sensei8

I suppose the beauty of the Gym experiences for us is that our Hombu had a Gymnasium attached adjacent to it, and that was primarily used for events like our Annual Testing Cycle Staging Area or tons of kids activities, like kids camp. Of course, it was used regular for many fun basketball games too.

I've not ever had to explain any things like this because, well, I've been fortunate enough to earn my living solely from the MA; dojo and the like!!

Congrats, Danielle for having your first 1st Dan Testing Cycle!! I, of course, remember when I was having my first Testing Cycle for one of my students for Shodan. It was a very proud moment for both of us....kind of hard to forget!! Another one of your FIRSTS; many more to come!! I wish your student and yourself the best success, now and in the future!!

I don't know about it being sudden and all of that because things have been brewing ever since Soke and Dai-Soke passed away. I can't begin to tell you how many stupid fires I had to constantly put out as Kaicho. Never a day went by when something would end up on my desk and I'd just facepalm myself is total disbelieve. Like I said, dysfunction was slowly taking full residence within the SKKA, no matter what steps I took to put an end to the stupidity. Every CI had been contacted by the appropriate departments from the SKKA. What they did with that information, again, I've been out of the loop ever since I stepped down; a new sheriff was in town. When ones not privy to sensitive details and the like, only assumptions, heresy, and conjecture are the norm. According to the SKKA's Legal Team, and I got a call from Hugh Beckworth, who's the Managing Partner of his law firm, which has had the SKKA as a client for as long as I can remember, after he received an email from me. An email from me wasn't a complete surprise to Hugh considering the magnitude of this situation; we go a long way back together, Hugh and I. Hugh didn't tip the scales of client confidentiality, however, he slightly leaned against it. Hugh tells me that the SKKA was losing members right and left. Like it was open season to cancel memberships. That's the individual membership!! Then, there's the CI memberships, which are SKKA affiliated dojo's. THAT, right there, is where the rubber meets the road. Once a CI/dojo tenders the appropriate paperwork to the SKKA, it's official. The SKKA has no power on the daily operations of that dojo; in short, the SKKA owns itself, and never any dojo!! So what does the powers that be at the SKKA do?? They, at the advise of the SKKA CFO, they jump off the slowly sinking ship before they drown with it!! So, it appears that the SKKA was having quite extreme difficulty in maintaining its infrastructure. Majority of its financial makeup is dependent on memberships and the like. Yes, the SKKA revenue stream isn't dependent on JUST memberships, but man oh man, membership is a HUGE part of it. Appears that when I stepped down, many members lost trust in the SKKA almost immediate because I was no longer In-House running the show. My stepping down is written in the By-Laws, Kaicho and Kancho Tenure and Term Limits, and it was authored by Hugh himself, and approved by the SKKA, so it's quite binding, therefore, even after a Lack of Confidence was submitted by a pool of CI's, but never was approved...which doesn't surprise me. Formality is fine, but the behind the scene drama has to be lived to be understood. I stayed out of the internal comings and goings of the SKKA, as it was expected, because I had my time, and now the time belongs to someone else, no matter what. I suppose that the splintering has already been happening, but like an avalanche that picks up tremendous momentum, in which, if you don't get out of its way, you'll be buried in the aftermath. Unfortunately, what's done is done. Seems to be that their next move is to close shop!! No idea if the Hombu, as a dojo, will survive because the SKKA owns it, lock stock and barrel. Hugh now has the sad duty to assist in the closing of the SKKA; a duty I'd not want to have, and never ever thought it would. Maybe that's the child like faith I have in matters like this...maybe!! I try not to blame myself, but that's not an easy thing for me. I was one of the ones that ushered in the many changes of our By-Laws and the like when Iwoa tried to destroyed the SKKA, shortly after his dad, Dai-Soke, passed away many years ago. If we hadn't created the Term Limits for Kaicho and Kancho, we'd still be large and in charge, and perhaps this untimely closing would be possibly something that wouldn't have happened, or at least, not in the SKKA's immediate future.

Great stuff, everyone!! Please keep them coming!!

WOW!! If if was me, I'd be walking/running into walls because my head would be spinning with jubilation in the Nth degree. Super congrats, Shizentai, on being selected on the JKA National Team; an honor, for sure!! The JKA doesn't just make those type of appointments as a whim, but of strict requirements being made by the appointee. A feather in your cap, for sure!! This selection brings you even that much closer in obtaining your goals. After all, it will look solid across the board on a resume of any type, especially within the MA world, and more specifically, within the JKA network!! So, seems to be that your attending THAT particular camp, at that particular time and date, was not fortuitous, by any means; things like this are never by happenstance, but by efforts made that exceed any known expectations. What you do with this will have immediate and/or future consequences, either good or bad. However, of what I know about you, I foresee nothing but good consequences in your horizon. Train hard, and train well!! Remember, proof is on the floor!!

Agreed Bob, after all you have all the experience and are the most senior of your style. If anyone could carry it on it's you. I've no desire, to be honest, and I don't need a governing body; politics just get in the way, and mess up everything. I mean, not one person approached me in this regard whatsoever, even after the Awards Ceremony when I was made aware of this all....not one person or student or whomever else!! And yes, I'm the most Senior of our style across the board, but starting and running a governing body of this magnitude is far from starting a bingo club...and again, I hate, no, I loathe...despise all of the politics that accompany a governing body. Sure, I've the Executive and Administrative experience, however, that too is far from starting a governing body or starting a dojo. Again, JazzKicker's post does make a lot of sense!!

Baffles you?? Shoot, imagine how I feel; blindsided me to the Nth degree!! Their reasons are theirs to deal with; I've not been privy to anything and everything ever since I stepped down. The instructors have no saying in Administrative/Executive decisions; that's in the hands of those elected to the hierarchy. I'm sure the individual dojo's will have to fend for themselves, if another governing body isn't available. I asked the very same question....Why bother with a Testing Cycle when the SKKA is closing down??!! "We owed that to them , at least" was the consensus of the hierarchy. They owed the Student Body far much more than that No, I've not entertained, and more than likely won't, start a governing body!! My students asked what was I going to do now?? I told them....train and teach; I don't need a stinking governing body!! The SKKA, imho, was doomed when Soke and Dai-Soke passed away; it was a matter of time. Dysfunction slowly took residence at the SKKA among various factions, and I did all that I could but the By-Laws are quite crystal clear, and majority or unanimous are the ruling standards. There's no telling exactly what took place once I stepped down; did anarchy take control through the various factions?? I've honestly have no idea; just heresy and conjecture and a whole lot of guessing.

Solid post!! You just might be right when you say that even if I hadn't stepped down, it would've ended anyway, even though our By-Laws require a unanimous vote over certain crucial and sensitive issues, and I am more than certain that I would've voted against it. I'm uncertain what role our Legal Team might've played in this decision, other than being the legal compass across the board. I mean, they owed me no warnings and/or explanation whatsoever because I'm no longer part of its Hierarchy in any shape, way, and/or form. I didn't receive any formal notification at all, like students/members receive; after all, I'm both still a student and a member in good standings...or I use to be. I will look it up "The Four Agreements" as you've suggested when I go to the library tomorrow. Is it along the lines of a book titled, "Who Moved My Cheese", a book about change?? Thanks, JazzKicker!!

I've not spoke about the SKKA/Hombu, the governing body that I've been with ever since 1964, in many different capacities, here for some time for reasons that are both professional as well as personal, and a promise I made as well here. The SKKA and/or the Hombu and/or whatever else that has been birthed from them, are just a thing, a want, but not a need. Not a need that sustains life, but more of a want, and not sure that that want was overly that important. As it's written in the SKKA/Hombu By-Laws, my time there as its Kaicho has passed some time ago, and a new Kaicho was elected some time ago, as well. The transition was as smooth as one might expect and hope, and things continued seamlessly, as it should. Time has passed, and my contacts with them slowly faded away. That was until this years Annual Testing Cycle, which is held the last week of June and the first week of July, and has been that way for as long as I can remember. Many tested, and many failed, which is to be expected when our standards are quite unforgiving. I've not been apprised of the comings and goings of the SKKA/Hombu since my stepping down, as it should be. However, I was surprised when I was invited to this years Testing Cycle; I wasn't expecting it, nor was I wanting it. But the announcement that came at the end of the Awards Ceremony, shocked me to my core, but not as much, I suppose, as when everyone kept the announcement away from me. Not one person said to me..."Have you heard the news??" No one, and this very large group isn't a tight lipped group whatsoever, especially among ourselves. For reasons that they've not even bestowed upon me, nor does it seem that they ever will, the SKKA/Hombu is being dissolved/closed in 3 months, at its very latest!! This is a permanent decision and it will not be reversed. What will become of the Student Body?? I've no idea, but I've been reminded that it's no longer of any of my concern!! I'm to worry about myself and nobody else!! It's a done matter!! Am I suppose to take that?? I suppose that I'm going to have to!! My hands are tied!! Why invite me?? To tell me to my face?? To see the look on my face?? Whatever their reasons might be, it seems that they'll have the last laugh at my expense!! To be true, I don't care what happens to the SKKA/Hombu, except for the Student Body...that I can't seem to ever shake!! Memories can't be dissolved!! History can't be dissolved!! My love for the Student Body can't be dissolved!! Forgive me for breaking my promise here, but I needed to speak to someone before I bust. Perhaps it's everyone for themselves or perhaps good will come from this or perhaps it was meant to be or perhaps nothing for nothing will come from this. The only thing I'm very quite sure of is this... Everything comes to an end...even the SKKA/Hombu!!

Unless you're conducting a event under WKF rules, then use whatever mats you want to. WKF has their reasons as to the puzzle mats rules/requirements, and as they say, when in Rome. Puzzle mats can be far much more costly compared to any other mats found, depending on the amount of square footage that needs to me covered; roughly about $2 a square foot. I do see the reasons why WKF insists on the puzzle mat rules/requirements, and applaud their sticking to their guns on this issue. I'd also advise that you'd check with the insurance provider of your event to see if they have a requirement(s) concerning mats, then go from there. WKF rules = Puzzle mats Non WKF rules = Use whatever mats you want

I suppose that it can be viewed as idolatry when someone bows to a picture of someone of importance in their life. Often times once a mind has been made up, there's not much of a chance of it changing no matter what education is supplied. Now, I've only one picture hanging in my dojo, and it's of Jesus, and I don't bow to it, nor will I and not because it might be thought of as idolatry, but because of a much deeper meaning for me. When I witness others bowing to a picture of someone of importance to them, I think it only as a sign of respect. No, I do not bow to any said picture, not that I believe it's an act of idolatry, but because I wasn't raised to do so. Do I feel awkward to not bow to a picture or out of place or scorned?? No, I don't!! There's other ways to show respect without bowing to a picture. For example, I walk up to the pictures of our Soke and Dai-Soke that are hanging in the Hombu, whenever I'm there, and I've not been there in awhile, and I'll place my hand on those pictures...pause for a quick second or two...and then move on, and I don't do that every time that I'm there, but when I am there, I might do that, but only just when it's upon my heart to do so.

Floors!! Common definition is... the lower surface of a room, on which one may walk. Every school of the MA has one of a typical shape whereas classes are given. Not all schools of the MA are free standing, in which, many are found in a strip mall or in some other location, like, at a church, for example. Where would we be if gymnasiums hadn't ever been created, or worse, made unavailable to us?? Many MA venues/events take place in gymnasiums around the world. Classes are held there...seminars are held there...testing cycles are held there...and let us never forget, tournaments are held there. Big...spacious...only limited by ones imagination. A place given for spectators to enjoy the activities being conducted on any given day/night. A gymnasiums more then adequate to host any MA event due to, of course, it being BIGGER than life. Bigger than ones tiny school of the MA!! Bigger than ones modest rented space in the community center, or pretty much, anywhere else, for that fact. SPACE!! Gyms have one extra gift...built in Embusen, called, the basketball court markings, to start. Markings going here and there and so on and so forth...FREE. Yes, they serve not much good for any MA tournament...maybe. God bless gymnasiums!! After all, by any other floor, it's safe haven!! Can you share any fond memories that you've experienced while doing the MA in a gymnasium??

Yes....Happy 4th of July; be safe and have a blast!!

I opened my dojo with my own money from my savings account. No family members...no help from my Sensei...no help from any living soul except myself...and I wouldn't have had it any other way. As far as the SBA, that will depend on ones financial strength or weakness across the board. Just remember that lenders just don't loan money without some strict approval/reject protocol in place; some lenders are much more relaxed then others...and they're out there, just have to find them. When it comes to the SBA, it's not personal, it's business, and they will do anything and everything to protect their bottom line, than yours!! Good luck and much success!!

I agree with with Brian, wholeheartedly. MA related, the bowing is part of what practitioners do often; this is a sign of respect towards a many reason. Respect for the instructor...respect for the school...respect for other MA practitioners. Worship?? Idolatry?? Not to my knowledge, but of course, I've not been in every single MA school on Earth. For those MA schools and the like that I've been to, there's no worship, as we might understand what worship is, just mutual respect. We Westerners don't bow to one another in a commonality as it's demonstrated in the Eastern parts of the world, for example, Japan and China, so on and so forth. Seeing that bowing is part of the Eastern culture, as Brian mentioned in his post here, and the majority of much of the MA came from that part of the globe, us Westerners started bowing to each other in schools of the MA because that's what the instructor instructed us to do, so we bowed then, and continue to do so because, after all, as our instructors explained to us, it's a sign of respect. Now, I don't and will not bow to the Kamiza and/or towards Kamidana, even though both of our Soke and Dai-Soke do so daily and often; that's their believe, and pleasantly surprising, they never forced that action upon us, their students. I've seen this being done many times in dojo's, and whenever it was expected, I'd politely explain my reasons as to why I will not...yes, I've been asked to leave their dojo immediately...but I was cool with that too. More the dojo than the style that I've seen the bowing in the reference to bowing to each other or bowing as one come on/off the floor or bowing to the CI/Instructors and/or important visitors. So I can't say here that it's Shotokan or Judo or TKD or what have you, but it's more of a personal preference of the CI. Dojo Kun speaks the expected level of respect, and students and visitors are expected to follow it without hesitation. I will not be forced nor will I force believe, tradition or not, on another individual. That's the beauty of the front door...it opens both ways...enter and exit; choose one and be loyal to whomever one decides willingly!! We Westerners have gladly accepted and welcomed the act of bowing in MA schools because...when in Rome...and we decided that that simple act was quite harmless to perform. We were shown the hows and the whys of bowing by our CI, and we followed suit whenever it should be done.

Personally, I've never heard of anyone using bamboo, except yourself; quite intriguing. My entire life I've not seen any bamboo big enough to ever use as a makiwara; bamboo I've seen are no bigger than a broom stick. Bulltahr mentions something important that I believe should be kept in mind. Maybe, and I'm just speculating, if thick/dense padding over it might allow the safety factor apply. Does the bamboo have the same or near same characteristics of a traditional makiwara?? I'd imagine that the taller the bamboo, the less the characteristics remain...kind of much more wobbly causing the return/bounce-back lessen as it gets taller. I guess that depends on how big the bamboo is at its base, circumference wise, that is.

Sorry to hear that you broke your finger sparring. But hopefully your finger will heal much faster than your leg. Well, as they say...those are the breaks!! Sorry, couldn't help myself...again. Get well soon, and when you do, the floor will still be there, eager to welcome you back.

Welcome to KF, Journyman74; glad that you're here!! Solid OP!!

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...EVERYONE NOW...Happy Birthday, JR...Happy Birthday to you,,,,and many more!!

No matter what that moment is, and with no excuses whatsoever, be in that moment unapologetically. Being with your kids...be in that moment!! Being with your wife/husband...be in that moment!! Being with your relative...be in that moment!! Being at a meeting wherever it might be...be in that moment!! Being at work...be in that moment!! Being at play...be in that moment!! Being at the dojo/dojang/etc...be in that moment!! Being at your MA training...be in that moment!! Being at the gym...be in that moment!! Being at a Testing Cycle...be in that moment!! Those moments deserve that from whomever, and at 100% at all times, and not with a lackadaisical effort, and not as a passing notion that'll pass unnoticeable. Having personal concerns, leave them outside!! Is that easy?? The short answer...no...that's not that easy at the drop of a hat for everyone. If that which is occupying your mind right now can't be left outside...then stay at home; separate that which is bothering from that which your about to attempt. If one can't be in that moment, then that moment is being disrespected across the board. If one can't be in that moment for 100%, when it'll matter the most, the there'll be no happy ending whatsoever. If you're the student, then be in that moment!! If you're the instructor, then be in that moment!! If you're the owner of the MA school, then be in that moment!! One can't serve two masters at the same time; decide!! What good does it do for you to try to be in two places at the very same time; that can't be done, it's impossible. Wherever your body is, so must your mind be; focus properly, and not in a happenstance mindset; anything and everything will suffer whenever respect is not given its proper attention at all time. You can't disguise it and/or hide it and/or pretend at it and/or whatever because either you're in the moment or you're not!! Be in THAT moment!!

After all, computes do break down, whereas the pen/pencil is mightier than the computer. I'm not dead set against having a computer, I mean, I'm using one right now. I suppose that I really never found a database/program that would fit in with my needs. So, being way old school in this regards, if it's not broken, then why try to fix it, I'll just have students sign-in daily, and then just go from there.

Sign students in the old fashion way...sign in sheets, then transfer the necessary data into a Master File Book, akin to a Ledger Sheet; that's the tried-and-true method without having to depend on a computer.

Solid OP, Brian!! I've no idea which type I am because I've trained all of my life via MA training i.e., my Sensei/other MAists, and/or Health Related, i.e. my PCP and Cardiologist; I lift to live.

"Emotional content; not anger" ~ Bruce Lee This pretty much sums up my feelings on this subject. Each of us are held accountable for our own actions, whether they be positive or negative. Brian makes sense when he says...