sensei8

The difference from a one day self-defense class and a focus targeted seminar are night and day. Forget about the bottom line because that bottom line isn't, and shouldn't be, the focus of any MA school. The focus is misdirected away from what is being taught MA wise. Financial security is necessary for the MA school, but it must never be the primary concern. Imho!!

Solid post!! Going on your own will limit you to the Nth degree, due to exactly what Tempest has posted, as well as the negative muscle memory, a memory that will be hard to break away from...not impossible, but quite near impossible depending on how long that negative muscle memory has been around. Without a qualified instructor, how will you ever know what's right or what's wrong when you do it or don't do it...before it's way too late?!?!?

Solid post!! Again, like your Sensei, I don't want nor need a governing body; proof is on the floor, and not what's around ones waist or what shingle one hangs outside their dojo doors. My dojo hasn't been affected with the SKKA closing at all. Yes, the affiliation decal and certificates have been removed, and it didn't gain any attention from my student bod that they were missing...and the decal couldn't ever be missed...it's of a good size...the certificate of affiliation could be missed among all of the other things that are hanging in the lobby, dojo floor, and my office. Having a panel is what I've been doing at my dojo for as long as I can remember, and the few Seniors I have are always seconding beside me. I suppose it's become more of a habit having a small panel because that's what our Hombu under Soke and Dai-Soke always did; habits are hard to do otherwise. The really weird thing will be not going to the Hombu for any Testing Cycle for Godan and up; which was a strict requirement of the SKKA. So, whenever I finally have a Godan or above Testing Cycle at my dojo, it will be a first for me.

You're correct, but with my experience and knowledge, and the more I toy with the idea, the more I don't want/need to create a governing body. Perhaps I'll discuss it more with my Student Body, and put it to a vote. Anyone know of any CI's personally that have splintered away and have NOT gone the path of forming their own governing body??? If so, have they regretted not doing so?? I mean, who is the heck needs a governing body?? Governing Bodies birth the air of politics, and politics can destroy whatever it touches and bring contempt on its heels. My advantage is that can conduct a Testing Cycle up to the rank of Nanadan on my own, and I've enough Senior Dan students of mine to sit on the panel as well. After all, proof is on the floor, anyway!!

No, I'm sorry I've never used that particular piece of equipment before!!

Well, in light of the SKKA's decision(s) to permanently close down the SKKA, more sooner than later, and quite many other SKKA CI's are splintering, well, maybe splintering isn't an accurate word because the SKKA has to be in operation first to be splintered away from. Albeit, they're starting to create their own little governing body, or not even starting one, or being associated with one; they've got to do whatever they want to protect their immediate Student Body. So, for grins and giggles, I've decided to protect my immediate Student Body, I will be starting a new governing body...SKKF [shindokan Karate-do and Kobudo Federation]...it's in its infantile stage right now; just some notes on a legal pad. I really don't want to or need to or have to, but if need be, I will to protect my immediate Student Body. Life sometime can be a sun-of-a-gun; I would love for the Earth to stop just long enough for me to jump off of it.

Solid post!! Each of you have presented solid arguments against my mindset across the board, and whatever you're doing, it works very well for you. Thank you!!

Spartacus Maximus wrote: That's just not my thing; teaching a one day self-defense class. Seminar...one day self-defense class, imho, are two different things in the sense that they teach far different concerns. For me, a Seminar targets specifics, more than wide range things, which for the most part, are what self-defense classes target. Every time a relative and/or a friend asks me to teach them some self-defense, I tell them to join my dojo, and they'll learn some, but not in a happenstance environment. Even my nieces will ask me at BBQs to show them something, and I will, but only if they join my dojo.....I do not teach one or two day self-defense classes for the reasons already stated in my OP. It's for others, but not for me!! Do I offer introduction classes?? Sure!! But that one day intro class is specific targeted. If after they decide to not join, then there's not much I can do for them beyond what I targeted. Besides, even in a targeted environment, that intro class has its drawbacks because of its limitations of knowledge and experience. JazzKicker wrote: Yes, I offer that intro class, and it's a specific targeted, as all classes are in my dojo!! Intro classes are teamed up either with myself, and'or with one of my instructors, in that kind of one on one within a group setting. Sempai's are all over the classes assisting pretty much everyone. Wastelander wrote: Before I even thought of posting this topic, I already knew that many here wouldn't agree with my mindset. That's totally cool because we can't always agree with everything. I find it quite refreshing when you talk about your friend being able to bring to bear that which she learned from a one day self-defense seminar, and what she began to advocate from her experiences; I bow to her across the board. I'd say that she's a gem from the ruff; a rarity because application with effectiveness from a one day class is something, well, quite lucky and fortunate. But, her one day was targeted specific, and that too, is a rarity in the MA world because many self-defense classes are more glossed over with ineffective tones. I bow to her for being that effective with such little knowledge and experience!! Still, I just won't be that proponent for one day self-defense classes for the reason(s) I've already stated; primarily it just gnaws at me of that high risk of false security one gets...even if the worlds greatest instructor was teaching said one day self-defense class, it's just one day!! Just not my cup of tea, and I DO NOT judge those that do teach one day self-defense classes.

I don't teach self-defense in my dojo to the weekend warriors as a means to drive the bottom line financially, even though, that's a simple way to meet my dojo's P&L expectations. I'm not speaking about the weekend seminar, on a plethora of topics, to fellow MAists, but about the layperson with very little or no MA background, who'll spend their hard earned money on a one time self-defense class. Why?? It's a waste of time for that layperson to endeavor!! I don't, and will not, subscribe to the believe that some self-defense is better than nothing!! Nothing will never seriously benefit them in both the short and long term of it all by attending a Saturday on a one time self defense class. To do so, builds only one thing for sure....the false security for that layperson!! We speak loudly about the value of effectiveness in the MA, and that which must be in the MAist, as well. How it's achieved through rigorous years of training and sacrifice. How effectiveness, and in part, requires effective muscle memory and the execution of said technique. After a few hours of training, that layperson might or might not remember one single thing that they were taught at a one day self-defense class. If they do, and my money's on that they won't, just how effective will they be against an attacker that's hell bent on destroying them on the streets outside of the safety and comfort of said school of the MA with only a few hours of training?!?!? One of the reasons that it takes many years to become effectively proficient in the MA is that we train and practice for years in a very serious way, with resistant training, and not in a simple passing of time way, but dead serious time devoted to become that effective, to even have that better chance of surviving an attack. I seriously doubt that the layperson devotes much time, if any, and if at all, on practicing seriously what they learned in that one self-defense class. Muscle memory will not be there, so that layperson will more than likely freeze from fear, and we all know that any simple pause will only benefit the attacker, and not the defender. Even worse is what if they're attacked years after that one class of self-defense?!?! By the time they remember, if they do, what to do, it's all over, and they're now crumbled down lying on some street writhing in pain, or worse. I cringe whenever I see and/or hear about people suggesting that they're loved one should take a self-defense class, no matter the good intent, because nothing positive can possibly come from it...no...not after attending one brief self-defense class. I'll turn away prospective students fast who desire a one day self-defense class from me because I don't teach just self-defense classes outside and away from my normal daily curriculum. I mean, even then, just how effective are my students after years of rigorous training and all on my floor will that student of mine be?? Well, as far sight better than the weekend warrior having only done that one class, I assure. To become proficient in anything requires many years of intense training!! That isn't, and won't be found in a one day self-defense class!! Imho!!

Now, that's hilarious!! LOL!!

Congrats to your student, you, and your dojang for him passing his 1st Dan!!

Do our emotions betray us?? As a person?? As a MA?? I believe either of those two can't be separated, but then again, that might be possible. We tend to behave as humans because we are humans, and in that, we stumble even during the most simplest task. No matter the training, we often tend to overlook that which we shouldn't, and before one realizes it, the shoe is on the other foot, and usually at the most impromptu time. Bruce Lee's most famous quote states...."Emotional content, not anger"!! Of course, anger's not the only emotion that should be guarded from, and over, because when emotions betray you, and they will, how one will address them will just make or break the outcome!!

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??