sensei8

The following is my own opinion and belief, and in that, I'm not trying to be in concert with any other governing body, style, and/or practitioner of the MA concerning this subject. Having said that... I was once asked..."What’s it like being a Senior Dan?" I’ve never really thought much about being a Senior Dan; I just trained all these many, many years! Somebody once also asked me, “What is it like to be near the founder?” Again, I never thought much about that either, if anything, I’ve just trained with Saitou Sensei for quite some time! Sure, I do realize that, for the time being, I am the most Senior Dan in Shindokan, Kudan (2013), but with that being said, it’s nothing special! I don’t wear it like a badge of something or another, or that I am that great, or more special than anyone else, or anything like that! I’m a martial artist, and in that, I’m complete in my totality. Being a Senior Dan does have its privileges and advantages, both in and out of the Shindokan circle. Doors of opportunities are much easier to open, whereas, those Dan’s with much lesser knowledge and experience, their doors of opportunities have to be forced open. Nonetheless, styles outside of the Shindokan circle become more acceptable, as well as forgiving, whenever I approach them over a myriad of subjects because of me being a Senior Dan. Surely, it does benefit me that I’m also the current Kaicho [President] of the Shindokan Karate and Kobudo Association, aka, the Shindokan Hombu. Untold opportunities were afforded me because I was a Senior Dan who was a staunch proponent of Shindokan. Being a Senior Dan, on a more lighter note, permits me to line-up at the front and center within any Shindokan dojo, however, when visiting any dojo, and not just Shindokan dojo’s, I’ll line-up at the very end of any given line of protocol until I’m invited to sit elsewhere by said dojo’s Chief Instructor. Also, I delegate all assignments to all Dan Instructors under my charge, and in that, I supervise the floor with all ranks, and not just with the Yodansha’s no matter the occasion. What I do consider important and personal to me of my Senior Dan has allowed me the understanding of diplomacy. Other things allowed of my Senior Dan status are the distinctive responsibility to “handle”, thereby, to be very extremely close to Soke and/or Dai-Soke. With that comes having the ability of “being in the room” behind closed doors with Soke and/or Dai-Soke, whereas others might or might not even allowed to cast their shadows on said door. In which, that privilege is decided by Soke and/or Dai-Soke. That most inner circle is reserved for those who have proven themselves worthy of an audience during private, sensitive, and/or casual meetings with Soke and/or Dai-Soke. My Senior Dan status has also granted me an untold amount of personal and private training with either Saitou Sensei and/or Takahashi Sensei; invaluable floor time to increase my martial arts betterment. With high rank comes high responsibilities; none taken lightly by myself because the student body deserves that attention. In retrospect, being a Senior Dan also has its pitfalls and disadvantages. Often times, I’m not treated like “one of the boys”. No! I’m handled with kid gloves; quite carefully, as though my status demands that, and it doesn’t. When I walk onto a Shindokan floor, the students’ laughter and the like ceases immediately instead of it slowly dying down more naturally. Students’ techniques are akin to a being a robot; quite stiff at first. It’s like students are more cautious in their techniques instead of letting their techniques be more fluid. Conversations will cease to a faint whisper when I’m near enough to hear. Their body language changes drastically whenever I’m near, especially on the floor. There’s no need for this. I’m a big loveable teddy bear on the floor. I don’t scream or yell or give into temper tantrums because the floor is sacred to me, and any inappropriate actions lessen the importance of the floor!! Is the way I perceive, a sign of respect? That’s for the individual to determine, and not for me to say. I can only assume, but perception is reality, and in that, I perceive that I’m on an island all by myself with no boat of resolve. Respect is earned, and I never demand respect for me being a Senior Dan and/or for me being the current Kaicho! My Senior Dan has made me a target within the guarded and closely knit circle of Shindokan. How so? Ever since the passing of Dai-Soke, the wolves have come out of their hiding to feast on my bones, so to speak, so that they can advance upward the hierarchy ladder one rung at a time. Over time, I’ve ridden a carnival of accusations from those that I trusted the most within the hierarchy of the Shindokan Hombu. Each time, I’ve been vindicated through some very heated battles in and out of the boardroom. Our Legal Team, lead by Hugh Beckworth, has literally championed on my behalf each and every time; victoriously over those who had set their sights directly on me as their treasured target. Being on the top of the mountain is a sojourn; lonely that it is. In that, I’ve come to only train hard, and anything else that I’ve had bestowed upon me hasn’t been because I’ve desperately sought after it. Being a Senior Dan is what one makes of it, and in that, I sincerely pray that I’ve made the best of it these near 50 years, this October. Again, my soul premeditated whole reason is to train in the martial arts, primarily, Shindokan, to the very best of my abilities, while hopefully increasing my own betterment, thereby, embracing the entire Shindokan student body. Rank is always the last thing on my mind, if at all!!

I'm going to say...I don't think ANYONE can do 10,000 punches with intentional focus with EACH and EVERY punch in one day. Imho.

Hello all This is an interesting discussion and though not decided, I lean slightly more towards the side that says if he can do it he should have the grade. One of my the things I have always disliked about Karate is a tendency towards wooly, nebulous and subjective ideas. In the past I found these in the form of vague technical points that replaced an understanding of kata application or advanced combat skills. Here it sounds like the vague and subjective concept of "good character", is being given higher value than the things karateka actually practice and can concretely measure: technique, fighting skill, syllabus knowledge, fitness etc. For all the points I quote above, should not the lack or triumph in spite of all these things be evident immediately upon giving this person a fair and honest Dan examination? It really feels like there is a lack of faith among respondents in regards to the testing. After all, motivating yourself to train to a high standard consistently over a number of years without anyone to correct you, motivate you when you're tired etc, is not easy by anyone's reckoning. And when just about every new association has a tale of wrong doing by old affiliates, can karate instructors really be allowed to cast themselves as arbiters of character? We all remember the kind of character Harry Cook was. What we learn about folks in the dojo is never the whole story. And when we start adding loyalty in the mix, for something students are paying for, that actually is a bit worrying to me because we're trying to have it both ways: honourable mentor and business proprietor. Like the pastor demanding a tithe. Needing to know a student calls the whole concept of the rank exam into question for me. Either you know him and what he can do and thus has earned, or you need to test him to find out. Both doesn't make sense to me. Now all that said (I did say I am undecided), the fact the guy was wearing an embroidered black belt does not look good. It's something I would definitely ask about. Also unlike most of the posters were I to test him it would be over a number of days and it would be well above what I'd expect of regular students as there is much more to prove for an unknown. Also in spite of my above concerns I can totally see why you would not want to associate your club with someone of bad character whose actions could impact on your reputation. In this regard I suppose it is more a question of personal ethics and who you associate with rather than what kind of person deserves rank (something we cannot ever really tell). So on the fence I sit, devils advocate with a sore posterior (fences are not good seats). Please don't take offence - aside from leaving me nowhere to sit I'm actually on your side. First of all...Welcome to KF; glad that you're here!! Secondly, a very solid post; I wholeheartedly concur!!

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

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

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

Yes, a belated Happy 4th. My bad!

Now, that is just too cool!! Thanks for the pics and info; great minds meet!!

Congrats to Kaylee!! Was a nice match between the two!!

I'm not either a Kru or Kickboxing instructor. However, I've been teaching for quite some time now. Hopefully, what I say here, might help you. Don't sell yourself short! After all, you did say... 12 years isn't something to sneeze at. There's value there. You believe that you're good at teaching, and this is the first step to being a great teacher; self-awareness, but not being smug. I'd say that after 12 years, you have enough knowledge to pass on. Not all can teach the MA and not all should!! Are you cruel? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you quick tempered? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Do you have patience? Yes, then teach. No, then don't teach. Are you a bully? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you more important than your students? Yes, then don't teach. No, then teach. Are you professional in every shape, way, and/or form? Yes, then teach. No, then don't teach. These are just some examples of questions you must be asking yourself. However, make sure that you're honest with yourself; and depending on how you answer them, might tell you if you've the makings of a good teacher. The fact that you ARE teaching right now, per what you've posted, tells me a lot. You're teaching!! Did you start teaching on your own? Did your instructor teach you how to teach? Can you sit down, and write out on paper everything that a beginner would have to learn? If yes, then that's the beginning. If no, then you're done...until you can!! Once you can write down every technique that a beginner has to learn, then start listing how they will learn each and every technique. All the learning which is planned and guided by you. Then outline the skills! The syllabus is the content of the instructions. Sit down and write on paper everything you'd teach a student...the stance; one of kickboxing's most basic technique. If you can do that, you're on the way to understanding how to formulate a curriculum. Then write down the same thing for...the jab. Then write down the same thing for...the front kick So on and so forth. Before you know it, you've written out the entire curriculum. One technique at a time; that's how a curriculum is written. Will you re-write it? Sure, many times. But soon, you'll have a solid curriculum. Any it doesn't have to be like anyone's else's. A curriculum should be personal to the instructor. One word at a time...that's how a curriculum is made. You'll be fine, but first you need to believe in yourself!!

My "aha" moment came off the floor! Quite reflections can sometimes bring those changes; this is what happened. In modicum conversations with MAists, both in and out of the Shindokan circle, about a plethora of topics, has started to stir something within me. Things to consider, alas, things to ponder. This is what awakened this new "aha" moment within me during this years testing cycle. I will sit within many circles and engage in many conversations during both official and unofficial gatherings during the two week testing cycle at our Hombu. No matter the rank, I'll be in the midst, and often, I'll just listen and keep my big fat mouth shut. During one of these gatherings, while I was being quite in my voice, I thought about KF. At KF, we've had many conversations about "traditional" this and that. And at times, here at KF, and wherever the subject rears up its head, I can be over enthusiastic and compassion about said subject. As though my way needs to be the one way. Well, of course, that's my stupidity, and not my enthusiastic compassion, at all. Dai-Soke once said..."The only thing traditional about Shindokan is how it's spelled!" He drilled it in us, but I was like that mouse who refused to seek out new cheese; I was dying inside as a MAist!! I see that now. So, in the short, Brian, quite reflections is what birthed my new "aha" moment during this years testing cycle. But those quite reflections were encouraged by what others have said on the subject, both in and out of the Shindokan circle.

One more thing, please. If someone's asking..."Just what does this have to do with the MA?" Everything!! More than one can ever hope for and more than one could ever imagine. And if that someone is asking that question, then I say this...the floor will reveal "you" faster than "you" would like.

You're more than welcome! It's been a staple of my life for quite along time. I'm glad that you liked my article, and in reading your post, I sense the power of your words, and in that, you've understood the important of the floor, and the power that it possesses, for some time now. We remain calm while the floor goes about its business. We do so because we understand that the floor has its job, as we have our job. The diplomacy between the floor and its subject for the moment, is appreciated between them both. However, the floor will only yield when the subject is in agreement that each are of them have a job to do. To shine? No! To take center stage? No! To be the most important one on the floor? No! To be noticed? No! To be respected? No! To be full of self? No! Then what? To honestly train; to pour out ones soul on the floor and surrender to what might be. The floor isn't just a MA floor. No. From every walk of life; there the floor is, and there the floor will be waiting to do its job. EITHER ONE CAN'T OR ONE CAN...the floor judges whether one likes it or not. Be careful, very careful because someone might be watching "you" when one least expects it, and if "you're" not complete in your totality, well, best stay off the floor until you are.

Yes, welcome to KF; glad you're here!! Build yourself up to that point, because 10k punches in one day is...insane. Wastelander and Zaine have given you some solid advice. Making sure your technique is solid for EACH AND EVERY PUNCH; from the start to the finish. Stay hydrated! Listen to your body! When your body says something, listen to it. I'd visit a doctor to ensure that my body can tolerate the pounding. 10k in one day...wow. 10k in a month...grueling.

Kensei, I think you did right concerning this matter!! In addition, is rank that important to this individual? If so, I would not conduct any testing cycle with this individual. The MA isn't about rank, imho!!

Good point. I'd stay in the shallow end, for sure.

This is akin to horse-playing, and it shouldn't ever happen, and this is why accidents occur. Not funny, imho.

I've said this about as much as I've touted Proof Is On The Floor, and that is... Not all BB can teach, nor should they!!

Yes, Ukemi skills are vitally important to the practitioners of any style of the MA. No matter the level of experience/knowledge, I'd say that the lack of embracing Ukemi is akin to a airplane pilot not knowing how to fly; the end result won't be a favorable one. As practitioners of the MA, we need to experience every aspect of what we're learning or have already learnt. Can't appreciate the pros and cons of the MA unless one EXPERIENCES said technique, no matter how minute or complex. Imho.

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. While this article might appear short, I felt it quite necessary to follow up on my original article titled "Proof is On the Floor!" with a few additional tidbits. While I'm constantly spouting out my most favorite quote to the entire Shindokan student body, as well as to the Shindokan Hombu's hierarchy, I can often also be found sharing the adage with one and all that I come in contact with. Proof is On the Floor! No the accolades that one possesses or the platitudes that might adorn their wall, proof will always be told by an ever silent witness whose counsel is an ever vigilant testament to what truly exists as more than just the culpable truth. What the floor reveals is without reproach. What it reveals is without ambiguity. What it reveals is without rebuttal. What it reveals is without prejudice. What it reveals is without favoritism. What it reveals is without hatred toward any man or woman. There's an apothegm, "If you don't want the truth, then don't ask me the question." Getting on my floor, or any floor for that fact, will tender a reaction from the floor; it just happens on its own. Each and every time someone/you/I step on the floor, the revealing begins of its own accord. Every movement, technique, lesson, and/or words spoken and the like are under the scrutinizing eye of this "third person" on the floor. Nothing gets by this witness; everything is complete in its totality... EVERYTHING! Excuses die on the floor! Sure, one can try to offer up as many excuses as Carter has liver pills, in a vain attempt to save face. Those excuses wither and die mercilessly. Excuses fall upon callused deaf ears because the floor has revealed what's already been suspected. The floor is judge, jury and executioner of everything that is false, including excuses. On the other hand, the floor also rewards those who pass the unquenchable thirst of the floor with a loud crescendo of silent applause. The floor in comforted by honesty as it exhumes with cause by what's being revealed. Solid, honest, true and exceptional techniques. In closing, if tactfulness fears you, if truth fears you, if you already know what the floor will reveal, and that scares you, then my most sincere advice to you is to stay off my floor! However, if you're confident and humble in your martial arts prowess, then by all means, I eagerly invite you on my floor because warriors of truth we are, and warriors must train hard and exchange knowledge. For now, the floor rests until called upon, and it will be called upon when least expected!

I concur with Brian. In that, I've never really like the line-up protocol because the lower ranks can be overlooked in the back row, and I do understand why the protocol is what it is.

To the bold type above... I use it all of the time. I referred to it briefly in my last post...

Those who no longer follow the ideologies of "traditional" MA concepts, I now realize that they weren't trying to be offensive towards my "traditional" training beliefs. No. They had an epiphany that surfaced in their own MA journey, and it's in that epiphany that has caused them to discard anything that is "traditional". 5 decades in, I've finally understood that their MA journey has inevitably changed, and that change wasn't extracted under duress; for them, this is a good thing to be embraced by all fellow MAists. I will respect their choice to make whatever necessary changes in their own MA journey. I was slow to realization, but being late to the party is better than not ever showing up at all. We all train for our personal reasons, and with these reasons being about improving ones MA betterment, and if the course of their journey is different than from another MAists journey, then so be it because the MA journey is theirs...it's yours...it's mine; personal and profound, and no should try to deny them that which is theirs/yours/mine!!

Nice topic, thanks for starting it. Boshi-ken (thumb knuckle strike)...this strike is used heavily in Shindokan. I use this so often in Tuite/Kyusho that everyone in Shindokan, or those who've trained with me for some time, knows to watch out for it, even though, it's rarely blocked because it comes from anywhere and everywhere during any transitions and the like. In Shindokan, we also extend out our striking thumb while pressing it against the index finger; just "pop' the thumb out from the cradle of the index finger, thus striking with the very end of the thumb, akin to a poke!! The other small surface strike that I just adore is Hiato-uchi (ridge hand strike). Even though it mimics a telegraphed movement, it's truly can be called part of the short-range techniques in Shindokan because of the manner from which it's delivered...up and in, within a very small arch toward target(s).

Nice...You're having quite a lot of fun with training with the applications of Niahanchi...that's good because this is how one opens the door for Oyo.