sensei8

You know, I wasn't born into the internet era like many of you here have. That's not an excuse to not have a website, it's just a statement of fact for me. For change to happen, I believe that I have to want to change in that regards, and I don't want to. Change is inevitable and should be welcomed, but as far as the Kyuodan Dojo is concerned, I'm not looking for change in the website regards, and that's because, I've never had a website, and I'm doing fine in the size of my student body as well as having new student enrollments darkening my door. The Hombu is looking to join the modern and current times that we all live in, but driving the Hombu's new student enrollments via having a website isn't our goal; old school for us there! Our goal is neither to silence the naysayers that rattle our doors constantly about how we MUST have a website to be taken seriously; old school for us there, as well! No! The Hombu's goal for wanting to get out of the stone age by having a website is to better communicate with our overall student body; thereby, having a better way to serve our overall student body!! If, the side-affects are that new student enrollments by discovering Shindokan, then, I'm completely for it, and I'll support it. Either way, if we do, then we do, and if we don't, then we don't!! As Greg likes to say..."It's all good!!"

I've not the greatest constitution when it comes to looking at things like this; I'd make a lousy doctor. I pray that the doctor(s) have indicated to you that you're right on track in your healing process?? And after seeing what you're going through, I still believe that this ISN'T the end of your MA career. If anything else, it's just a mild setback, but a setback that's not permanent, imho. The floor is waiting for you, but, the floors not going to push you to return to the floor; time heals. Read MA related materials and the like to keep your mind focused away from the negative things that can cause doubt and depression when ones facing time off the floor like you are. Create a MA diary of this injury and note the things that you're doing to prepare you for the day when you return to the floor. Take care of yourself, and please, listen to your doctors; they do know what's best for you.

Thank you for your post!! Performance anxieties for upcoming important events get all of us. I still get the jitters, but my jitters now are more directed towards my students than for myself. When I was much younger, I'd often not settle down until the event and judgment was completed; pacing, as I did, only wore down the carpet. Not even listening to music settled the nerves. And testing cycles, the night before, forget it...the butterflies in my stomach would flutter like a tornado, and things wouldn't subside until just after a few seconds once on the floor. Get off the floor, it would start all over again!

Thank you for your post!! The things that keep you up, imho, are normal things for instructors who truly care about their students across the board; your students have become a big part of your family, so to speak. And any instructor that cares about his/her students as you do, can't be doing to bad. The bold type above, imho, says it all!!

Well, I'm not a Shito-ryu karateka, but allow me to make a brief comment, if I may. He did quite well; focused, timed, and direct. This kata is dear to me because this kata teaches quite a lot of close range techniques that are the staples of Shindokan. Thank you for sharing!!

As a proponent of close range techniques as well as in short range techniques, the WC foundation drills are appropriate to its core, imho. So much I see in WC that compliments what Shindokan teaches, especially in the traps and locks!! Well done!! Thank you for sharing!!

Your understanding of Center Line isn't to be ignored, imho. Any style of the MA, imho, needs to grasp an understanding and more concerning the Center Line because the application crosses the 't' and dots the 'i' in forward/angle transitions.

Danielle beat me to it...it's all in the hips. But for the hips to work, all of the body is involved in said technique. For example, if the posture is askew, the hips will suffer, therefore, the power will be arrested....so on and so forth. Btw, the rest of Danielle's post is quite solid!!

I particularly enjoyed seeing the similarities to Shindokan's joint traps and manipulations, again, very nice!!

Nice applications, thank you for sharing!! I see a lot of similarities in your applications with Shindokan's brand of Tuite. I also see many Wing Chun dummy apps as well, in that, they transition quite well.

Anyone?? What keeps you up at night?? Student and/or Instructor?? OR... Maybe I'm the only one that doesn't get a full night sleep.

To the bold type above, That is true, both! However, as a MAist, I don't subscribe to that mindset because proof is on the floor, and I'll allow my MA to speak for itself. I just don't need a website to define or defend my MA. I've never had one, and while I'd love to join the modern world, I'm not biting at the bit to rush out and have one for myself in any capacity. It's a personal choice!! I don't believe that I'm being defensive on this issue. On the contrary. I believe I've been quite forthcoming on this issue. "If you were a real club, you wouldn't need one." wasn't something I posted, but, I support what it's saying. In that, I wholeheartedly agree when you ask, "Why not have both?"; I support that as well!! Have I left an impression that I'm concerned and/or worried about my student body? If I have, I apologize because that was never my intent. If I don't have any new students knocking down my door, then I don't; I'm complete in my totality as a MAist!! Yes, I'd like to see the Hombu come out of the stone age, but, whether it does or not, I've other fish to fry that I believe that are more important than having a website or not. Sure, I'm in business to make a profit, and having new students helps me meet my bottom line. However, I've been operating the Kyuodan Dojo ever since the late 1970's, and my current active student body is well over 300. Word of mouth and demonstrations and the like have served me well all of these years; without the aide of having a website or the like. As I've stated, I support ALL who have a website and I support ALL that don't have a website because it's a personal choice. Very interesting; I truly like that, and I'll send that information to the necessary departments within our Hombu for them to add to their creative research!! I can respect that!! Why does it make you a little uncomfortable? I can imagine that there are quite a lot of small businesses that don't have website exposure for their own personal reason(s), but I don't believe that there's a reason to be uncomfortable with them, but of course, I'm speaking on my own behalf. I believe that the Hombu SHOULD be involved in every aspect of creating a website; after all, it's what we'd be paying them for. This is the overall consensus of the hierarchy. We don't have any desire to tell any web designer how to do what we'd be paying for. However, since we'd be paying for them to produce exactly what WE want, then we'd tell them what we want and we'd expect them to produce it. Nonetheless, we're in our own way because the hierarchy isn't going forward until we can be in full agreement 100%. If a website doesn't happen on my watch, then the next Kiacho can accomplish what we weren't able to. Solid post...through and through!! I hope that Shindokan will be around for many long years to come whether we have a website or not. We're not the largest and we're not the smallest, but I believe in what Soke created and in what he stood for in many things, including his marketing decisions. They've served him quite well for a very long time! As far as my own dojo, Kyuodan Dojo, I'm not concerned in any shape, way, and/or form.

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community. I'm of the opinion that no one under the age of 18 years old should ever be awarded a black belt in any martial art. Even more so, no Dan level above Junior Black Belt whatsoever - no Shodan, and most especially, no Nidan and above should ever be awarded to any student under the age of 18 years old. The word Dan means "man" and the word Sho means "first." The etymology is meant to be "first man" - in other words, there's a traditional reason for this belief. In Japan, a young female/male becomes an adult at the age of 16 years old. According to Japanese ethos, 16 years of age is the youngest one could be mature enough to be an adult; therefore, this is why they don't give black belts to children. This might explain why many - not all - martial arts cultures have adopted Japan's methodology of restricting children black belts. It seems to me that other cultures found throughout the world have extended the Japanese ethos to reach up to 18 years of age. The rank of black belt requires a certain physical skill level, but it also requires a certain level of emotional maturity. Children are just that - children - and they can't demonstrate the level of emotional maturity required to be considered a black belt. For me, black belt requires much more than physical abilities. I'm not of the opinion that if a student under 18 years old can do the syllabus just as well as a student that's over the age of 18, that child student should be awarded said black belt. For me, it goes beyond performing the techniques. The motor functions and concentrations of a child can't be matched to those of an adult without standards suffering. Therefore, the quality of the rank diminishes expeditiously. How much maturity is required for a full-fledged black belt? Much more than a child can possess! Maturity is determined by either the Sensei or the governing body, and in that, maturity isn't determined by anyone else. Not the student, not the parent(s)/guardian(s), not by the drive-by audience, and not by anyone else. For example, children under a certain age can't drive a car per state laws. A child can't enter into a binding written agreement with an adult. A child can't move out on their own unless a judge orders it to be so, but even in that, a child will be remanded to the Department of Human Services until a judge determines otherwise. Black belt is often viewed by many martial artists and governing bodies as the holy grail of all martial arts ranks. When, after all, it's just cloth and/or a symbol. Or is it? A sacred thing to posses, but it's not an ordinary symbol, nor is it an ordinary piece of cloth to posses. What the Yudansha brings to the table is more than some can come to terms with. Junior Black Belt To me, this isn't the same thing as a child receiving Shodan (a full-fledged black belt). This is when a child has demonstrated the required technical skills for the rank of black belt. However, because children under the age of 18 years old aren't capable of the level of maturity of an adult, they're awarded a Junior Black Belt (JBB). As a JBB, the student can't earn Shodan or above per the reasons stated in the previous paragraph. It isn't fair! Trust me, I know, and I can feel your disappointment. I was a JBB myself for five long and trying years. I earned my JBB at 13 years of age. I had to battle with the rejection(s). To me, I was being rejected because I wasn't 18 years of age - age discrimination of a sort. It took me just over a year to accept the JBB and its limited expressions as well as its varied exceptions. Finally, I understood the reasons explained to me by Soke, Saitou Sensei and Dai-Soke, Takahashi Sensei, but that doesn't mean that I had to like it. That first year or so, I detested everything about being a JBB. Besides, what could I do? Nothing! The JBB was what Soke allowed and what Dai-Soke enforced! In the remaining years leading up to my 18th birthday, I became more and more accepting of my JBB. Mainly because I wasn't the only student thrust into that world; I wasn't alone. I had company on the floor. We became a very tight group; there was an undeniable camaraderie amongst us. We weren't to be denied anything, except full-fledged black belt status. Because I was a child, I did childish things from time to time, while on the floor, even with my JBB wrapped around my waist. We were taught to use discipline, courtesy and respect - on and off the floor at all times. However, I horse-played on the floor, and I was rambunctious to a fault. Sometimes my shenanigans got me my share of grief. The floor is sacred, and I disrespected it. No excuses! I learned a lot on the floor; things that would serve me better when I became an adult and when I became a Shodan. The older I was, the more mature I became. But I'm a slow learner at times. The ways of Soke and Dai-Soke eventually became our ways; therefore, they became my ways as well. I support and enforce the directions of Soke concerning the JBB and all it stands for through his teachings. "Children aren't adults. Adults aren't children." - Soke Saitou Sensei We must understand this. Karate-do is for all students, however, with much responsibility comes much expectation. Therefore, maturity seems to be the key with many martial artists, while others say that ability is key! In Shindokan, we use the JBB and all of its trappings. However, we don't use Junior Green Belt or Junior Brown Belt or Junior Yellow belt, and the other spectrum of colors found in a rainbow. Students, under the age of 18 years old, stand shoulder to shoulder in the Kyu status with adults. Within the Kyu system, children are viewed as equals with adults when rank becomes the factor to be considered. Within Shindokan, reaching Dan status is saved for the adult students alone! When I was a JBB, my techniques were equivalent to other adults of Shodan status, but I wasn't given that equivalent respect based on my tender age. Kyu or Dan students are not equal, and this doesn't breach compatibility, but it does breach a moral obligation to ones young student. Treating them with indifference because they're not an adult doesn't seem proper, nor does it seem ethical! Now, I/we can argue for all eternity for and against styles that are proponents of the JBB, but when all of the smoke and dust has cleared away, the final authority rests in the breast of the Soke type and/or with the Hombu. After that, the rest seems to be quite mute. When one wants tomatoes, guess what? One will have to go to the tomato vendor. Within the martial arts, the same appears to be just as true. You want to learn this style from this instructor? Well, you'll have to accept their rules and regulations! I suppose that this can be a small price to pay. As Kaicho of the Shindokan Karate-do and Kobudo Association, I can vote to abolish the JBB, but a change of that magnitude within our by-laws would require a majority of the votes. Mine is just one vote, and one vote isn't a majority. I don't see it ever happening because within the Shindokan circle, some are quite loyal to Soke/Dai-Soke. Having said that, when it concerns the by-laws, the entire lot couldn't agree on if it was day time or not, even though they'd all be standing outside at noon. The simplest thing becomes the most difficult to embrace. Conclusion I'm slowly approaching my 50th year in the martial arts - this October of 2014. I've seen a lot, I've learned a lot, I've taught a lot, I've accepted a lot, and I've refused a lot. I've developed my own keen understandings based on the two most important martial artists in my life: Soke Fuyuhiko Saitou and Dai-Soke Yoshinobu Takahashi. Their teachings across the board were invaluable to me, and without either of them, I'd be nothing more than that speck that's found on the top of bird droppings. I've also gleaned quite a lot over the many, many years from other martial artists that I've had the honor to share the floor with, including those whom are outside the Shindokan circle. As a MAist, I've read my share of martial arts theories, methodologies and ideologies, either discovered in a book or buried in some forgotten article. Some, I've adopted, while others, I've discarded. I've developed my own opinions over time. My own opinions, as well as my own beliefs, have fueled some debates in and outside of KarateForums.com. Some informative, while others not so informative; depending on whom you ask. I'm accountable for everything I do, say and/or think. I must always be honest with myself, as well as with my fellow martial artist. I've got to look in the mirror. Sometimes, what I see doesn't quite reflect favorably. It's okay to have an opinion, but it's not okay to vex another when my opinion hastens one's betterment. 1 Corinthians 10:23 states, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." Some of my opinions are just that: my opinion. It doesn't mean I'm right, and it doesn't mean I'm wrong. Either way, respect for my fellow martial artist should be greater than my own opinion. Their beliefs are their way, and in that, it should be respected above all things because their way just might be the right way, after all. Matthew 7:3 states, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" I could be wrong! If I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it! As of now, I'm still a proponent against child black belts, and I still enforce the reality of the JBB. Both beliefs have served me quite well all of these many years, and like an old comfortable pair of slippers, the newness of a new pair might not be as comfortable as the old pair. Change is inevitable, and I'm not against change because change has served in my life.

While I don't have a website for my dojo: Kyuodan Dojo, many instructors from my circa don't have a website either. GM Allen W. Tackett, Kudan in Seidokan under Master Toma, doesn't have a website, nor does he have many video's for others to check out. He has a video of him executing Kusanku, a staple of a kata for Seidokan. For example!!

An outstanding interview through and through. Thank you for sharing!!

I wholeheartedly agree with everyone...RUN AWAY QUICKLY!!

Thanks, Alex!! Windows Movie Maker....I'll have to check that out...you've given me a lot to think about, thanks!!

Interesting comment...aren't there times where that just isn't appropriate? One example from my own training is that the Gedan Barai I learn in Karate has a completely different setup then the low block I learned in TKD. In a Kyokushin class, should I do a TKD low block in line or in kata? Of course not... I do like your overall viewpoint, though. Techniques learned (wherever they are learned) should always be evaluated to make sure they are worthwhile to use on the floor... Excellent points!! To the bold type above... No. Not if an understanding of discovery already exists! In my dojo, it's encouraged! The core is Shindokan, and if someone can bring something to the topic of said class, and it's not Shindokan, I/we want to explore it together. As the CI, I maintain the flow so that the teaching resources remain on task/topic. Our core style's not neglected in this process; if anything else, it's elevated.

Thank you for the link. I, too love watching Sumo; rawness at its best, imho!!

You're welcome, tallgeese!! Flip? Hhmmm!! Go Pro? Hhmmm!! I'll take a look at them. Thanks!! I'm learning that edit software isn't cheap...have you found it to be that same??

Learn something other than Shindokan...bring it on the floor. We're all there to learn, and don't care from where it comes from. The day Shindokan becomes all that and a bag of chips, is the day that I stop cross training. Until then, I'll continue to cross train!! Shindokan MUST be tested at all times and if techniques that aren't of Shindokan teach us across the board, then I welcome it on the floor. Even during formal classes!! I'd never say..."Keep that where you learnt it!!"

I'm on the fence with this one. For me, it's the good, bad, and the ugly all rolled into one. >Price for such armor will be quite out of reach for most. >I'm claustrophobic, so that won't work for me. I'd be fighting to get the armor off more than keeping it on. >Protection has to start with the individual and not with the equipment. I loved that the video showed one in armor and one not; this welcomes injuries when the one in armor forgets that the other isn't wearing any armor. I don't know...I think I'll pass on the idea, for myself.

YES!! Solid post, thank you for it!!

Yes, Bob, I do recall. Some of our one-steps cover these kinds of movements, and we try to focus on this kind of movement in DT so that we can get to a more advantageous position to detain someone. In grappling, we have to be very careful about when we make space, so that it doesn't get taken advantage of.Very good discussion, and a nice article! To the bold type above... Valid point because that type of space management, is not properly cared for, will create unintended openings to be capitalized by a keen opponent. It's a different animal concerning Close Range Space Management is concerned.

What keeps you up at night?? For me, I'm always worried about the future of Shindokan; with all that is Shindokan!! We've gone through some unsettled history; past and present, which might affect our future. I believe that the SKKA is solid and its infrastructure is intact...now...under my watch. But, I'm not going to lie, history has a tendency of repeating itself no matter what's in place to secure its existence for many years to still come. I'm confident that our By-Laws and the like, as well as our Legal Team, have put in place many levels of protection to thwart off any type of indiscretion. However, whatever has been created for the good, can be destroyed for the bad. People are involved; people are fallible, and seeing that the current hierarchy won't live forever, our successors could re-write history by amending any and all official decrements and the like for whatever their reason(s) might or might not be. Time will tell!! While I've confidence now, and in the future for Shindokan's well-being, a part of me is leery and feels unsettled; it's the unknown that seems to trouble keep me awake at times.