sensei8

Thank you, Patrick!!

Thank you, Brian!!

Rats!! I just moved from Houston last May to Las Vegas. Houston's a bedrock of what you're looking for. Like Brain suggests, check with Google.

UPDATE: Had my appointment this morning with Dr. Oscar Goodman. Poor guy had a quarter size scrap on his upper middle forehead from losing his battle with his car hood. Ok, onto business... Upcoming appointments: 12/05/2022 930am for my Treatment Shot of Eligard 5mg. 12/09/2022 8am for an MRI Thoracic Spine with and without contrast 02/09/2023 9am for an MRI Lumbar Spine with and without contrast 02/10/2023 Blood work 02/17/2023 9:15am Follow up appointment with Dr. Goodmam GREAT NEWS...I'm beating cancer!! I'm NO LONGER Stage 4, I'm now at Stage 3. Dr. Goodman confirmed that the diagnosis of my Houston, TX Oncologist for my Stage 4 Prostate Cancer was correct. The MRI's are to MAKE SURE that there's no cancer anymore in my T12 and L4; more of a safety factor....better to be safe than sorry...a concrete way to verify prognosis that there's no cancer anymore in my spine!! MORE GREAT NEWS...My LAST TREATMENT SHOT OF ELIGARD will be in February 2024. That means, I'm 5 shots away from no more Eligard Treatment Shots. Still not out of the woods, yet!! Will have to continue monitoring my PSA levels, which are STILL at ZERO. SOME MORE GOOD NEWS...Once I finish my current prescription of Bicalutamide 50mg, which is used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, I am to discontinue taking it because I'm no longer in Stage 4. Dr. Goodman wants me to continue losing weight...I'm trying!! Well, until my next update, see you all then. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!! I give all of my Praise to God for His Grace and Mercy in the continued healing me of my cancer!!

Congrats on the birth of your new daughter. Glad to hear that you all survived the Covid scare and that all of you are doing much better now. Now, time to catch up on some much-needed sleep...unless your new daughter has different plans...that is.

Thank you so very much for your continued support, Patrick!!

The Shomen is a very personal space. Therefore, the Shomen can be very simplistic or very elaborate or somewhere in-between. For ideas, you can look at images of the Shomen on the internet. There's no wrong and there's no right because the Shomen is a personal thing. I believe that the pictures that should be hung might be those of one's lineage. One could hang up just a picture of the founder and ones Sensei and leave it at that. Only picture I ever hung was of Jesus Christ. You can go wild, or you can hang very few pictures, if any. Ask your Sensei if you can xerox some pictures that your Sensei has...then frame them. After all, the internet is its own shopping mall full of all kinds of knickknacks. My go to has always been Century MA Supplies from OKC, OK. Makiwara...Wing Chun Dummy. I had them both, and several sets of each. Don't forget a supply of Hojo Undo equipment, a staple in any Okinawa style dojo. Two Large Taiko Drums with the Okinawan Shield on its skins. Forever I only had 2 Medium sized Taiko Drums, but to have 2 Large Taiko Drums...for me...HELLO!!?? Imho.

Thanks, Brian. I'm usually skeptical until Dr. Goodman concurs with any of my other doctors.

UPDATE: Went to my appointment today with Dr. Becker, my Radiation Oncologist, for a scheduled follow up. According to Dr. Becker, the results of my latest Nuclear CT scan and CT scan without contrast indicate that there's no sign of cancer in my spine at my T12 and L4. Dr. Becker agrees with Dr. Goodman that I'm in complete remission. Dr. Becker questions that my original prognosis of Stage 4 made by my Harris County Hospital Urology Department in Houston, TX. All I know is that test after tests performed in Houston, TX verified my Stage 4 prognosis. Can a cancer patient downgrade from Stage 4 to Stage 3?? I've no idea. Dr. Becker at this moment has no plans for me to do a week's worth of Radiation Therapy on my spine at those prementioned locations. Dr. Becker wants to see me in March 2023. My PSA is STILL at ZERO...Dr. Becker liked the sound of that. I told Dr. Becker that my new PCP wants me to see a Urologist because of the 2-3 times I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Dr. Becker advised me that that's not necessary. Dr. Becker tells me that the results show I have a progressive type of Stage 3, and I'm supposed to be going to the bathroom during the night. Dr. Becker shared with me that all of my CT Scans were NEGATIVE. All in all, I'll be asking Dr. Goodman some questions and clarifications after what Dr. Becker shared with me. Tomorrow some blood work for Dr. Goodman.

Well. in many cases, whether a team or individual has achieved a dynasty is subjective. There's perhaps there's been a tiny hand full of MLB dynasties ranging from the Red Sox to the, I must have to admit, the Astros. After all, according to Websters Dictionary: "a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time" So, seems to be that having a prolonged run of successful seasons, like the Astros, for example, dominated the American League with 6-straight postseason appearances, winning 5 AL West division titles, 4 AL pennants in 2017, 2019, 2021, & 2022, & 2 World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. So, per Websters, the Astros are a dynasty, no matter how much I hate the fact. GO YANKEES!!

Dynasty?? The Astros?? Far more than a few titles are needed for that label.

I wholeheartedly agree, Brian!!

Congratulations to the Astros for winning the 2022 World Series; winning their 2nd World Series Championship. I don't have to like that, however, I tip my hat to the Astros. Game over when Alvarez hit a towering 450-yard go-ahead homer for their 2nd WS title. Gave Dusty Baker his first championship. GO YANKEES!!

Now that's a fantastic article start-up for all MAists, and not just for Korean practitioners alike. I'm very much looking forward to your other articles. Your eye for detail shown throughout this article which gave me many AHA moments as well Thanks for starting this thread, Brian.

Thank you all so very much for your continued support over these past few years. It means so much to Linda and me.

Dr. Goodman's office called me this morning to change my appointment from November 8th 9am to November 15th at 8:45am. Just got to love appointment changes.

Aaaaaarrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh... That's how I feel after watching Game 5 last night. 3-2 Final. This type of score is more usual than not. Back to Houston...once again...YUCK!! More than likely, the roof will be closed at Minute Maid but they'll open the roof in order to release the crowds very loud cheers IF the Astros strike gold. Pena became the very first rookie to go yard in the World Series as a shortstop. For a rookie, Pena has made a mark towards a possible MVP. Astros hang on 3-2, one win away from World Series title. Here we are once again where the Phillies MUST win Game 6 and Game 7. Whereas the Astros seem to be in the driver's seat quite comfortably knowing that they're knocking on the door of their 2nd World Series title. Astros sent out to the mound Pressly in the top of the 9th, and what does he do?? He does what closers do...3 up...3 down. Kind of reminded me of Mo. No matter what a team does to close the gap, getting close is nice but not nice enough. By the 8th inning, the Phillies got much closer to tying up the score, but close isn't enough. Respect begats respect and I must take my hat off to Verlander. Yes, he struggled but he battled through it and came out smelling like a rose. Both teams' bats were cooled down thanks to some great starting pitching by each team's respective starting pitching rotation. Having plenty of rest, Wheeler for the Phillies will more than likely be the starting pitcher for the Phillies. Valdez, with his postseason dominance, post likely be the starting pitcher for the Astros. Game 6 this Saturday at 8pm. GO PHILLIES!! GO YANKEES!!

I wholeheartedly agree with you, DarthPenguin about Ahsoka. A side story starring Ahsoka, if done right, would be amazing. If memory serves me right, Ahsoka helped train Luke during his very early Jedi training. Nonetheless, the writers have put enough about Ahsoka on paper that the logical conclusion is that the next part of Ahsoka's journey is its own series. The Picard series was enjoyable addition to the Star Trek universe. Interesting to see where quite familiar faces have changed over the years. For me, I could never get behind DS9...I tried...but still can't get behind it. Same thing with Enterprise, but between the two, I'd endure Enterprise over DS9 anytime. Of course, at one time, I couldn't tolerate STNG at all, but now, I adore STNG. My wife and I always have discussions about who'd win between Star Wars VS Star Trek...the discussion still goes on.

Each and every one of you should be very proud of what you've accomplished as well as your shown dedication across the board. I'm in the presence of BEASTS, and what I really love is that your dedications have more than likely rubbed off on those who you train and those who you train with. Train hard and train well!!

Our Testing Cycles also have sections that must be passed. Any failed section ends the Testing Cycle immediately for cause. We never allow do overs whatsoever. The higher the rank the more sections there are. For example, there's no sections for Kobudo until 6th Kyu, and in that, there are sub-sections for Kobudo due to the fact that we've more than one Kobudo weapon to be concerned with. Fail any sub-section, like Bo, wity is the first learned Kobudo weapon, and if you've still several more sub-sections to still do, and you fail the Bo sub-section, then you're Testing Cycle is over with a failure score. Our Karate-do and Kobudo are separate. We rank separately in Karate-do and Kobudo; I'm ranked in both, in that, I ranked first in Karate-do way before I ranked in Kobudo. We've two grades...Pass or Fail. Any total combined score less than 70 is a Failure, IF, said testing candidate even completes the entire Testing Cycle. Any "Testing Cycle Failure WITH CAUSE" has been recorded on their Hard Card as well as other supportive documentations simply means that said testing candidate didn't complete the entire Testing Cycle.

My wife too is a big fan of Star Wars, whereas I'm a big fan of Star Trek. Nonetheless, we're both enjoying Andor a lot. All of these side stories, like The Mandalorian, add quite a lot to the world of Star Wars. Diego Luna as Andor is a quality actor across the board. He's come along way from when I first saw him in the 2003 Open Range, as Button, with Robert Duvall and Keven Costner. Luna is reprising his role as Cassian Andor, which we first saw him in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. May the Force be with you.

I sat there stunned that the Phillies went from sending bombs in Game 3, to being shut down with a no-hitter. Then again, that's the beauty of baseball. This means that the Phillies have to return to Minute Maid Park. Not a desired wish on any Astros opponent. My hats off to the Astros for their no-hitter. DarthPenguin's post hits the nail right on its head. Going back to Houston might doom the Phillies because the Astros are the dangerous when it comes to being at home with the outcome of the World Series uncertain. Astros decided that the beatdown that they received in game 3, was due for revenge. Revenge is an understatement because not only did the Astros win 5-0, but they also delivered a no-hitter. OUCH!! Phillies bats did an impression of Rip Van Winkle. I guess after game 3, Phillies bats went on protest for some much-needed rest. And rest, they did. Now WAKE UP!! Took the Astros 4 pitchers to earn a historic World Series no-hitter. Javier started for Houston and went six innings, striking out nine. Then, Abreu, Montero and Pressly each followed with one no-hit inning to finish off the Phillies. They combined with a total of 14 strikeouts to even the series, 2-2, and ensure this year’s championship will be decided this weekend back at Minute Maid Park. YUCK!! As far as the Phillies, there's no much to report except that the closest the Phillies came to a hit was in the third inning, when Schwarber grounded a hard foul past first base...A FOUL BALL...YIKES. On fair balls, forget about it. Well, here comes game 4. Watch this game be a fast sleeper of a game....OR...a bomb fest for both teams. Regardless, this World Series is heading to Houston whether the Phillies like that or not. GO PHILLIES!! GO YANKEES!!

UPDATE: Recently, I completed two different CT Scans as Dr. Goodman ordered. These CT Scans allow Dr. Goodman definitive look at my cancer overall. On October 24, 2022, I had a Nuclear CT Scan. This scan takes 4 hours to complete. Very painless. Just BORING as all get out because I have to wait for the radioactive solution to travel through my body. In short, I turn into Radioactive Man. I have to keep the cats off my lap for 24 hours because I'm radioactive. On October 24, 2022, I had a CT Scan without contrast of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis. This scan takes 2.5 hours to complete because I have to drink 3 cups of solution water. I drank my first cup of solution water at 10am... then wait 30 minutes...then I drank my second cup of solution water at 10:30am... then wait another 30 minutes...then I drank my third cup of solution water at 11am... then wait another 30 minutes...NOW. at 11:30am my CT Scan begins, which takes about 30 minutes to complete. Painless. Tolerable tasting solution water. Now, I will see Dr. Goodman on November 8, 2022, at 9am. On November 9, 2022, at 11am I'll visit Dr. Becker, my Radiologist Oncologist to see if any more Radiation Therapy is needed.

If it's a personal purchase, order whatever one you like. If the black belt is awarded to you, wear that one with pride and honor. My personal choice of a black belt is Eosin Panther because I particularly like its overall quality. For student promotions, I buy all if my belts from Century MA Supply.

I always look at it as you don't need to score 100% to pass. Tbh if you performed every technique perfectly then you should likely be a LOT higher than whatever grade you are testing for. Everyone has something to work on. I was told that attitude is a big thing for our grading examiner. He puts a lot of store in it and it can swing things when they are borderline. I see his point tbh, someone with the right attitude that is borderline will likely take his feedback on board and work on it really hard before testing again. Worst case you fail and you get independent feedback from an expert on something you need to work on to improve. At the end of the day self improvement is what is important anyway, to be the best martial artist YOU can be. What does your passing / failing a grade mean in the grand scheme of things anyway, it is about your own journey and development. I tell all my classmates the same before we grade and most of them think i am mental! I will try my best and if the examiner thinks that is good enough then i get a grade, if not then they tell me what i need to do to get it next time. I don't want a pity pass, i want to BE a belt not just have one. If not i wouldn't have decided to regrade! I've never graded any student of mine with a 100% because no one deserves that score because no one's perfect. As DarthPenguin has mentioned already, students don't need a 100% to pass at all. Make a mistake, BIG DEAL...KEEP GOING...the Testing Cycle ALWAYS takes care of itself. Like I've always told my students that the Testing Cycle will take care of itself, therefore, stop worrying about the Testing Cycle and just do your best. Either the student will pass or fail. Worrying about the outcome of something that's not even taking place yet fuels the fire which adds to one's poor execution of effective techniques. Regardless to the outcome of any Testing Cycle, feedback is crucial across the board for all concerned. Train hard and train well.