sensei8

Congrats to Kara and you on your beautiful son, Patrick James!! You both look absolutely fantastic in the first picture, and in the second picture, well, Patrick James looks raring to go...hold that Tiger!!

Just how does nowadays self-defense classes prepare the student for the reality of a determined attack?? Better to have learned something than to have not learned anything?? For me, the honest answer to these questions are the reasons why I've not taught self-defense classes in quite a very long time. Takes far more than a weekend to become effective with what's taught at any given self-defense. For the most, and it depends on the student first, and the CI second, self-defense classes foster false security because how it is outside of the safety of the dojo/dojang is not how it is on the outside; an attacker doesn't just stand there doing nothing. Getting back to Danielle's question... That sounds about right. A student with that to work with, and DOES PRACTICE seriously, that student just might become effective at the moment of truth. Teaching basic defense against grabs isn't that basic. Reactions are NOT in general terms when it comes to grabs because even basic grab defense can't be applied the same against any given attacker expecting the same reaction across the board. Got to start somewhere, so one might as well start there. While I've my opinions about self-defense classes, I can't and will not ever discourage a person from wanting to learn something that might save them against an determined attacked. How one carries themselves in the public can thwart a supposed attack; by not appearing like a victim to others can dissuade the possibility. Act like a victim, then there's a greater chance that you'll become THAT victim. Train hard and train well!!

Now that is interesting! I look both proud and happy all at the same time! You've every reason to be both!!

Congrats, DarthPenguin; well deserved!!

Sounds like you hung in there like you are supposed to...with no complaining. Many invited to upper level classes hang in there, yet, there's always some students that don't hang in there as expected. Having said that, those that are invited to train with the upper level for the first few times are overwhelmed. Here's a tidbit of info...I've seen Godan's struggle to get through Senior level classes their first few classes. Train hard, and train well.

Radiation Therapy UPDATE: Saw Dr. Becker this morning for some consultation. Here's what I know so far... 1) CT Scan on 4/20/2022 at 10am CT Scan has to be completed before the beginning of the Radiation Therapy. Then Dr. Becker can plan the treatment. Radiation Therapy will begin 2 weeks after the CT Scan. Instead of 20 sessions, there will be 28 sessions targeting just the prostate. Then after that, there will be another 3-5 sessions pin-pointing T12, L4, and L2. That L2 is a surprise to me. Either Dr. Goodman forgot to inform me about my L2 or I forgot he told me, which I doubt, or Dr. Becker is misunderstanding. I will talk to Dr. Goodman about that when I see him for my follow-up on May 3. 2022. Come to find out that the initial set-up at the first session only takes about 15 minutes instead of the 1 hour I was lead to believe. After the first session, the following sessions will take only less than 5 minutes each. CT Scan prep tickled me a tad because I have to have a good bowel movement the morning of, and I can't urinate for 1 or 2 hours before the scan. Reasons are that the poop can block the scan and the full bladder is akin to wearing sunblock to prevent a sunburn.

UPDATE: Three times IS a charm. I got my Treatment Shot of Eligard 30MG TODAY. Check this out... After having my blood pressure and oxygen checked, they do that all of the time, I waited for my nurse. My nurse, Angie, and I have a quick witty chat, and I ask her why is it that my first Eligard 30MG Treatment Shot didn't hurt during the last 30 seconds of the injection. Angie tells me that we'll try some old school. OK, I love old school stuff, after all, I'm old. Angie goes to prep the syringe, and returns. Meanwhile I've been using the old school until Angie returns. Angie cleans my left triceps, and asks me if I'm ready...I tell her NO, but lets get it over anyway. I tell Angie when I grab my hat and put it over my face, that's when the pain is unbearable...Angie wonders if I hurt yet...starting to become more aware of the beginnings of the PAIN..."All done!!" What? All done? "Yep". says Angie. WOW NO PAIN AT ALL!! I thank her for being a genius!! What was the old school?? A med glove filled with ICE!! During all of the time that Angie was prepping the syringe, I held that inventive ice pack to the area where Angie was going to administer the injection. In short, the ice NUMBED the injection area. NO PAIN AT ALL. Trust me, I'll never forget that old school. Appointment for my next Treatment Shot will happen after my follow-up with Dr. Goodman on May 3, 2022. Knowing that the Treatment Shot is once every 4 months, I believe that my next Treatment Shot should be August 12, 2022...maybe. Tomorrow is the consultation with Dr. Becker for my Radiation Therapy plan. Until tomorrow, be safe.

Yeah, very crazy all around. I too hope that finally tomorrow I get my Treatment Shot; I just want to get those last 30 seconds to be done and over with.

My prayers to you and your friends during this most difficult time. Great to see that you're making it to the gym and you're in good shape. Hang in there, tubby!!

UPDATE: No Treatment Shot today again due to my dose of Eligard 30MG wasn't delivered as expected. So, hopefully tomorrow is three-times a charm at 11:45AM. I could've received a Treatment Shot but at a slightly less dose of Eligard at 22.5MG. However, at the lesser dosage, I'd have to come in 3 months, and not in the usual 4 months as it has been since I moved to Las Vegas. Oh yeah, the lower dosage still delivers that punch of pain during the last 30 seconds of the injection. Oh, one more thing. The vial DIDN'T explode, but the syringe itself exploded AFTER the vial was attached while the nurse prepped for the injection. Fingers crossed that the third charm happens tomorrow.

Man do I remember the Yellow Pages; those were the days. Great thing is the internet, Google for example, replaced the Yellow Pages quite handily. I suppose if I was you, I'd let my fingers walk through the internet, Google for example, and start reaching out to the Shorin-ryu dojo's located in San Diego. Unfortunately, I've no knowledge about any particular Shorin-ryu dojo's in San Diego. Sorry to hear about your parents being in ill health; prayers to them and hope their health improves. The 3 years lockdown due to the pandemic has stripped a lot of bank account, and I'm sorry to hear that that's happened to you. Pass and hang out flyers to generate interest in your offering of private lessons. Anything is feasible especially if one is pro-active. Here's a link that might help you enquire if they're hiring MA instructors... https://shorinkansandiego.com/ I don't know them, but I let my fingers do some walking until I saw them. Might be worth a phone call. I wish you and your parents the best and will keep you all in my prayers.

Wow, aurik!! Sounds like IT WAS a great weekend overall. You're rocking the floor with such determination and dedication that MUST be at its highest peak; the floor takes no prisoners whatsoever, and from what I'm reading, your Testing Cycle will bow to your efforts across the board. Whatever you're doing, keep it up. Good luck with your Testing Cycle on May 22nd. Train hard and train well; sounds like you've been doing that ever since day one!!

UPDATE: Well, today was the day that I was suppose to get my Treatment Shot of Eligard 30MG at 10:30am. WAS is the key word!! Here's what happened... Checked in...was called to the Treatment Room...weighed in...blood pressure and oxygen readings taken...Nurse comes to me we chat a bit...she excuses herself for a minute and returns with the Eligard and the means to administer it...WHAM BAM POW...the vial explodes when the Nurse was attaching it to the syringe...Nurse goes to see if they've another Eligard...NOPE!! I reschedule for the Treatment Shot for this Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 8:30am. Better late than never. Even though I'd rather it be sooner than later because the last 30 seconds of the injection are the most painful; love to get the pain over faster. I'm a high threshold of pain, but those last 30 seconds are beyond my pain threshold. Oh yeah, I found out today that my co-pay for this Treatment Shot is $1,117.75...and that's every 4 months. I'm on a payment plan!! I only have to pay for this Treatment Shot due to that I will have meet my Insurance Out-of-Pocket expenses because with the billing of this Treatment Shot and paying for my Radiation Therapy, I won't have to pay for the Treatment Shot this up-and-coming December.

Great funny stories so far. Please keep them coming. In all of the decades that I've been on the floor, I've had some great memories, both funny and not-so funny; my wife says I could write a book about all of them. What is she trying to say, I often wonder?!? Here's one that I shared here at KF many years ago. I hope you enjoy it... https://www.karateforums.com/slate-is-for-the-roof-only-vt36201.html?highlight=slate

Yes, it's been my experience as well. Within the dojo, a more effective and practical Bunkai are required within the 3 and 4 person Bunkai. Yet, as we're all aware of, those Bunkai that have that demonstration feel to them, do have the core of effective and practical Bunkai once the demo feeling is kicked to the curb.

For example... This type of drill can be best seen at any WTF or WKA Tournament. In this case, 4 persons will execute said Kata simultaneously. Thereafter, one of the 4 persons will separate themselves from the others by position him/herself in the center of the competition floor. The remaining persons will strategically position themselves around that one person. Then, the 3 persons will in turn or together or near simultaneously attack that one person with a prescribed attack, whereas, that one person will execute the prescribed techniques of said Bunkai defense(s). All of this is done crisp and smartly by all 4 persons. The timing and all that's found in said Kata remain intact from start to finish. The Bunkai should never be the same each time, however, effectiveness must also remain intact. So as to not violate any copyright laws, just go to YouTube, type in WKF or WKA Team Kata to get a better idea.

Another reason Kata is beneficial... "Through sparring practice, the practical meaning of Kata becomes apparent."~Chojun Miyagi

Kata IS Karate, Karate IS Kata!! Neither of the two can survive without each other. Effectiveness CAN be birthed by training in every aspect of Kata. Training in just one or the other are without any fruit. Is Kata beneficial?? I'll answer that question with my own question...Is air beneficial?? Without either, there is no effective body. Imagine there's no floor...without no floor, how's one going to go forward?!? Without Kata, how's one going to go forward in one's knowledge and experience?!? Kata IS a tool. A tool that trains the mind, body, and soul in various applications. With Kata, there must be serious intent. Kata helps to train breathing, balance, focus, speed, power, transitions, stances, develops proper body mechanics, and improves muscle memory. Tools have to be properly trained in before anyone can teach and/or learn how to effectively use them. The three K's are all tools, and without these tools, there's no effectiveness whatsoever. Sure, Bruce Lee labeled Kata/Forms is akin to "swimming on dry land." That's one man's opinion. That's alright to have opinions because many ancient cultures once had an opinion that the Earth was flat. Is Kata beneficial?? As beneficial as the air is. Imho!!

Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful experience with us. Sounds like you had a great time on the floor, even though it was cut short due to your physical limitations. I understand those physical limitations just way too much myself nowadays. The mark of great MAists is when other MAists understand one's physical limitations, and they don't support one's knowledge and experience all because of true physical limitations.

It's cool. It happens. I did add some different thoughts for you to think about.

Not much difference from teaching 5-7 year old students, then there is from teaching 4-7 year old students. I refer you back to this KF topic... https://www.karateforums.com/help-with-kids-classes-vt55249.html We all teach, and have been teaching, and are learning consistent drills of various types because that's what we do. Admittedly that drills are critical to any students betterment, no matter the age of the student. However, the younger the student the more creative one must be in order to capture their attention on order to drill or anything for that matter. If you bore them to death, then your class/dojo will shortly die thereafter. Hard thing is seeing an instructor make the drill more than what it really is. 30 minutes for a student that young, might as well be 3 hours long, and the first thing an instructor will lose is their interest and the second thing an instructor will lose is the student, oftentimes, both at the very same time. Can't emphasize this enough...BE A CHILD YOURSELF; PLAY WITH THEM!! I do that all of the time, and while I'm playing with them, they're slowly learning the MA one tidbit at a time. Teaching students that young is not a speed race to anywhere but instead it's more of a slow crawl. One of my most favorite games to PLAY with students this young is dodgeball. Yes, dodgeball!! Not adult dodgeball where we are trying to knock their heads off, but where they are learning awareness. In that awareness they are learning how do DODGE the ball or CATCH the ball. These are akin to deflection and trapping; learning how to use their body and arms and legs. The older kids and adults get to avoid tennis balls that are coming faster and harder and from all directions; I'm very accurate and deadly with my tennis ball drill. Students wear goggles!! Get to know your students. That will provide you with an endless amount of insight about each student. Then sit down and design around their likes and dislikes. If some student loves to play baseball, then use that to reach that student. If a student likes to play video games, use that to reach that student. Off those two likes, I can create a class structure and the like because I've been paying attention to my students. That's our job and responsibility. If a kid hates something, find out why, and then teach with that knowledge, therefore, turning a negative to a positive. Nothing wrong with the CI getting on the ground, and playing with their very young students. Get down to their level because it will go a very long way in a positive way. Sometimes I don't teach them any MA; I just get on the ground and play with them...catch or color or watch a cartoon or make faces at each other or have some pizza or anything else other than the MA. You know who else eats all of this up besides the very young students?? Their parents!! If a CI or instructor are social inept, then they shouldn't teach anything. Imho!!

What? That would've been so much fun. Got us again, Patrick!!

Congrats on both your Testing Cycle for 4th Kyu and in your progress across the board. Gojushiho is an exciting and challenging in both the Kata and its Bunkai. Train hard and train well, especially when you all get together; so much to learn and absorb in a short period of time but can be well worth it all.

Are you satisfied across the board?? Seems like the Testing Panel were satisfied across the board!! Therefore, no matter what others might think, you EARNED that Yondan according to that Governing Bodies By-Law!! Opinions and the like don't matter whatsoever against what transpired in order to earn your Yondan. I've a friend who lives in the USA and his Sensei lives in Okinawa. My friend has taped himself whatever was required and/or asked of him, then he sends the tape to Okinawa to his Sensei. This is how a majority of his Testing Cycles were conducted. Yes, my friend traveled many times for training in Okinawa under his Sensei. My friend didn't pass every Testing Cycle. My friend earned his Kudan via Testing Cycle video tape. His Sensei was Master Shian Toma of the Seidokan. Congratulations on earning your Yondan!! Key word here is...EARNED!!

Great new content. I'm signing up right after you, Brian!!