sensei8

Weight = 268lbs Not bad for having not been to the gym last week much. Well, on February 10, 2017, I was in a car accident; totaled my car, a Toyota Camry. Second time in 5 months that I was ran the smooth over. Back in September 18, 2016, I was sideswiped on the Interstate, and that car, 1 2013 Nissan Versa, was a total loss. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry; car was a total loss too. I have never seen them on any of the cars that I've recently purchased since moving to Houston, TX...and what I'm speaking about is a BIG TARGET painted all over those cars...which I didn't know that they were on those cars. There must be a reason as to why I keep getting ran over. Both accidents, the driver of the other cars were each ticketed, and each said that they didn't see me. Anyhow... I didn't visit the gym last week much because my efforts were more geared in finding me another car instead of the gym. Visited more dealerships than I ever want to do again...made more phone calls to said dealerships than I ever want to do again...filled out more paperwork, both in person and on-line, than I ever want to do again. So, on February 17, 2017, my wife and I purchased a 2015 Nissan Versa, and yes, we love us a Versa!! Search over...finally...and neither of us saw any BIG TARGET painted on that car...its color is Cobalt Blue...very nice color. Now that we are mobile once again, over this weekend, we caught up on doing things that we were unable to do...like pay some bills, and things like that. Celebrated at Golden Corral, and yes, I eat small portions; healthy that is. Now, starting Monday, February 20, 2017, today, it's time to return to the gym and resume the training, and I might just have to take my training up a notch or two...we'll see...got to get back in the swing of the things, having been away from the gym for most of last week. Train hard...train well!!

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you, Devin, Happy Birthday to you...and many more!!

I prefer MA documentaries over movies and tv shows... Documentaries then... Movies then... TV shows!! Fact or fiction?? Which one?? It depends on the mood of the day I'm in as to which one I'll prefer!! I, too saw the documentary on Fumio Demura, entitled, "The Real Miyagi". MA movies, well, I don't watch MA movies for the entertainment factor. No! I analysis it to death; I'll have already decided that the entertainment factor will not be my priority. TV movies, well, gaudy and the bane of the MA existence, with actors and actresses have the MA skills of a rank beginner, being portrayed to be a Master. That's akin to Robin, from the Batman TV show against Kato, from the Green Hornet TV show. Nope, just give me a good documentary, anytime!!

Mayweather VS McGregor!! One's a boxer and the other is a MMA fighter. Both champions in their respective sport, both have earned their respect, one way or another. Should these two meet, the pay for each of them will be worth millions!! Does anyone here care about their possible fight?? Who do you think will emerge the victor?? However, will it be a boxing match or will it be a MMA match?? And under with governing body?? Imho, McGregor can not stand up toe to toe with Mayweather; uncanny speed!! Albeit, Mayweather can not roll on the ground with McGregor; ground superiority!! How will Mayweather stop the take down skills of McGregor?? Boxing isn't MMA, and MMA isn't boxing, however, MMA fighters know how to box and how to grapple. Toe to toe standing...how is McGregor going to avoid and/or stand up to Mayweather boxing skills and power. Imagine Tyson VS a MMA fighter, in Tyson's peak...well, Tyson would outbox the MMA fighter, however, if Tyson was taken to the ground, Tyson would be in unfamiliar territory, and at a disadvantage. If the fight happens, again, just what is your opinion about this?? Imho, whichever one can dominate their respective sport, the other is through...done with...over and out!! Of course, I can't help thinking about Ronda's latest two fights, in which she lost...against someone with superior boxing skills...and in this case, Mayweather VS McGregor, the boxer might overpower the MMA. Will this fight be an exhibition match, akin to when Rocky fought an exhibition fight against Thunder Lips?!

For the most part, an Instructors Course covers both the Technicality of the style as well as the Administrative side, from 'A' to 'Z', and back. Teaching an instructor how to teach...how to mirror...refining the instructors technicality, to name just a few. How to pass on the fundamentals and techniques they have mastered, ensuring that karate’s highest tradition lives on!! Not all black belts can teach, nor should they!! The instructors are the representatives of the style. So, careful Instructor Training candidate selections are at the core of its success...and its failure. Strict adherence, to even the smallest detail, consists of a complete zero tolerance; graduation from our Instructor Training program, on an average, only has about a 2 out of 10 success ratio on an average...many attend, very few pass. Ever train in a full blown raging fire?? That's what an Instructor Training Program is like!!

Very nice application, quite short, yet right to the point. From that video, a student can seek out the various Oyo applications for that particular sequence. Only thing I didn't like was that there wasn't much of a more detailed breakdown of the Bunkai. Still, excellent Bunkai!! Thanks for sharing it, LeighSimmonsMA!!

Only time students are required to wear gloves is during Kumite. Other than that, the wearing of gloves is left up to the student. It's our practice to not wear gloves for most of the time, because, the wearing of them become more of a hindrance than an aid while we're engaging in our brand of Tuite.

Understood and I agree that in some respects it is too late to start over or make a huge change without loosing some or most of our students. I was certainly not suggesting that I would go through with this but I do in fact think that going back to the two belt system would improve the competency of our students and produce better martial artists. To me belts are the goal for most students due to ego. Again when I was coming up the goal was to perfect and absorb everything that was learned. Rather than concentrating just on the level you are in, you concentrated on all of what had been and was being taught. I just feel that it made better all around students and IMHO I feel that students actually progressed with more skill and knowledge than they do today. This I believe is why instructors have to harp on students to return to the basics. It is human nature in some to be lazy, if you will, any only concentrate on what they are being taught rather than to go back and practice what had been taught. Some feel this is a waste of time or they feel that they should not need to practice something that a test told them they had some degree of competency in. I see it every day even though I only use four belts. Once the next level is achieved the previous level is almost all but forgotten. "How fast can I climb to the top" or "Now I want to have that" is the normal mentality today. If belts were not in the picture the student would strive to perfect the techniques and applications taught rather than racing to the next belt so they can look cool or show off to their friends. Again just my 2 cents on the subject. To the bold type above... That, right there, that's the billion dollar nail being hit by the trillion dollar hammer; right on point!!

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.