sensei8

I'm the baby of the family, if 57 years old is a baby, with my brother, Donald, 7 years older than me, and my sister, Ruth, 4 years older than me. I've been the runt of the family, and it's a position that I've enjoyed because, at times, it has more benefits than not. My sister, Ruth, has had medical issues her entire life, for as long as I can remember. But, as she's gotten older, she's experienced more setbacks than I care to remember. She's been in and out of the hospital so much, that I thought that she should get her mail there. Yes, she finds the humor in that, although it sounds quite mean for me to say. She was in the hospital, January this year, three times for various reasons. We've talked about me moving down to where she lives in Texas, but that's all we've done, talked about it. No concrete convictions or anything like that; just conversations. Well, it's no longer a conversation. I must do what I must do to help her, and that means that I'm moving to Houston, TX asap!! This unnerves me because the last time I moved to Dallas, TX to care for our ailing mom, she passed away 3 years after I moved there. I fear this might be the same issue!! This, for me, to care for her, is a no-brainer; family comes first. That's how I was raised, and I don't apologize for it to anybody!! Yes, for the third time, I've had to leave my dojo. This isn't ever an easy decision to make, but then again, it's easier because I'm taking care of a family member. Because of my most recent physical setbacks, that I've been cleared to return to the floor by my doctor, I've not reassumed my teaching duties as the CI and General Manager of my beloved Kyuodan Dojo, nor have I reassumed my duties and responsibilities as Kaicho of the Shindokan Hombu. When I stepped down from my dojo, I turned over my dojo to my most senior student, and this is what I've done each and every time. My California dojo and my Texas dojo, and now, my Oklahoma dojo, was given, not sold, to my most senior student. With the exception of the MA retail store: I sold the retail portion lock-stock-and barrel, and this was worked out by attorney's to an agreement that satisfies all concerned parties, but at a discounted price. Each time, I've greatly missed my students, possibly more than you might ever imagine. I've said goodbye to my students last night, and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. They understood, and I pray that you might understand. It seems that it's quite hard to be my student because of what I've done, and what I've decided to do, and for what I might do again. I don't think of it as me quitting on my students, nor do I think of it as walking away from my students, nor do I think that I've slapped them in their faces, nor do I think of it as being selfish. Of course I wouldn't because my minds made up. However, if my family needs me, I will answer the call without reservation, and/or ambiguity; now and in the future. Will I open another dojo in Houston? I just don't know right now. I'm leaning towards doing so, but like I did when my mom needed me, I didn't right away, same thing when I left Texas for Oklahoma. I'm 57 years old, and recently I've had a scare of my own that made me step down until the doctor cleared me to return to the floor. Kyuodan Dojo #4 might happen in Houston, TX, but things have to be right for me to do so. I've got to think about starting a dojo while I'm 57 years old, and I've got to consider the future of the new student body's betterment over my desire to teach and the like. Each time I've had to leave, I left them in competent hands, and yes, it's not the same, but it's better for them in the long run. The California dojo is STILL going, and they're still doing fine, and I visit them often and train them whenever I'm at the Hombu...standing order, and they come over in droves when I'm in-house. That CI is a Renshi, and he holds the floor quite well. The Texas dojo is closed, and it became the victim of the economic downturn we all faced not to long ago; this STILL deeply saddens me, and I don't guarantee that I would've made a difference in keeping it open; times were rough, and they fought to keep it open but the reality was to big to ignore. I believe that the Oklahoma dojo will remain open for some time because Steve has an MBA and a Rokudan, and one fantastic teaching abilities, I mean, after all, he's a Kyoshi. I will visit the Oklahoma dojo once every quarter, once I reassume the Kaicho position, as I've visited each and every Shindokan dojo ever since I became the Kaicho. I will see them all as my duties warrant them for me to do so!! Just having spoken with Greg, Hugh, and the Executive Administrative Team about my decision, they were in full support of my decisions and as to the reason's. When the time is right, I will return to being the Kaicho, and I'll always be Kaicho until I die...their words and not mine! I've proven to the Hombu that a Kaicho doesn't have to be in-house to be effective, and I make enough trips to the Hombu to warrant me not being in-house. I've got to help my sister, and I've got to get back being 100%, whatever 100% means at my age and current physical boo boo. One day at a time, for now being, and if what I'm doing angers or questions of my motive or whatever else one might feel negative towards me, I'm sorry that I've disappointed anyone; that was never my intent. I hate that I've had 3 dojo's because my student body suffered the most, each and every time!! I wish that I still had Kyuodan #1, it was my first dojo, and my students, then and now, are everything to me. If anyone thinks that I'm enjoying this, or that I've ever enjoyed this, then they are dead wrong; that's the furthest thing from me!! Me moving to Houston, TX has had effects on my wife, Linda, and our son, Nathan. They leave behind Owasso, OK, and this is very hard for them. We leave our daughter, Krystal, in Taleqhah, OK while she's attending NSU. Many emotions for all concerned weigh heavy, but ALL understand, even though they don't like it, and they'd do the same thing should the shoe be on their foot. Support, is what I've noticed, and I will love them ALL, one and in the same, at all the time, now and forever!! Linda, Nathan, and Krystal said immediately..."YES...LET'S GO AND TAKE CARE OF RUTH...YES!!" and they said it with authority!! Family....blood...that's what my parents taught me!! This is me!! God, family, and friends...in that order. This is how I was raised!! I will take care of my sister to the very best of my abilities and then some!!

Relax...have fun...and let the testing cycle take care of itself. You'll do just fine!!

For all of the years that I've been a member here at KF, I've enjoyed reading this forum quite a lot. Not that this might mean a lot, but I'm proud of the dedication that I read from KF members that post in this thread. Thank you for giving me that moment of reflection!!

Great tutorial, Alex; as always. I love it because, for me, it can be a very dominate position, and the transitions in and out give many optimistic opportunities. This is one of my favorite because of the isolations that can be garnered at each turn. I love to smother, and there are many moments where I can do just that. LOVE IT!! Thanks, Alex for the recap!!

Cool pictures. Looked liked quite the turnout. Thanks for sharing them!!

I do like the WC grappling transitions; simplicity at its best. You demonstrate through WC that to be effective, you don't need to be "fancy"; get in and get out!! Good tutorial, as always!! Thank you for sharing.

Very interesting case!! It'll take some time to read the 63 page Jury demand, but, important, to get an idea. What I've read, and forgive me if I'm wrong in my initial interpretation of the case, but Vince McMahon/WWE "eliminated", by purchasing WCW and ECW, his competition. If memory serves me, no one can "own a monopoly" because it violates free trade markets and the like. I think the complainants have a case against UFC/Dana White. But hey, I'm armchair quarterbacking here!!

Solid post!! Nicely done video's! We do very similar drills as well!! Great conversations/discussions, all; I've enjoyed them!!

Glad you can get back on the mat! Thanks, Noah!! It will feel good tonight.

Solid post!! Parent rights, and children protection, always trump dojo/CI/Sensei/Governing body...always!!

BACK TO THE FLOOR!! I've been approved by my doctor, just as long as I only do what I can tolerate!! WHEW...a sigh of relief! But, there is an amendment to all of this. I'll address this in a different thread/topic this weekend. Some here may not like it, and some might not understand, but, family comes first; always have, always will!!

Solid post!! Having said that, "stances" is an acceptable term, imho, so, I don't try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. Isn't performing the kata a "separate exercises or drills"?? Because all through out any kata, one's in and out of one "stance" or another via the transition. OK...tape over my mouth, sorry!

Blocks in kata, even Taikyoku series, aren't always blocks. In sparring, I've noticed that blocks are haphazard in there execution; more of a slap, if they are trying to block. I doubt many blocks taught, are ever used in sparring for one reason or another. Unlike many MA practitioners, I believe in Bunkai, and if the founder has incorporated said Bunkai into its curriculum and the like, then the fault is not in the Bunkai, but in the practitioner for one reason or another. Does Bunkai of the founder become outdated? No. Why? The mechanics of physical properties of the human being and what it can and can not do, are exacting. Do things within Bunkai change? Sure, that, to me, is the beauty of Oyo Bunkai; search, find, explore, discover, and so on and so forth, and then repeat often. Now, we're not all going to be on agreement because we've different upbringings in the MA as well as different journeys. If the founder of your style CAN, then, why CAN'T his students? I don't know, because I can only speak for myself. Ok...I'm going back to my corner, sorry for the rant!!

Now, that's a great point!!

Fantastic book review, Heidi; thank you for it!! I believe that this book would be an important addition to my library because nutrition shouldn't be overlooked or taking quote lightly. Being 57 years old, I believe that nutrition and the like should be at the top of my bucket-list to keep me on the floor for years to come!!

Stations are good for keeping their attentions; nothings stale!! Challenging students is vitally important, no matter the age!!

GM Young Ik Suh taught a very simple choke defense...while being choked, spit in the attackers face, then do this or that, but do something. I suppose it has merits both as an insult and as a defense!!

I believe that those noted MAist taught their children the same way that they taught the general student body. By that, I'm almost sure that there was no favor afforded their children; all students same!! But having the Master right there at home, had more access to the Master, I mean, they lived under the same roof!! I'm also sure that the Master separated the family formality from the Dojo formality. I believe it's still quite possible today because the Master is rooted, therefore, the children adopt that mindset, and therefore, become the proponents of the Master, therefore, the style!! You can see this being a possible when the children of many noted Masters are Senior Ranks; and I'm sure that those children were more so under the microscope than others.

Specificity is important, just as long as the parent/student isn't questioning the CI's grading. By that I mean, the CI determines everything about everything; therefore, question, but with respect.

Solid post!!

Not just stances, but postures as well. Can't have one without the other. This type of training should be done as often as possible because you can't transition and the like without having both a solid stance and posture.

Aha...Thanks, Brian. I'll look for that much closer!! Thanks, Bob. This weekend, we will be in Dodge City for Gun Smoke Nationals. It looks like Kendall only has 3 in his bracket, and one is a national placer. But Kenneth is in a novice division with 7 wrestlers. So it should be a fun day!Yes, sounds like a very fun day for all of you!! I look forward to your report!! Make sure your camera batteries are CHARGED!!

Solid post!!

You've received some good advice here where you might find the sources. In that, I'd stress that the most reliable source for what you're seeking can be found with your Sensei. However, learn and understand the Oyo, and within that, discoveries can be found. Even the most noted practitioner, imho, is subjected to their own Oyo Bunkai. They seek, they discover, and then they seek some more!! It's theirs and theirs alone, and to share with whomever is willing to receive it, thusly, accepting its founding's.

Aha...Thanks, Brian. I'll look for that much closer!!