yireses Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 What makes your school unique? 1) Uniform? 2) Special kick, punch, block, stance, kata, form, ???? ? 3) Certain way of saluting? 4) Any thing else? The knowing of Violence and living in no violence brings peace.Shaolin Chuan Fa
TheDevilAside Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 I wouldn't know, I've never really trained at any other schools to compare. "If you're going through hell, keep going." - Sir Winston Churchill
gheinisch Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 I would have to say that our Hanshi makes my school special. He wouldn't want me to say anything because he truely is a humble man loves and lives the life of a Martial Artist. He has 38 yrs. experience and is a 9th Dan who has studied under Hanshi John Pachivas and Ken Ogawa, he also worked with Master Trias for a time. For over four years he has donated his time to teach us the art of Karate and has never asked us for a dime, as a matter of fact he has spent his own money on equipment and other related items for his students. We all feel so fortunate to be able to learn from this gentlman who has probably forgotten more than we will ever be able to learn. He does all this while working a full time job too! He's the greatest. "If your hand goes forth withhold your temper""If your temper goes forth withold your hand"-Gichin Funakoshi
Shorinryu Sensei Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 I really can't say if my dojo is unique or not. We don't actively seek out students and are very selective as to whom I let in the door to train. gheinisch, it sounds like you've hit the jackpot there bud. You need to periodically show your appreciation to your sensei in some way I think. Paint his house, wash his car, yardwork, etc. he may not accept or ask for money, which is (IMHO) the true spirit of the arts, but I would still do something for him. Trust me, he will appreciate it. My nightly prayer..."Please, just let me win that PowerBall Jackpot just once. I'll prove to you that it won't change me!"
delta1 Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 I really can't say if my dojo is unique or not. We don't actively seek out students and are very selective as to whom I let in the door to train. That makes you fairly unique, these days....periodically show your appreciation to your sensei in some way I think. Paint his house, wash his car, yardwork, etc. he may not accept or ask for money, which is (IMHO) the true spirit of the arts, but I would still do something for him. Trust me, he will appreciate it. Good advice, though he might be a little uncomfortable with the 'Karate Kid' approach, at least initially. You guys might start with school work days, cleaning an fixing up the school. Maybe chip in and buy some equipment, or improve his office if you want to make it more personal. Start a fund for a library and video equipment, then let him selecct what to purchase. I train Kenpo with a small group, and the only fees 'fees' are the shared cost of private instruction and when we need equipment or supplies. Everyone chips in, and if you leave anything purchased with communal funds stays with the group. We also share our own resources. We welcome other stylists that want to train with us, and we'll learn from them, but we mostly keep it Kenpo. I guess we are fairly unique, though I've met others in similar circumstances. Freedom isn't free!
gheinisch Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 Some good suggestions and ideas there guys. I have and I know others have done things in the past. If we know that he is going to to buy equipment we all pitch in and try to help with the cost. We were in need of some mats a while back and I was able to find some at a very good cost and are the type that works out great for our training. We all split the cost! I've thought of buying him books but I'm afraid he would already have it. He lets us borrow books from his extensive collection. We train at our church so there really isn't anything we could do there as far as fixing up. We let him know often how much we appreciate his efforts, he in turn thanks us for coming and allowing him to pass down the art that he loves. We do need to do something for him however. What do you get a karateka who has everything? And you're right Shorinryu Sensei, we have hit the jackpot I guess. On occassion other blackbelts he has trained will come into town and teach a class while Hanshi is out of town and they tell us how lucky we are to have him as a Sensei. Believe me, we know we're lucky! "If your hand goes forth withhold your temper""If your temper goes forth withold your hand"-Gichin Funakoshi
delta1 Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 "Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?'" -- Brian Tracy Spounds like your instructor has this down. And, with people of his character, giving back to others is often better than giving to him. Churches are allways having work days, and one good way to honor your instructor is to make sure your school is allways well represented there. There's always 'the greater glory' as well, but you can honor both. And most churches teach that serving others is serving God (at least those that aren't cults). Any way, just some thoughts. Sounds like you have a good instructor, class, and school. Freedom isn't free!
gheinisch Posted April 4, 2004 Posted April 4, 2004 Thanks for the kind words Delta! Our class is well represented in church. My wife, oldest son (who also trains) and I all work in the information booth on rotating Sundays and I know others do as well. One of the other guys does lights and sound. Even our Hanshi works the cameras. . You just can't out do the man! "If your hand goes forth withhold your temper""If your temper goes forth withold your hand"-Gichin Funakoshi
Rich_2k3 Posted April 8, 2004 Posted April 8, 2004 The whole style, only two clubs exist that teach it! 1 in London and 1 in Moira. Its a fantastic style though, blending several modern and tradition styles, with elements of Thai boxing and some grappling. It focusing particually on self defence. "When my enemy contracts I expand and when he expands I contract" - Bruce Lee
MichiganTKD Posted April 12, 2004 Posted April 12, 2004 I can think of several factors that make our school unique: 1. Our Founder has steadfastedly remained true to tradition, even though he could make a LOT more money going commercial and selling out. he has spent a great deal of money (and earned many headaches) calling all over the world to his colleagues, traveling to Korea and just about every continent, arranging trips for us etc. 2. I've seen many students from other organizations come through our doors over the years, and none has ever come close as far as overall technique. That includes speed, power, and level of technique. 3. Our school's lineage is exact. We have documented proof that our Grandmaster's Instructor is Woon Kyu Uhm, and his was Won Kuk Lee, Chung Do Kwan Founder. 4. We have Instructors in just about every region of the country, with access to judges, Instructors, seminars, and class trips. Overall, I feel extremely proud to be a member of our Organization and wouldn't trade it for anything. My opinion-Welcome to it.
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