AND Yoshinobu Takahashi (Dai-Soke) - Shindokan Saitou-ryu - Canoga Park, CA - 1964 - 2010 *Young Ik Suh - Chang Moo Kwan/Kang Duk Won Tae Kwon Do - Burbank, CA - 1974 - 1975

Alan Armstrong wrote: That's difficult for me to answer because I can't speak intelligently about other MAist, especially those I've never trained with. Generally speaking, from what I've experienced, I'd say...nope!! Very few MAist that I've known on and off the floor aren't all that open minded enough to train, let alone, consider ballet to balance their MA training. I've heard MAist speak about both sides of ballet with interest, but beyond any discussions, they've only had a far-away interest, and nothing else. Either ego or not having done any research about ballet or whatever else, have kept them off any ballet floor.

DWx wrote: Patrick wrote: LLLEARNER wrote: As well as your other supportive words. JR 137 wrote: How rude of me... Thank you, LLLEARNER, Patrick, Danielle, and JR for your words of support. SORRY!!

It can be compromised based on the ideal of "perfect" for the style, and still be functional, based on the build of the karateka. Personally, I am MUCH more concerned with function than style purity/perfection. Indeed, I am not the only one, as even Nakazato Minoru Sensei accepts such variances in the style, as it should fit the practitioner. He once said, when someone asked him about a small variance between how two of the senior Okinawans did a technique: "Little things not so important. Big picture important." Just a difference in approach.I'm not concerned with style purity/perfection either, and I'm more concerned with function/effectiveness, as well. I was taught one way, and that one way eliminates any degree of impropriety within said technique(s). I've discovered how one way avoids that technique being tainted, and I agree with Nakazato Minoru Sensei..."Little things not so important. Big picture important."...akin to the one can't see the forest because of all of the trees. Yet, I can't shake as to why Soke and Dai-Soke were that adamant about the little things. Yes, just a difference in approach.

How is the stance NOT compromised if the feet aren't where they're suppose to be per that styles methodology/ideology?? Any degree of compromise affects balance, for example, therefore, effectiveness is affected as well. For that, I am that rigid, because either the stance is correct or it isn't. And if it wasn't important, than why was Soke and/or Dai-Soke that adamant about correct feet placement?? I tell my own students...seeing that you've been instructed/taught correctly, and consistently, in which you've chosen to not execute said technique and the like in the manner of which it's been prescribed, then I must conduce that you're either being lazy and/or your being thoughtlessness in its proper application. But, that's just me!!

You're right, of course, even though it is quite upsetting. One question, Brian, doing deadlifts, in which I do agree, can bet my back stronger, however, with a pinched nerve and a few bone spurs, won't my back still be chronic for the rest of my life?? Losing the weight...changing my life for a much more healthy lifestyle...and all, to save my life, but to also take the unnecessary pressure off my back, is paramount in my weight loss journey. Well, I'm no doctor, but I'm guessing you will likely have chronic back pain for the rest of your life. But that happens to lots of bipeds. I have back pain here and there, as well. But, something else I do know is that being strong is never bad. Solid post, Brian; thanks!! Well, my lower back is much better, however, it's still not 100%, not that it will ever be. With that being said...IT'S BACK, no pun intended, TO THE GYM!! I joined a local gym two days ago, and I believe it's time to get off my backside by resuming my gym training. This new gym isn't as large as the one I attended back in Pearland, TX, but it seems to have everything that I'm looking for, except no swimming pool. I'd have to drive 30 minutes south to a sister gym to swim, and I don't desire that at all...the drive that is. The one cool thing about this new gym is that EVERY piece of machine has a BUILT-IN TV...even the rowing machines. At my old gym, TV's were hung from the ceiling, and you had to tune into that TV's frequency to hear it, and they were only viewable from the second floor. I pay much less per month, $20, and the sign-up was only $5!! I can do much more for my buck, and they've a large room for Zumba and the like, but it's the size of the room that got my attention. It could be a possible Kyuodan Dojo...a place to teach...hehehehe!! So, to the gym I go...once again. I'll ease into my usual routine so as to not aggravate my lower back. Current weight = 256lbs...70lbs lost...40lbs remain to lose by this October!!

I've thought about it, but there are a few things keeping me from doing that. First, I'm definitely not qualified as an instructor in our system which requires at least 3rd Dan. I feel comfortable teaching beginners, which is who I teach now, but I don't know if I'd be able to give the more advanced students what they need. Second, the space we use is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I work Thursday nights and will have to for the foreseeable future (I've asked my coworkers-- no one is able to switch nights with me) so I'm currently only even attending one night a week. Only one of the qualified instructors is able to teach on Thursdays, and he has other responsibilities that he's actually putting aside to teach. He's a manager at the Boys and Girls Club the program runs out of and is responsible for everything going on in the building while he's upstairs teaching karate. I think he's also a bit burned out on it. He works with those same kids all day at the club and they can be a handful. It's a tough spot. Yes, it is a tough spot. One that appears to have no saving grace; it's a sad thing. Is there a Sandan and above, that's close so that you could still teach, and the visiting Sandan and above could administrate the testing cycle?? Have you contacted your Hombu/Governing Body for feedback??

For example, with the thread of mine that you were referring to, a practitioner can more forward from, or remain, in Kokutsu dachi simply by tensing the rear leg outwardly, and in doing that, forward motion is expedited, while your foot is still anchored. It's just Body Shifting 101. *Don't raise and lower your hips unnecessarily; maintaining that straight/level line. *Shift weight smoothly. *Don't drag the feet...don't lift the feet high off the ground; balance as well as speed will be affected. *Maintain your balance and posture.

Your mixed feelings are quite understandable. The bad...your longtime Sensei is moving, and this puts the program in dire straits. However, the good...new training opportunities are just over the horizon. First off, you could, if available, continue running Mr. Smith's program. After all, you're a black belt...one of Mr. Smith's Yudansha's. If the Uechi dojo is to your liking, across the board, then your MA training can continue!! Good luck!!

Is Kiba dachi [Horse Stance] the same as Kokutsu dachi [back Stance]?? No! Of course they're not. If they were the same, they'd not have different names, for example. Laziness!? Taught improperly!? Thoughtlessness!? Time and time again I would see Yudansha, of varying levels, forget the critical importance of feet placement in the proper execution of Kokutsu dachi. More to the point, the front/leading foot!! The following diagrams, are noted with the leading left foot... | __ THIS, above, diagram, of the feet, is the exact prescribed methodology as to how ones feet must be placed at, for Kokutsu dachi, per Shindokan!! / __ / / THESE, above, diagrams, of the feet, are NOT the exact prescribed methodologies as to how the front/leading foot and/or the rear/trailing foot should be placed, per Shindokan!! Nonetheless, the latter diagrams, are what I see the most, unfortunately. An instructor can differ from the two stances, as far as the intent of the practitioner by the weight distribution, 30% in the front...70% in the rear, as necessary for an effective Kokutsu dachi. Up and down drills are what I do in order to observe proper foot placement, no matter the technique/stances/etc.. Boy oh boy can you see it, even in the most seasoned practitioners...drives me literally crazy. With ones feet out of its prescribed alignment, the practitioner suffers some of the following ailments: *Imbalance *Poor Body Shifting *Affected transitions *Poor Posture To name just a few apples, albeit, those very few are enough to upset the apple cart!! Some might ask, and many have asked..."What's the big deal...that's close enough...can't be exact all of the time!!" To that I say...do it correct or don't do it at all!! Besides, if you can't do it right, all of the time, then you're not doing it at all...if ever!! Drill out the mistakes; that's how mistakes are both avoided and corrected!!

OK...I just watched the first 3 episodes. The entertainment factor appears to be there, and in that, I can enjoy those aspects of the show. The MA factor is difficult for me to watch. I know...I know...Watch and enjoy the episodes without critiquing them so close...the characters are not in one of my testing cycles!! Man, it's so hard for me to do that!! My wife suggests that I should fast forward the fight scenes. That way, I can enjoy the entertainment factor of the show. She might be right

Solid posts, Mo and Kusotare; thank you!! I suppose that some of my thought process, outside of what my dad and brother have suggested, has something to do with my retail experience. Retail customers tend to shop where they know that that business will remain open for some time. If customers feel that that business might not be open for long, then they'll shop somewhere else. Why? One reason is that customers want to feel that consistency of comfort; no surprises looming over the horizon. I'm a student first, a MAist second, a teacher thirdly, and a retailer fourthly, and it's that retailer that, in this situation, I need to shake off. My age, through my knowledge and experiences, is what makes the differences to the Student Body. I've been teaching for quite a very long time, and that also shows on the floor!

Excellent points, each and every one of them!! I was just asking a question, because, as I said before, I've never been 60 years old before, and I'm just asking because the question just popped in my head, so I asked it. My mind just goes on its own meandering way, as of late, so I thank you both, The Pred and Matsu Shinshii!! Proof is on the floor...I've more than enough proof...and that's what 52 years being on the floor will provide...knowledge and experience!!

If anything it will be more impressive! Were people put off by the ages of your soke and dai-soke? No, they weren't; age wasn't ever considered. Great point!!

In any of my Kyuodan Dojo's, that's all I did do...TAUGHT!! There was no need for politics and the kind at all. Yes, as a dojo owner in affiliated with the SKKA as a networked dojo, I had to succumb to each and every SKKA rule and regulations and the like, even if I was the Kaicho. I kept Kyuodan separate to the Nth degree from the SKKA while I was the Kaicho; no impropriety whatsoever. I've not been away from the umbrella of a Governing Body until now! This takes a bit of getting use to. Soke refused to fly any Governing Body from Okinawa because he was his own man, and he didn't want their approval. "Who do they think that they are?? I didn't learn anything from them, I don't owe them anything, and I don't need them for anything!!" Our legitimacy in Shindokan comes from Soke and Dai-Soke, and then that authority is transferred to the Student Body through the SKKA. If that's not good enough, then proof is on the floor!! I know what it's like to be part of a Governing Body that's not recognized by the powers that be in Okinawa, and it's difficult to explain oneself to someone who's already made their mind up a long time ago. The floor provides my recognition. But the truth be told, I don't have to be recognized by anything and/or anyone, no matter who they think that they are. I've been in the room when Soke was disagreeing with some of the Governing Bodies from Okinawa...this is where I learned...I'm complete in my totality as a MAist without anyone!! My being my students Sensei is enough, it should be enough, it must be enough. If the SKKA umbrella is no longer for me and my students, then so be it. I don't need them because proof is on the floor, and I can provide plenty proof on the floor that's beyond contestation. Nonetheless, if I have to start a Governing Body to protect the Student Body across the board, then so be it. Even though, I'm done with Governing Bodies and the like because politics are evil!! Respect is earned...come to the floor...this is where respect is earned and lost!!

Solid post, Noah; you make great points!! Can the age of the CI affect potential Students?? I only ask this because, well, I've never been 60 years old before, and I will be this October.

They'd only be the CI if, for some reason(s), I wasn't on the floor anymore. But, if I'm on the floor, then no one else is the CI. So instead of a democracy (technocracy?) you'd rather have a dictatorship? Roflmho!! I deserved that!! No, no, no!! I definitely don't want to ever be a dictator and/or the appearance of being a dictatorship!! Me...Bob...me...teacher...me...dojo owner...me...just BOB!!