sensei8

Private lessons have been around as far as I can remember. When I started training back in 1964, our Hombu offered private lessons, and in fact, our Hombu still offers private lesson. In my own dojo's, I've offered private lessons ever since I opened its doors. I'd say that privates lessons are a normal staple at a MA school. Just as in anything, some class structures, like private lessons, are much more suitable for some, but not suitable for others. Some want the privacy, while others crave the group setting. Oftentimes, the venue is the benefit!! Students of the MA have desires, as any individual, and these desires must be meet, and if these desires aren't meet by the school, then, they'll search for a school that will cater to their wants and needs. Benefits fit like a shoe! Either it's a comfortable fit or it's not!! There are as many benefits for and against private lessons, just like there are many styles and types of shoes to try on. Therefore, I will say that, and for the most, a private lesson is a one on one environment, with an occasional 2 on one. In a private lesson, the student has the CI's undivided attention across the board. That can be invaluable beyond what one could ever hope for or dream for!! Private lessons, are crucial if a student is seeking that much needed privacy. A well known celebrity who seeks that much important anonymity for what ever those reason(s) might be, would greatly benefit from private lessons. Hard to train when everyone's constantly gawking at them; tends to make the learning experience much more unpleasant. Do you need private lessons if you're going to or wanting to compete? No!! I do think that private lessons in this case would be more of a hindrance than a benefit because the more students you can Kumite with, the better. Variety is vital to train competitively!! Is it worth the costs? That answer can only be answered by the individual. Cost are higher than group lessons, but that's understandable because a student gets the CI all by him/herself. That undivided attention from the CI costs!! Think about it this way...1 student for an hour, three days a week at $300 per month = $300 VS 20 students for an hour, three days a week at $100 per month = $2,000, and a CI would need about 7 students for private lessons to equal what 20 students bring; it has the P&L screaming for attention. Most MA schools don't have a flip flop ratio where there are more private lessons than there are group lessons. Prices can deter most students, and those prices do play a major factor in a students decision. I've had many student actually think that if they took private lessons over group lessons, that they'd earn Shodan much faster. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Ranks are earned, not given. Promotions depend highly on the student as to how fast, or slow, a student receives. No, private lessons do not speed up the rank earning capabilities. No, you weren't asking this, I've just dealt with this very same question in 8 out of 10 interviews with prospective students over these many, many years.

Welcome to KF, Mandarin; glad that you're here!!

This is TERRIBLE!! This is one of the reasons why we have a No Vote of Confidence. Just ONE vote is enough to table a vote in the hopes of removing said board member!! I'm speaking about the member that was rude and demanding and dictating; I would've done the NVC so fast that heads would spin. Imho, NO GOVERNING BODY should dictate ANYTHING at a dojo that's not theirs!! That, for me, is enough to separate myself from the terror that lays before me!! Our SKKA/Hombu has NO AUTHORITY of any shape, way, and/or form over any dojo within the SKKA network...NONE!! I do as I please in MY DOJO, whether they like it or not!! And because our By-Laws were specifically written the way they were, NO VOTES ARE ALLOWED TO AMEND THAT RULE...NONE!! I don't even have to allow someone from the SKKA/Hombu in my dojo if I don't want to, and there's not a thing that they can do, except whine about it to a deafened ear. The SKKA can't just pull the Shindokan Shield off my door/window/etc. just because. The reasons are few, and there has to be a unanimous vote; this is one of the most difficult votes to pass, almost unheard of!! The Governing Body better know their role, and they better know it better than the Student Body, but the Governing Body IS NOT AN ELECTED KING; there are unquestionable By-Laws, backed up by the scrolls and the like, plus one heck of a Legal Team!! You're not a McDojo UNLESS you want to be one!! They threaten you by pulling your seal off your dojo, and the like, LET THEM!! I'd not succumb to threats and/or orders that involve my dojo because that's MINE, AND MINE ALONE!! Besides, I don't need the SKKA/Hombu because I'm complete in my totality across the board; can't strip that which they don't control...not now...not ever!!

Exactly what our Legal Team was wondering!!

That's fine!! Sometimes CI's have some serious personal issues that affect the Student Body, or the few, or the one, it does happen...I've seen it with my own eyes. I agree, not everyone is cut out for the MA, and then, and still, the decision to leave the MA is up to the student, imho, and not me. I'll never give up on my students; that's not within me!! "The needs of the few, or the one, out weigh the needs of the many" ~Spock of Star Trek

All students sign a waiver before they're allowed on the floor because my insurance requires it; risks are always at a MA school, no matter what steps are taking to minimize them. Now, if a student tells me of a medical/physical issue, then I'll refer make to my insurance company. If the insurance company insists on it, a doctors approval, than I'll require it as well. One thing I learned was, DO NOT NOT EVER FOLLOW A DOCTORS INSTRUCTIONS!! Fastest way to close your doors, and more importantly, the fastest way to seriously injure a student. Once I've the doctors approval, and the insurances thumbs up, it's up to me from there. That's one of the reasons, while it's a small reason, I don't use contracts. If I've a uneasy feeling in my gut, no, that student will not be allowed to train. Protect the student...protect the dojo!!

Yes, I/we allow new students to spar their first session; it's a norm. I would've let him be because sparring is intimidating enough for a beginner, and even more so when it's your first time and you're 13 years old. I would've let him just cry, he's not really bothering anything, and I would've allowed him to sit with his parent(s). I would've pulled him and his parents in my office for a comforting conversation. Letting them know how proud I was of him, and that he choice to spar, even though he didn't have to. Explaining to them that contact is very possible, no matter how much safety we've on the floor; things happen. Expect to be hit while sparring!! Answer all of their questions, and address all of their concerns truthful. After that, there's not much more I can do. I'd also have one of my instructors and/or myself shadow him for the time being to ease his anxieties, which will be there, even more so!! My job is to teach as well as to ensure that the Student Body is protected at all times!!

Thanks Mo and Brian; means everything to me!!

Great topic, Danielle; thanks for starting it. Both!! At the Hombu...Both, even though there's more traditional methods for obvious reasons...Soke and Dai-Soke; both born and raised and trained in the MA from yesteryear in Okinawa. At my dojo's...Both, and even mixture due to the fact that one way is never enough, and too much clouds up the knowledge/experience base. My brother is a Master Mechanic in and out of ASE certifications; he's been a mechanic for almost as long as I've been training in the MA. By default, he owns more tools and gadgets than anyone mechanic could ever hope for, or needs. He buys the newest tool just as soon as it comes out, whether he needs it or not...he'd rather have the tool than not have it because you just never know when you'll need it, and when you do need it, you'll be so glad that you do have it. I'm the same way with my MA training, whether its a MA gadget or a weapon or what have you, I'll buy it for the same reason as my brother. I'm one of the few that have a 500lb AND a 1,000lb handing bag. Why? Why not?! Whatever the gadget and/or the weapon, and if I really find it beneficial, I'll get several for the dojo; I'll buy one, work it out, and then decide if it's beneficial. At home...Both, again, yet it's at the smallest intent due to two things...my wife said so and space. In my space, I've the traditional as well as the modern because there's always another way to skin a cat.

Always feels good to be back in the dojo; a feeling of being renewed, and with a purpose. I join everyone here to say...welcome back to the dojo!! Train hard, and train well!!

You train in it because that's the methodology, as well as, the ideology of the style. It's better to train in it, than to have not ever trained in it!! Pose your question to your CI for a more clearer explanation per the style. Movements, at times, are trained in the manner that they are because a student has to learn how to properly execute said technique(s) as to the mechanical aspects of it. Techniques seems stiff, however, over time, that robot like movements are replaced into a more smooth and effective technique(s). Can't rush the outcome; allow it to mature.

Learning the Kihon [basics] as a beginner that blocks are just that, however, a block isn't always a block in Kata, whereas in Kumite, a block might just be that. As time goes by, you'll learn, style dependent, as well that a block isn't a block at all, but it's a deflector, and oftentimes, it receives the attack, like a wide receiver would do during a football game.

Solid post!! Interesting how you choose the word "Cult"...very interesting!! I personally have never thought of the MA as a possible cult, albeit, it very well could be, as I might've had my head in the sand, refusing to think of the MA as a cult. The MA, depending on the individual, can be construed as a cult...aka...a group. Is it positive or is it not? Outsiders can only assume from afar, whereas an insider is in the thick of it!! Some of those insiders, at first don't imagine that they're in a cult, whether it be good or bad. However, as time rolls on by, those same insiders start, for whatever reason(s), to realize that they're in a cult. In my 52 years in the MA, I've never thought of my MA journey as it being a cult. A group? Yes!! To me the word cult has negative overtones that I don't want in my life. Whereas the word group has positive overtones that I do want in my life. I don't view Shindokan Saitou-ryu as a cult; not even close, as I understand the word cult to be. The cult of Shindokan?!? Makes me shiver in its overall content as I imagine that possibility, as I ask myself...however, I refuse, of my own accord, to embrace that possibility because of my believe in the negative overtones of that word...CULT!! The cult of Shindokan!! Having those two exclamation points at the end of that statement causes me to run away from it because I fear that word...cult!! All of my years in Shindokan, I've considered my being that positive proponent of Shindokan, but only as a infinite cog of the Shindokan wheel. Shindokan as a cult...NO!! Shindokan as a group...YES!! Group...Cult...are they one in the same?? I suppose that it's how ones been raised in and out of the MA.

Interesting topic, thanks for starting it Spartacus Maximus!! This topic, as well as its countless discussions over the eons of time, is without a definitive answer because practitioners are as varied in their answers as the mighty rushing wind. Opinions are what the MA thrives for because without opinions, practitioners of the MA are akin to a robot; without thought and/or reasoning. Often times, the creation of the ranking system, is nothing more then the bane of existence with a CI. Rank achieved is rank earned, and never expected. Or at least that's how it should be. Rank is coveted, however, the higher the rank, the more rank is coveted, as though rank is all that the MA is good for. Any MAist that's been on the floor for some time, know how the ranking system came about, but as I learned a long time ago, change isn't always good, however, it's inevitable, and that's because man seeks acceptance over knowledge. I long for the day when rank is put into its place. Not as the most sought after prize, but as some sort of signal, and/or mark, of ones knowledge/experience!! I fear that that will never happen in my life, or therefore after either. Be careful with what it is that you create Mr. Kano; it might bite you back in the long run!! That which can't be controlled is that which just might run you over; just like an out of control freight train. Rolling forward so fast, and so dangerous, as its brakes, in the hopes of slowing it down, fail because the initial intent has been contaminated. Anything is possible; nothings without hope!! The ranking system is so much ingrained in the MA world, or the world, as well as in Man, that for the ranking system to not exist, might be quite shock to ones senses, in which, that type of reality might not sit so well with the masses. To minimize the ranking system might have the very same affect, however, imho, the minimizing of the ranking system is more doable than wiping it off the MA landscape. The horror, or the beauty, depending on whom one asks, is that is controlled, for the most part, by the Governing Body. Sure, competitive events of the MA, like the Olympics can have their requirements for whatever the reason(s) might or might not be. Therefore, to cast away the ranking system entirely would cause competitive events some troubles some how and some way. Nonetheless, the WKF is that model of striping away rank on an outside identifier, in which, Red and Blue belts are the only belt colors, as if to say that Red is competitor 'A'/'1' and Blue is competitor 'B'/'2'. No! No one needs them[belts/Ranking]! Is it an acceptable method for the CI as well as its instructors to quickly, at a glance, know something about that student. Of course, CI's should know, and will know, a students knowledge/experience within mere minutes, if not seconds, once said student is on the floor. The only thing absolute about the MA is that a practitioners journey has a start and an end; anything else is uncertain. Dojo's might have more leniency than Governing Bodies in this regard, however, both are not without their pitfalls. Pride, in both, comes before the fall, or better said, pride is the root of all evil. Ego is the fuel that feeds that pride. There's a saying, that goes something like this...if one wants tomatoes, one will have to go to a tomato vendor, and not to the carpenter!! Whatever the school or the Governing Body decrees, that is what will be...period!! Rules of either aren't up for debates and/or discussions by its Student Body. You want to learn this style of the MA, then one must do what that CI, and/or Governing Body demands. If not, which is ones right, walk away from it as fast as ones feet can carry them away! Impressions can be everything or nothing at all...at the same time. I don't need anything but the student!! I don't need a gi!! I don't need a belt!! I don't patches!! I don't need rank!! I just need a student, and a place to teach, whether it be inside or outside!! That's been discussed over the eons between MA all over the world, and for myself, I yearn for that day to be a widely acceptable practice, without reservation, whatsoever!! As mentioned already in this topic, for children, the myriad of belts might be more acceptable across the board; anything that helps to motivate said child, and of course, that child would need a CI that can teach the positiveness of the rank system. Albeit, I believe that a child would do fine with a three belt system. That again depends on the CI and how the three rank system is presented. I'm of the mindset that says that rank, as a marketing tool, is destructive. How? One will hate one Master, while loving the other Master; knowledge is the only Master that a student should seek!! Is rank the Master of that student, or is knowledge the Master of that student?? Either way, then why?? As long as students of the MA accept the status quo of the belt ranking system obediently without ambiguity, and we students do have a choice, then any future positive changes that looms just over the distant horizon shall be just that...out of reach.

Kumite takes some getting use to, and seeing that Kumite is part of the three K's [Kihon/Kata/Kumite], one will have to get use to them all because they're an intricate part of Karate-do; sooner one gets use to them, the better off that practitioner will be.

Iwao has respectfully declined my "unreasonable" stipulations, as he's also added that "You'll hear from my Lawyers very soon!!", and in that I say... Bring them on; I don't sweat the small things...never have...never will!! Our Legal Team has assured us all that Iwao's threats are "vain, as well as without substance!!" One day, the drama of this magnitude will cease so that we can do what we all came here for, and that is...train wholeheartedly in Shindokan!! I felt like your expectations were very reasonable, considering whom you were trying to protect from any potential issues down the track. I hope nothing happens out of that threat of legal action! Thanks, Liam for your kind words!! As far as the threat of legal action against us/me, I'm of the side of caution, even though our Legal Team isn't worried in the slightest. Should something come from his idle threats, our Legal Team is more than prepared to defend us/me; our Legal Team is very meticulous in all aspects of record keeping, as is our Executive Secretary.

That's great news, twistkick kid, absolutely fantastic to hear. Ease into a regular routine, but only in time; wouldn't want to acerbate the injury. As far as the pins go...I feel I must refer you back to your doctor because his counsel is above anyone else.

Is it possible, and I'm only guessing, that the gi was made with pre-shrunk material, if there's such a thing?!? If so, then that might be why your gi hasn't shrunk.

To the gym I go...to the gym I go...hi ho a merry oh...to the gym I go...and then I went... Cardio 270lbs...got to break this mark..come on 260'slbs!! Journey started my weight was 326lbs. StairMaster: 35 minutes...105 floors...450 calorie burn...Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7!! In the beginning, 20 minutes on Level 1. Surely and slowly, my Level increased from 1, then to 2, then to 3, then to 4...Level 4 is where I stayed at until my Cardiac Inversion on January 30, 2017, then I quickly went up to a mixture of Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7; with each workout, I'd drop Levels 4, then 5, to a steady back and forth in that 35 minutes of Levels 6 and 7. TreadMill: 25 minutes...Forest Walk Program...205 calorie burn. Ever since October 4, 2016, I maintained a 20 minute workout, with the Forest Walk Program. Since the January 30, 2017, I've extended my workout to be 25 minutes...soon, I'll increase the time up to 30 minutes. Rowing Machine: 25 minutes...270 calorie burn. I first started with 10 minutes, and that was a workout, then to 20 minutes at only 200 calorie burn. Ever since January 30, 2017, I've been averaging a 270 calorie burn in a 25 minute span. That's a 70 calorie burn in 5 minutes, whereas, before, I'd only get a calorie burn of 10 per minute. Calorie burn daily average...925. When this first started, I'd average a calorie burn of 520, then, slowly but surely, I maintained a average calorie burn of 600...then after January 30, 2017, I average a 925 calorie burn I've no idea just how much I burn with those listed below...not a clue!! What I've also added to my Cardio is the Battle Ropes and Rope Pull. Battle Ropes: 10 distinctive different exercises...3 reps of each for 20 seconds each just as fast as I can. Then 3 sets of Rope Pull pulling down in two different directions for 20 seconds each, as fast as I can. Every other day... Free weights: 2 hours Once per week... Swimming: Lap Pool...50 yard length...10 up and down laps. Every Saturday. I believe that if I could add more to each thing I do, as I've slowly done ever since my Cardiac Inversion, I should stay on track with my October 4, 2017 weight loss goal of 216-220lbs. Think of this...at 270bs...I need to still drop 50lbs...and since this journey began, I've lost 56 pounds...4 months...14lbs per month...just a tad over 3.50lbs per week!!

Well, well, well...what a meeting can accomplish!! Well done!! As to the bold type above... It's a nice sentiment, and I hope that this is true, however, as long as one possess a position of assumed authority, and from what your duties are, you've authentic authority within the scope of your position. Politics will rear its ugly head more often than you might want and/or desire; it comes with the territory!! As far as a website, it's yours' decision. I don't believe that it's necessary, but that's just me. Will having a website for your Governing Body make your style more credible...or does your CI/Instructors make your style more credible??!!??

I would very much appreciate any and all help from you Sensei8. As issues come up I will post them to get your feed back. The only issue we have right now is the name and branding. If Shinshii names a successor this issue is a mute point. However neither myself or Kosei want to step into this role at this point in our journey. I have turned it down once before and truthfully my mindset has not changed on the matter. Having said this I personally think that by changing the name we avoid any confusion with our old association and any legal recourse they would levy against us even if they have nothing to stand on. To me the change is minor and in keeping with the intent of our lineage. It certainly drives the point of old school home. The original name was Matsumura Shorin Ryu. Pretty common except some utilize the Seito or Kempo with in the name. It was changed to Matsumura Suide (Shuri-Te). We are tossing around Matsumura Suide To-Di Jutsu and Matsumura Shuri-Te Karate Jutsu. I personally have always preferred the Uchina Guchi (Hogan) pronunciation rather than the Japanese pronunciation. As far as the branding I will leave that up to our lawyer and whether Shinshii feels like getting involved from a legal perspective since the design is his and unique to his schools. I will ask if there is a way to make sure that a board of equally powered individuals can be made permanent in Bylaws so that no one person can call the shots. We thought our previous bylaws covered these issues sufficiently but as I found out they did not. I guess I'm asking how you build in a prevention so that, say a Soke, can not be elected by the board. Myself, Kosei and the 4 other instructors I mentioned all have agreed that there was one Shinshii (in this context I am using the term Shinshii as an honorary role denoting founder/leader/ family head. All teachers are refered to as Shinshii just like Sensei. Shinshii just never liked other titles or accolades so we all used this term to mean more than just teacher when refering to him) and none of us want to be in that role. For one thing none of us feel worthy of that role not to mention that none of us have the grade or teaching license consistent with this position. We all understand that once awarded/granted this position an automatic grade of Kudan and license of Hanshi would follow but to be honest we all feel this would be little more than a paper tiger (meaningless if not earned). The only really good thing that has come out of this is Shinshii agreed to grade us to Hachidan when he feels we are ready and we feel ready. He is also going to award Kosei with the Hanshi teaching license which gives him the ability to grade higher than two grades below his. From a training and grading stand point I feel we have all that we need to succeed. From a protective/political/operations stand point we are lacking as neither of us have done anything except follow the bylaws and rules set in place by Shinshii. We know there are loop holes but just don't know how to fix them. I am sure that our legal council will cover most but as you said if you have not ran across something before you may not know what to look for. One thing we have discussed and are going to administer is the appointing of our legal counsel to the board as an honorary member without voting rights. This way he gets all issues first hand and can advise us how to navigate the issues in keeping with the intent of our bylaws. The mistake we all made was there was a few with good intentions that voted against the intent of our bylaws thus inadvertently changing the bylaws by precedent. I'm sure I sound like I know what I'm talking about but I assure you I am merely parroting what we have been told by legal counsel. One more issue I fear is the fact that now more than half of the student body has told us that they will be leaving our old association and following/joining us. This in itself worries me as this will, if nothing else, anger our previous association and possibly bring us into a legal battle even if there is no way for them to win. My fear is all of the money going into this at this point is mine and Kosei's. We definitely do not have the money or the time to fight a legal battle even if we are right. Can you tell me how this could effect us and what recourse, if any, our old association would have if almost 3/4 of their student body jumps ship and joins us? Actually this number may be a little light but I am being conservative thinking that not all will jump ship even though their instructors have already committed. As I said, I think it's more like a little more than half. Even so this is a huge set back and will not make a very egocentric president, bent on increased numbers, a happy camper to say the least. Any guidance is appreciated. First off, I truly do believe that you've grabbed the bull by its horns! However, instead of not controlling the bull, you're controlling it by the steps you've made thus far. Great intro in your post because there's a lot of history as well as the corrective measurements that were taken. Great start to reaching a final solution!! Secondly, our Soke set aside one department from all of the rest, and for a purpose; it's made all of the differences in the long run. That department is not a part of the SKKA/Hombu; it's independent through and through. The department that's been separated from the rest, and for a great reason, is our Legal Team!! Our Legal Team is so separate, Soke forbid their entire Law Firm, past, present, and future, from ever joining the SKKA/Hombu in any shape, way, and/or form; not even as a student. Soke demanded that biased mindset far and away from the SKKA. Hugh Beckworth, and his Law Firm have no direct and/or indirect involvement as a student would have. In short, our Legal Team advises and represents us as a Law Firm would for a client; we're the client, and nothing more. Yes, they are "in the room" at all times!! Nothing is withheld from our Legal Team, and we mean NOTHING!! That trust has to be there for that relationship to be credible, validity, and trustfully!! Thirdly, I'm quite apprehensive about offering any type of Legal advice and/or suggestions to you because you've a Lawyer, and anything I might do, might undermine what advice/suggestions your Lawyer has offered/given to you. And of course, anything that I might advise and/or suggest on the Legal front, should be consulted with your Lawyer. Your Lawyer is way and above anything or anyone, no matter what. Proprietary things are crucial, and divulging anything outside of your inner most circle might violate confidentiality between you and your Lawyer. We must be careful across the board!! Our Legal Team has NO VOTING AUTHORITY; they're our advisors, therefore, they're our Legal Advisors/Lawyers...no more, and certainly, no less. A very important part of the SKKA, and from time to time, their Legal advice moves us in uncharted territory, however, his directness comes through loud and clear. Hugh plays no favorites, and he's a get-in-your-face type of Lawyer, who has no problem telling us that we're stupid, if need be!! Fourthly, your old Governing Body has no recourse, whatsoever!! Why? Students, human beings, can't be sold and bought. No Governing Body OWNS any student. Sure, the Governing Body can dismiss every awarded rank certificate and so on and so forth. But, so what?? Let the baby have its temper tantrum; it'll happen, or it won't. Don't let that threat change the course that's already been plotted in. Your Lawyer will instruct you across the board legally should this ever become an issue with the old Governing Body. I would express my concerns about this with your Lawyer, then forget about it, TEACH...that' what CI's and the like are there for!! Btw, if this should happen, it's a good thing for you, and bad for them!! Be cautious as to how you acquire said Student Body, because of the manner of which you attract said Student Body, can have some negative repercussions if ones not careful. In that, consult with your Lawyer. Fifthly, let me very briefly talk about Branding. Most, if not all, schools of the MA understand much, if anything, about Branding; they've only mild assumptions...we know what that can lead to. 1> Not all Brands can be protected!!!! 2> Brands are NOT built overnight 3> Brands know no borders 4> Use the TM superscript right away 5> No Brand lives forever 6> Brands are not companies, and companies are not Brands 7> Brand names that are generic kill the Brand 8> It’s a race to use the Brand, not to register the brand 9> Trademark law is about consumer confusion 10> Easiest way to destroy the Brand is to put it on everything Branding is a cautious tale that must be told quite carefully, and often!! Many businesses ignore the pitfalls of Branding, and oftentimes, schools of the MA don't have the most minimum of an idea what Branding consists of. This is where your/our/theirs Legal Team/Lawyers are the most invaluable asset in their continuous survival. Change is inevitable across the board, and changes to the Brand can happen. However, any change to the Brand should be rare, as well as, very fastidiously!!

I strictly do not have a website, nor have I ever had a website, nor do I want a website, nor will I ever want one; I do quite well, in that each of the dojo's I've owned and operated had a student body of over 300 on an average. Am I the only one that reads this as a Dr. Seus tone? I respect that even in your organization's leadership role that you did not allow that power to go to your head and let schools run themselves. If I lived closer I would totally look to you for training. Thanks, LLLEARNER!! A long, long, long, well, you get the meaning, ago, I learned to check my ego at the door, and when I do, the student body of my dojo's, as well as the SKKA/Hombu benfit the most from that. Our floor awaits you, my friend!! After I re-read what I had posted, I too read it as a Dr. Seuss tone!

Well, I do have a Facebook page, but it's a personal one, and I've never used my FB page for any of my dojo's. The SKKA/Hombu, doesn't have a FB page other, for the same reason(s) that it doesn't have a website. It's just not that important...at all!!

So schools that are apart of the SKKA are not allowed to make a website? I mean from you have told us, your student body between all schools is a good size. Therefore, I guess a website doesn't make a difference. Dojo's that are within the SKKA network can have a website, if they choose to do so; after all, it's their school to do with as they desire, the SKKA would NOT interfere with that schools policies. I strictly do not have a website, nor have I ever had a website, nor do I want a website, nor will I ever want one; I do quite well, in that each of the dojo's I've owned and operated had a student body of over 300 on an average. As far as the Hombu is concerned, I don't know if it'll ever have a website in my life time; it's not a priority. The Hombu has entertained having a website, and this desire is more curious than practical, for quite some time. A website is the choice of the school alone!! EDIT: Sentence structure corrections

It seems that most here still think that the fault lies within the student, and NOT with the CI!! Why is that?? Yes, this subject is about students who just don't get "it", and this is a true concern, but the CI's are just as fallible as the students...even if we're only speaking about 1 student. Student(s) are the representative of the CI and of the style. If you can find a student that just doesn't get it...still...then I'd start looking at the CI across the board. And if the student is at fault, then the CI must do what that CI was called upon to do...TEACH...never giving up on any student. Imagine if YOUR CI gave up on you...causes one to cringe...doesn't it?!?!