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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.

Solid post!!

Solid post!! And yes, our perspectives are different, thusly, so are many, many others, and in that, perspectives are reality to that person/group/etc.

If one wants tomatoes, then, they have to go to a tomato vender. Same thing in the MA world: if one wants rank, then they have to succumb to the governing body that awards rank. It sucks, I know, but that's just the way its been for as long as I can remember. The SKKA is the governing body of Shindokan Saitou-ryu, and if one wants to earn rank from it, they'll have to adhere to the SKKA's Testing Requirements. Having said that, if any examiner from the SKKA is of differing ideologies and the like, they can keep them to themselves because our Soke made it perfectly clear as to the exacting measures of the curriculum and the like, and this is transitions into any Testing Cycle. How an examiner teaches Shindokan is one thing, but to not bow to the exacting measures as the Soke has laid them out isn't acceptable, nor is it tolerated.

I've not ever been in the same predicament, but a somewhat similar predicament. First, our Soke passes away...things are affable. Second, our Dai-Soke passes away a few years later...things are affable. Thirdly, our newly appointed San Dai-Soke, the son of our Dai-Soke, closes the original Hombu for his own selfish reasons, in which he "almost" moves the entire Hombu and the like back to Okinawa...things are no longer affable...not even close. First thing we do is PANIC!! We were a ship suddenly without a port; no direction, and no longer a soluble future for the displaced student body of just over 10K. The panic was short-lived because the core of the SKKA was still intact, even though it had been momentarily disheveled; a temporary setback. But had it not been the pure loyalty as well as pure genius of our Legal Team, a team that's independent and away from the SKKA, the reestablishing and reopening of the new Hombu, wouldn't have been possible. First thing Hugh, and his legal team did was, with the assistance of the core of the hierarchy of the SKKA, a complete rewrite through amendments of the By-Laws, so that they were ours and not of the San Dai-Soke's in any shape, way, and/or form. Much of the original By-Laws, as written by Soke were amended, instead of being discarded, a map, so to speak, for us to soluble under our umbrella...our OWN umbrella. The new By-Laws had to be strong, as to preventing San Dai-Soke from reentering through even the smallest crack, therefore, he was given a lifetime expulsion from the SKKA, in which he no longer had any proprietorship conclusions with the SKKA. At the conclusion of this phase, our legal ownership of the SKKA was assured. Secondly, the SKKA's upper hierarchy had to be confirmed through elections. Thirdly, governorship of the SKKA had to be established through proxies and the like. Fourthly, the Shindokan Shield as well as the styles name, Shindokan Saitou-ryu, was reaffirmed; neither were changed, nor were they amended. The style that we train in hasn't changed, just the SKKA, and the SKKA is NOT the style; just the governing body. The Shindokan Shield, per our Soke, "...belongs to every Shindokan student", and in that, the Shield isn't the style and the style isn't the shield; it's OUR brand. Neither are broken, so there's no need to fix them!! Fifthly, resuming Testing Cycles that were once suspended until the SKKA was reestablished across the board network wide. That's a very small glimpse, but large enough to give you an idea of what we had to do to weather the storm. A storm, not caused by anything we did, but by an unfortunate and despicable man full of his own self aggrandizement. Not every minute detail we endured is written here for two reasons. One, proprietary reasons prohibit me from disclosing them. Two, as important as the legality material is, it can be...well...boring to the Nth degree. We found no need to change the name of Shindokan because we still embraced it wholeheartedly...now and always!! But, that's us. What we've experienced, and what you or anyone else will experience just might be different. Embrace what's in your heart!!

Not corny at all. Noting one's own struggles as motivation to continue is great. And more than likely, you are an inspiration to those around you. I wholeheartedly concur with both posts!!

How about "When Taekwondo Strikes" by Jhoon Rhee?!?

That too, is another solid post!!

That happens less often now than in the 70s & 80s. More often now it's "martial arts" or "Taekwondo". Things have changed since the 1988 Olympics. And even more have changed since MMA has become popular & many MMA fans have come to view tradition MA of any sort as "less than" BJJ or "MMA." Solid post!!

Whenever I stop, it'll be my choice, and my choice alone to make. Therefore, I don't need to give anyone an explanation as to the details in my decision. What about my students? What about them? Don't they deserve an explanation? NO!! My decision would be both personal and private, and I would seek for their understanding as well as in their respect for my privacy. It will be the most difficult decision, but necessary, to make of my entire MA journey.

I've owned my share of belts over the many, many years, some regular width, if regular is a good word, and some wide. Currently, my regular belts range anywhere from 2" to 3", and while the belts are stiff when new, I've never really had any difficulty of any sort. Perhaps, it's because I tug the tarnation out of the darn thing and the knot stays where it's suppose to stay. Hereupon, I'll break-in a new belt like I hate the darn thing. I'll tie it to a pole and twist it...beat it...pull on it...just about anything to rid it of its stiffness. Takes patience, but soon, the belt's behaving itself!!

Being honest with oneself is difficult, with no exceptions, imho! While I've been "judged" by both my Sensei and his Sensei, as either meeting or exceeding their expectations daily, as quarterly and annually, through their testing cycles. I must say, I am my worse critic, without any doubt. Either of these great men would share their thoughts as to my shortcomings as well as my triumphs with an honest display of truths, in which, some were kind and some not so kind, but directly honest! Seeing that we're imperfect from birth, and all the way to death, I will, at times, depending on my mood, tear myself down over the smallest details. And if for no other reason(s), I never wanted to let them down or my students or my fellow MAists or, for that fact, anyone. And because I'm imperfect, I'm prone to make my share of mistakes. Btw, if anyone thinks, even if for just one second, that high ranking MAists don't make mistakes, let me be the first one to simply say...oh yeah, I've made my share of mistakes, more often than I care to speak about or towards, and yes, I'll make more than a few in the future. A mistake is a mistake, no matter how infinitesimal or how large and noticeable, and while no one else might not point the mistake out, I knew, and that, for me, was/is enough. I pride myself in being extremely strict with myself when it comes to the details, nonetheless, I seek that which can't be retained...ever...by anyone...perfection, or at least, the near perfection, as one can be. I drive myself endlessly, and it causes me at times to think... ...just who am I to question the findings of my Sensei and his Sensei?!? Isn't it an act of disloyalty?!? Is it a slap in their faces, no matter the venue being regular class or a testing cycle or wherever else?!? Am I better than them in their evaluations?!? No! But because I am my worse critic, I must do my utmost best to erasing my unshakeable doubts about myself, both as an individual as well as a MAist...especially as a MAist!! So, trodden I will go in order to increase my MA betterment; while I'm complete in my MA totality, I still doubt myself from time to time. Which is better because I use to doubt myself all of the time. I don't doubt myself as much as I use to because...well...I still make mistakes. Yesterday...today...tomorrow...I've doubted myself before...I've doubted myself today....I'll doubt myself tomorrow!! Why? I'm imperfect; I just can't help myself.

I personally am glad that you're spending more time here, as of lately. You add a touch of excellence with your thoughtful posts and the like provide here at KF; you're a consummate professional, and I thank you!!

Ah...no!! I'm a product of big city living; alas a member of the rat race. I'm spoiled by the many conveniences that the big city provides by living in the big city, no matter how many inconveniences might exist. I've been to a few mountains in my life, mostly for recreational purposes, and many of the mountains I've visited had snow or a waterfall or both, however, I've never trained of any degree at any mountain. Please understand, and believe that I, in no way, are making fun of those who've trained or want to train in this fashion; to each their own. I say this, if it, whatever it is, improves ones MA betterment, then do it, and do it well by completely submerging oneself in that commitment totally without any reservation and/or ambiguity.

Yeah, why not! After all, the one dominating word that ordains most TKD dojang's is... KARATE ...blazoned somewhere on the store front!!