Nidan Melbourne

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.

for some people; their body does what it needs in that time. Sometimes recovery and adaptation is shorter in some people in comparison to others where they may need more than 8 odd hours sleep per night. I know when I have a heavy work week; I need at least 10 hours. on light a lot less. the last time I had 4 hrs sleep, I was the same where I felt off.

Unreasonable? God No Pig Headed? Never Despondent? No! Senile maybe? hahahaha you know I love you like a brother Call You? Call Me Maybe? Have you thought about writing a book? Like about your Journey in the MA world, from where you were to where you are now. How it impacted your life? And where you would have been if you weren't a Martial Artist and Instructor?

Multiple innappropriate words of support here from me about you always being at home here at KF! Not only are you a member of staff, but your family to all of us here. Let me put it this way; despite your health issues, you can roll into the dojo and teach in a different way or support the staff you have and the students from wherever. Unlike me; I'm dealing with some serious legal matters where I have had to step away from what I love doing to deal with that. and my future doing what I love hangs in the balance until I get a resolution.

6 - 7 hours on average. depending on the time of year, I find that I operate better on a little less or a little more. But varies greatly on the time of year. Like this time of year, sun is going down a little bit earlier and I am finding that I am tired more often. So I'm getting on average 8-9 sometimes closer to 10 hours if needed.

Haven't heard that song before. But i've done "Through the Fire and Flames" by Dragonforce with Suparinpei. OMG I was dead

So to add onto what I said and what @crash contributed. I spoke to a few friends who have mentors in the MA Community here. The instructors are all 80+ yrs old, and are 7/8th Dan's in their respective styles. Each went through something similar. Due to health, they are unable to stand or demonstrate a lot of things these days. One (immigrated to Aus from the US after the Vietnam War) developed Severe PTSD, was missing a few fingers/toes here and there. When I spoke to him, the biggest challenge wasn't the physical recovery from losing some toes and fingers. It was in reality his Mind that was the hardest thing to start healing (as much as you can). He couldn't stand the noise of the Kiai from even the quietest student. Which caused massive traumatic episodes. Fortunately his students loved him that much. Especially the ones that were taught by him prior to his military service. That they didn't let him retreat from the memories and trauma. What they did was create a little group (like AA) but only for vets who are still facing their demons. They worked together like a unit to overcome these issues. Yes they still have episodes here and there, but they are smaller and easier to manage. Some of those Men and Women were in Wheelchairs. Due to missing limbs or spinal issues. One of the things they did was learning to master their breathing and how to visualise their happy place where they feel they can be their best version of themselves. These people weren't just vets at the time, they are black belts. Each time they assessed even if differently to others, the hard work they put in helped their training. Now if you can't train: you teach. You can still talk, you still have your mind, the experience and ability to teach the next generation. Yes you might be unable to do parts of the job. But you can find ways around it.

Thank you for sharing! It is obviously difficult for you to manage those feelings of having something that formed a big part of your identity ripped away from you. And that there is not much that you can do about it. But I challenge you with these questions - HOW is karate no longer in your body (you can't say due to injury or illness)? How is it different to say the you that is an Educated Person? How is it different to you as a person of Faith? Yes you can mourn the loss of one thing that is going to impact you for the long term, but consider these aswell. - Can I exercise? Yes, in a Pool Safer; less impact on your back, doesn't require you to stand (assistance getting in/out required), improves overall health. - Can I change how I teach? Yes, even though sitting I can teach. Teach the people below me what I want and what I do that others don't - Can I teach a whole NEW group of people? Yes, those with physical disabilities or handicaps (i.e. wheelchair users) increases socialisation and increase opportunities for growth and understanding. - Can I continue being a part of the community I love? Of course I can, I might not be able to do it the same way as everyone else but I am me! Something that a friend of mine said to me last year; when I had to step away from the Teaching and Training in Class due to my legal situation. They said the following. I know that you are the type of person that would rather demonstrate and verbally communicate WHAT you want them to do. But sometimes where you are unable to do something for the short/long term or permanently, you can still talk and have a trusted person demonstrate. We say this to athletes all the time when they're injured; coming and watching training or even their matches does more for their observational learning than skipping those sessions. Damage yes! Is this the end of your MA Journey? That is a Big Fat No!! Is this an opportunity? YES I do believe that you believe in the words that you had said. Struggle is good; but sometimes you are forced to slow down and either re-evaluate things or PIVOT and change that perspective. You are also everything to them! Stepping away does them no good I disagree, it hasn't been ripped away from you unceremoniously. To me with the greatest of respect; you stepped away or put up excuses to WHY you can't do what you want in the way you had done for the last 60 years. You are on a new journey, laid out by your current health and faith. Re-evaluate and move forwards. After all of that; you need to look at what Karate has really taught you and share that knowledge. When I stepped away, I had to start writing down everything I learnt and that I remember. Not only did I write it; but where I can I film it.

True its always fascinating to find out new things; even if it is different to what is the "norm" for you.

today for me is the one day of that stretch that works 25/5/25 knowing someone will say something; Australia does DD/MM/YYYY format. If the dates you were listed were below like 12 for the physical day and zero context of where you were from; I would have read It the above way not MM/DD/YYYY. Im jealous though that you guys have so much fun stuff to go "huh that's cool" with dates.