sensei8

Imho, it would depend on one's faith.

Thank you for your questions, and no, I didn't take them personal. At this moment, there's no new major developments. Right now, the Hombu is in full speed towards their move in January. I fly out to the Hombu this Monday morning for the vote on the following: 1) USA Branch Office 2) Pre By-Law ammendments Although I've no voting privileges, I'm being asked by our Kaicho and the Legal Team to address/advise further on these two areas prior to each vote. This is an open door session so that the students aren't left in the dark. Your list is accurate, however it only scratches the surface, nonetheless, everything needs to be addressed asap.

Best escape tool...TICKLE THEM A LOT!!

I seriously doubt that!! It hurts to be even suggested. Yes, I was the Hombu Chief Instructor and he, San Dai-Soke wasn't, but we're best of friends in and out of the Hombu. In that, he respected Dai-Soke's petition appointments across the board. I was nominated for the position of Chief Instructor, and then I was voted in unanimously. What puts 'it' back into his hands, as you put it, is NOT the move, no, it's the mere fact that he was nominated and unanimously voted in as the new San Dai-Soke. Btw, I had his name at the top of the list of the ones who I thought would be a great San Dai-Soke when I turned my list of possible nominations into the Hombu. I mean, man, he was the eldest son of our Dai-Soke, and to me, that's about the best of everything. It's cool to have this and/or that label at the Hombu, but to be the son of our Dai-Soke, well, I'd rather have that then anything else in the world. I may not, per our By-Laws, have voting privileges as Kaiso, but as Kaiso my advise is expected and demanded of me by the Hombu. I only want what's the best for the student body, first and foremost...and this isn't all of a sudden because I don't roll that way! Therefore, I'm more than sure of one fact and that is this: the leadership doesn't view me as wishy washy in any shape, way, and/or form. I'm not the leader of anything. However, I've been part of the Hombu leadership for well over 20 plus years. If necessary, yes, I will come out of retirement to fulfill whatever position the Hombu feels appropriate, and in that, I wouldn't be doing it for me, but for the betterment of the student body. Unification must be paramount between the Hombu AND the future USA Branch Office and the support must be equal to and for the two. Otherwise, continuity won't exist and that is bad for the student body. I don't have to be at the top, no, I'm quite content being at the bottom. Ego and me don't get along!!

As far as the Yudansha student base... The overall mood is starting to turn from total and utterly bewilderment to one of a feeling of great optimistic about their future. Yes, they are complete aware of the whole situation. That was decided by our San Dai-Soke right off the bat. It's to be understood that the student base would have any animosity towards the Hombu's totality. I was full of animosity when the news/information was first brought to my attention. But, what is one to do? Fight or flight? I decided to fight right from the onslaught. The student base has quelled its animosity towards the Hombu because someone is standing up for them across the board. Nobody to my knowledge has threatened to leave the Hombu. I hurt a faint murmur from some of the student base, but that faint murmur has subsided completely for the reason(s) I've mentioned in the last paragraph. However, not one of the hierarchy Yudansha's have ever whispered that they wanted to abandon ship.

No, testing fees won't ever increase, and that's mainly because when I was Kaicho, I abolished any and all testing fees, and I had the legal team write the amendment to our By-Laws that a unanimous vote of the hierarchy plus 1 must be attained to re-establish any and all testing fees. I did this on the heels of the economic downturn, and I had done this previously with my own dojo before I joined the Hombu as Kaicho; that decision of mine made all of the difference in the world as far as the student body was concerned. I even lowered the monthly tuition with the help of the Accounting Department of the Hombu so that my vision for the student body wouldn't greatly effect the bottom line of the Hombu. I agree that some minor and/or major revisions to our By-Laws must be visited and agreed upon for the betterment of the student body as well as the Hombu. I figuratively have seen the Hombu's knees starting to buckle with my advise as well as me being constantly in their ears. We've 6 months before our annual testing cycle in 2011, and in that time remaining, I'm very optimistic that a USA Branch Office will have been established in such a way that those testing candidates that must test before the Hombu, will be allowed to test at the USA Branch Office instead, unless they desire to go to Okinawa, and in that, the USA Branch Office will have all of its ducks in a tidy line for Hombu support across the board. Onward! No time to sleep for the weary. EDIT: Sometimes I can spell and sometimes I haven't even a clue how to spell!!

Well...the wait is over. Cliff Lee has signed not with the Rangers or the Yankees, even though their offers were handsome. No! Cliff Lee has signed with his prior team...the Phillies; and for less money than what either the Rangers or the Yankees offered. I can respect that of Lee; money isn't his driving force after all. GO YANKEES!!

It's not necessary of everyone, nor was it required of everyone; it was offered for those who wanted to relocate, and in this, the Hombu would have all it's key positions already in place for a more smoother transition for the establishing of the Hombu in Okinawa. Now, key positions have to be selected and then voted upon...this won't be an easy task, and you've already said why...our By-Laws and such. Also, our Hombu, no, our Soke was a antiquated individual when it came to things of modern conveniences. Our Dai-Soke wasn't any better. To date, we've no website, one was in the makings before our Dai-Soke passed away, and it was like pulling teeth from an angry T-Rex before our Dai-Soke finally approved the project. I've flown back and forth from Texas and Oklahoma more than I care to mention for every critical meeting/vote, testing cycles, and the like. I've mailed more letters than to the Hombu than it would take to fill in the Grand Canyon. I've phoned the Hombu more than a dizzy love struck teenager. No, I'm hoping and praying that our San Dai-Soke will FINALLY, one day very soon and way overdue, bring our Hombu into the 21st century. Our By-Laws/Scrolls don't mention anything about bringing us out of the stone age. Our By-Laws, at its present state, prohibits any type of a "branch" because "...the Hombu is the sole authority and governing power." The By-Law is worded in such a way that any and every certificate of rank/title can only be controlled in and by the Hombu. The Hombu is the only authority concerning each and every inkan, and this includes protecting and securing them, and in that, only a very few within the Hombu are even allowed to have in their possessions for any and all official duties. Now, just because there's no USA Branch Office in existence at the moment, that doesn't mean that there won't be one in the near and/or far future. I'm in the ear of our San Dai-Soke and the entire Executive Team to have this happen...I hit them the ball into their court, and they return serve, and it goes on and on. Hopefully, I can return a slam that they can't return serve other than a vote in favor of a USA Branch Office. Some amendments to the By-Laws and the Scrolls need to be revisited as to our current situation across the board.

In the Gracie family, Dan ranks are awarded every three years up to 8th degree. From Black to 8th degree black takes about 24 years of continuous training after earning your black belt. It should be noted that any break in training for even a short time, restarts your time. If I were to earn black belt and train for a year after that, then a month off, I would start my training time over again. So, three years from the time I come back from my month off. He is exceptional. How much so? Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQWBBVadUIc Disregard the content and just take notice that you'll see Bryan Mossey teaching Pedro Kali. That's right, Pedro takes Kali in his own school. That's the commitment he has to the arts. An 8TH DEGREE BLACK BELT who has trained with the gracie family all of his life, trains in a class as a beginner. Kali is something Dan Inosanto got him interested in. Dan, on the other hand, tells Pedro all the time about how much he loves BJJ now. This is what you get when true masters get together. They like anything that works. Thanks for the info!! A true master of the martial arts!!

This link is from the American Shotokan Karate Federation, and it might help you out. Once you open the link, scroll down to the KUMITE RULES section... http://www.askf.org/Dojo/tournaments.asp#Kumite

Did you see the video of Professor Sauer vs. the bodybuilder? Yeah...that one is classic. Mr. Utah was definitely out of his element, especially when he found himself in an Sauer armbar. Nothing else for him to do but to tap!! Yes, it's a classic

Professor Sauer must be an exceptional martial artist with extraordinary skills because I noticed that his rank tenures from 5th Dan to 8th Dan were short; 2000 to 2010. I only mention this, not as a critic, but only as a sign of my deepest respect to him!!

Brian, In a normal world, no, it shouldn't make things to much different. However, I believe that a USA Branch Office would solidify the continuity here in the USA.

Good points! Only testing candidates for Godan and above are required to test at the Hombu. All other testing candidates aren't required to test at the Hombu. However, if those candidates from Yondan to Jukyu want to test at the Hombu, then that's allowed with prior Hombu approval. Most, if not all candidates who want to test at the Hombu and not their dojo are always welcomed...and by that, I've never known the Hombu to refuse such requests. I can tell you that there are the following petitions for Hombu testing in June/July 2011, and those ranks are: 2 Yondan's testing for Godan 1 Godan testing for Rokudan 1 Nanadan testing for Hachidan That's 4 that will need to go to the Hombu!! Now there is a sub-article within Article #1 that states that the Hombu can send representatives to a hosting dojo and conduct Regional Testing Cycles, however, the following Ranks from the Hombu must be available: A) Minimum rank for the Center Seat: 1 Hachidan with a Hanshi title. B) Minimum rank for the Co-Center Seat: 1 Nanadan with a Kyoshi title OR 1 Hachidan with a Kyoshi title. The Sensei of the Hosting Dojo will sit to the very first chair to the immediate left of the Center Seat. Remaining seats (4) are filled in at the discretion of the Hombu, and they must be active Godans. Total Hombu presence: 6 plus the Sensei of the Hosting Dojo. Either way, it was very doable when the Hombu was in the USA already. Now, well, without a USA Brance Office, that will not be as easily doable as before.

CONGRATS...and it's well deserved!!

Doubts raise many questions within ones abilities and the like. Without doubt in your training, you'll stagnate in your journey. They'll appear when you least expect them, and you'll defeat them when you're feeling your lowest. It's natural, imho, to doubt oneself from time to time. What we do, the martial arts, isn't easy, and it shouldn't be! It requires some unbelievable trials and errors while on our journeys. Working through your doubts might be the best way to erase them. However, where one doubt has been silenced, another doubt waits in the wings to create havoc in ones MA training. Without doubt, there is no question, with no question there is no point to our training in the MA. Doubt is the beginning of faith; faith in our abilities allows us to see it from all angles, and no matter the discovery, it's true...for only the moment until one works through it completely. It's unreasonable to doubt things that you can't do. You can't fly without an airplane. On the other hand, it's reasonable to doubt that you can't fly an airplane until you've had flying lessons. You can't leap tall buildings, but, you can climb up and over tall buildings. "I'll never get this" is unreasonable, while "I'm having a hard time learning this for the moment" is more of a reasonable doubt. One surrenders while the other won't surrender in it's quest. It's what one does while experiencing self-doubt; this will separate one from the defeated to the victor. All lies in patience and in patience one learns to understand what's at the root of ones doubt. After all, there's nothing wrong with the technique. The technique in itself is fine. However, what's wrong is us, for the moment because with time, the fix will reveal itself to you through the most unlikely event and/or person. Believe in yourself; this is key to erasing doubt. Separate oneself from those who would feed your doubt with their own negative for their enjoyment. If you haven't doubted, you probably haven't thought very hard about what you believe. Your thoughts? EDIT: spelling errors!

I suppose I'd put 'it' on a t-shirt.

You're very fortunate Cliff to have Mr. Palhares as your instructor, as well as your solid lineage. I enjoyed the video and most of all, I've always truly enjoyed martial artists with an affable mannerism. Thanks for sharing him with us!!

Albeit, I'm not a Kyokushin practitioner, but if I may offer my answer to your question. Punches and kicking techniques are very similar to other Karate styles, but Kyokushin places a lot of emphasis on low leg kicks. Kyokushin is full contact and toughens you up. But because of no hitting to the face I would not rely on it exclusively; imho, cross training is the key.

Will the Yankees sign Cliff Lee? I don't know. After the Yankees upped their offer from 137.5 Million to 140 Million, the Rangers went to Arkansas to present their offers to Lee personally. That might make the difference! I'm hoping that Lee would like to see himself in Yankee stripes, because that would benefit his MLB resume, imho. Washington is quite sure of himself that Lee will stay as a Ranger. Aren't negotiations just fun...and suspenseful? Heheheeheee Go Yankees!!

Maybe the Steelers and Raiders of the late 70s early 80s. Ravens - Steelers are great.... even more when Baltimore wins ! I got into the city around 3 pm, tailgated then froze my butt off at the game. I can still close my eyes and see Flacco throw that ball to the FEET of the TE to end the game. Ouch I see the Ravens having no problems against the Texans!! Your Ravens will be ok when it's all said and done in their division...I've no doubt!

Ok, I'm still SHOCKED that the Cowboys beat the Colts. WOWWY!! I didn't jump up and down with glee because that was only one game! Still, congrats to the Cowboys against the Colts. Brian's Chiefs against the hosting Chargers...this will be a game or not. The Chargers have won 4 straight AFC west titles, and they'll not be able to extend that any further if they don't defend their week #1 loss to the Chiefs. This is a possible barn burner; one I want to watch. How well will the 0-9 Brodie Croyle do, since he's not played this year...I see this to be a Chief running game. Then theirs the hosting Jets against Patricks Dolphins. The Jets are still wondering what happened against the Patriots when they bashed them 45-3...ouch! Can they bounce back against the Dolphins? Don't forget that Rex buried a game ball at their training facility...that's a message. Henne has thrown 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a 77.5 passer rating, calling into question whether he’s capable of leading Miami in the future. I'll be watching this game as well. Good luck to both teams! The Cowboys will be hosting the Eagles. While the Eagles are carrying a better record than the Cowboys, the Cowboys are coming off a great win against the Colts, and hopefully this momentum will carry against it's rival, the Eagles. The Cowboys have won 3 out of 4 with their new interim coach Jason Garrett, however, the Cowboys have to face a different Eagle team in the surge of their quarterback Vick, and Vick has been pretty darn good across the board. Will I watch this game? No, because I don't want to jinks the Cowboys. GO COWBOYS!! Good luck to your favorite team!!

I give this bear a...10!! I especially loved the use of adding his back paw in manipulating the staff, as well as the eating his back paw; a secret technique. Excellent flexibility!! Thanks for the videos Joe!!

An update! I don't know if this is of no surprise or not, but NOT one employee of the Shindokan Hombu will be relocating to Okinawa, no matter how generous their package was. You can take the Hombu out of the USA, but it appears that you can't take the employees to Okinawa. The Hombu will have to restructure it's rank and file as well as it's hierarchy from those available in Okinawa. Now! Those of the hierarchy that are going is few, at best. Here's the list of those positions that ARE going to relocate to Okinawa: San Dai-Soke Board Of Regents ~ Secretary Board Of Regents ~ Director PR Department Board Of Regents ~ Qualifications Department Board Of Regents ~ Assistant Director Human Resources Department Board Of Regents ~ Assistant Director Planning Department That's 6 out of 15 important positions to refill. These individuals have spoken out about their excitement to the new opportunities that await them in Okinawa, and their equally excited about the challenges that will occur for them while establishing the Hombu in Okinawa. Key positions not relocating: Kaicho Kancho Kaiso Board Of Regents ~ Assistant Directing Manager of Technical Departments & Qualifications Department Board Of Regents ~ Qualifications Department Board Of Regents ~ Director Accounting Department Board Of Regents ~ Director Human Resources Department Board Of Regents ~ Director General Planning Department Legal Team Sure, vacant positions can be fulfilled, but if the By-Laws are to mean anything and if the By-Laws are to be upheld, then this would take a unanimous votes for each vacant position and the like. Not that simple per our By-Laws! What confuses me is that I was told that the vote to relocate the Hombu to Okinawa was unanimous, which meant to me that all of the Hombu hierarchy were relocating to Okinawa. But, to my amazement, that's not the case. Reaction to this news by our San Dai-Soke wasn't all mute! The Hombu, per San Dai-Soke is still relocating to Okinawa. How? Should the By-Laws be thrown into the trash? An excerpt of a letter to the Executive Team from our San Dai-Soke states the following...."These are the wishes of my father, your Dai-Soke, and if I'm the only one that relocates to Okinawa, than let it be so. I will fulfill my fathers wishes to the best of my abilities. I was hoping for everyone's support in this matter. However, it is not to be so."~San Dai-Soke I know this might not mean anything, but, our San Dai-Soke was born in the USA, therefore, he's not Okinawa by birth. Yes, our Soke and Dai-Soke were Okinawans by birth, but that's where it ends. Many of us high ranks have trained in Okinawa at the Okinawan home of our Soke, but that doesn't mean we have a right to relocate ourselves to Okinawa. If a USA Branch Office is ever needed, than, well, it's needed now!

While the similarities between the original and the new one are quite evident and apparent; my family and I truly enjoyed the new Karate Kid.