sensei8

Ok, let me rephrase it... You see people who seem like they're performing at a really high level. Seemingly at a level higher than everyone else. And they're doing it consistently. They're not the biggest, strongest, fastest, etc.; compared to the people they're competing against, they're usually average in physical aspects. Yet they're dominating. They look like an adult competing against kids. What is it? People I've been around who are at another level seem to see what's coming and react to it. Sometimes they see it coming before the person actually does it. Sparring with the lady I referenced above, it felt like she knew what I was going to do before I knew I was going to do it. To the bold type above... Knowledge and experience!! I see many things as if they're in slow motion. I'm capable of seeing things most differently, and in that, I can see it before it reveals itself, than I use to through the acquired knowledge and experience of 52 plus years in the MA.

Whenever we start to label our fellow MAists, in a good way or a bad way, we pass judgement, as though they've considered our opinions. I can look at a Painted Masterpiece, and see it totally different from the individual that's standing right next to me. Appreciation is in the eye of the beholder. Here's my thing, if I might. She's earned that Sandan!! Albeit, that she's some physicality that are prohibiting her from mobility/movement as the other Sandan's. Still, who's to say, and who's the right to say that she's, or anyone else for that fact, that she's/they're not elite?!? The term elite, to me, as it comes to MAists, puts that label smack right over their style patch, and brings unwanted pressure on the MAist. Whereas, the focus shouldn't be in the quest of searching to earn that unimportant label, which has its importance to some minuscule degree, but more importantly, the search for knowledge and experience instead. "You say that because you yourself don't warrant to be labeled an Elite MAist, so it's so easy to dodge it across the board!!" NO!! Why can't I be just a MAists, and nothing more?! Is Jordan an elite basketball player?? Is Babe Ruth an elite baseball player?? Is Troy Aikman an elite football player?? Is any professional athlete elite?? Opinion's vary!! I'm sure that there are quite many individuals that are the "elite" in their profession, but, to be honest, that's not for me to say, one way or another. Whenever we decide that this person is or isn't an elite whatever, then we place them on that pedestal, and once they're on that pedestal, they've got to meet someone's expectations constantly. Whenever that time passes, they'll reach a point in when someone's opinion will knock them right off that pedestal according to that observers opinion(s). When that elite in whatever, ages, are they still "elite"?? If not, why?? Because they're older and such?? After all, and if we're to use the word "elite", their knowledge and experience is much more "elite" than many others in same field. Was Funakoshi an elite MAist in his advanced age?? Was Ueshiba an elite MA is his advanced age?? Whom else can you think of that you're aware of that are of an advanced age, and they're still on the floor, or were on the floor up to their last days, and I ask the same thing...Was that individual an elite MAist?? Is an handicapped MAist elite?? Am I elite?? Am I a Master?? I don't know, but what I do know, is that I've the knowledge and experience, that many others in the MA don't have, and this is what I'm striving for...knowledge and experience, and I'm still learning...still learning...still learning!! Anything else, just isn't that important to me!!

There's really not much of a story to tell. The training with them all was expected and not expected, all at the same time. Strict protocol was upheld, and to each of the venues, required us to have a sponsor; we just couldn't just show up and ask to train. Each was a challenge across the board; drilled us as though we stole money from them, and yet, without any challenges, then why attend. However, nothing, in the regards of how the pace was provided, because we are use to being drilled by Soke and Dai-Soke as though we stole money from them. We trained!! At Ninomaya Sensei, we trained on Tai-Sabaki aspects, and much of it was similar to what we've been trained on in Shindokan. However, there was a very fresh newness to Enshin's outwardly methodologies and ideologies when it comes to Tai-Sabaki. We left his Hombu knowing that we had been introduced to new methods of Tai-Sabaki that Shindokan ignores. A new impression was upon us all. At Nakamura Sensei, both time, we trained in the ocean; which was new for us all. Even though we have the Santa Monica Beach of the Pacific Ocean in California, we've never trained in the ocean. First time, we worked on Kihon in the ocean, as well as Kumite in the ocean; interesting aspects can be found when the force of the ocean makes you bow to the oceans mighty forces. Second time, we worked on Bo drills in the ocean, and that, too, was interesting because one has to utilize ones core more often in the ocean than one does on dry land. Both time, inside his dojo, was a literal drill-a-thons with no rest, except for corrections. The rawness on the Kumite was what Greg and I aspired to mimic in our own training, however, we took our Kumite sessions to another level; barbaric, if I may. Both, Ninomaya Sensei and Nakamura Sensei were the consummate professionals on and off the floor; expert hosts. Both of their Hombu's were beautiful across the board!! Quite spaciously, and I saw discipline not taken lightly when one of their Dan students would not treat us with respect. Just because we were not of their respective towards us, on and/or off the floor. For the most, we were treated as valued guests for the most part, but all of the time by Ninomaya Sensei and Nakamura Sensei. Those these were many years ago, it was very much appreciated of them both to open, both their hearts and dojo's to us, especially in times when the welcome mats were not happily offered. I was star struck with them both, as well as their Hombu's, as well as their students, as well as themselves.

I looked on the KNX Boston webpage, and in the comments section someone asked if they can attend without hotel fees. Jesse told that person to email him or PM him via Facebook. Maybe you can too? http://www.karatebyjesse.com/knx2017/ Why not just answer the question directly, and not via an email or a PM?? Other prospective attendees might want to know the very same thing.

I think that pretty everything that we're part of, whether it be sports, business, and what-have-you, has a way of it to beget those second families. We're at home or we're at work or we're involved in what-have-you, in which we're more with one or the other more often than we care to be. I spent time at home, yet, I spent, at times, more at the dojo or at the baseball field or what-have-you. Whatever struck me, that's where I'd be, and at times, I was drawn to the people than the event. During my baseball days, those I played with or against, were my second family; there's no where on the face of earth that I'd rather be, than there, with them by just enjoying the nearness of them all. The smells, the sounds, the familiarity, and so on and so forth. At the dojo, there was the smells, the sounds, the familiarity of it all, and so on and so forth. My fellow MAists who endured the very same things I endured as far as the tangible things within the dojo. Things within the dojo drew me to it for a countless sense of security. The dojo welcomed me, and I welcomed it, as well.

What would you like to know?? There's really not much to tell, imho. I've trained with two living legends, in Enshin's Ninomiya, once, and Seido's Nakamura...twice.

Congrats on your daughter earning her second stripe!! She's on her way on her MA journey!!

Nope!! I've never been to one, and I don't ever plan to!!

Whether they be close or distant in relationship, family they are, nonetheless. Both valued...both important. Neither is more important than the other, even though, immediate families, such as my wife and our children, are my most important family. The MA begets others to become a family; the camaraderie, at times, can't be denied, nor can it be rushed. As in anything, time reveals everything, and as in anything of value, it must be nourished before it can take roots. I've my immediate family! I've my distant and close family! I've my second family! Fellow MAists are my second family, and without them, I'm nothing, yet with them, I'm everything in and out of the MA. As in any family, there is still the hierarchy within it, and where one sits, imho, doesn't matter much because the fact that that family exists, is what's important to me.

Proof is on the floor!! Oftentimes, it takes only mere seconds for the floor to reveal both the ability and/or quality of any given MA. Therefore, I only have to consider the floor, at all times. The floor reveals all things, whether it's good or bad! And in that, the floor is the most biased at revealing that which is of ability and/or quality. The floor has no friends, at the same time, it has no enemies; just honest evaluation. The eye of the beholder!! That's a limited opinion!! For varied reasons within the scope of ascertaining anything of the MA doesn't require that the observer be of a high Dan rank as to it, whatever it is, ability and/or quality. If, while observing a MA demonstration, one doesn't have to be concerned with being in concert in other MAist for that which is being observed as it being of ability and/or quality. Different view points are our given rights, and this needs to be respected. Flashy moves within the MA are just that....MOVEMENTS, nonetheless! These said movements of a wide variety stimulate many things from an observer. Without intent, said observer has its emotions thrust into an emotional battle, whether it be good or bad. Entertainment aspects, as well as effectiveness aspects, are within the eye of the beholder. Under what guise am I observing?? Entertainment or effectiveness?? I choose, therefore, it is of my choice, either way. Albeit, the MAist that's within me, will, from time to time, observes as that strict MA teacher; picking it to death at my own discretion. There are those positive feelings felt whilst taking in that which is being observed: Love Appreciation Happiness Hope Enthusiasm Vitality Confidence Gratitude Patient Trust Vulnerable Optimistic Appreciation Joyful Fascinated And with anything positive, there is always the negative side. Such as: Anger Guilt Depression Pride Jealousy Self-pity Anxiety Resentment Envy Frustration Shame Denial Offended Negative Regret Resentful Sad Worried Grief Who's to say either of these emotional contents are wrong or right, at that very moment?? No, just give me the floor anytime!!

I agree, that's really upsetting, You can immigrate to Australia then , here we have one of the best Medicare / Health system models I have ever seen ! I am so happy to hear that you are doing well with your exercising & HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LINDA I hope you got her a nice present, otherwise you will end up on the couch anyway Thanks, Safroot!! I'd love to live in Australia; beautiful country!! To avoid the couch, I took Linda to Red Robin for dinner; it's a gourmet hamburger restaurant chain...got her a $100 Amazon Gift Card...Roses...a birthday card...a Star Wars cake [she's a die-hard fan]!! Nathan, our son, got her a nice birthday card and a very cool Wonder Woman coffee cup [she's also a die-hard fan]. Our daughter, Krystal, sent a nice birthday card [she's a University Student, with very little extra money] from Oklahoma, and I was surprised that the card arrived ON Linda's birthday...US Post Office still surprises me, to this day. All in all, Linda had a nice birthday. Good news...I avoided the couch!!

I've never blocked a day/night in my life...never!! We're taught to receive the attack or to deflect the attack; an actual block would be alien to me/us.

I just need to learn that things like this are for ENTERTAINMENT, and not to be taken so serious....and I need to learn this as soon as I can. I still hate myself for being the way I am when it comes to shows/movies with a MA plot. Come on, Bob, get your head out of the clouds, and enjoy the entertainment aspect....gee whiz!!

LAST DAY OF THIS WEEK: Sunday, April 2, 2017...[i took one day off of training at the gym because it was my wife's, Linda, birthday. Put things before my wife's birthday, well, my couch isn't the most comfortable piece of furniture to sleep on.] Overall averages after 6 days at the gym: StairMaster *1hr 22 min *246 floors *1,006 calorie burn *Avg HR 137 *Levels 7-10 with a 2 minute cool down every 20 minutes *note: I DID burn 1,000 calorie's plus, each day of the week* Treadmill *32 minutes *236 calorie burn *Avg HR 103 *Inclines from 1-15; at machines discretion per the Forest Walk program. Incline #8 for 6 minutes...then #15 for 6 minutes...then back to #8 for 6 minutes] *5.1 Laps Rowing Machine *22 minutes *225 calorie burn *Level 10 Battle Ropes/Pull Down Ropes *14 different exercises [battle Ropes], 3 sets *2 different exercises [Pull Down Ropes], 3 sets *?? Calorie Burn [i've got to figure out the calorie burn] Free Weights 1 hour. Each exercise will be 3 sets, with nominal weight; reps over weight. The one thing I want to emphasis is that I'm not trying to build up much more muscles because muscles equal more weight. Can't, and don't want to only do cardio; there has to be a balance. Swimming *Each Saturday I'll do 12 laps; each length is 30 yards for a lap total of 60 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. I'll weigh myself next Sunday, then once again at the end of April Had to cancel my appointment with my Primary Care Provider/PCP (General Doctor] for April 4th because of insurance difficulties that have not been worked out, as of yet. This is upsetting because it's, for now, left me without my Cardiologist and my PCP, and might not be until May. Money before care!! Yes, I know that that's not fair of me to say because doctors and the like deserve to be paid for services rendered. With the available network for them both, they need to work a bit harder, as they said they would, to find me either a sponsor, like the PAL program, or the like, so that I can have the care that I'm needing.

I believe that they're here to stay, and that they're not a gimmick. Yes, I do train with them because of their resistance properties. A great isometric tool, and great when training all alone. Greg, our past Kancho, loathed them to no end. He never understood their usage, and he was a die hard practitioner of Hojo Undo, and had no interest with "modern technology" at all. If it'll help me, I will give it a try, and if I decide it will help me, I will utilize it!!

You might be able to waterproof your bag with a waterproof solvent sold at hardware stores. One of my senior students has applied RainX solvent that he bought at a auto part store, and he's tickled pink. Either wrap a huge thick plastic around it...or...take it inside whereas the rain won't harm it.

Nukite can be delivered both vertical or horizontal [palm down/palm up]. As MatsuShinaii momentarily mentioned the following... In Shindokan, we, more than otherwise, utilize the Nukite as more of a check than as a strike. Our Soke didn't see the Nukite as a striking implement but more of an otherwise means of utilization. We check receive within our brand of Tuite, and we never use the nukite as a strike to our opponent because we believe it's a weak tool. We'd not poke an eye, we'd rather smash the eye...we'd not poke soft tissue, we'd rather smash the soft tissue. It's our methodology!! However, as Wastelander momentarily mentioned the following... We do, utilize the thumb to soft tissue because it's our bread and butter within our brand of Kyusho Jitsu, and this, to us, is an acceptable poke/thrust, that can't usually be denied by our attacker.

I wholeheartedly concur with everything that JR has said!! I've had the honor of training with many Enshin practitioners for a long time, and an even more honor of training with Nakamura and his son!!

Congrats on earning your Orange belt; well deserved!! I'm in my 52 year in Shindokan Saitou-ryu, and I too, have those days, even as a Kudan/Hachidan/Hanshi under my belt. Why? We're human beings and human beings are the farthest thing from being perfect. Some days, I can't find the door. Sometimes, I've two left feet. Sometimes, I'm all thumbs. Sometimes, I question myself. It took me just over 6 years to earn my JBB. Why? Because I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I almost quite my first 3 months of training, but, here I am, 52 years later. Doubt can rear up its ugly head at the most impromptu times; whether one expects it or not. And when it does rear up its ugly head, it's how one deals with it, makes all the world of difference. Get away from the training once in a while by taking in a movie or something; anything away from the floor. Recharge the batteries, so to speak...to put fresh eyes on it!! Don't train when overly tired, and don't train when one's mind isn't 100%...bad habits appear. Bad habits cloud the senses of clarity!! Someone, more knowledgeable than myself, once said... 7 Times down, 8 Times up!!

When it's appropriate, and not any time sooner. There's no set time...there's no set age!! Each individual, in their own time, to their own talents!! As a parent, that's your given right to change schools anytime, and in that, the parent doesn't need to offer reasons to anyone. Out of the mouth of babes, and this is to include babes of the MA...allow time to do what it's the best at...TIME!! Just as in adults, each one learns at their own pace, none sooner or later than the other, but just at the right and exact moment that they're suppose to learn. Allow time to take time, and when the time is right, that AHA moment(s) will happen, when it's appropriate, and not before.

100%...for both!! How so?? Cooperation is a must need for the entire student body. Without cooperation, what can one accomplish on the floor?? Learning requires cooperation across the board; not one way is better than the other, nor can one survive without the other, nor can one learn without cooperation from both sides of any equation. Competitive nature fuels the cooperation is such a way, that life is breathed into the activity at the dojo at any given time. Positive competition is a must need because it feeds the learning curve. Both has its give and take to them, but how they're approached, is everything in the MA. Again, both!! One can't be without the other; they're quite dependent of each other. When I'm on the floor teaching, I demand cooperation from the student body, and in that, that includes myself, as well. Don't believe anything I teach without first...testing it..., and that requires a diligence on both parties. Yes, the floor decides EVERYTHING, with or without cooperation, hence, my students and I might as well cooperate with one another, the sooner, the better!! Once on the floor, education in the seek of knowledge trumps everything. As a MAist, I must compete with my fellow MAist, how am I too learn how to Kumite, for one, unless I compete with A MAist on any given floor in a safe atmosphere, how can I learn the nuances of Kumite. Competition, of any degree, doesn't belong on the floor. Why? Competition on the floor begets evils that aren't tolerated. Jealousy, and the like, are birthed through being competitive on the floor, UNLESS, that competition is required, and requested by the CI for learning purposes alone. It can be a fine line, either way!! If the CI is in total control of the student body, then violence won't exist!! I run the entire dojo operation, on and off the floor; I set the tone, at all times. Tempers will flare, but that flare, won't turn into a uncontrolled brush fire because I control everything in my dojo, as well as in the Hombu. Violence is allowed because the CI isn't in control of squat in their dojo!! However, seeing that the CI sets the tone, any violence has been uprooted because the CI allows it to occur. Violence begets violence!!

That was a pretty good April Fool's Day joke; worthy of being one of the best we've seen here at KF. Had I seen Patrick's Dojo outside of KF, I would've just 86'd it accordingly, and went on with my life. The sad thing about the whole thing is that things similar to Patrick's Dojo really and truly exist all around the world. In that, many unsuspecting consumers believe things like this, and in that, they not only waste money, but time, as well. Both can never be replaced!! Still, this is a April Fools Day joke, and in that, I got a real kick out of it; laughed my head off...visualization was all over the place for me!!

Great replies, everyone!! Thank you, everyone. Let the discussion continue!! While the CI/Instructor/Etc., only interacts with the student body sparsely each week, the influences felt by the student might be more than one can imagine. Many students around the world don't have any parent(s) to mold them into being that responsible human being. Take me, for example. My mom and dad divorced before I entered kindergarten. While my mom tried to fill in the role of mom and dad, it still left the "dad" upbringing portion lacking. It's not mom's fault, after all, she's the mom, and not the dad!! Enter Yosinobu Takahashi...aka...Dai-Soke...my Sensei for nearly 50 years. He became, to me, my surrogate dad. Indirectly at first, and in time, directly!! He, imho, molded me to be the man that I am today. I had uncles and grandfathers, and they were all very active in helping my mom raise us three over the many years. Still, that void was wrenching for me then, and still is today. My uncles and grandfathers, on both sides of the family, did instill in me that morality fiber, and I owe them everything. Nonetheless, and to me honest, I spent much more time at the dojo with Dai-Soke than any other man in the world. If I wasn't at school or at home, I was at the dojo/Hombu either training and/or attending to dojo chores and/or whatever was asked of me by my seniors, especially when it came to Soke and Dai-Soke. Dai-Soke taught me more that Shindokan. He took upon himself to be my surrogate father, and in a way, he was an excellent candidate for being a part of the Big Brother organization. He was in my life, both in and out of the dojo, with mom's approval. No, Soke didn't approve of it, not even a little bit because it violated one of the biggest instructor maxims. However, Soke didn't interfere outwardly, but Dai-Soke, many years later, once I was an adult, spoke to me about the battles Soke and he would have over this very situation, and quite often. However, to be that surrogate dad for me, was left up to Dai-Soke, and not Soke. Shared, I can concur with this wholeheartedly. For sole to apply, Dai-Soke would have to marry my mom AND adopt me, imho. I took the shared responsibility any chance I could because I was starving for that father figure in my life so desperately. My dad and I have a great relationship. Albeit, we were estranged from one another from time to time for whatever the reason(s) might've been at those moments, especially during my very early adulthood days. I hated dad for walking out on mom, and for him not being there for us three when we were under 18 years of age. I was bitter towards him. Sure, we three spent time with him during the summer, but I always thought that he was doing it to appease mom, and not us. Where was my dad during the winter, spring, and fall?? Who knows, but it wasn't with us!! Dad's morality content came much later in my life, but it was sincere, and thoughtful, and helpful, and most of all, loving. Dad's morality context came from his dad, my grandfather, and it was easy to see. Grandpa Mitcham was the one where I learned... "Say what you mean, and mean what you say, always!!" He loathed thieves and liars, and I must say, his ways were harsh, but they were honest. He'd give to strangers as though they were family; he was very old fashioned across the board, and there was no misgivings. So, I suppose when it comes to my dads morality teachings towards us three, it's better late, than never!! Dai-Soke is my surrogate dad, and he raised me both in and out of the dojo!!

Outside of Shindokan, I do favor two Kata's, each have helped me during my weekend warrior days. They are... Unsu Wankan Both from Shotokan. Wankan is the shortest Shotokan Dan kata, but contains a treasure trove of applications. Unsu, is of course, longer than Wankan, but it's akin to a tornado inside of a volcano; transition movements are all over the place, but the resolve of the kata is undeniable...and its applications, well, I've not ran out of effective Oyo Bunkai yet.

It's just a thing, karate in the Olympics, no big deal one way or another. This being said, I do not foresee the SKKA or the Hombu becoming affected by this because Shindokan isn't a sport based karate. Nope, not in one iota!! Business as usual, and in that, there's no reason for us to adopt anything relating to the IOC because it'll be the furthest thing from our minds. I'll be 60 years old this October, and in that, my "tournament" days are far behind me, alas, I'll not be training in those regards!! I'll save that for those much younger than I.