Nidan Melbourne

It is true, that is a thankless job. You need to have bit of a thick skin to do it, but I found that it was great for me to develop it and also to work on how to communicate effectively. People lose their minds on the 50/50 calls or the ones that are difficult to make without video footage that we could technically use. What irked me the most, is the comments by coaches/players/spectators of "how did you miss that Ref?". Now I have one of two responses: 1. "I didn't see it because I wasn't in your position to see it" 2. "I did see it, but didn't have much of an impact on the game let alone on the play" - If we called absolutely everything that was a foul, then there would be no players! - If it impacts a shooter = foul gotta be called I taught my guys and girls that if they let abuse fly at the start of the match, its going to be hard to stop later on during the match. Give 1 warning, after that Tech them or DQ them.. IF it is an issue with a spectator I would throw them out as a Supervisor. The things that make me laugh the most are some violations; where players nearly always go "I didn't do that!"

So in a past life; I was a Basketball Referee and a Referee Supervisor for a Local Basketball Club for several years. Once I got my Accreditation, I received the nickname "Chop Chop" which many of my referee friends still call me to this day. Some called me "Baba Yaga" because they were terrified if I ever got summoned to their court whilst they were playing. Now during my time as a Referee; I had to use one massive tool that we tend to learn as a Martial Artist multiple times. And it was how to Communicate with people when they were angry/aggressive. Now how did I get the "Baba Yaga" nickname? I got it at a Tournament in 2009, where there was an incident where I dealt with this particular team 3 times over the course of the Tournament. In the 2nd Match, this particular coach came onto the court in a rather angry mood and gave him a "Technical Foul". Advised him one more that he would be out of the stadium and that I would place him on report (and attend a tribunal hearing). He decided to make the wrong move opted to take a swing at me, I caught it and did an epic throw on him and he landed on the flat of his back. Told him that he was now on report for several worse charges, so I attended that tribunal and he was given a life ban. I was still allocated to their 3rd match, which was after the tribunal. They saw my face and tried to get me reallocated to another court, but the stadium declined as all the other courts were already hosting the VC Matches (VC = Victorian Championships = the higher tier matches over what I was doing). So I got dubbed that "Baba Yaga" Nickname, because I was the cause of their nightmares and a lot of in fighting for the team. It eventually got back to my association, and it just stuck when it came to difficult coaches who messed with my referees. NOW is it worth for Referees to know how to defend themselves? Yes!

Now I've attended Seminars myself and been a Seminar Instructor myself. I am open to learning new things; so when I look to bring in Instructors to run Seminars. I take into account how it can be a benefit to my students and how it can expand their knowledge or skills. If I was to invite a Goju Instructor; I generally find instructors that are far more senior than myself and have a wealth of knowledge that I can only hope to learn. With the biggest name being Tino Ceberano Hanshi. But the type of instructor and their personality is a massive thing for me; as they need to have a passion for what they do. The first person I think of is Jesse Enkamp Sensei, when I was at his seminar here in Melbourne Australia you could just see how much he loved what he does. And that he takes the time to explain things in a way that you can understand and adapt to it quickly. When I am asked to run a Seminar; and people ask me about my experience and credentials I say: - Started in 2001, Black Belt Awarded in 2008 - Started Teaching in 2006 - Tournament Coach from 2018 - Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) Simply put; when I teach, I make things relevant to both general exercises in the Gym and in the Dojo. Take Shikodachi for example; the closest exercise you'll find is a Sumo Squat as both a mobility exercise and for weight lifting.

We run a system for all our Kyu Grades as follows; 5 'Tags' per Belt are required to be eligible for Grading. To be eligible to test for a 'Tag' you must complete 5 lessons then on the 6th you can test; however if at your previous grading you were weak in a particular area you would test on the 12th instead of the 6th. Each 'Tag' is denoted by a Black Piece of Electrical Tape at the end of the belt. Our Dan Grades if they wish to Denote Rank on their belt, they need to get it embroidered or if ordering a new belt they get it added then. So 5 Tags with 6 Lessons between = 30 Lessons minimum prior to being eligible for promotion. Also it assists us knowing where everyone is at in relation to testing and what their considered competent in. 9th Kyu (White Belt) 1. Kicks - 6 Total; Front, Groin, Roundhouse (Body), Roundhouse (Head), Knee Joint, Side 2. Basics - Blocks, Strikes (Punches, Palm Strikes, Elbows, Snap Strikes) 3. Combinations 4. Kata 5. Pre-Arranged Sparring 8th Kyu - 3rd Kyu 1. Basics 2. Combinations 3. Kata 4. Pre-Arranged Sparring - Bunkai included for Adults Curriculum (4th Kyu +) 5. Sparring 2nd Kyu + 1st Kyu 1. Basics - Throws and Takedowns (Demonstrate 2) have been recently added - Demonstrate SAFE Falls (Front/Back/Side): ALL From a standing start 2. Combinations 3. Kata 4. Pre-Arranged Sparring - Bunkai included for Adults Curriculum (4th Kyu +) - Kyogi (Self-Defence Routines) 5. Sparring

To the Bolded; not many do. Unlike NFL Players; Rugby Players don't wear protective equipment (apart from Mouthguards and some players wearing the thinner helmets*) and we also have a huge rate of Cauliflower Ears. For those NFL Players, I do get concerned for their longevity as for what I've seen there is still "Match-Level" Contact occurring during their Training Sessions. And from what I've heard and seen it occurs at nearly level of the sport (including Grass-Roots). When I was a Rugby (Union) Player for School, our Trainings we had minimal contact to the head. So our Forwards (Numbers 1-8) when we did our Scrum Training, either focused on correct binding techniques or using the Scrum Machine. Even when we did 1 on 1 Partner Drills for it, the risks were a lot lower. But when we were practicing our set manouevres, and there were "rucks" there often weren't opposing players to cause impact. But on Match Day, the Officials and First Aiders were so strict on head contact and any player who potentially has a Concussion. Medically Cleared or Not; they are required to sit out 2 Matches and Trainings.

Enjoy your Public Holiday

Now with that "Slapping" Thread being of interest, I thought it might be good for some awareness around this disease and thought it might be a good thing to talk about. As we are in some way at an increased risk of this. I am not saying that everyone in the MA Community will develop this, along with other activities (i.e. NFL for you Americans, and Aussie Rules Football for me here in Australia). As we have many amazing members here who have been in the world for several decades. As I have recently updated my will; I have included that only my Brain to be used for research. Because I have a family history of Dementia. Chronic Truamatic Encephalopathy or CTE for short; which is a Progressive Neurodegenerative Disease. Which can have the following symptoms: Memory Loss Confusion Mood Changes (Anxiety, Depression, Aggression included) Impaired Judgement Impulsivity Behavioural Changes Now these can be confused with Dementia or Alzheimers whilst one is alive, but can be ruled out using the symptoms and family history along with other conditions. Unfortunately it is a common issue in Contact and Combat Sports; as the risk of repeated head trauma and concussions is quite high. In comparison between the UFC (and other MMA type formats) and us "normal" folk there is a stark contrast between the two.

Going to add, as by chance I ran into a few classmates from my university days (who went onto doing their Masters) and asked them about it. They did express concern surrounding risk of damage in the long run. Especially where some videos demonstrated a "change" in the persons appearance after a slap occurring. Outside of Brain Damage (Structural, Nerves, Circulatory etc), I wonder about: Damage to Entire Skull Damage to Facial Nerves Flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid to Spine (and vice-versa) Damage to Spine (likelihood of complete paralysis) Brain Scans and on the slightly morbid side what the damage looks like on a Brain Autopsy? Like what has been occurring on the small percentage of NFL Athletes who have passed away and have donated their bodies to research.

I do find it fascinating to watch BUT that much force is concussive. Doesn't matter if the person blacks out or not, as it is similar to a car crash many ways. Unfortunately for a lot of activities like this, may not present itself for a long time. In the science world we don't know the true impact between Brain Trauma and Contact Sports, as research only really happens after ones death (even then fewer donated to research). Even in the MA community, we can't be 100% sure of ones behaviour is because of either trauma or ones actual self. So forgetfulnes for example it is hard to say what is occurring.

My club doesn't do Naihanchi as part of Curriculum requirements, but has it as an optional tool for Black Belts. But having come through Goju-Kai (Yamaguchi Gogen Sensei - then through Tino Ceberano Hanshi) Sanchin for us a very powerful kata, performed solely in Sanchin Dachi. Naihanchi for us utilises Heiko Dachi + Shikodachi still a strong grounded kata but with fluidity.

It was a long grading indeed. Mentally tired for sure, took me a few days to go through all the information for each candidate so they got individual packages of information. On top of the 2.5 days; it took all up 14 hours of work to give them comprehensive information alongside giving the clubs a massive portfolio of data.

Thats something I have noticed in a lot of clubs; where they don't teach the grappling side of things. My club teaches it but not as part of the curriculum. Even though I've stepped away from the dojo for the time being, I have noticed so much more in terms of kata especially in the terms of grappling and throws/takedowns. Even the lowly introductory kata like the Taikyoku Series, I have found so many golden nuggets of things in them.

Is it not a term that is used in the US? like what makes the Shindokan the Shindokan. Just like what makes Goju Goju.

I'd love to sit down one day with you to hear stories about your Soke + Dai-Soke. Everything you have said about them makes me think that they were wonderful people. Also I'd love to see what makes the Shindokan tick

Here was one of my Teaching/Reffing Days from 2014 (totally happy that I don't mix the two anymore) 07:15 - 07:45 Travel to Dojo 07:45 - 8:00 Safety Inspection 8:00 - 10:00 Karate (Balwyn Dojo) Had to be a tad selfish and leave straight away due to reffing commitments 10:30 - 11:00 Get to Office (Kew) Find Stadium Bag, Count Float (Referee Payments) Pre-Fill Referee Cover Sheet (Names) Check Referee Roster Make calls to fill in gaps (where possible) 11:00 - 11:30 Travel to Stadium (Ashburton) 11:30 - 11:45 Arrive @ Stadium Check in with Centre Staff Set Up Reception Desk Scoresheets Newsletters Pull Out Equipment (Arrows/Balls) Walk Through of Courts Check Scoreboards (Turning On/Working) Check Floors (no leaks from roof, no damage etc) 11:45 - 11:55 Toolbox Meeting All Referees for first Match (x4) + Myself News from Management, Additional Rules Implemented (i.e. Heat Policy) Additional Training - Referee Coaching (either brought in or by me) Issues raised by Referees Previous Week Current Issues (injuries) 12:00 - 7:30 Game Day Oversaw a 2-Court Stadium 20 Matches Total (10 Matches per court) Liase with: Referees (where issues arose) Coaches (usually the problematic ones) Spectators Centre Staff Referee Matches (Rostered of course) During the last my last "OFF" Match Balance Float Organise remaining referees pay 7:30 - 7:35 Pack Up (Refs to bring ball, arrow + scoresheet to front bench) 7:40 - 8:00 Travel to Office 8:00 - 8:30 Office Time Balance Float (Treasurer was there; She had a strict "No balancing only at stadium rule") Report issues or promotions 8:30 (if no other issues needing attention) - Travel Home When I was in School; swap teaching for school sport which rarely impacted my ability to get to stadiums on time. As the person that was responsible for allocating supervisors; took into account if the person had School Sport on. As there were only a handful of stadiums that had a 10:30 start, they went to the people that had already completed school. Which I did the following year once I finished High School.

@sensei8 I can imagine when the SKKA was operating of how busy you would have been! How many dojos were you responsible for in some way?

This is more for the Chief Instructors, Dojo Owners, or those responsible. What does your daily work look like outside of teaching? So my business isn't just with Karate Instruction, but relates to Sports Officiating as well! Being 9:30 pm on a Saturday as I write this; and listening to some of my favourite music off Youtube. I chose today be a day of laziness and do the bare minimum in regards to work; so just responded to texts from people in regards to next week to be scheduled in. For instance Monday; I have a fun day even behind the scenes. Not Teaching or Reffing so I have a longer day. 9:00 - 10:30 Meeting with Former Referee Advisor (Basketball) Help format Excel Document for Referee Evaluations Pressure Test document to see how effective it is 11:30 - 12:30 Meeting with Life Coach (Personal Time) Gotta see him weekly 1:00 - 2:00 Online OA Meeting (Personal Time) OA is Overeaters Anonymous I find it so beneficial to attend 2:15 - 4:00 Online Meeting with several Instructors (interstate) Feedback on Grading Template (Supplied last week) Feedback on Instructor Assessment Template (Supplied last week) 4:30 - 6:00 Gym Training/Swimming (Personal Time) 6:15 - 8:30 Referee (Basketball) Assessment (Audit) Review Matches (x2) 'A' Grade Mens + Championship Mens Both Referees (over 18); both current 'B' Grade Officials (Successful promotion to 'A' Grade which will allow them to officiate Top Tier Juniors mid 2026) Both already successfully passed Fitness Exam (Beep Test) + Theory Exam (95% & 98% Respectfully) I would finish at 5; but since I'm taking lunch (30 mins), OA Meeting (1 hr), Life Coach (1 hr) and Gym (1.5 hr). But I might do the Ref Assessment done on Tuesday, depending on what it looks like.

Your history definitely wouldn't be boring! Highs, Lows, a thrilling fight for your life, the consequences! Also it would allow you to reflect on your journey to help The History of the Shindokan would be better from you over any ghost writer. As you could keep the integrity for everything that occurred, and how your Soke and Dai-Soke would feel about it.

They had a few people come Internationally to grade, hence why there were quite a few senior grades. And turns out (I was only just informed of this a few hours ago) that there were actually 3 clubs coming together to grade! It was quite intimidating at first to be honest with you, because I thought "how many of these karateka would take the thoughts/opinions of a lowly 2nd Dan". As the "highest" rank I had assessed someone to was to 3rd Dan. But when I spoke to the CI about my worries, he just said stick to what I know and don't feel pressured into thinking otherwise. So for me keeping to the "basics" was the key, and work from there. I think if I was to run a large club that had multiple locations; I'd run smaller gradings for quality control over having one large grading. In relation to the "Attitude" thing, a lot were screened out prior to the grading. But the ones that failed during the grading; came down to how they handled themselves on the day. Which in my experience in being an examiner, I've only seen a small handful of people fail (<5). However it does check one thing off my MA Bucketlist; assessing a huge BB Grading. Next one is to be an assessor interstate or internationally.

It was a first for me where there was such high standards to testing. I was the person responsible for several sections; but the Kyogi (Self-Defence Routines) Portion I found the most interesting. The club doesn't normally do them; but the CI found them to be a useful tool to have students actually understand and explore the purpose of kata. Typically my club prescribes 1 kata to 1 grade for the student to explore, explain (via a demonstration). But as most of these students were going for such high grades; the CI opted for them to do 2 Kata (25 each) + 25 kyogi which the instructor says the Kata and the respective step (i.e. Seeiunchin Step 4, Kanku Sho Step 14).

Recently I was asked to be an examiner for a Black Belt Grading; Total Duration - 28 Hours which was spread out over 3 Days. It was the Clubs Largest ever grading for Adults attempting for either Black Belt (Shodan-Ho) or a Dan-Grade. There were a total of 45 Candidates that were eligible for promotion with a total of 15 Instructors (10 Club Instructors + 5 Visiting Instructors) Now how did we manage to fairly evaluate all the candidates? 2nd Kyu Students (12 Total) - Tested Seperately with the "Senior Graded" Candidates ran it. As the Guest Instructor, I observed both the 2nd Kyus and the "Senior Graded" Candidates running it. Senior Graded Candidates = 5th Dan and Above (12 Candidates) 1st Kyu Students (12 Total) - Tested with ALL the Dan Grades They had more breaks than the other candidates Dan Grades - Complete ALL Required aspects for Promotion 1 - Shodan-Ho FOR Shodan 1 - Shodan FOR Nidan 1 - Nidan FOR Sandan 3- Sandan FOR Yondan 3 - Yondan FOR Godan 4 - Godan FOR Rookudan 4 - Rookudan FOR Nanadan 4 - Nanadan FOR Hachidan Pass Requirements 2nd Kyu 75% "Pass" No Hurdle Requirements 1st Kyu 75% "Pass" Hurdle Requirement "Acceptable" Fitness/Health Screening 10 Teaching Credits (Signed Off) 90% Correct Theory Exam Black Belt (Shodan-Ho to Sandan) 80% "Pass" Hurdle Requirement "Acceptable" Fitness/Health Screening 30 Teaching Credits (Signed Off) 98% Correct Theory Exam "Atttitude" Portion of Grading*** Black Belt (Yondan+) 80% Pass Hurdle Requirement Medical Clearance "Acceptable" Fitness/Health Screening 50 Teaching Credits (Signed Off) WKF Referee (Local Level Minimum) No Mistakes - Theory Exam No Ego due to Rank/Experience ***Attitude Portion*** This aspect of the grading; looks at the following How you persevere through a Difficult or Long Grading How you interact with others (age/rank/gender) How you treat gradings/classes Arrival/Departure times for Grading How you look after your Uniform Did you bring a Fresh Gi to the next day? Did you wash your Gi? If you Fail this portion of the Grading; no matter what else you do, you will not be promoted to the next rank. *Grading Format* Friday 1400 - 2200 (2nd Kyu's Complete their part today) Fitness/Health Screening Teaching Throws/Takedowns Students to Check White Board for Continuance to Saturday Saturday 0900 - 1900 Teaching Kihon Combinations Kata Theory Exam Students to Check White Board for Continuance to Sunday Sunday 0900 - 1900 Pre-Arranged Sparring Bunkai Kyogi Kumite Students who Complete Today Dinner at Post-Grading Awarding of Rank (If Successful) The Chief Instructor explained that for Sunday they do a minimum of 50 Rounds of Kumite. But when he (or majority of the instructors) are satisfied he will stop rounds and formally end the grading. Once ranks meet their grading requirements (CI doesn't tell them how many rounds they need to complete) they have an option of sitting out and stretching or continuing to help the other students. At the end of the Grading; and we finished making our notes and discussing it with the CI. We decided to hold off on awarding any grades above 3rd Dan as there were that many notes written for each candidate that the CI needed to sit down read them so he could be informed of what we suggested. Final Results 40 Candidates Passed 5 Candidates Failed 1 x 6th Dan Candidate Failed All 7th Dan Candidates Failed Unfortunately 2 of the Candidates that Failed - and they were both due to the "Attitude" Section of the grading. One of which was not invited back after Friday Night, and the other on Saturday. I sat down with all the candidates that failed, and walked through the feedback from the instructors and to explain why they weren't successful. They were generally very receptive to why they weren't successful. Biggest reason for failing - Pre-Arranged/Bunkai/Kyogi (Self-Defence Routines) and Kata.

I have no real issue with family teaching family; especially if the relationship pre-existed prior to one of them started. An Instructor dating a student? I can see there being a conflict of interest. Especially around perceived favoritism when it comes to testing. I taught my now Ex-Wife for years, as she had an interest in learning Karate due to her experience in other combat sports. When she came to the Dojo that I trained at, we were in the same class but in separate groups most of the time. When it comes to teaching, I make it very clear to students if I was in an Active Relationship with a student or instructor. And how there are clear boundaries and guidelines to how I would handle that during class. So if it came to In-Grade Testing and it is possible; I have another instructor test my partner to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Because I want there to be fairness for my partner to be tested without it to appear to be "handed out" or to be given easily. If I have to do it (if there was no other option); I would do it be as fair as possible. One of my friends, who is an instructor was dating someone at the time who was in one of his classes that he taught. We had to have several conversations surrounding his testing standards with his gf. He needs to hold everyone to the same standard at that rank, and not make things easy because you want to avoid an argument later on. Even with in-class demonstrations; I mix it up with students who help demonstrate things, as it adds pressure on them to perform technically correct

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@sensei8 I have severe Sleep Apnea, and use a CPAP along with my sleep specialist having set it up properly for me with a review every few months. I don't have insurance, and the study cost me $200 which was overnight at their site. then a $50 Rental Fee of the Unit for the week following results of the test and consult with the Specialist. Who sent the data to CPAP Victoria who specialises in selling the machines, fitting of masks and can work on the machines. So this was my breakdown for testing, machine and consultations. - Consults w/ Sleep Specialist $200 (discounted rate with Low Income Health Care Card) x2 (Initial + follow up) - Sleep Study: overnight at clinic $0 Fully Subsidised - Machine Rental (Trial) $50 (for 7 Days) - Machine Purchase $980 (tax included) So all up $1480 It sucks to hear about how Insurance has been inhibiting such an important thing to get up and running properly. Along with I find it interesting how your cardiologist is one operating the studies for sleep when one is usually a Somnologist is the one to do it. Not sure if you have the chance; I believe there are CPAP Stores in your area that should be able to assist. Sometimes going direct to suppliers if they do their job right is often better than what you might experience. And generally pay a whole lot less.

Re-Reading Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. I love the Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing/Iron Flame/Onyx Storm are the titles in the series so far). Shame I'm missing a book written by @sensei8 because he hasn't done one yet but should! However I am trying to save up to purchase the Biography of Tino Ceberano.