sensei8

I've almost got my camcorder up to speed with installing drives and the like. I need to get an SD memory card and a tri-pod, and after a few test records for lighting and things like that, plus trials and errors, I'll be good to start recording. So... An introduction first... It's time to bring Shindokan out of the dark ages...when it comes to things of our modern world. Having said that, as Kaicho of the SKKA/Shindokan, I'm taking it upon myself to partake of the following: A Kata DVD project in two phases: Phase one>>>Shindokan Saitou-ryu Kata [Empty-Hand] Phase two>>>Shindokan Saitou-ryu Kobudo Kata When I say "I'm taking it upon myself", I mean that I'm not authorized by the SKKA/Shindokan to partake of this without their explicit authorization. HOGWASH...is exactly what I told them...HOGWASH. If you don't want to do it as a team, then I'll do it by myself. Time is wasting, and time, imho, is now, and not sometime in the far future...if ever. Our Soke has written that..."NOTHING OF SHINDOKAN belongs to any sole individual on the face of the Earth; Shindokan belongs to everyone." So, if Shindokan belongs to "everyone", and I'm part of everyone, then because Shindokan belongs to "everyone", I've the right to engage in this of my own free will, without fear of any reprisals, sanctions, and the like from any governing body and/or any individual. Why are they not authorizing me to do this project? Well, it wasn't their idea. Which is another HOGWASH because we've been in one meeting after meeting for many years...with no agreements in sight, nor do I see one in my lifetime. OK...enough of an introduction. Politics be damned...here's my question(s)... Should the Kata's be executed slow or should they be executed at regular speed, hence, fast?? Kanazawa Sensei, who is my Kata Video go-to authority, and in any of his video's he's shown executing said Kata slow, at different angles. I like that. A student can catch many nuances this way, whereas, if done at regular speed/fast, those nuances can be missed. Yet, I've seen just as many fast Kata as I've seen slow. Yes, preferences dictate which is more preferable, but, for me, it gets lost in the haze of which way is the best. I believe that a Video of a Kata should be slow to show the proper sequences and the like, and thereafter, the CI/Sensei can fine tune learnt/learning Kata with tempo/rhythm and the like. After all, isn't an instructional video nothing more than a reference tool outside of the dojo?? In advance, thank you for any assistance/advise/opinions!!

Solid post!! To the bold type above... If I've lost respect here at KF for how I feel about that CI mentioned in my first post in this topic, I completely understand, and ask for forgiveness.

I'm from the bye gone days, and while these type of things weren't as often as one might think or imagine, they did, from time to time, happen. For the most, these type of things were quick, and to the point. More often than not, the challenger was scoffed at with an impudent tenor. Having been born in 1957, the MA was just being born itself in the USA. This ingredient only created itself either a wonderment or a troublesome amount those that are true to the MA or true to proving themselves. The far gone conclusions that this only occurs in 'B' rated movies, is not only a costly assumption, but it's also without sound merit. It did happen! Some were more romantic than others, however, some were a cold served dish. My Soke, had a few challenges, as did our Dai-Soke, but very rarely did they experience them back in Okinawa, but as the hype of the MA began building up momentum, he'd be on the unforgiving end of many unwelcomed challenges. The venue...The Shindokan Hombu...and that...to those two...was sacred holy ground. To trod upon with such disregard and such disrespect was dealt with such unholy recourse. Instead, both Soke and Dai-Soke handled them, for the most part, with dignity and understanding. That being said...they'd ask once, and only once, for the challenger to kindly remove themselves from the Hombu, but before that ultimatum was offered, the challenger would be invited to become students, and nothing more. And if the challenger refused...to leave, and continued to violate the sanctity of the Hombu, well, it wasn't good for the challenger. In the days of my youth, I've had my share of challenges, but I too, scoffed at them as a compliment, and not as a threat. I must be a threat to said challenger, otherwise, why would they challenge me in the first place? To this very day, I've never truly understood why I was ever challenged. I'm complete in my MA totality, and therefore, challenges are beneath me, and not worthy of my time. But, for the topic at hand, most of my challenges came not from non-MAists, but from MAists, and even more so, from a dojo's CI, either on someone else behalf, or for themselves. Once, in 1987, a CI from a dojo that was just 7 miles away, came into my dojo, and he was accompanied by, I assume, 2 of his students, one evening while class was in session. I too, being a student of my Dai-Soke, consider my floor to be holy ground, and no one is to step onto it without my explicit permission. This CI, walks directly onto my floor, and me having it about myself to have an alarming sense of awareness, spin around and intercept him immediately. He spews some non-since about "Who gave you permission to open your dojo?" and "Did you ask my Sensei if you could open your dojo?" and "My Sensei's dojo is 25 miles away from you, and protocol insists that you visit my Sensei's dojo to introduce yourself as well as your intent...did you?" and "My Sensei was in this region before you; this region belongs to him...did you not know this?" My comment..."Really!?!" and "Since when do I owe anyone, let alone your Sensei, any explanation, and worse, permission to do anything?" and "Where do you think you're from....1600 Japan?" and "Last time I checked, I live in the USA. And since I live in the USA, I'm free to open my dojo anywhere I want to without anyone's permission" and "If you push the issue, I'll move my dojo right next door to your Sensei's dojo...and...put him out of business" and "Unless, you're here to become my student, then, I strongly suggest that you and your friends leave my dojo immediately. And if you don't, I'll call the police!! But before the police arrive and remove you all, I've no problem giving you guys a free karate lesson...anytime...anywhere...bring a lunch" They all left immediately once they saw that I wasn't backing down, and held my ground. I'd like to say that I never heard from that CI again, but, I unfortunately did encounter him many times...he was quite persistent, that CI. It got so bad, that I went to his dojo to end it, once and for all. But, when I started walking up the steps to his dojo, he meet me at the top of the stairs, and if had it not been for one of my students, I would've gave that free lesson happenstance. No, I'm not proud of myself of my intent, but enough is enough and I can only take so much. The true joy I received is whenever I signed up any of his ex-students to join my dojo. After the incident at the top of the stairs, I went directly to his Sensei. Introduced myself. We two had a very peaceful conversation; he was quite affable, and I believed his sincerity. His student, that CI, was there. His Sensei called him into his office, and stops abruptly when he notices me...swallows deeply...takes a very deep breath...and his Sensei chews the CI up...and spits him out. This CI and I shake hands, and I could feel the insincerity of his grasp on my own hand. No, we remain estranged to this day, and I'd love to still give him a free karate lesson because he was literally the bane of my existence, then...now...and forever. Things that he did to me, my students, my family, to my dojo, to everything that means everything to me, and then some, are forgivable, but, if I'm to be honest, it's quite hard, even though I'm trying, and yet, I'm failing. Here we here now, some almost 20 years later, and while the fever of the moment within the MA community has lowered somewhat, these challenges do still happen, from time to time. I believe that they'll continue to happen as long as human beings walk the face of the earth. Remember this, just because someone's a human being, it doesn't mean that they know how to act like a human being!! MAist's want to excel in everything that they do, and in that, they want to prove their worthiness in any manner that they feel will help them earn that. Whether it's the MA or sports or their job or what have you, it's in our nature to be the best, and at times, this jealousy rears its ugly head, and we forget about the humanistic part of us, and act animalistic without thought or concern regarding any consequence that might befall us out of our thoughtless actions. And for what? Pride!! Pride does come from the fall!! Sorry for the long rant, wasn't my intent to do so. Sorry, I'll go tape my mouth shut!!

Welcome to KF, ad4242; glad that you're here!!

I don't remember who once said this before, but... Proof is on the floor!!

Solid post!!

That's what I've been faced with in the past...TWICE!! My Sensei was in the San Fernando Valley, within Los Angeles County, just north of Hollywood, and I moved to Dallas, TX to care for my mother. Shortly after her death, I moved to Tulsa, OK, within Tulsa County, just 120 miles east of Oklahoma City, OK. Time elapsed here is roughly about 20 years. In those 20 years or so, I've had to travel to our Hombu many times a year for a wide variety of reasons. Whether it was to train with my Sensei or to tend to a wide variety of posts that I had been elected to within our Hombu, a.k.a, the SKKA [shindokan Karate and Kobudo Association]. Needless to say, in those ensuing years, I garnered a lot of Air Mile Rewards flying back and forth. Shindokan isn't a well known style of the MA, and this is how our Soke intended it to be. However, the word "Shindokan" is a widely used name in the MA world, in that, many styles of the MA use the name "Shindokan", and they're not all of Okinawan origin. Therefore, Shindokan Saitou-ryu, is named after our Soke, Fuyuhiko Saitou, and it's Okinawan: 85% hands...15% feet, and so on and so forth. During this time, I ran several successful dojo's in Dallas, TX, and then later, in Tulsa, OK. Each of these dojo's had a very respectfully large student bodies; 275+ and 310+ respective. I did what I do best...I TAUGHT!! While not all black belts can teach, well, not to blow my own horn, but I can teach!! Providing a quality product does have its rewards. I love to pass out flyers EVERYWHERE!! I love to do demonstrations EVERYWHERE!! Whereas, because I offered my student bodies a quality product, I was able to build up a majority of my student bodies from WORD OF MOUTH!! I did what I knew to be the best, then and now! Our Soke did quite a lot of demonstrations EVERYWHERE. On the street corner, in shopping malls, at the Drive-In, and at the local tournaments....EVERYWHERE!! And because our Soke and his student, which is my Sensei, believed in WORD OF MOUTH advertising. I share those same beliefs...Demonstrations and word of mouth, and all of that means nothing if what you have to offer, well, just sucks. Provide a high quality of a product, and prospective students darken your doors in droves. Not quality from the surface, but true die hard in the wool quality in every aspect!! McDojo's appear to have a quality product, but only on their surface. Look deeper, and that's where the quality product is tested...and oftentimes, they fail the test. Proof is on the floor, and the floor is no ones fool!! The floor observes and renders its verdict in a cold truth. A truth that McDojo's don't want to hear, nor do they want it revealed. Smoke and mirrors work well in a magic show, but they fail miserably on the dojo floor. Either one can or one can't!! Being the lone representative in your area/country is a welcomed honor; to be trusted to bring it to whomever desires to partake of. So, provide a true quality product consistently and the rest will take care of itself. Well, it has for me!!

GO SUPERMAN!! I don't care what kind of suit Batman wears, or what other "toys" he can bring to the fight. Superman is INVINCIBLE and Batman ISN'T. He can load his suit with all of the Kryptonite he wants to, but it'll still do him no good. Batman is mortal and Superman isn't!! With Superman's abilities, Batman can try, but his efforts will be quite futile. OK...Batman weakens Superman by exposing Superman to Kryptonite, for the moment. Superman flies away at super sonic speed. Then with his Supervision, he melts Batman's suite with his heat vision...from a safe distance!! Now, that Batman's without his suit, Superman flies back to Batman and nails Batman with one super punch and ends the Caped Crusader...who's now traveling to unknown parts in outer space to never ever return. Everything that Superman can do to Batman, would certainly be awful beyond ones imagination...to show it...the powers that be would have to make the movie an 'R' rating. Good luck, Batman, you're going to really need it. Of course, my wife, Linda, says Wonder Women could be THEM ALL!!

Because our body requires it in order to prevent unnecessary injuries whenever performing anything that tasks the body. Especially as one gets older!! Imho!!

I suppose it's all semantics at the end of the day. As Kiacho of the SKKA, I suppose one could view it that while I'm the "head" of the SKKA, I'm also, by default, the "head" of Shindokan Saitou-ryu as well; can't separate the two. Because our Soke has always said that Shindokan doesn't belong to anyone, even him, because it's [shindokan] for everyone, and therefore, no one is the sole owner of Shindokan. My official title is Kaicho Robert Mitcham, SKKA/Shindokan Saitou-ryu. This just simply means that the buck stops with me within the SKKA, as well as with anything regarding Shindokan Saitou-ryu. The great news about the Shindokan part is that I'm not alone in that regards when one looks at the total combined experiences that I bring with me to the table from the upper hierarchy of the SKKA; 350 years. Outside of my little rant, I will do my utmost best to attend the event!! One last thing...Patrick, I too thank you for the topic. It was cool and very nice of you to mention this event.

Congrats, IcemanSK!! Here's to thousands and thousands more!!

Congrats, Spartacus Maximus!! Here's to thousands and thousands more!!

Solid post!!

I wholeheartedly concur!!

My attendance to the aforementioned event is tentative, at best. I will be doing everything in my power to attend this event!! While I'm penciled in on their calendar, and as I explained it to Noah [Wastelander], my SKKA calendar is always quite full in quarters Q1 and Q2 with our Hombu's Annual Testing Cycle, which is held the last week of June and the first week of July every year. In those time frames leading up to the Q2 Annual Testing Cycle, I lead a small group from the Hombu as we visit every dojo within the SKKA network. I also explained to Noah, that I won't know for absolute positive that I'll be able to attend said event UNTIL THAT WEEK, and not before!! While I've also penciled those dates into my calendar as well, things leading up to our Annual Testing Cycle occur whereas my attendance might be needed elsewhere within the SKKA network. As always, my first obligation is to the student body of the SKKA, and this includes the SKKA itself. I also explained to Noah, that if I'm able to clear my calendar, I will only be available to attend for one day, and that is to teach, and one day only, and not the entire time due to SKKA obligations. It's not Saitou-ryu Shindokan...but...it's Shindokan Saitou-ryu, of which I'm ONLY the "head" of the Shindokan Karate and Kobudo Association [sKKA], and NOT the "head" of Shindokan Saitou-ryu. I've my fingers and toes and eyes crossed that I'll be able to attend this event. If this event were scheduled during Q3 or Q4, I'd have a much better chance to attend and to teach for the entire event. As Patrick has mentioned, I would love to see many KF members attend this event, but, where one lives and whatever else, might make this only a dream, and not a reality. Time will tell!!

Yeah, I'm with Montana and Spartacus Maximus on this one!! Someone didn't take a few things in consideration while designing that darn thing, even though their intent was a good one. Also, not every woman wears a bra, especially to bed.

Test a student with testing anxieties by themselves! This is where I'd start! Students with testing anxieties don't want to fail in any degree, nor do they want to let others down, nor do they want to let themselves down. After all, they're being tested...questioned...so on and so forth, and, this all takes place in front of a crowd. Testing cycles are part of everyday life. We're being tested on the most simple things as well as the most difficult things daily, both in and out of the MA school. As nerve racking as testing cycles can be, the instructor has to calm the situation down to the best of their abilities. I know. At times, if not all of the time, that's easier said than done. Nonetheless, if the student can't overcome the anxieties, no matter how small or large, then they can't pass the test, or for that fact, can't even be invited to the testing cycle. That student has to make a concentrated effort in overcoming their testing anxieties, no matter what. I let students know that the testing cycle will take care of itself. Them worrying about the test and its outcome is a futile effort, at best. Do their best, and forget about any mistakes, because, mistakes will happen...and after the mistake has happened, there's nothing they can do about it. As in any test, the testing candidate doesn't ever have to score 100%, therefore, one can make marginal mistakes, and still pass the darn thing. It's also how the instructor approaches said testing cycles. Like a drill sergeant or as a mild mannered instructor; one will increase the testing anxiety while the other will not. Pick one!! One isn't required to pass EVERY TESTING CYCLE...it's practically impossible to do so!!

That normal backhand across the face will get one arrested for assault, thusly, a day in court. Not a good day for both. Yes, that thrown drink in the face was wrong, but so is the backhand, and two wrongs don't make a right. I believe that both are an assault, but nonetheless, if it's one or the other, the backhand will trump the thrown drink in the face. Imho! Ok...time for me to shut up!!

Doctor 'A' says that yoga is good for you!! Doctor 'B' says that yoga is bad for you!! So much for a decisive medical opinion!!

Yes, the Naihanchi series is a constant with me. The others, well, they're ok.

Then I suppose that my blue gi is a bad thing?!?

As always, consult with your doctor first, and above everything else, in order to be placed on the proper track. Especially if you've some existing injuries, like your neck. I'd not start with anything without first speaking to my doctor!! Until then... ~Walk as much as possible on all types of terrain. ~Jog, but only if your knees are up to it. ~[Eat in small portions] ~[Keep yourself hydrated] ~Jumping jacks ~Push ups ~Swim, or what I do more often than not, run in the pool. The weight of the water offers some resistance...hence...some cardio ~Treadmill/bicycle/row ~Weight lifting ~Stretching Whenever I'm having any physical setbacks, I do the following... ~Lateral Lunges ~Decline Push-Ups ~Reverse Plank Kicks ~Bench Dips ~Shoulder Touch Planks 10 Reps...with 5 sets...1 minute rest between sets. Of course, if 5 sets is too much, then start with 3 sets. I love this cardio workout because it challenges me...brings my heart rate up...and it's a great workout. Start slow/small before increasing its difficulty whether it be weights, distance, reps, etc. Good luck, and whatever you do, don't give up and don't rush yourself. Visit with your doctor before starting any exercises; it's highly recommended!!

I believe that if anyone watches the Real Miyagi with any preconceived notions one way or another, one will walk away not being fulfilled...I'll watch it tonight, if for no other reason(s) but curiosity. In addition... I just watched The Real Miyagi, and I appreciated what I viewed. You see, if we're trying for Demura Sensei to be molded into our expectations about him, then we're falling quite short. If we don't think that Demura Sensei isn't some type of a karate legend, then we're trying to mold him into what we want him to be, and not what he wants to be, both as a person as well as a practitioner of the MA. We fail to look beyond what he's known for outside of the MA, but what he did in Hollywood, that pales greatly compared to what he's achieved on the floor. For me, this was not a loss of an hour and a half out of my life. I've known about this great karateka for quite along, long time, and while I'm not from his roots/lineage, I respect him across the board. I've followed his MA life, alas from afar, and from time to time, from near. I've been to his dojo in Santa Ana, and I've seen him perform in Vegas, as well as in the Japanese Deer Park. Near flawless across the board. He's earned my respect, and if he's not earned you, then, well, that's your choice, and I must respect that...even though I may not completely understand as to why not. If the producers and the director failed to convey the true essence of Demura Sensei, then, imho, that's the fault of them, and not of Demura Sensei; the essence is there, if one just looks with an open and kind mind. We've our own opinions, and I do respect them, although, I find myself scratching my head in wonderment for those who might think otherwise.

Happy Birthday, Alex...and many more!!

Opinions...we've all got them. However, when it comes to opinions at the testing cycle...again...keep it to yourself. In Shindokan, our By-Laws were written by our Soke, and even though it's been amended, the testing cycle hasn't been; adhere to it or don't. And if you don't...guess what...you'll be removed for cause.