Going my Way

Did the New Year Achievement twice this year

2012-01-15T14:54:00.003-06:00

For the first class of 2012, I encouraged, and participated in the New Year's Achievement with my Adult students. We did the 212 punches, 212 kicks, and 12 kata together before we continued with our basics, and sparring combinations.

The class did well, and showed much heart. It was a very positive moment for us all.

I wonder if I can store this second effort for 2013... Hmmmm.....

2012 New Year achievement

2012-01-07T17:06:00.002-06:00

I have succeeded in completing my "start of the year" tradition of

212 Chudan Tsuki

212 kicks

12 Saiha Kata

I was contemplating going for 21 Kata, but that number just didn't fit right with the year.

Since I had the use of a gym, I didn't get the usual challenge of my children observing my efforts. Therefore I had no distractions.. just the sound of my breathing, quiet counting, and the swishing of my gi material as I kept moving. It became almost a continual circuit of energy, each movement flowing into the other.

It is a good start...

My New Year's Goal 2012

2011-12-31T20:40:00.005-06:00

Last year in 2011 my goal was:

Picture of Me at the tournament

"This year my goal is more personal, and direct. I have had a very strong desire for years now to go compete in a Kyokushin Tournament as a Kata competitor. This will be realized in 2011 in March. I have been training for this moment with much diligence, perseverance, and hope, and I look forwards to the event. All of my mental, and physical efforts, Kihon, Kata, and Kumite are directed towards improving my performance... and preparing for my upcoming Kyokushin Black Belt test."

I achieved the goal to compete at a Kyokushin Tournament in Kata performing Tsuki No Kata... (Picture of said moment above) It was a wonderful experience, and I feel happy that I achieved this after so many years of personal effort, and training. The moments of practicing my kata in the Mall on the tile flooring before it opens from 5:30 am to 6:30 am while the Mall walkers did their laps around me are etched in my memory, and in the soles of my feet.

I also have succeeded in achieving the rank of Shodan as mentioned previously in this blog:

http://www.supergroup7shodan.blogspot.com/2011/03/achieved-rank-of-shodan-in-kyokushin.html

I feel complete, and satisfied. I feel GOOD!

My Goals for 2012:

Onwards, and upwards.. never stop heating the water..

a) I want to focus on improving my Saiha Kata, and Seienchin Kata. One feels the up/down movement of the Saiha Kata very similar to the big waves of the sea, and I want to understand better the inner meaning behind this action.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqT_IEDsuA0

Seienchin challenges me to find my leg's power under me, and to keep it regardless to the direction that I go... I KNOW that I will unlock great advances in learning how to switch my weight efficiently, and quickly if I could work towards improving this Kata.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmjqsHIBrdU

b) To help cope with the increasing sensations of stiffness, and pain in my knees/elbows/ankles/wrists I have started taking Ginger supplements in my diet. ( Both capsules, and ginger tea made from raw sliced ginger in boiled water.) It is my goal to find other ways to support my body so that I can continue to train into my golden years. I'm hoping that by next New Year's I will see an improvement due to the aide of the Ginger.

c) Review: I would like to work towards rewriting my notes, and creating a more complete library of the information that I need to know, want to know, and even added on extras of Martial Arts information that just interests me. I'm sure that this will become an ongoing project.. but it's got to start somewhere.. so I chose here and now.

A Tribute to Sensei Angel Carrasco

2011-10-15T20:09:00.005-05:00

What will be soon 8 years ago, Sensei Angel Carrasco accepted me as his student. Little did I know then what an awesome blessing this man's presence would be in my life, and how strong his effect would be on my Karate path.

I have always wanted to write a tribute to him on my weblog, but until now I felt that it would be wrong because I had not yet received a Black Belt in his eyes. However, it is now the correct time to sing the praises of my Sensei.

Sensei Angel came to my city, and founded a dojo in 1982. Without fail for near 30 years Sensei Angel has given his time, attention, energy, and knowledge to his community by teaching Karate classes for free to those who wanted to learn. He didn't only offer quality lessons on how to kick, and punch, but also intertwined in his lessons was wisdom of how to live a better, and healthier life through small changes in one's perceptions, and life habits. Through his guidance, and my willingness to look beyond my comfort zone, I have been able to incorporate these lessons, and improve my everyday situation. I have explored my strengths and worked towards healing my weaknesses all with his encouragement, and support.

His willingness to accept each student for who they are, and to give them the tools to meet their goals has made each class at Dojo Entheos a wonderful positive investment in our lives.

Sensei Angel was there for every step that we've taken, and his strength, and acknowledgement has helped us reach for things that we thought were impossible.

In my eyes, he is a Sensei's Sensei, a teacher of teachers, and is most deserving of the gratitude of his students. May there be another 30 years of his instruction helping to improve our world one person at a time ( or if God's willing perhaps even more...)

Thank you Sensei

A new beginning

2011-10-12T21:05:00.003-05:00

It may seem to be obvious, but the average day doesn't reveal it's potential for newness to us. We seem to be caught in the daily grind, and fail to realize how unique each challenge can be in our lives. It's the same with Karate classes.

I just recently was asked by a very young new student in Karate the question of why we learn the same thing all the time. Yes, it's true... very true... A white belt learns Chudan Tsuki on their first day, and 8 years later, a black belt will be focused on improving their Chudan Tsuki. In fact, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi was working on improving his Chudan Tsuki up until the very last day before he passed away. Why? Why so much time/effort to work on something simple and basic that can take just a few minutes to "learn"? I would suggest that it is because Karate is about seeking the potential of a movement. It is grasping onto the concept that everything is new, and unique, and can be used in a variety of ways.. or in other words to absorb every potential possibility that is offered to us. Sometimes it is only time, and the skill of experience that will reveal the hidden meaning behind some techniques. A punch isn't just a punch, but unless one trains long enough, and with awareness, then they can't get past the perception that it is just a punch... so then the question will pop in their heads "Why do we learn the same thing all the time?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLya3FvIvnE

Three simple punches in this video, but used in different spots for different effects.

Karate helps

2011-08-28T19:55:00.002-05:00

I never realized before just how much I take those things that I've trained hard for in Karate for granted in daily life.

Just recently I've been asking myself questions like:

- Would I have been able to sprint for the bus like I just sprinted right now if it had happened 6 years ago? Would I have done it with the same smoothness, and be able to walk into the bus without huffing and puffing like a steam engine train? No... no I wouldn't have been able to run more than 10 feet without feeling overwhelmed, and I would have given up, walked, and waited for the next bus.

- Would I have been able to jump down from a flat truck bed to the ground with balance, and control like I just did? or would I even had the confidence that I could do it? No.. no.. I wouldn't have gotten up on that truck to begin with.

- Would I have even considered jogging 2 km as a possibility? Oh no.. never... not even a dream.

What has my Karate training done to me? When did it happen? All that I wanted was to be able to perform kata with some semblance of technique.. and now I am achieving things that I never thought that I ever could. How could performing hundreds of Chudan Tsuki/ Mae Geri/ Soto Uke create this?

I became interested if this type of "improvement" was scientifically research, and found some interesting results:

"The effect of 6 months of twice weekly karate training on flexibility, balance, and strength was evaluated in 14 boys who perform karate as beginners (age M = 10.3 ± 1.8) and a group of the same age who had never been involved in martial arts (n = 10; age M = 10.9 ± 1.4). All subjects were pretested and posttested on the following: flexibility of upper extremity (shoulder), hamstrings and quadriceps; strength, including handgrip strength and concentric flexion/extension of quadriceps; and balance, with eyes either open or closed. After 6 months, the tests were evaluated and compared by groups. The results showed the karate group made significant gains on quadriceps flexibility and balance with eyes closed. By improving flexibility, balance, and strength, karate improves three of the basic fitness components that are very important for preventing sport injuries in the growing years." website

"It's not just for fighting: new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that people in their 40's and 50's who regularly practice martial arts demonstrate astounding levels of physical fitness in comparison to people the same age who don't exercise at all. The study subjects who practiced martial arts had 12% less body fat, were able to do twice as many sit-ups, had enhanced flexibility and leg strength, demonstrated a stronger immune system and showed greatly improved balance.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/001060.html#ixzz1WNTsgZys
"

I would believe that any exercise program would create physical benefits in those who participate in it. However, I think that there is something about Karate training that could encourage positive change in a person in more than one direction. I'd like to see if this was studied farther.

Seienchin in the sand

2011-07-31T15:01:00.002-05:00

I've always wanted to do kata at the beach in sand, and today I finally was able to do so.

What an experience! For anyone who hasn't tried this, I would honestly recommend it. It is quite a learning moment.

I moved into my first stance, and the whole ground shifted under me.. of course it would move like that... it's sand, but to make matters worse.. as I shifted weight, the ground shifted more.. and then just to make things more challenging.. as I settled into stance, and executed the strike with power... the sand shifted again. I ended up flailing my arms into whatever direction I could to keep my balance, losing all semblance of a kiba dachi, and sensing my feet digging down lower and lower into the sand about 6-8 inches until eventually settling into an uneasy place which was threatening to give in under me at any second.

Then, trying to move from that position to the next was insanely challenging as the sand sucked onto your legs, and resisted any movement now that you have achieved some sort of equilibrium from the position you have taken. Each kick would bring sand up, and it would fly in almost all directions.. up, forwards, sideways.. you name it. I found sand in my hair from my efforts.

One kata felt like the effort of 10 in a row from the drag, and pull of the sand. My legs were burning, and shaking after a dozen Kata. I had to really struggle to remember the movements of each kata because my mind was constantly distracted by the effort to stay standing up.

I learned to position my feet into the stance position, then to sink them into the sand to establish a connection, and THEN shift my weight onto that scaffolding. Only once I was firmly established could I send the technique. Kata became a three fold challenge. Call me crazy, but I LOVED it. By the third kata, I was getting the hang of it, and the kata were coming out more naturally with less stumbling, starting/stopping, and mistakes.

All this was happening on Dry sand. I stood there wondering how much more challenging it would be to execute a kata on the wet sand at the edge of the beach. I'm sure that it would pull, and shift even more at your feet and legs.. and then you would have the shift and pull of the waves of water to jar your mind, and body. I've just GOT to experience that one of these days!!!!!

Being a high belt.. Part 2

2011-06-30T11:42:00.002-05:00

There is such a strange tight-rope walking kind of feeling when you are one of the high ranked students of a dojo. At least, that is how I've been feeling since I achieved some experience, and responsibility in my walk.

At all times I need to keep my Sensei's expectations, and goals in mind, but at the same time I am responsible to find my own path. I am reminded that Karate training is both a community, and individual action. I have to think of what "I" want from my training, and pursue it, and yet at the same time I need to be aware of, and responsive to the various needs around me.

What a balancing act!!! Too much of one thing or the other creates problems. Yet, isn't that what everything in life is like? Too much food is not good, but neither is not enough. Too much sleep will strip you of wonderful life moments, but not enough will deplete your enjoyment.

I've been thinking about the "Higher belt helping out the Lower belt" posting that I placed previously on this blog. What if the whole idea in this situation is also "balance"? What if a higher belt supports the efforts of a lower belt with their experience? It's not that they are "teaching" the other, but more that they are propping up a weak point with their strength. For example, the lower belt was taught how to do a side kick by their Sensei, but struggles to raise their knee properly. A higher belt kindly suggests how it could be done more easily from their own built up knowledge from experiencing the same problem. This solution may, or may not work for the lower belt, but this interchange can create a shared understanding, and relationship.

I can still remember how strongly I was affected by just a quick, easy suggestion from one of my sempai many years ago about how I could stretch out my knees using a wall, and lessen their tension, and pain after training. That sempai had been there/done that, and had found something that works for them. I chose to implement their suggestion, and found instant relief. I am grateful for the personal investment, and sincere concern that this person showed to me. I will always carry that memory in my heart as I travel. I no longer train with this person, but I send prayers of gratitude in their direction each time I stretch out my knees.

Being a high ranked student

2011-05-03T04:33:00.002-05:00

Since I've started Karate I've been asked to aide others to learn their rank requirements.

It's been the normal thing to enter the dojo, and instead of training for myself, I would be asked to go to the side during class to help others. I realize that this is almost a common part of Martial Arts training.

Yet, I am starting to wonder about the reason why this is happening, and the pro/cons of having higher belts "teaching" lower belts.

More than once I've seen bad habits, wrong attitudes, errors, lack of proper knowledge, and mis-information taught to the lower belt. I believe that this isn't done on purpose, it's just the fact that someone who is still learning a skill would have a more difficult time transferring knowledge than one who had attained some mastery over the skill. I think that I can safely say that, even with people who have mastered a skill, not all of them are good teachers. Just because you can get a goal in hockey doesn't mean that you can help someone else learn how to do so.

Karate classes are rather short in time. You get only 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours to work with and some of that is spent in warm up.

I understand that there is a sense of responsibility that a high belt needs to exhibit and that helping lower belts learn could fulfill this, but I've seen that taken to the extreme where the position of high rank created a negative effect in the higher belt's behavior and they treated lower belts as inferior beings. The lower belt ends up getting confused, insulted, and discouraged. The higher belt doesn't gain anything positive from the experience because of the manner in which they taught.

Yes.. I've heard the concept that you learn more about your information when you are asked to teach it, but in my opinion, you have to have a solid foundation to be able to learn more. I believe that if the teacher does not have a good grasp of what they are doing in the first place, there is no way that they can "learn" more, and improve, by teaching.

I think that there are others ways of showing a growth in responsibility in the dojo for higher belts, and I'm wondering if teaching/correcting others should remain in the domain of the Instructor... and or a few selected students who have shown through their training, and example that they are capable of guiding others properly, and without teaching confusion.

Achieved the rank of Shodan in Kyokushin

2011-03-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, March 27th, in Montreal, Canada, under the eyes of Hanshi John Taylor (9th Dan of Australia), Shihan Roman Szyrajew ( Canada), Shihan Klauss Rex ( Spain), and Shihan Erick (Denmark) I successfully received the rank of Shodan in Kyokushin Karate.

Some impressions from this experience:

- How lucky, and grateful, I am to have this opportunity, and challenge! What a joy it was to meet, and train with so many wonderful Karate-ka. Each one of them were an inspiration to me. I'm very proud to belong to this Art, and to share my love for karate with such strong, and yet gentle people. The Shihans are so approachable, and supportive to everyone regardless of age, or skill. The most memorable moments for me were Shihan Taylor's explanations of Kata bunkai and how it involves protecting one's beer from being spilled. Shihan Rex sparring with a little 5 year old boy, and seeing how the boy actually thought that he was winning the bout. The sparkles of thrill, and joy in the boy's eyes, and the pride of the father next to me who said "What I would give to have a private lesson like that!" Shihan Roman bending down low on the main stage to listen to a child's quiet timid question during the Gold cup Tournament rules, and then his kind, and gentle answer that encouraged, and clarified.

- Somehow, through fate, or chance, I ended up directly in front of all of the fighters standing about 4 feet away from the Shihans when the Canadian, American, and Japanese anthems were played at the start of the Tournament. I was overwhelmed with that moment. I will never forget it. In a way, it symbolized everything that I had sacrificed, and everything that I have received to rebuild me.

- The test was beyond what I thought it would be. Perhaps it is due to my mistake. I had arrived at the seminar early to take notes during the children, and Intermediate classes. I was sitting at the back of the dojo with my papers and pen. Hanshi Taylor noticed me and invited me to join the children's class. I asked if it would be possible to just watch, and he invited me again with more emphasis. I placed down my papers, and lined up with the children at the lowest end near the orange belts as I didn't feel that I deserved to be up in front with the Black Belts. Hanshi pointed out the height difference between the children and I, and invited me to join the front line. The day then proceeded to be very challenging, and interesting as I participated in the children's class, and the Intermediate class in addition to the Black/Brown class before I faced my Shodan test. By the time the test began I was quite depleted of energy. I was too nervous to eat, so I only drank water during the day.

- I felt very badly to see all of the blood stains that I had left on the various (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dan) black belts that I fought during my test. I know how difficult it is to remove those from the white gi. I swear that the majority of the Black belts in Montreal now have souvenirs of my test on them (for awhile until the laundry soap removes it.) The inside of my Gi sleeves, jacket, and pant legs were painted red from the blood that escapes from when my skin condition breaks open. I washed the gi right away in cold water, and it is back to normal now. It's amazing how my psoriasis is healing up so fast. It has only been 3 days since that test, and I can now move without that fiery sharp torment. For that I am very grateful!

I am Shodan now.

Wow! I haven't posted for so long...

2011-03-20T12:27:00.003-05:00

My apologies, I haven't posted for so long! Let me fill you in since the last:

I have been putting forth energy in so many directions:

- Helping my teenagers with their lives, choices, and schooling. So much is happening, and I wish that I could be everywhere all the time. I do what I can, and as much as I can.

- Searching for employment. This is a full time job in itself, seeking out opportunities, meeting with perspective employers, completing a variety of assessment tests. I've learned many things about myself. I have a typing speed of almost 72 wpm, for one thing. I knew that I typed quickly, but I never had a number to cite before. However, I chose to say that I type over 60 wpm. on my resume. I think that that is good enough.

- Keeping the housework at an acceptable level.. A household of 3 adults, and 6 teenagers creates much work in getting groceries, cooking, and cleaning. I balance my day around these demands, and attempt to stretch our budget by cooking soups, stews, stir fry, and baking.

- Building up my Martial Art knowledge.. I've been studying about sports injuries, and how to prevent/ help heal them. Also, I've been turning my eyes towards Sensei Chojun Miyagi, and learning more, and more about Goju Ryu Karate to help me understand my Kyokushin roots.

- Training on my Kata... I've been visiting the local shopping mall while the mallwalkers go around, and doing an hour of practice on my Kata in one of the central areas about 3 times a week near 7 am. The flooring there is hard on the soles of my feet as it is tiles, and grouting. Turns are especially difficult, and I found myself cringing, and not committing myself to the effort. I've stopped doing this activity recently so that I can prepare myself on basics at home for my future participation in a Tournament.

New Year's Goals 2011

2011-01-08T09:41:00.002-06:00

Last year my goals were:

"In 2010, my goals are towards integrating all of my training into my daily life.

I want to find balance between stress, and rest. I want to train hard, deplete myself, and then allow myself to recover, and strengthen.

I want to implement a daily conditioning routine that I can carry into my old age that blends with the challenges, and demands of my day.

I want to learn to eat properly to support the two goals listed above. This Christmas it took me only 2 weeks to gain 10 pounds. No real training, and triple the amount of rich foods have contributed to this, and I can only put the responsibility on myself for allowing this to happen. I know that I will lose this weight, but for that weight loss to be healthy I have to keep a balanced effort. I'm thinking of going back to keeping a journal of my eating so that I can even out the amount of calories that I take in, and make sure that I have enough fruits and vegetables. "

On the whole, I can proudly say that I have incorporated the above goals into my daily life. In fact, this year I did not gain any weight over the holiday season. I still enjoyed myself, and ate some treats to enjoy myself, but I controlled how much. I did have to force myself to rest more than once.

This year my goal is more personal, and direct. I have had a very strong desire for years now to go compete in a Kyokushin Tournament as a Kata competitor. This will be realized in 2011 in March. I have been training for this moment with much diligence, perseverence, and hope, and I look forwards to the event. All of my mental, and physical efforts, Kihon, Kata, and Kumite are directed towards improving my performance... and preparing for my upcoming Kyokushin Black Belt test.

What can I say about that incipient Kyokushin Shodan test? This whole blog exists because I wanted to keep a journal of my walk towards my Shotokan Black. The experiences that I went through in Shotokan has changed how I feel towards everything. I have learned many things that have made me look twice at what rank is, and what it reveals.

However, I have full confidence now that I will find solidity, and personal closure when I achieve the Black Belt rank in Kyokushin. Will it be at this year's test? I cannot say. I can tell you that I have put in every ounce of my determination, and energy towards becoming the best Karate-ka that I can be, and that I will put that effort out on the Dojo floor when I test.

My friends, I know that you all wish me well. As one of my Martial Arts friends would say "Don't wish me good luck on my upcoming test, wish me good skill." :-)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T13:34:00.002-06:00

This year I've had a quiet, karate-less Christmas vacation. Sigh..

There's been coughing, and sick people in my home since the holidays started, including myself, so I've been sitting, resting, watching t.v., or playing computer. My body has rested so much that it's starting to complain about it. Aches and pains are suddenly creeping up on me. I can't wait until I can feel ready to get up and exercise/train it a little.

I've been quiet..

2010-10-29T11:18:00.002-05:00

Yes.. truly, this chatterbox has been quiet for a long while.

Parenting, and household chores take up the great portion of my energy.

I'm still preparing for my future possible Black Belt test in Kyokushin. I'm not only working on the various physical requirements, and techniques that I need to do, but also working on my inner self. Some of these efforts just don't fit well on a blog. In fact, they might even be quite mundane, and boring, but for me they mean everything. We are talking about those age-old questions "Who am I?", "What is my purpose?", "Who do I want to be?" As I work towards achieving a Shodan in Kyokushin Karate, these questions pop right back to the forefront.

I know what I want to believe, and I know what I want to achieve, at least I have that solidity within me. Everything else seems to be up in the air at this point in time.

I'm sure that it is my age, and experiences which contributes to my questions, and searching. When I was younger the world seemed so black and white, and understandable. I had everything figured out. Now that I near a half century on this planet, not everything fits as well into the baskets that I had mentally designed. Only I can find my answers, I've noticed that other people's solutions just don't fit in with what I have within me.

Black Belt? I thought that I knew what it meant. I dedicated more than one posting on this weblog with what I thought it meant. I have to ask myself if these thoughts are truly what I believe, or have I evolved into a different understanding of it. Either way I am walking on the path towards that rank again.

Right now, I focus on my training.. on improving even the simplest of the basics, because I know that this is the necessary key to exploring advanced movements. Perhaps, in time, with more sweat equity, the inner answers will reveal themselves to me, by then I might just be old enough to be a grandmother.

Broke two wooden rolling pins..

2010-09-18T11:26:00.002-05:00

And the list of household items that have been damaged by accident in my house by me has grown to include two rolling pins.

How did I manage to break them, you may ask?

I wanted to surprise my Sensei with a special Birthday cake from his country of origin. It has many layers of pastry lined with a caramel sauce.

It looks like this:

Since I don't really know how to make this cake, and was guessing at each step, I think that I made the dough too stiff. It was quite a difficult chore to try to roll it out thinly, and as I pressed down on the rolling pins... Well.. it seems that I have much more power in my arms, and core muscles than these things were designed to take, and I popped the handles of the pins. The first rolling pin that I broke, I assumed that it was just old, and worn out, but the second rolling pin was brand new, and it broke just as quickly... sigh...

One person suggested that perhaps I may want to purchase a Marble rolling pin. It might be able to take what I can give... but I'm thinking that the structural flaw is in the design of the handles.. not in the material of the pin itself.

Wow.. it was really tough to cut that cake into pieces too! There were many students, and I needed to cut each cake into 16 pieces to have enough for everyone. I didn't realize that it would crumb all over the place, and how much downwards pressure that I'd have to put onto the knife to get through all of the layers. I totally relied on my Karate training for that moment. The cake lost the fight, and was eaten happily by the whole dojo.

I now have quite sore shoulder muscles from all of that extra training *whew*

So I wish a very Happy Birthday to my Sensei, and I promise to train harder so that next year I win the fight with the cake more quickly. :-)

Diet, and eating are two different things entirely

2010-08-23T08:28:00.002-05:00

Well.. my resolve to not eat any more junk food lasted for 3 months. I fought through each day withholding myself from eating anything that wasn't considered "healthy food". I ate popcorn instead of chips, and cherries instead of chocolate. I boycotted all soda pop. Results: I maintained the same weight regardless of the effort. I became depressed, emotional, and moody, and I found out that I am an emotional eater. The more stress/negative feelings that I feel the more that I "hunger" to eat, and if you eat too many calories, it doesn't matter if it's healthy food or not, you will gain weight.

My 2 week vacation made it near impossible to find any healthy food as we traveled. I don't know why each restaurant mainly offers food that is high in fat, sugar, and salt ( even their salads are like this) I just decided to relax, enjoy my holiday, and not worry about calories until I returned home.

Yes, this choice meant that my weight went up, up, and away. But I took hold of it all, and have now lost 12 pounds. I'm working my way back down to a healthy level but to do it in a kind way to my body I have to lose the pounds gently.

In a way, I'm grateful for this experience because I'm now aware for sure that I'm an emotional eater. I've always suspected it, but never saw it as loudly as I saw during those 3 months where I avoided junk food through will power.

For the past month I have been trying to find alternatives to coping with strong negative emotions. Lately, I've been going to the garage, and breaking wood into small pieces. When we moved into our home, there was a stack of various wood in the rafters, and well.. with my husband's permission, I've pulled out that wood, and have smashed it with my feet into firewood. Some of the pieces that are more stubborn and won't break nicely face destruction by hand saw. It's working for now.. but I know that I'm going to run out of wood to break.

I'm thinking that perhaps it would be a good idea to think up alternatives. Somehow I have to change my pattern, and stop eating to cope with emotions/stress. Any suggestions/ websites with advice would be appreciated.

Summer Vacation 2010

2010-07-13T08:13:00.005-05:00

I headed over to Florida for 2 weeks to celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary.

It was such an enjoyable time. I was able to enjoy so many things, visit so many places, and see such beauty! My favorite stop, although it is hard to pick from all of the wonderful spots, was Chattanooga, Tennessee. We visited Rock City:

We rode the Incline Railway that went up Lookout Mountain:

Also, we stayed at the Delta Queen Hotel:

Yes, this hotel is a River Boat. It was quite a different experience to stay the night on a historic Boat like this. I have to tell you that the Breakfast that they served the next day was delectable! I couldn't have enough of their quiche, and those blueberry biscuits were to die for!! One thing that I will warn you about is that there is no parking available close to the hotel. My husband, and I had to park on a side street about 3 blocks distance away, and walk through the adjacent Park carrying our luggage. (Luckily we didn't bring a large amount of luggage, and the ones that we had with us were on rollers.) We also were lucky enough to visit Ruby Falls ( an underground waterfall), and the Aquarium downtown. ( Sorry.. no pictures available.)

We did enjoy visiting Universal Studios, Seaworld, Hummock Park, Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Lowes Zoo, etc but to write down everything that we did would take far too much of my day.

Karate-wize: I was quite limited with opportunities to train. We'd wake up, get in the car, drive to our next destination, and tourist around.

However, due to the kindness of some Instructors, I was able to get a few moments of training. I just popped up on the doorstep of a Dojo in Chattanooga, and shyly asked if I could take in a class, and was quickly welcomed. The instructor, Sensei Trevor, founded, and taught the Martial Art of Five Animal Kenpo. It was very interesting to be able to learn about the philosophy of this Art, and to work with my partners on various self-defense movements. Sensei Trevor, and his students were very gracious, and friendly. I had a great time with them.

Later, in Tampa, Florida, I was blessed with having a couple of hours training with Sensei Tim. We knew of each other through postings on a Martial Art Forum, but have never met face to face. He was kind enough to set up a Dojo in his car port with mats, and to introduce me to the Shudo Kan Martial Art Style which originates from Okinawa from Sensei Kanken Toyama. Sensei Toyama was a student of Sensei Anko Itosu ( the same teacher of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi) I was happy to recognize the various terms being used for the stances, and strikes. There was such a family resemblance to the Shotokan, and Kyokushin Karate that I am familiar with, but at the same time, I could see how different Shudokan is from them. We shared the same Pinan ( Heian) kata, but I could see how my Kyokushin training was creating a different flow to my movements. Sensei Tim took great care to make sure that I didn't overheat in the Florida temperature. I was very grateful because I wasn't used to the high constant humidity. I felt sweat pouring in places on me that I've never felt before.

It was a moment that I have been waiting for when I met my good friend, and mentor Sensei Paul. He welcomed me into his home, and shared so much with me that I felt that I was drowning in an ocean of wisdom, and knowledge. I knew that I could only grasp at what was possible for me to learn, and walk away with that with hopes of growing these seeds into fruition in the future. He introduced me to concepts in Tai Chi, and reinforced my Karate knowledge. You can watch him execute a movement with full fluidity, and grace, and it looks easy... but then, when you attempt to do it.. um.. well.. it's not that easy. I have found that this is the case each time that I meet such wonderful Martial Artists. I smile to myself, and encourage myself silently reminding me that it takes years of training, and practice to achieve what they have, and that is why we hold them in such high esteem.

June is on it's way..

2010-06-01T10:35:00.003-05:00

Ah.. warmer weather means that I can train in my backyard, but the constant rain has made the grass turn into swamp. So.. I haven't had a chance to get out there and accumulate some extra weapons training that I am reluctant to do in my house after hitting walls, and furniture with my Bo.

By the time all is cooperating with outside training the mosquitoes will be out in number. It just hasn't been a good year for training in the yard.

I've limited my personal training indoors working on improving the height of my front kick, and my conditioning. I've learned that I can do a total of 36 push ups or 52 sit ups during commercial breaks. I've learned that I can strike my shins without stopping for the duration of a whole one hour t.v. show without any discomfort. My arms are starting to get tired before my shins start to complain. Honestly, I need to set up a sandbag/ hanging bag to be able to up the level.

I've been exploring my basic Kata, and becoming more aware of the links between them through repetitive expression.

I've reread "Shotokan's Secrets" more than once, looking at the concept of pushing on the inside of the knee of your opponent as compared to the outside of the knee. The Sanchin Stance would seem to place your feet in a better position to execute this than the Zenkutsu stance, or Kiba Dachi stance.

One step at a time..

2010-05-20T12:42:00.002-05:00

Karate training may have it's big moments, like when you achieve that technique that you have been working so hard at for so long, and it just flows out of you so smoothly, but I've noticed that 98 percent of Karate training is the constant simple basic build up of day after day effort.

It is the sweat that is poured out from you, the repetition of each movement to improve at every chance, and the painful lessons that teach you what you need to know to be able to use your skill.

Isn't daily life similar? Is it not in the constant cleaning, eating, sleeping, etc that we maintain good health? I've learned that lesson ever since I have been laid off. My home has finally reached a balanced equilibrium since I've been maintaining it on a everyday basis. My kids are coming home telling me that their friends have been envying the homemade baking, soups, and other snacks that I've been sending for their lunches. :-)

I feel good about it all. I'm loving each second of this life.

I embrace the training that I do in Karate. I know that one day.. not far away.. my body will not respond as well as I will want it to do. Will Karate still be important to me then? I do hope that I will have the right attitude, and perseverance to see value in training in my senior years. Yes my kicks may not be as high.. but they will still be there. Already there are parts of me that are complaining a bit after training.. it's not just that tired soreness from a good workout. The backs of my ankles, my knees, the small of my back, and my right wrist hum with a quiet ache. Arthritis is a known side effect of my skin condition.. so it could be that it is starting to develop within me. It is my thought that the exercise that I do thanks to karate will help slow down the build up of arthritis.

Perspective means everything

2010-04-12T15:18:00.003-05:00

This month I have learned that how I view various challenges, and happenings will create, and affect what happens within that moment. If I see it in a negative light, I can't help but respond to it in a defensive manner. This revelation opened up an important growth as I train for my Kyokushin Black Belt test.

I realized that I could feel overwhelmed, engulfed, and even afraid of what the future will bring by seeing each challenge as insurmountable. The more that I value the Rank of Black Belt the more I understand how much I need to invest myself mentally, physically, and spiritually into this goal.

It has been 5 years since I earned my Shodan in Shotokan in front of a Master, almost 9 years since I started training in Karate, and I still feel that I have so much more to learn. However, last Friday I learned that it is all one's perspective... to the newer white belts of a Dojo, I could appear to them as already accomplished, and knowledgeable. I remember when I was a beginning student, and how the Brown belts were so quick to respond to Sensei's commands. I was in awe, and even frightened of having to learn so many things.

I believe the key to handling difficult challenges is to view them with the proper perspective. Not too hard, not too soft.. with a balance where each aspect is resolved, and solidified, before tackling the next step. This reminds me of self-defense where you must handle each issue as it appears, and not get caught up in your imaginations, and fears, but be aware of all things that occur, and react appropriately.

I'm not as young as I used to be..

2010-03-03T11:19:00.002-06:00

It took 3 weeks of being gentle on my body to allow my left leg to finally start moving normally again.

I've been studying about healing and aging, and learned some interesting things:

a) A study has shown that older athletes can recover from intense training as quickly as their younger counterparts. Their muscles may weaken from having less nerve fibers to stimulate them, but the muscle tissue can work, and recover as quickly as before.
Check out "Recovery times do not decrease with age"

b) According to a book on strength training, the greatest loss of muscle as we age is in the high-threshold fast motor units. Women see a more dramatic difference than men in this as they start off with less of this type of muscle tissue. Inactivity will speed up this process.

If you are interested in this information, you can check out the book here.

So.. the balance is to ask one's body to perform, and exercise, but at the same time be aware of the fact that sudden fast harsh movements ( Such as Jumping Double front kicks) must be done with caution.

Did something to my left leg on Friday

2010-02-08T06:25:00.002-06:00

All I was attempting to do was lift my left leg a little higher for a jumping front kick, and something snapped on the inside of my back left thigh. I was still capable of moving without pain and go into stance, but if I attempted to lift my left knee higher than half a foot my leg would hurt, and refuse to go.

Confused, and curious, I tested to see how far, and in what direction my left leg would allow movement. Sideways was fine, but forwards, and up.. no way.

So.. I have allowed my body to rest, and heal for the past 3 days, and will continue to do so for another 2 days, to see if it was just a slight pull of an inner leg muscle that needs to recuperate.

One month later

2010-02-06T13:24:00.002-06:00

One month later, 10 pounds lighter, and training hard to learn the skills, and knowledge necessary for my upcoming rank.

One life decision that I have made, only due to the knowledge that I have the will power, and ability to do this choice successfully, is to cut out all junk food from my diet.

I have slowly improved my diet over the past 6 years, and now I feel ready, and willing to stop eating those empty calories that have had me in their grip for so long. I'm talking about chocolate, chips, pop, etc. I know that I have been addicted to them for so long.. using them as a crutch to bring happiness to my day after feeling overwhelmed by the stress, and demands around me. Now, I feel mentally strong enough to walk away from these temptations. I know that they do nothing for me.

Another life style change for the better, this I am sure. It will only enhance my good health.. but first I have to survive the withdrawal period. I've already warned my family, and friends that I have made this decision, and that the next 2 weeks may be difficult for me as my body adjusts to less sugar, fat, and salt in my diet. I'll work towards controlling my emotions, and reactions using all of the mental Martial Arts training that I've accumulated so far.

Mom makes great mashed potatoes

2010-01-08T10:18:00.002-06:00

Well.. I found out from my children that I make extremely lovely, fluffy mashed potatoes. Ha ha ha.. It could be because I like to work on my hammerfist technique as I bring the mashing tool down on the potatoes. It's a very similar movement, and I thought that the resistance of the vegetables would help me to improve. It's nice to know that there is a positive result of that kind of Karate training.

Karate Goals for 2010

2010-01-03T16:38:00.003-06:00

In 2009 my goals were:

"I want to focus on improving my inner mental condition.

In Kihon, I want to learn to see each technique as worthy of it's own existence, and focus on the quality of that movement alone rather than thinking of the past, or future.

In Kata, I want to learn to see beyond each movement, and live outside of the technique seeing applications, and meaning.

In Kumite, I want to learn to anticipate my opponent's attacks."

In my opinion it is more difficult to measure mental improvement. With Physical efforts, you can notice that your punch is faster, or your technique is stronger, but how do you measure if you have expanded your mental abilities.

I can tell you that I learned to see each technique separately because I trained to the point where each punch was it's own effort. I was too tired to think of the past, nor the future. All of my energy went towards completing that punch, or kick.

I have started on the path of seeing beyond the techniques and seeing the applications, but I have also learned that this is a lifelong endeavor that cannot be achieved in only one year.

In Kumite, I have noticed that I am capable of anticipating some of my opponent's attacks, but I am not always successful. However I have again started on a lifelong challenge.

In 2010, my goals are towards integrating all of my training into my daily life.

I want to find balance between stress, and rest. I want to train hard, deplete myself, and then allow myself to recover, and strengthen.

I want to implement a daily conditioning routine that I can carry into my old age that blends with the challenges, and demands of my day.

I want to learn to eat properly to support the two goals listed above. This Christmas it took me only 2 weeks to gain 10 pounds. No real training, and triple the amount of rich foods have contributed to this, and I can only put the responsibility on myself for allowing this to happen. I know that I will lose this weight, but for that weight loss to be healthy I have to keep a balanced effort. I'm thinking of going back to keeping a journal of my eating so that I can even out the amount of calories that I take in, and make sure that I have enough fruits and vegetables.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T18:57:00.001-06:00

210 Punches!

210 Front Kicks!

21 Yantsu Kata to bring in the New Year!

Completed!

Managing to train during the Holidays.. but minimally

2009-12-30T03:33:00.003-06:00

Well.. What a test of inner resolve these past days have been!

I have managed to do some training in amongst the various Holiday happenings. I've had to be satisfied with little moments of training snatched between other things.

50 Back kicks, then time spent with my youngest son helping him with his new toy.

50 Front kicks, then time spent with my oldest son talking about relationships.

Tsuki ( Punching) sequence, then time spent doing the dishes.

Kata has been near impossible to perform due to the limited space caused by more people, and more activity in the house.

Even those short workouts have had various interruptions as the phone would ring, or someone would want to walk past me to get to the next room.

I have to admit that the only type of training that I've been able to do consistently has been my shin/arm/hand conditioning.

I've allowed myself to eat various treats during the holidays, so I hope that I haven't gained too much weight.

What does Black Belt mean to me? Revisited

2009-12-26T09:55:00.003-06:00

On October 5th, 2005 I wrote down a post of what Black Belt meant to me, I wrote:

"What does black belt mean to me? It means that I physically, verbally, and mentally express the attitudes of seeking, learning, being open to correction, humility, patience, perseverance, courage, obedience, justice, respect, courtesy, faithfulness, self-control, aggressiveness tempered with peacefulness, self-respect, respect for others, gratefulness, honesty, responsibility, willingness to teach, and share knowledge, and calmness when needed not only when one does karate in the dojo, but also when they live outside of the dojo. Attaining a black belt means that my Sensei sees that kind of quality in me. I've met a lot of black belts who do not live up to what I have seen in my First Shotokan Sensei, and what I believe a black belt represents.. but that is not important.. because the meaning of black belt has become what it is for me.. and THAT is what counts. "

It is 5 years later, and I am facing the same question, but now from a position of experience, and knowledge. I have achieved Black Belt status in one Art, and have had it revoked from me more quickly than it took to gain it. I have learned much from this experience.

My answer today is as follows:

"Black Belt" quality does not always exist in the minds, hearts, and spirits of those who are wearing this color around their waist. It is not just the ability to put forth one's skills that makes one a Black Belt, it is the reason that they do what they do that makes each action honorable, respectable, and admirable.

A student can have the inner strength, and foundation for Black Belt right from the first time that they cross the threshold of the Dojo door, but it is through their effort, their victory over their challenges, and the accumulation of experiences that they can reveal this reality to the world.

Other Black Belts can recognize the "right stuff" in each other, and we respond by rejoicing, and admiring the goodness that is present. Therefore, in my opinion, the worthiness of a Black Belt lies in the eyes of the one who presented it to you.

My Shotokan Black Belt was awarded to me by an Honored 8th Dan Master ( I am not allowed to speak the name of him, nor of the organization). However, I will treasure that recognition, because of that Master. He did not really know me as a student, as he had come from another city, and had to judge me solely by the effort I placed in that test. I am proud of that achievement.

Since then, I have been recognized by various honorable, wise, and experienced Martial Artists. It is a joy to hear their words of support, encouragement, and praise. I feel that I have represented my Kyokushin Sensei adequately for the time being.

My future Kyokushin Black Belt will be awarded to me by Sensei that have known me for many years. They know my strengths, my weaknesses, and have seen every step of my journey. I can guarantee that I will be tested to the limits of what I believe I can achieve, but I know for certain that if I earn the rank of Shodan, this recognition will not be taken from me.....ever.

I AM a Black Belt.. I only need to bring this fact to fruition.

Wonderful Sikaran Weekend Testing/Party

2009-12-21T14:39:00.002-06:00

My Instructor friend, Guru Paul, invited me to join his Sikaran School for their Belt rank test this weekend.

What a wonderful, joyfilled, and positive experience!

Truly, I was allowed the honor, and benefit of watching experienced, talented, and skillful Sikaran Martial Artists as they demonstrated their patterns, and revealed the speed, and beauty of their Art. What ENERGY, and ability was displayed before me!

"Sikaran is a form of Filipino martial arts whose history dates back to the early 1500s before the Spaniards came. It is the art of foot-fighting where the farmers use their legs to drive the partners outside the designated line (pitak) which was drawn in rice fields about 25 square feet (2.3 m2).....

Sikaran utilizes only the feet as a rule for sport and for combat/self-defense, and this is what makes it distinct, the hands are never availed of in Sikaran. If they are utilized at all, it's only for defense. The player uses his legs 90% of the time and his hands 10%, and only for blocking or parrying blows. Violation of this injunction, especially in tournaments, is ground for disqualification." taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikaran

If you have a chance to catch a Sikaran tournament, I would highly recommend attending it! You will be able to appreciate how versatile, and creative a Martial Artist can be at using their kicks. The only way that I could even come close to describing this Art would be to picture the skill of Tae Kwon Do mixed with the fluidity of Capoeira. I saw it as a whirlwind of kicks; like two Tornadoes fighting for the same spot in a field.

Thank you to Guru Paul for inviting me. I truly enjoyed every moment, including the refreshments, and gift.

Completed 1st Kyu Brown Belt/Black Stripe Rank Test for Kyokushin

2009-12-13T18:13:00.003-06:00

It took me two days to recuperate, but now I can post legibly.

On Friday night, Dec 11th, I completed my 1st Kyu Brown Belt/ Black Stripe Rank Test for Kyokushin.

Lessons that I learned:

a) These tests are exhausting. No matter how hard to train to be able to handle the test, you will still be brought to the point of no return. It just seems to take longer to get there if you train hard before the test. In a way, this revealed to me how far I have progressed in my path. When I tested for my White belt test, I could barely handle the first 30 minutes of the test. I was able to handle much, much more now that I have experience, and training.

b) Lots of practice may not always make you perfect, but it sure does help you keep on track when you are placed in a testing situation. I'm so glad that I had practiced at home as much as I had!

c) Visualization helps so much. Each night, before I fell asleep, I would visualize myself testing, and completing the test with confidence, and stamina. When it came time to perform, all seemed so familiar.

d) Nervousness doesn't seem to fade when you care about the results. However, you start to learn how to recognize the nerves, and get past it more easily.

Wow.. I haven't commented for SO long!

2009-11-22T09:07:00.004-06:00

I do apologize for the lack of postings. Let me fill you in on some of the happenings:

A) Home: Christmas is coming! This makes for more preparation as I run around buying presents for a large family, and preparing for Christmas parties. It is more complicated to buy for older teenagers. Little children get exited over sparkly crayons, and an empty box.. older teens have more specific, and expensive desires.

B) Karate: All that I can feel right now is Gratitude.

I'm almost constantly ready to wipe away a tear at how much I appreciate the gift of my present Sensei. I look at what I can do now, and I know that these skills, and knowledge came from two things 1. my own personal effort and willingness, and 2. The quality, and consistency of my Sensei's teachings. I could not have achieved what I have gained just through having only one of these two aspects. No matter how good the Teacher, without a strong and willing student the lessons cannot be transferred. No matter how open a student, without a wise, and caring Sensei progress cannot happen. I realized that each Olympic athlete, hockey player, football player, etc. has risen to that status through the blended work of their own sweat, and through the support of their coach.

I am still working towards the possibility of testing for 1st Kyu Brown belt/Black Stripe. My every open leisure moment goes towards improving, correcting, and reviewing as there are many aspects in which I need to feel confidence. However, I am limited by how much my body will allow me to train before it starts to overdo, and weaken. I'm also trying to give it many rest periods so that it can strengthen. Time is going away quickly, and I know that I cannot cram for a test of this rank level. I can only bring to the floor what I have been working upon all of these years.

Halloween is coming

2009-10-24T21:01:00.002-05:00

Just a little hello.

Working at Work.

Working at keeping a nice home for my family.

Working on improving my basics.

Working on balancing my demands so that I can find to rest.

Working at keeping healthy.

Working on my belt rank essay to hand in.

Halloween is around the corner, and I smile at the thought of how quickly this year is coming to an end.

I have been training in Karate for close to 7 years now. It feels like I've just started, but in a way, I can see how far I've come.

I'm tired, and my muscles are sore from the training that I've chosen to invest into myself. I also realized that since I have decided to make Karate a lifelong challenge, I will be sore, and tired quite frequently as long as I keep attempting to improve, and excel. It's just part of the Art.

Wishing you great health, and good training.

Just to let you know what's going on..

2009-09-11T05:51:00.003-05:00

Hopefully testing for 1st Kyu, black stripe, in a few months.

Working on my essay, building up my conditioning, basics, self defense, and kata.

Balancing my work demands, and family needs.

No time left for anything much, and barely enough time to do the things that I must do.

I'll pop into my blog now and then, but it's going to be rare.

I wish you all well.. and if I don't come back before then, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Kyokushin Karate Hard or Soft?

2009-07-28T08:31:00.006-05:00

This is Kancho Shokei Matsui performing the Sushiho kata of Kyokushin.

You can see the blend of hard/soft movements within the kata in his performance.

Kyokushin is Kyokushin.. It is hard to describe, it's not Shotokan, it's not Goju, it's Kyokushin.

I have noticed that the kata belt requirements as you rise up in belts seem to focus on building up one's ability to perform the Kanku kata.

We start with basic kata such as:

Kihon Sono Ichi, Ni, San
Shiho Tsuki Ichi, Ni, San
Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San
Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San Ura
Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San Tate
Pinan Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go
Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Yon
Juji Kata 45 degree, 90 degree

All of these kata help build up skills, turns, balance, body control, strength, and ability so that we can handle the more demanding kata:

Sanchin No Kata
Yanstu Kata
Tsuki No kata
Gekisai Dai, Gekisai Sho

But I can see all of them pointing towards learning the Kanku Kata. Each of the above kata contain parts, and pieces of the Kanku Kata. One of the main symbols of Kyokushin Karate is the Kanku sign:

That symbol derives from the opening move of the Kanku Kata seen below:

It does not appear that a Kyokushin Karate student becomes introduced to the softer kata of Sushiho, Seisan, etc until higher up in belt rank. The concepts contained in these kata are taught always, but the actual learning, and performance of these kata seems to be held until a student has achieved some experience under their belts.
( This is only my impression of what might be happening. Oh by the way, I was wrong when I told you how many kata that I've learned, I know 34 Kyokushin kata.)

It is true that to know one kata well is far better than to know 100 of them badly. However, I believe that the list of kata above are stepping stones towards learning one kata ( Kanku) very, very, very well. If I can learn the lessons that each of these other kata show me on their own, I can incorporate them into my efforts to learn the Main kata when I face it's challenges.

Answers for a friend..

2009-07-25T02:14:00.002-05:00

My friend Lizzie asked me the following questions, so I'm answering as a post instead of a comment so that I'm not limited in the amount of characters that I can type:

1. Do you wear any special gear when you spar?

In Kyokushin, the most protection that we wear is shin pads, mouth guards, and groin protection.

2. Do you like sparing?

For me, it's not whether I like it or not, it's more that I feel that I need to spar to be able to understand the concepts of my Art. I embrace, look forwards to, and adore doing Kata, but sparring, I just consider it as a necessary part of learning.

3. Do you use focus mitts and free standing bags as part of your training?

Yes, at times, it depends on what Sensei wants us to focus upon.

4. What does your training consist of? In my old dojo, we would work on basics, kata, stances, transitions to different stances, and bunkai.

My training covers all that you worked upon, and more... too much to list actually. Here is a small sample of some of the additional information: Body conditioning, weapons, self defense knowledge, danger prevention, mental self-control, pressure points, joint locks, throws, break falls, etc. etc.

5. We had a set number of bunkai for every kata. Does your kata have set number?

Yes, and no. There is a certain amount of knowledge expected from us, but also, we are to work towards deeper understanding of each movement so the possibilities are endless.

6. Is this what your training consist of? Are there different things that you train in too?

Yes, Kyokushin focuses on something called the "Spirit of Osu". This concept is to bring ourselves to what we believe is our limit, and to push on beyond it. It is an inner willingness to keep going, and never give up. We also learn the concepts of the "Point and Circle" (the effectiveness of circular movement), Kuzushi ( Unbalancing your opponent), and "Happo Kawashi" ( Dodge and Parry in 8 directions)

7. What does your ground fighting consist of? I'm assuming that it will look like a MMA style of fight on the ground. That's how my old dojo taught me. With BJJ, there's isn't any striking involved.

I'm sorry, I just train. I haven't compared it with MMA or BJJ or any other style. All I know is that I'm on the ground, and there is someone on top of me trying to harm me, and I am learning how to stop them, and gain control of the situation. From what I am learning, I believe that my focus is to get off of the ground, and back onto my feet as soon as I can.

8. Do you work on any joint locks and chokes while on the ground or do you just work on striking?

I am learning various joint locks, holds, and chokes not only on the ground, but also standing up.

9. Do you work on different positions on the ground like mount, guard, side mount, and the back?

Yes.. I am learning all the different positions.

10. Do you practice any takedowns?

Yes, I am learning takedowns.

11. How come you chose Kyokushin over Shotokan? It sounds like that Kyokushin is a better style. I'm all for full contact. I disagree with a non contact style. One will develop more control if they are taught to hit a person. Plus, people need to learn how to react from getting hit. They'll either freeze and panic or get angry. Most people will panic if they get rocked. Probably, I'll freeze because I haven't been hit really hard while sparring. I've been hit in the face a couple times.

For about 3 years, I was cross-training in two styles at the same time. Shotokan and Kyokushin I found that within about one hour of training in Shotokan, my body would start to ache (Mostly the joints) but that I could train hard in Kyokushin for hours, and hours, and mostly I would be exhausted, but feel totally fine physically. I couldn't understand why this was happening because the stances/ kicks/ strikes in Kyokushin are similar, if not the exact same as in Shotokan. Then, after one grueling painful episode in Shotokan training, I realized that it was the sudden fast surging lunging forwards movements, and fast stops that was expected for a well executed technique that was putting pain into my joints. My knees, shoulders, and hips screamed out in pain during that Shotokan class, and I had to do something to be able to continue training. Kyokushin surges too.. but it's different... the movement flows with the body, and has a resolution.

12. Which kyu and belt are you in Kyokushin?

I am currently at 2nd Kyu in Kyokushin. Brown Belt.

13. How long have you been training in this art now?

In Kyokushin? or in Martial Arts? In Kyokushin, I have been training approximately 6 years. In Martial Arts, I have been training approximately 8 years.

14. What's your feelings about kata and how it applies in the real world. I know that you love kata. However, there are people out there say that kata is useless. My old Sensei taught me that kata taught how to move the body and do a certain techniques correctly. He said that kata teaches one to over emphasize techniques like pulling into chamber. Then when one has to use it, one can modify it shorten it because the memory is already there. However, one still needs to practice not over emphasizing the real techniques while doing the real thing.

I know that many people think that kata is useless, I disagree with them. Kata allows the mind to quieten, and be alert at the same time. Since it is a repetitive set of movements ( similar to a dance), kata allows the pathways of a certain movement to be imprinted into your nerves/mind/limbs. It is similar to how practicing scales can improve a musician's ability to flow with their instrument when improvising. I have experienced moments in sparring when my body would recognize a set of techniques, and implement it automatically without my having to "order" it to do so. Afterwards, I stood there wondering at how wonderfully well that worked, and realizing that if I had tried to "think" it out it wouldn't have worked at all. Kata, done well, is an awesome cardio work out. There have been studies done that show that an experienced Black belt performing a kata will increase their heart rate within the first three techniques, and by the end of one kata will have put in the same amount of effort as if they had been jogging up a steep incline carrying a backpack filled with weights. It all relies on knowing how to use one's body fully, efficiently, and effectively to gain the most out of one's kata. Kata allows your mind to explore the more dangerous, and detrimental applications of a movement such as tearing someone's eyes out. We cannot actually apply this on our training partners on a daily basis a) we would run out of partners willing to train with us b) we would leave a wake of blind people behind us.

15. What's your feelings about Bunkai and the application of kata? I know that Bunkai teaches one cool applications. However, I don't know if one can use that in real life.

Bunkai introduces concepts, and various applications. It is the first step towards understanding things like distance, timing, etc.

16. It's cool to practice it without resistance and moves in a set way, however what happens if your training partner resists or moves very differently? This is why I love BJJ. We spar all the time with full resistance. We need to learn how to apply the techniques and drills that we did on a non-resistant partner to a partner who's trying to submit too.

I have had my partner co-operate, and also resist. It's part of my training too.

17. How do you feel about MMA and UFC? I know that there is a lot of people who do MMA think that TMA is a bunch of crap.

I feel that each person can benefit from training in Martial Arts regardless of the style if they focus on building their character at the same time, and are willing to put in the physical effort needed to succeed, and excel in their chosen style. In my eyes, there is no mental, physical, or spiritual gain in using others for one's boosted ego. Mutual respect between people, and between Martial Art styles is not only necessary, but expected from people who train to learn to defend themselves. The more that we value the drops of sweat that fall from our heads as we train, the more we should respect seeing the same from others.

18. How did you feel when you started training in Kyokushin?

I was frightened. When I was a purple belt, my Shotokan Sensei was closing down one of the dojo that I was training at, and so my training schedule was being halved. I could not afford to pay to go to two dojo, and I knew about a Kyokushin dojo that taught for free. I approached my Shotokan Sensei and asked if I could have his permission to visit the Kyokushin dojo to train just so that I could keep my weight down through the extra exercise. His response was to open his eyes wide and mention that he has seen Kyokushin karate ka train in Japan, he explained the concept of Full Contact, and that maybe I might want to think twice about attending that dojo since I am mostly involved in Kata rather than sparring. ( To be honest, my Sensei was being kind and gentle to me. At that time, I was terrified of sparring. I would back away, cover my face, and squeak in fear each time my partner would surge at me with a strike in one step sparring.) I assured my Shotokan Sensei that I was only interested in conditioning exercises as I had already lost 30 pounds from the combination of diet and exercise, and from what I have seen, and read about this dojo that I trusted the Kyokushin Sensei.

I still remember my first Kyokushin class like it was yesterday. I arrived early with my Shotokan purple belt, a yellow belt ( just in case the Sensei wanted me to wear that color instead), and a white belt in my gear bag. I didn't know what would be expected of me. I was frightened of even the idea of full contact, and mind was playing out various scary scenarios of how bad an idea of showing up for this class might be. BUT this was my only answer at the time for keeping up my exercise regime that had brought me so far in my goals to lose weight. I found that my fears were unfounded, and that I'm glad that I didn't let them control what experiences I had in my life. I do not regret joining this Kyokushin dojo, in fact, I thank God for this gift in my life everyday.

19. Can you elaborate more about the differences between Bunkai and Oyo?

Bunkai (分解?), literally meaning "analysis" or "disassembly", is a term used in Japanese martial arts referring to the application of fighting techniques extracted from the moves of a "form" (kata).

Bunkai is usually performed with a partner or a group of partners which execute predefined attacks, and the student performing the kata responds with defenses, counterattacks, or other actions, based on a part of the kata. This allows the student in the middle to understand what the movements in kata are meant to accomplish. It may also illustrate how to improve technique by adjusting distances, time moves properly, and adapt a technique depending on the size of an opponent. Some kata have another layer of application that is taught using an Oyo Bunkai.

(Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunkai)

Or in other words.. Bunkai is more patterned and set, and Oyo is more fluid/changing/adapting looking at various possibilities. Oyo can change for each individual depending on their size, strengths, and weaknesses.

Summer Training 2009 addition

2009-07-22T18:52:00.003-05:00

Does an hour of Dance Dance Revolution competition against my 10 year old son count as Karate training? OH my Gosh! that involves so much footwork, concentration, and much jumping. We both finished that competition tired, and sweaty. We both weren't too sure who won, but we got a great work out.

Oh.. here is the Kyokushin version of Heian Shodan/ Pyung Ahn Chodan / Pinan Sono Ichi done at my best effort for the amount of ability that I have achieved at this point in my training. I deeply wonder what Shihan Colin will think of my performance, as he has studied this kata in depth:

Kata captured on video

2009-07-21T19:20:00.004-05:00

Summer does provide me with the chance to capture my kata on video so that I can keep an eye on the progress of my efforts. So, with no further delay, I would like to share with you my latest Kihon Sono Ichi Kata.

If you would like to see the older video of the same kata, you can find it here:

http://supergroup7shodan.blogspot.com/2007/07/on-vacation.html

It is from the year 2007.

Summer training 2009

2009-07-21T06:01:00.003-05:00

Well.. that was my training for Sunday.

There was a tug of war between teams.. I'm in the front of the team on the left. We won. I couldn't believe how heavy that rope was just by itself, and then when we had to pull.. oh boy!

My son provided me with the service of shaving my face with a popsicle stick.

Then I sparred a variety of sized children on that inflatable joust game. The sticks themselves weighed 25 pounds, and one stood on a very unstable surface trying to swing them around. Each succeeding challenger made those sticks feel like they gained in weight incrementally. My son told me that the children were disappointed when I came down to have a drink of water. They all wanted to spar me again. One of the children had asked my son "Why is she so good at this?" Ha ha ha

I decided to go back up there, and face the kids again.

I think that I "fought" a good amount of time. I know that it came to the point where I had troubles bringing the stick around to deflect incoming hits.

It was quite an enjoyable picnic. It took me a day or two for my muscles to recuperate.. ha ha ha

No time left for me

2009-07-18T10:39:00.002-05:00

Summer holidays, and although I have more time at home due to karate classes being halted for vacation, I have less time for me to train as I have a house filled with needs/ desires/ and people.

I have had to "steal" time here and there for push ups, sit ups, kata, basics.. but it's a sporadic thing now and then.

Tuesday night I dedicated a good 2 hours to basics/ self defense / combinations/ conditioning. I needed to dodge the various people walking back and forth through the rooms, but I managed to accomplish my goals.

Last night, after 2 hours of yard work, I managed to get some weapons practice in with both Bo, and nunchuks

Today is dedicated to picnics, birthday parties, and movies. I managed to grab a good 40 minutes of training so far today( like I said, bits and pieces here and there)

I'll have to try to incorporate some training into the picnic games without looking too weird. Who knows.. there might be some time for kata after all is cleaned up, everyone has left, and I'm waiting for my husband to pick me up.

I know that I did do hundreds of squats at my daughter's Grade 6 farewell pizza/dance party as I picked up broken balloon pieces off of the dance floor. Also, blowing up the hundreds of balloons did exercise my lungs/ kiai.

Having a scheduled class helps standardize the work outs.. Although it is a nice change to have freedom, and fun, I can't wait until summer vacation ends, and we return to a rhythm of training.

A little note to keep in touch

2009-06-13T07:06:00.002-05:00

Work has been going great.. but I have stopped training on my breaks.

I have applied for a supervisor position, and not everyone at work understands what a kata is, sparring drills, or even why I'm standing on the balls of my feet stretching upwards. After much thought, I had to evaluate what my goals are, and where I can apply myself.

Instead of training during my breaks, I focus on relaxing, calming down, breathing deeply, and building myself up for the upcoming stress of the next session of work. My goal now is to enhance my mental energy level.

I have decided instead to "steal" training time when I can from possible moments. Instead of expecting to have a full hour of devoted training, I snatch moments from the work day where there is opportunity.

Examples:

I take the stairs rather than the elevator, and run up if there is no one present. If there is no one in the bathroom, I'll send 10 quick roundhouse kicks for each leg, or do 20 quick push ups before leaving. When waiting at the bus stop, I'll stand in the one legged crane stance. I'll mentally do my kata, or remember rank requirements during those quiet waiting moments of the day. I'll do sit ups, back extensions, and conditioning as I watch t.v. with the kids. I push open doors with the ends of my five fingers, or with my knuckles to help condition them.

When we were at the hotel for my daughter's tournament, I woke up at 3 am, and went to the front lobby. After asking permission from the front desk, I took advantage of the large open area, and trained for an hour and a half focusing on basics, and kata (without kiai)

In my opinion, it is consistency that builds a skill into one's body. A little bit of training everyday would be worth alot more than lots of training once in awhile.

My Daughter did her best

2009-06-09T08:51:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, my 11 year old daughter competed in her second Taekwondo Tournament. She put forth her best effort, made new friends, learned new skills, and achieved 3rd place in Board Breaking, 1st place in Sparring for her division.

For the first time in her life she experienced the fun of sliding down water slides with her Dad, and sibling.

One of the most memorable moments that I had was when we were traveling to the Tournament. We had stopped the car at a park to allow the girls to play in the playground, and for my husband to take a break from the constant driving. As the girls were playing on the teeter totters suddenly I saw a huge cloud of brown smoke rising from the treeline. I sat up concerned to notice 9 black dots in the center of the cloud quickly approaching us. To my amazement I realized that we were witnessing a practice session of a group of jet pilots.

They flew past us in a diamond shape with their smoke on, made a huge circle, came around, and past right overhead again in a square one on top of the other. It was amazing!

You should have seen my daughters jumping up and down on the grass applauding the jets.

At the time, I thought that it was quite a positive omen for the upcoming tournament, and I smiled to myself.

Realizing inner solidity

2009-05-05T14:32:00.003-05:00

Comparison is one way to help a child learns right from wrong, or what is good to eat, and what tastes bad. We actually develop this need to compare so that we can create our inner values, understand expectations, and get an idea of what our abilities are. We learn that we are faster than others at one activity, but struggle to do other activities. This develops a self image within us of "who we are".

You will hear people say things like "I'm bad at math", or "I'm good at running." The reason that they say this is because they are comparing themselves with others that they had seen doing the same action, and have decided that this is how they score in the scheme of things.

If there is one thing that I have learned through my experience in Karate is that comparison can be a two edged sword.

Yes, I needed to compare my efforts with others to see how I am progressing. I noticed that through the years my kicks have gained in speed, height, and power. I am now capable of doing things that I never would have dreamed possible as a white belt. Whenever I watch a new student struggling to cross the floor in front stance, I am often reminded of how I was in the same position only a short while ago. I can smile and remember all of the awkward, painful, uncomfortable sensations of learning basic stances, and trying to coordinate them with the techniques. When I look at more experienced Karate students achieving even greater things than I can hope to do at this moment, I am inspired to keep reaching, and learning.

However, comparison can kill your inner spirit if it is used in a negative way. It would be easy to convince yourself that you will never achieve anything as good as that person, so why even try. Or you may go to a tournament, and find that your assessment of your skills did not match the reality of the outcome. Too many people have allowed comparison to destroy their happiness, vision, and goals.

The honest reality is that we usually use the tool of comparison when we have no set objective standard in which to measure our attitude/skills, and we are uncertain about ourselves in a certain activity. Once we have acquired a base knowledge of what we need to achieve the rank that we desire, we should stop comparing. This is when we need to look at our own selves, our own strengths/weaknesses, in an objective way, and work towards building them both up.

This is where we tame our personal "ego", and allow our superior mind to control. Karate is all about improving physically, mentally, and spiritually. Learning to control, and tame the inner self, and to become solidified in our expectations without having a need to compare, and become "better" than others, or to become the "best" creates a happier person in the end.

If you would like to read more about comparing yourself to others, and learn some steps to stop doing this to yourself, feel free to visit:

Avoid the pitfall of comparing yourself to others

OOooo.. WOW!!!!! Now THAT"S a Roundhouse KICK!!!!

2009-04-14T09:22:00.002-05:00

Wow.. Wow! WOW!!! I remember my Sensei telling me that all one needs to do is to watch a Master in Karate, and you will learn by their movement how it should be done. This video is all in Japanese, but I understood what the Master was saying just from watching the movements.

Look how close Kagawa sensei, 8th dan, JKS world technical director is to his opponent when he is doing his Jodan Mawashi Geri. HOLY!!!!! AND did you see him do the kick hitting the back of his opponent's head. I never would have thought that was possible, but just LOOK at him do it as easily as dishing out a piece of pie. I could watch this video all day long, and still marvel at it.

Now I can understand why it is so emphasized ( in some arts) to bring the knee around to the outside when executing a roundhouse kick. It will allow you to be closer to your opponent and still strike the Jodan target. If you bring your kicking knee to the front, the opponent's body gets in the way.

Quickly, watch this video before it is removed from youtube.. I'm saying this because it seems that all of the good videos are taken away far too soon.

April 9th.. and struggling

2009-04-09T06:03:00.002-05:00

How am I?

Both up and down.

Work: struggling, seeking balance.

Karate: struggling, seeking balance mentally/physically/spiritually

Home: struggling, seeking balance and peace

My daughter cut herself trying to open a can, and I spent 3 hours in a hospital waiting room so that she could get 6 stitches. It was a boring moment, and yet a deeply bonding one for us.

We've had a flu/cold run through the house, and each day is a guessing game as to who is going to stay home to take care of whom.

I have so many desires within me to improve on various aspects of my training, but I have to select what is most important as I have such limited free time at this point in my life.

My computer time has dwindled to 12 minutes once every 2 or 3 days. Even as I type, I look at the clock and realize that it is time to go to work.

Sorry.. that's as big a posting as it will get today.

Take care.

What is respect? To me...

2009-03-03T08:10:00.002-06:00

My friend Ruth asked: "...have you ever had to explain what respect was to group of kids. Yesterday I was asked to do this in my karate class. I think I only managed to confuse them. As someone I would consider to be very wise, I was wondering how you of gone about this? Many thanks"

Yes, the whole concept of respect is difficult to explain. I can understand how children could be confused by it. It's funny that you asked me this question, as a few moments before now, I had been sharing a story with my children about the lack of respect that I have noticed prevalent in the latest generation of elementary school students. It amazes me because I KNOW that positive values are being taught consistently in the school curriculum, so where are we failing our next generation? Why have I seen so many young people treating senior citizens, adults, others, and themselves with such lack of concern for respect, and honor? The only answer that I can find is to point to our entertainment industry that offers constant ridicule to those things that we value. When I was a child, I remember watching t.v. shows that showed a family struggling through tough times together, and through their love, and courage they came through. "Swiss family Robinson", "The Cosby Show", "Little House on the Prairie", "The Munsters", "My three sons", "The littlest Hobo", "Lassie", etc. etc. Today, I see so many shows that show ridicule towards authority, age, and experience. In these shows, the children are intelligent ie: the heroes, and adults are dumb, bumbling idiots. "Drake and Josh", "Kim Possible", "Sabrina, the teenage witch", etc.

Respect comes from "gratitude and intrinsic value".

I value myself, therefore I respect myself: I do what is good for me. I live up to good habits like being honest, being caring, being courageous, being hopeful, sleeping well, eating healthy, keeping clean, etc.

I value my family, therefore I respect them: I listen to my parents, I help around the house, I clean up after myself, I treat my brothers/sisters nicely.

I value my education, therefore I respect my teachers: I do my homework, I ask questions if I do not understand, I do my best at my work.

I value my Karate training, therefore I respect my Sensei, and karate partners: I follow dojo etiquette, I obey, and do my best at each exercise, I take care to work with my partner, I show humility, and self control.

I value my neighborhood, therefore I respect my neighbors: I speak to them politely, I take care of public property such as parks,transit,etc by avoiding littering, graffiti, damage. I pay attention to follow the traffic rules when I ride my bike, and keep safe from causing accidents.

I value my world, therefore I respect the environment: I learn to live green and reduce, reuse, and recycle. I care about others, and offer support to those who need it to make the world a better place.

This is what respect means to me.

Releasing daydreams, and embracing reality

2009-02-19T21:18:00.002-06:00

I was awakened today to a reality that saddened me:

In the eyes of my workplace, I am no more than Phone#8136 There is a need for a physical body to sit for 8 hours in front of Phone#8136 and I fulfill that empty spot for the scheduled amount of time.

I was hoping for more than that to be honest. I was hoping that I could find some sort of value, and depth to what I was doing. I was hoping that my efforts would be witnessed, and supported, but the reality is different.

The personal value to my work is "how" I do what I do. I know that I will give my best because it is who I am, and that sacred area cannot be touched regardless to how others want to evaluate my efforts. It stays as truth regardless to what results occur.

I will strip away all desires, hopes, and dreams from this aspect of my life, and live moment by moment facing each challenge as it's own entity minute by minute. I will not worry about what might have been, or what is to come.

I will live the Kyokushin Way, and walk in reality. I am Phone#8136, and when I answer the call from someone needing assistance they will get the best quality that I can give to them in respect, and patience.

You will be seeing a picture of me wearing my favorite color soon

2009-01-31T07:00:00.003-06:00

Hello dear friends,

As promised to you 2 weeks ago, I am happy, proud, and honored to announce that I have earned the rank of 2nd kyu, Brown belt in Kyokushin Karate.

(I will insert a picture here as soon as I am able)

An Inspiring gift of Kata

2009-01-24T08:37:00.002-06:00

Sensei Michael Larkin provided me with this wondrous video of a team of Russian Kyokushin Women doing the Seiunchin Kata. I am so inspired by the power, beauty, and complexity of this performance, and I want to share it with you.

Thank you Sensei Larkin for this gift.

January 2008, and I feel proud of me

2009-01-19T10:07:00.003-06:00

I just finished my Brown belt test. It extended over 3 days, and lasted approximately 8 hours long in total. Regardless of the results, I am proud of my effort.

I CAN CROW IN TRIUMPH! Why? I succeeded in holding a HANDSTAND for 2 minutes. (With my wonderful Sensei's support, and guidance!) Those who have followed my path through my blog these past years will know what a wondrous victory that was over my childhood past, over my inner terrors, and over myself.

I'm sorry that I do not have any pictures to provide to you of this event. I only have my memories of the experience, and I am going to gently treasure these quietly for awhile in the same manner that I have placed mementos of my children in a box in the basement.

I will share with you how my belt test affected me:

I walked around like a "Night of the Living Dead" zombie for 3 days at work, and at home. I even had the slow limping shuffle, and the empty non-responsive eyes. People would watch me walking to the cafeteria with a big grin on their faces. I gather that I looked humorous.. I don't know, I was pretty much out of it. I had no energy to worry about my pride, and what people were thinking. But now, I wonder, what WERE they thinking? My co-workers would have to call my name more than once to get my attention, and when I did respond it felt like I was dragging my mind out of a field of cotton. I found myself double checking, and triple checking my work to make sure that I did it correctly. Tasks that used to be automatic became slow, and careful. I kept my quality up, but it was SUCH a demand on every ounce of will power that I had. Were they thinking "Man! She's come to work stoned!!!"? Ha ha ha...

I fell asleep on the bus ride home, I fell asleep when I got home, I fell asleep again when it was bedtime. I woke up only long enough to respond to a question, and then I'd be back into a half asleep/half awake state.

My husband, and children have been lovingly nursing me with hugs, and little actions of caring. One made me my favorite tea, while the other placed a warm cover on me, and another brought me a bag of ice for my injuries. I was uplifted by their love, and the pride that shone in their eyes.

I'm more myself now... and I look back with awe at what I have become, and how far I have progressed. Was that me doing that? It must have been, it's "me" that is still feeling the pain from it.

Yes, I'm hurt in more than one place: Right hand/wrist, left/right outer thighs, and mostly left ankle. Those are the "Louder" pain areas that drown out the lesser painful areas over my body. Somehow, when I was throwing a lower roundhouse in my last sparring match, I didn't stretch out my instep properly, and managed to hyper extend that ankle some near the end of that time period. That moment was such a revelation of how important to adjust to the angle of my opponent's body when I send an attack, and to adjust to how the target moves to avoid it. Pain is SUCH a good teacher. My ankle's healing quickly, and I should be fine by the end of this week.

I can almost feel the question coming from the readers of "Did you pass?"

The answer that I can give you is that in MY eyes, I was victorious! I gave my best, I gave my all, and I had no more within me to put forth. Now, I cannot guarantee that this effort is going to meet the requirements of that level. BUT I know that I am not going to stop training. So, if I didn't pass, I will still show up at the dojo, and work towards improvement because I LOVE Karate. It will not lessen the pride that I feel at how I tested this week. It will mean that my next attempt to reach this level of rank will be easier because I will be even stronger, faster, and experienced.

If I did pass, I will place an announcement on this blog for you to read. Be patient, though. Test results are not always given quickly in my dojo.

New Year.. New opportunities

2009-01-06T07:52:00.003-06:00

I tell myself "Wake up!" as often my mind wants to wander among the negative experiences of the past, and to fear, or to look ahead with anxiety at the possibilities of the future.

But this does not need to be..

I know that I am more than a culmination of past mistakes.

Yes, I need to take responsibility for what I have done and not run away from them, but I can see them as moments to improve.

I can choose to see things in a positive way, and to use each experience in the same manner.

I can grow.

Our minds and bodies have been designed to meet challenges, and become stronger. Our spirit can do so also.

A tree seed can grow on the side of cliff, hanging out of that crack in the wall of rock defying gravity, and teaching us that there is no environment too harsh to stop life from continuing.

Nothing can stop a determined spirit from achieving.

New Year's Eve.. completed

2008-12-31T21:49:00.002-06:00

YES! In spite of hardly any room to move, and half a dozen people interrupting the area where I am training consistently, I have succeeded in my goal of doing 209 Chudan Tsuki ( middle punches), 209 Mae Geri ( Front kicks), and 29 Kata to bring in the New Year.

My Goals last year were:

Kihon: To work on my right fist so that it is more solid, and constant. To unite my body's effort when doing push ups so that I do not stress my shoulders.

Kata: To compete at a Tournament in Montreal this spring as a Kyokushin Adult in Kata competition.

Kumite: To work on keeping my guard hands up at in a better level when sparring so that they can be useful.

I'm quite happy to state that I have improved in my Kihon goals. My push ups are more controlled, and united. My fists could stand improvement, but I have managed to bring up the level of my efforts.

I was not able to achieve my goal to compete at a Tournament in Montreal, BUT I did travel to Montreal, and trained with 3 wonderful Sensei. I brought home some Bo kata to work upon.

In Kumite, I have been successful in keeping my hands more up, and forwards. I will continue to work on this aspect.

This year I have a different goal for all three areas of my training:

I want to focus on improving my inner mental condition.

In Kihon, I want to learn to see each technique as worthy of it's own existence, and focus on the quality of that movement alone rather than thinking of the past, or future.

In Kata, I want to learn to see beyond each movement, and live outside of the technique seeing applications, and meaning.

In Kumite, I want to learn to anticipate my opponent's attacks.

I wish you all a most wonderful, healthy, and joyful New Year! Good training to you.

Christmas, and 2 weeks of no classes

2008-12-21T06:33:00.002-06:00

I received a wonderful Christmas gift from my husband. He chauffered me to the dojo where I used to train years and years ago under my first Sensei. I was able to visit with some Sempai, and fellow students that I used to train with, and meet some wonderful new friends. I was so proud of their achievements, some had gone forwards, and earned their black belt. Some had competed nationally, and won the Gold medal for Team kata. I barely recognized some of the students as they once were small teenagers, and now were adults. It was a wonderful day of sharing time, energy, and training together.

Yesterday was the final class of this year, and I face 2 weeks of no classes due to the Holidays. This is the aspect of Christmas that I like the least because my body does not understand "holiday". It needs a constant regime of stretching, and working out, or it causes me trouble. I will have to find moments of sandwiched time inbetween the extra parties, and celebrations, and lack of classes available to personally train in the small confined space of my living room as my children try to walk past me to go to the kitchen, or such. I'm going to try to pay a drop in fee, and visit a nearby health facility to work on the machines there to keep up my endurance, if possible. IF the gym is open, and available, I'll sneak in there to do kata.

My husband saw the sad look in my eyes at the thought of no classes for 14 days, and he offered to allow me to practice my self defense applications on him during his vacation days. I might just take him up on that offer ( more than once).

Seeing what I "don't see"

2008-11-29T11:42:00.002-06:00

These past months I have been preparing, and preparing for my next rank level. To be honest, I consistently apply myself at striving for more no matter where I am in the rank ladder, but there seems to be an added "spice" when you know that you are facing a belt test in the future.

As I trained, I remembered a very poignant statement given to me by one of my dearest Internet Sensei friends. He told me "Do not only look at what your Sensei is doing, but pay attention to what he/she ISN'T doing." Now, when my friend had said this to me, I was lost in confusion as to what he was talking about, but now, I'm becoming aware of the little "give away" motions which I'm doing that are not existent in the movements of an accomplished Martial artist. For lack of words to explain this concept, there seems to be a very accurate release of energy in an experienced Sensei. They do not waste their time/body movement/emotion. Everything is used well, and there are no warnings. They almost look like they aren't doing anything when they move. There is a relaxed fluidity in the movement.

Here is a video of two amazing Martial Artists of Kyokushin Karate from the 3rd World Tournament 1983 which shows these relaxed, yet powerful sudden movements. Shihan Andy Hug Vs Shokei Akiyoshi Matsui.

I need to look, and learn what my Sensei is NOT doing.

Our society's need for gossip

2008-11-08T20:44:00.002-06:00

I've just been thinking about psychology, and Martial Arts lately, and I noticed something really interesting.

People attack other people more with our words than with our fists. We do not need to look far for evidence of this. The recent negative election commercials that have been flaunted in our faces for weeks have revealed this tendency in a very loud way.

Everyday, people wage a war of words. We attack others when they are not around to defend themselves. At times, people will spread nasty gossip about others ruining lives, and careers. In fact, many comedians have made a lot of money with this type of comedy. We see people attack others with angry words to their faces, especially during rush hours. It sometimes seems like people will verbally attack others whether there is a response and reaction, or not. The victim's personal response isn't as important as the actual act of expressing the negative words.

If we, as Martial Artists, work towards using self-control in our physical aggressive tendencies, then it would only make sense that we would also look towards the same kind of verbal control.

“From the moment a child begins to speak, he is taught to respect the word; he is taught how to use the word and how not to use it. The word is all-powerful, because it can build a man up, but it can also tear him down. That’s how powerful it is. So a child is taught to use words tenderly and never against anyone; a child is told never to take anyone’s name or reputation in vain.”
Henry Old Coyote, Crow Tribe Author,excerpt from Respect for Life

But why do we attack others with our words? What are we protecting ourselves from? Or what benefit do we see coming from this activity? I can tell you why I would strike someone with my fists, or feet, but why would someone feel it necessary to attack another person verbally?

"Psychologist Frank McAndrew, a professor at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, who has published more than two dozen articles in scientific journals and is author of the book "Environmental Psychology," says "We can be moralistic about it and say only small people gossip, or people with nothing better to do. But I just think it's wired into us."

McAndrew believes that people used gossip in early civilizations to position themselves for higher status. He says “how successful you were at attracting mates and reproducing, depended, to a great extent, on your social skills and knowing what other people were up to.”"

I am starting to believe that a person feels an imagined power, and in more control of their environment when they verbally can express themselves in a negative manner. Similar to the fable of the fox and the grapes, the fox stated that the "grapes were sour anyway" when he wasn't able to reach, and eat them.

Is there a way to de-escalate, and curb this aggressive verbal behavior in others? Now.. that is an area in which I would like to research farther.

My time lately

2008-10-16T17:02:00.002-05:00

BUSY..

BUSY...

BUSY..........

I'm stealing a few moments to write in my blog.. that's how busy I am. I have to squeeze in a practice here, and a moment to study there, and I realize just how much I miss having hours to train on my own at home.

I'm juggling all of the needs, and all of the wants that exist around me, and trying to meet every one of them at a level which allows me to keep them all in a manageable state. I've delegated more responsibility to my teenaged children, and my husband has had to take up the burdens also. Thanksgiving meal was done by his kindness, and he did a superb job!!!

I'm happy though. I embrace the challenges presented to me by my workplace, by my Martial Art, and by my choice to have a large family.

My coworkers are becoming used to seeing me perform kata in the entryway of our area. They seem to just look over, smile gently, and then return to work. I've learned that I must do the kata in the middle of my break to allow 3-4 minutes time for my breath to return to normal before I return to work. I'm considering eating my lunch during my first 15 minute break so that I can use the longer 30 minute lunch for training. Also.. I'm wondering how bothersome it would be to my employers if I take off my shoes and socks during my kata. The shoes hamper my ankles from bending properly in stance... hmmm.. how far can I push this?

Security is now comfortable, and used to my bringing a Bo staff in and out of the building on those days that I train in karate. The very first time that I brought in a Bo, I just walked up the stairs, down the hallway, and into our work area to place the staff gently against the floor/wall. I looked up and there stood a security staff member watching me, and asking "What is the stick for?" He had quickly followed me up the stairs, and down the hallway without my knowledge.. Wow.. he was very silent, I was startled to see him standing there looking at me with questions in his eyes. I explained that I use it for training after work, and that it will stay against the wall until I finish work. He was satisfied with my response, but I realized just how careful I must be to keep to my word, and be VERY prudent with my staff.

Getting on, and off of buses still raises the eyebrows of those who see me, I just act normal, and smile as if I'm carrying a purse instead of a Martial Arts weapon... and all reactions calm down. I wonder if I would get away with this if I was a 6' 5'' well muscled young man instead of a 5' 4" grey haired woman.

There was one person who made my day.. She came up to me with her eyes sparkling, and said "Bo! I do Kung Fu.. LOVELY weapon to work with.. what Art do you train in?" That was a wonderful interchange of joy filled words between two Martial Artists who love what they do.

Our little choices affect the rest of the outcome

2008-09-26T06:08:00.002-05:00

We may not think that it is important, but it is in the little daily choices that we affect the greater path of our life.

It is how we execute a stance, or a strike in the mundane basic training that makes or breaks a technique when we need to apply it.

So often we overlook the simple, and focus on the complicated.. but I have learned that it is through the simple that we will attain the more complex. This revelation explains to me the reason why the higher ranked Black Belts return their energy to a simple middle punch over and over again. The basic building blocks contain the answers to the larger picture.

It is important to realize, as Martial Artists, that the things that we learned as a lower belt need to become stronger, and not tossed aside being considered useless.

Skill builds up, and needs continuation from previous experience.

I really enjoyed the movie "Kung Fu Panda"

2008-09-05T03:56:00.002-05:00

My whole family, and I ended off the summer holidays by going to watch the movie "Kung Fu Panda" together. Boy, that was something! We took up a whole aisle by ourselves.

The movie was fantastic. I loved how the interrelationships of the characters was so developed. I loved how Martial arts was both spoofed, and yet a gentle respect was maintained throughout the movie.

The main character, Po, is very charming, and lovable.. but I found myself adoring the old wise Sensei, Master OOgway. He stole my heart with his simple complexity.

It was a great animation that I will add to my collection of movies, and I'll be thrilled to share with my future grandchildren.

I am quite happy to hear that Dreamworks is working on a sequel to this movie. I can't wait to see more about the story of Po.

Working on my Chion Bo kata

2008-08-10T15:03:00.002-05:00

After working on my Bo kata for over a year now, I have improved it to this level:

I'm quite satisfied with the progress, but I can still see many aspects that I would like to improve upon. I feel that this video is worthy of putting forth as a good sample of my efforts.

I can not dedicate as much time as I'd like to my weapons work as my main focus is my basics, and kata. Therefore, progress may be delayed when it comes to weapon handling.

In the next couple of days I'll be working at my job on a constant basis. Time will become even more precious. I'm actively looking for a place at my job site that has enough room, and privacy for kata practice during breaks. The washrooms are a "no go" here. It seems that the cleaning staff are taking care of the main washroom at the same time as my breaks, and the other washroom is too small for kata movement. Anyway, there are always ladies walking in and out of the washroom. It's such a busy place... sigh. I have tried to go outside to the parking lot but it's really busy there too with smokers coming in and out for their cigarette. I might just get to the desperation level where I practice my kata in the front lobby of the place directly facing the security staff. There's lots of room there... However, this is my last resort. I would like to find a secluded place if possible. My last workplace allowed me to go to the warehouse section. I haven't seen the whole facility yet, and I haven't discussed my options with my supervisors yet so I will not give up hope.

I have been hired..

2008-08-07T06:46:00.002-05:00

If you notice a little bit of delay in postings on my weblog it is due to the fact that I have been hired as a permanent worker at a very lovely company. I'm going to be adjusting to the new schedule demands, and balancing my family, karate, and housework with them.

I'd like to share some funny little anecdotes from my interview which relates to Martial Arts:

I was asked to share some important things about myself with my 3 interviewers. The mention of 7 kids raised a couple of eyebrows. I saw a big response to the fact that I had homeschooled them for awhile. When I told them that I was a black belt in Karate, and that I was working towards my second Black belt. Wow! You should have been there! The room erupted in response. I couldn't speak anymore. I just blushed, and quietly waited as they spoke between the three of them spoke words of admiration, and positive support. Honestly, I felt like an Emmy winner at that point. My mind thought back to all of the pain, effort, and sweat that I had put into the past years of training, and I mentally agreed with the words that they were saying to me, but it was a shock to my system to be bathed in so much praise at once. It felt nice, but strange.

Admiration of talent, training, and dedication

2008-08-02T12:44:00.002-05:00

I have stumbled across this video of the US Army Drill Team doing a demonstration, and I am honored to have witnessed such dedication, skill, and hours of training shown by their performance.

This, in my opinion, is a form of "kata" in a North American manner where each move has it's own reason for existing, and full concentration is necessary to achieve these amazing results.

I have yet to be lucky enough to witness a Martial Arts demonstration of Kobudo weapons done in such close range with such accuracy. Each one of those rifles has a chrome bayonets attached on the end of them. One mistake can cause some discomfort to either oneself, or others. I do hope that I catch something similar to this on Youtube in the future involving nunchuks, or Bo staff. I would be very amazed and thrilled to see a group performance of weapon mastery.

Relaxed training in the backyard

2008-07-20T21:21:00.003-05:00

My daughter and I decided to enjoy some time training together in the backyard. My other daughter, the aspiring recording arts person, caught it on video. I edited her footage down to a few minutes for your entertainment.

We are kicking at a pillowcase filled with a heavy woolen crocheted afghan tied onto the kid's swing set with a white belt. Sure.. it's not the most refined equipment, but it was inexpensive, and handy.... and actually fun to kick at.

We were chased out of our dojo by the build up of mosquitoes as the evening descended.

Parents banned from being spectators

2008-07-18T08:31:00.002-05:00

Just recently this year, in my province, parent spectators have been banned from watching their children compete in the sport of Lacrosse.

In British Columbia, the lacrosse league implemented a "Silent night" where parents were not allowed to clap, yell, or cheer during the competition.

In Los Angeles, coaches are held responsible for the behavior of the fans of their team in Youth Basketball.

In Soccer, "Several soccer coaches are dishing out lollipops to rowdy parents, with firm instructions to keep their mouths shut until the candy has dissolved. "

In Northern California, the city of Roseville will require parents of children in municipal sports leagues to attend lessons in sportsmanship.

There seems to be developing a general lower tolerance for unruly parents in the sporting areas.

Will this type of thing happen at Martial Arts Tournaments?

I have seen unruly parents at various Tournaments. Will we be seeing a similar ruling in Martial Arts as we have seen exhibited by the Lacrosse League? I'm talking about the rule of banning spectators from attending. I can't see that happening as the tournament would loose profit in this manner. Each competitor brings in a registration fee, and usually at least one, or two spectator fees.

I have seen "closed" belt rank tests where parents were not welcome to watch their child testing for the next rank. I don't understand the reasoning behind this from an onlooker's perspective. I have yet to see an unruly parent during a belt rank test. But then, I don't know what happens after the test. Perhaps the parent becomes upset that their child did not pass their test while another child succeeded.

Training and painting

2008-07-16T07:06:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures capturing the many hours that I've spent in the past week on the activity of painting. I swear I will enjoy the result when I'm done, but the day to day hours of repetitive activity can wear out on a person. I've been putting in 5 to 6 hour days just scraping and painting on my own. In these pictures, two of my daughters came and helped me with the garage. I was astonished how much more difficult it is to paint stucco. It's like one has to fight for each 4 inches of painted space! I'm doing this alone so far because my husband's vacation doesn't start until next week. To be honest, I am trying to get as much as I can done before he goes on vacation so that his whole summer isn't spent working hard on the house.

I still train in karate. I take little breaks every 2 hours of painting to stretch out my legs, and do jumping kicks on a little makeshift "toy" that I made for myself out of doubled pillowcases filled with wool crocheted covers, and tied up with a karate belt to my kid's swingset. I'll try to capture what that looks like on video.. ha ha ha.. It must look strange, and unusual.

I've attended a couple of sessions of Yoga. I am amazed at how similar it is to Karate with the emphasis on proper breathing during movement, and on good posture. But then I realized "Doesn't almost every physical activity have this emphasis... like pilates, golf, dance, skiing?" Well.. perhaps it doesn't focus on proper breathing as much as karate, and yoga, but I bet you that deep diaphramatic breathing would help with those activities also.

It's been awhile

2008-07-12T22:21:00.003-05:00

Yes.. I haven't posted for almost a good month now. I'm so extra busy lately with a house filled with kids on summer vacation, and working towards improving my house/garage. I've been scraping down, and washing down the walls of my home to get ready for painting. So many hours, and hours of dedicated time to prepare for improving the look of my house!

Also, There has been a wedding in my relatives that I needed to prepare for, and attend. I had to spend hours shopping for nice clothes, and making sure that we were ready for the event. We went to 12 different stores to find our matching dresses, etc.

Karate: To my surprise I haven't slacked in this regard, I've managed to find time to practice my Bo, my nunchucks, my kata, my basics, my conditioning, and work on the research for the essay that I need to write for my next belt rank test. Yes, my online computer time has suffered for all of this.. sacrifice has to happen somewhere.. also, I've had less time to play any video games.

Latest Karate musings:

Motivation: Where does it come from? What causes people to invest themselves into a good cause, or a positive life choice, or a healthy habit? How can we support others in their good choices so that they continue in that direction?

I believe that the key to longevity is that these people are willing to look at reality. They open themselves to the possibilities of an activity, and also to the challenges, and responsibilities, and they embrace the whole package.

Karate, for example, involves the whole person. ( At least, in my opinion.) It isn't just that one hour at the dojo a few times a week that will create the karate ka that is desired, but an ongoing investment into the Art. It isn't just the movements of the techniques that make them work, but also the commitment of the mind, and spirit into the action.

Can Karate training be a "past-time hobby" that is put aside, and picked back up after summer vacation? I guess so.. however, I would say that this would mean that the person is willing to begin their training again from the start. They would have to renew, rebuild, and remember what they had achieved months earlier. Personally, I shudder at this thought. It has taken me so much pain, and commitment to gather what little I have now that I do not desire to put it to the side. I know that I would be quite saddened to realize that I had forgotten, or lost what I had gained. No.. I want to build on what I have so I chose to continue training on my own during those moments when summer holidays makes training at the dojo more difficult. In fact, I'm going to expand, and study into my Art to even improve over the summer so that when classes resume, I'm even MORE ready to take on the challenge.

A new branch on my path

2008-06-27T09:15:00.003-05:00

I have been given a set of foam nunchuks like the ones pictured above...

I have one word for this:

COOL!!!!!!!

I'm not sure how much I will enjoy learning to swing the nunchuks around my head like that.. I remember how the Bo and I had our special painful moments of learning how to work together. I feel like I'm still a baby at manipulating the Bo.. and here I have a set of nunchuks?? I must be one of those few people who watched people spin the nunchuks around, and be thinking "Oh thank goodness that's not me in that swirl of motion!"

But it doesn't hurt to try.. I cannot dedicate too much time to working with the nunchuks. I really have to apply myself to my Belt rank requirements, to my kata, to my conditioning, and to my Bo... but it doesn't hurt once in awhile to swing a nunchuk.. :-) especially if something like THIS should happen to me...

Ha ha ha.. and this COULD happen to me!!

Wouldn't you know it! A blast from my past

2008-06-20T08:35:00.004-05:00

Oh.. yes.. on a lark I decided to search up my name on the internet. I found the usual things, but then surprisingly to my joy, I found a list of competitors, and medal winners from a tournament that I had attended in 2004.

I'm listed in there as the silver medal winner of my rank division. My girls are listed there also as Gold, silver, and bronze winners.

This was my family's very first tournament. We had gone to others after this one. The medals from our experiences are many, and fill up the bottom of my dresser drawer. But, as I was taught by my first Sensei, it isn't the medals that I cherish, but the experiences, and lessons that I learned during the Tournament.

My little girls had challenged the Team Kata division. At the ages of 9,7, and 6, these little white belts went up and performed against the other Team kata of black belt level (Adults included). They didn't place at all, which I had expected would happen, but I couldn't help but admire their courage, determination, and willingness to try.

Sure.. all through their team kata performance, I could see one or two of my girls looking more at the judges, and crowds around them rather than focusing on their performance, but who could blame them? Everything was new to us at the time, and standing in that ring was quite daunting for any beginner.

Here are some pictures that were taken of the event:

Heian Yondan ( during competition)

The girls practicing before the event.

Wearing their medals

There is me at purple belt level.. Wow.. I didn't realize how much I would appreciate looking back at the past like this. I wish that I had taken pictures, and videos of my kata when I was a white belt. It's nice to look and see where I was, and how I have maintained, and improved over the years.

Training in Quebec

2008-06-11T12:52:00.018-05:00

Osu to all who visit my blog,

I just spent 5 days in the beautiful Montreal, Quebec, Canada region, and I am thrilled to share some memories, and pictures with you.

Thursday night, I was thrilled to be informed that I would be training at Sensei Jean Frenette's Dojo in Boucherville. I had given up the hope that this would be possible as my family event schedule was rather tight for the time that I was in Quebec. Here is a picture of me standing in front of the dojo door. Yes I am wearing a white belt. This is through my own choice. I felt that I had no knowledge of Goju Ryu, and that I wanted to express my respect for this dojo by entering it as a white belt.:

When I first arrived there, I was not too sure if there would even be a class as the door was locked, and I didn't know if I was even in the right place. Soon, the karate students arrived, and warmly welcomed me. It was a joy to spend a couple of hours sharing the dojo floor with them. I learned more about the history of Goju Ryu, and how it has influence my chosen style of Kyokushin. I was able to partake in many new experiences through the wonderful guidance of the sempai there. Sensei Frenette was so kind, attentive, and supportive. I almost wanted to pinch myself every few minutes to see if I was dreaming.

Friday contained my first disappointment: I had scheduled a wonderful night of training under Sensei Dominic Morin's Kanreikai Dojo. Through our correspondence, I developed quite an appreciation for the personality of Sensei Morin, and I was happily anticipating meeting him face to face. However, family events, and conflicting schedules made transport to the dojo near impossible. Instead, I was "stranded" in the Sorel-Tracy area. I could watch the ferry heading towards Joliette, and Sensei Morin's dojo, but I could not travel on it. Instead, I walked around, and took some lovely pictures.

Saturday was a great treat: I joined Mat in the Chito Ryu Dojo led by Sensei Eric Lefebvre. Sensei Eric called forth a special class held on an island in a park. I was surrounded by the beauty, and sound of waterfalls as I tried to focus on my karate. I have to admit that more than once I lost concentration as I turned, and stopped in awe at how lovely it was around me. The grass had the early morning rain still dripping from it, and it felt lovely, and cool on my feet. The sun broke through the clouds to warm my shoulders, and to bring the colors around me into even greater life. It was a fabulous morning experience, and I saw drank in the joy of our Art. Mat and I were able to practice our self defense sequences on each other, and our gi became striped brown, and green with the mud, and grass stains to match the colors of our belts. I met such a group of inspirational, and dedicated karate ka that day, and I am so grateful for that experience.

Sunday was dedicated to family visits, as I have a large family. Monday night, I was given the great opportunity to train at the West Island Kyokushin Dojo under Sensei John Kalaidopoulos. I was too excited about training here because I forgot to bring my camera with my dogi when I left my brother's car so I do not have any pictures to offer. I entered the dojo with both timidity, and excitement. I had been looking forwards to this moment for months, yet I wondered how my performance would compare to others who train in my own Art. I feared that I would embarrass my Sensei, and yet, I knew that if I put forth my best, he would be proud of me. I could do no more than this... yet.. how does one quiet the little voices in the back of one's heart? I was told that I could train with each of the classes starting with the young children's class, up to the advanced adult. This was 4 hours of training, and although a piece of me wondered if I could maintain the effort, there was a solid foundation within my spirit that nothing would discourage me from attempting this challenge. Sensei John was so gracious, and hospitable to me. I felt like a lost child that has found a home. He provided for my every need, even giving me permission to rest if I felt faint, and dizzy. This gave me a breath of peace as I knew that I could just train as hard as my body would allow. I was thrilled to find that I kept up throughout the majority of the demand. There was only one moment, by the end of the third hour when I was doing another kicking kata, where I suddenly felt the room spin, and my balance disappeared. With a few minutes of rest, and a good amount of water, I was able to come back into the class, and continue. It was quite an educational experience for me as I was treated to various new movements, sequences, exercises, and even Bo training to expand my experience.

I am so grateful to all of the Sensei who provided me with such a good vacation, and great training. Osu

Supergroup7 is headed to Quebec!

2008-05-23T07:21:00.003-05:00

In the first weeks of June, I'll be making my appearance in Quebec. Hopefully, within the busy activities of visiting friends, and family, I'll have time to train in karate at various dojo. I'm looking forwards to this short, but sweet vacation from the everyday.

When I get back, I'll be sure to post up some photos, and give you some stories about my trip.

Until then, Aloha, everybody!

Seienchin in the snow

2008-05-10T15:11:00.002-05:00

Wow! Just WOW! Beautiful.. Awesome kata done in what looks like freshly fallen snow!!

That's Kyokushin training! OSU!

I haven't had to do a kata in snow, but I have trained in it. It's a totally different sensation entirely! I haven't seen the snow fly around me like puffs of cloud before.. Oh my goodness that looks so beautiful!

I'm grateful that Sensei Steve has allowed me to embed his video on my weblog.

Thank you so much, Sensei Steve!!!

There is sport, and then there is something else...

2008-05-10T03:11:00.002-05:00

My latest posting on tournaments brought up some thoughts about different philosophies while training in Martial Arts. I am grateful to Steve for planting the seed of this discussion in one of his comments.

As one trains in a Martial art they will find themselves attracted to the various avenues that is provided by this time consuming activity.

Some center themselves in life and death applications that could save them in a violent encounter. Their own lives depend on how well that they know their Martial art. Usually we'd see these as soldiers, or police, but there are others who chose to focus their training in this direction. This kind of training could never be performed at a tournament as the main rule is that there are no rules, and that all actions are fair in the heat of battle. These people seek to turn themselves into effective weapons of quick decisive destruction as is a necessary skill in the demands of their lives. I would call this as "survival" oriented.

Others enjoy the thrill of competition. They train in order to become the most skilled at their Art. They improve themselves with the goal of winning the most medals, trophies, and acknowledgement for their abilities. Each new challenge motivates them to look for better ways of expressing their Art at a higher level. I would call this kind of philosophy as "sports" oriented.

Some train in Martial Arts because they have noticed that it helps their bodies to stay in shape. They've noticed that training in the Arts has had a positive effect on their flexibility, stamina, strength, and even their ability to think. They faithfully come to the dojo each class knowing that they are investing into their future. I would call this kind of philosophy as "health" oriented.

Then, there are people like me. I understand, and appreciate all of the philosophies that I've listed so far, but my focus is different than that.
How can I describe this in words???

I am "spirit" oriented. I look towards the development of my character into a more positive me. I use the tools that Karate training offers to help me learn patience, perseverence, humility, courage, wisdom, etc. Through my efforts to improve myself, I find that I gain the benefits of learning self defense skills, expressing my art at a higher level, and increasing my health. The benefits are not my focus, they are like a wonderful by-product. Karate is part of "me". My lifestyle, my spirituality, my daily work, my mothering, my interactions with others, etc. all of these things fuel my journey in the Way of Karate. Street effectiveness of a movement is not as important to me as the performance, and understanding of the movement. Winning medals is not as important to me as how the person wins. Health improvement is not beneficial ( in my eyes) if the person treats others with disdain, and disrespect. For me, Martial arts are centered on courtesy, and respect for oneself, and for our neighbour. I see that it is the lack of courtesy, and respect for others that has been the cause of every single confrontation, war, and negative event in the history of humanity.

Is one philosophy better than the others? Well.. obviously, I prefer the one that I am walking upon or I wouldn't be so involved into it, but that doesn't mean that there isn't goodness in the other paths. I know what I want from myself, and my training, and I seek my goals. This is what I'd desire for everyone else.

Kata concepts caught in animation

2008-05-08T14:25:00.002-05:00

Beautiful! I love it! I love the symbolism! I love the movements! I love the animation! I love the music! I love the message! I love the impact of the whole scene!

Fantastic standing applause to all those who helped create:

Avatar: The Last Airbender Book 3: Ep 13: The Firebending Masters.

Spring is here!

2008-05-08T06:21:00.002-05:00

Thank heavens for the warmer weather! I've been able to get outside and train with my Bo. In fact, I've gotten more training on my Bo in the past 2 weeks than I've managed to scrounge up in a winter month!

The only downside is sometimes the strong winds will blow grit and sand into my eyes as I turn in my pattern. So I've had to learn to compensate by closing my eyes whenever I turned into the wind. This is not a good habit to develop. I could just see myself performing my pattern in class in this way. Luckilly the wind isn't always from the same direction each day.

I love training outside. I'm so glad that spring is here.

Tournament support

2008-05-04T08:40:00.004-05:00

I attended my daughter's tournament this weekend, and I witnessed things that I feel inclined to give my impression. Of course, I will not mention all of the wonderful, positive moments because I could fill the weblog with those. I appreciated all of the good things that I saw, and I want everyone to know that my daughter walked away from the experience with great memories. However, there are a few things that I would like to mention that I feel could be done with more focus on the positive. Please understand that my following thoughts come from the various tournament experiences that I've had in general, and not from this specific tournament that my daughter attended. Attending this tournament just brought forth some personal considerations in my mind:

A)Noise behavior: It astounds me that the crowd feels that roaring at the competitors helps them perform. Personally, I couldn't understand this need to scream "GO.. Hit HARDER! KILL them!" at the people sparring... so instead, I stood quietly, and witnessed the moment with a deep respect to the effort, and courage of both competitors. As I stayed there with that deep silent calm filling me inside and out, a picture flashed in my mind. I remembered the movie "The Karate Kid" when the character, Sensei Miyagi, was a still presence of power amongst the noise of the crowd watching Daniel-san fight. It felt so proper to do this, to be silent and to witness with every ounce of energy, and showing both fighters the same respect. When the encounter finished, I exploded in applause, and sound cheering both for their performance. I valued the skill shown by the ones who had trained for this moment, and I encouraged them to continue working on their efforts.

B) Parental/Instructor behavior: I witnessed positive support, and cruel pressure. I have to state that I disagree with threatening a child with punishment if they do not win a medal. I also have to state that there is no justifiable reason for treating a child badly before, during, or after the tournament.

C) Competitor behavior: I watched a negative scene where the winner crowed in triumph, high fived his fellow students, and showed no respect to his opponent. I can understand feeling the thrill of winning, but in my opinion, we are martial artists, not football, or soccer players. There is a different philosophy, and meaning to what we do. I turned to my daughter and spoke to her in severe warning. I said "If I EVER see you treat your opponent in such a manner, I guarantee that I will refuse to allow you to receive your medal, we will leave the tournament immediately regardless of where you rank, you will receive a lecture all of the way home, and probably will hear of my displeasure for the rest of the year. Karate centers on "Rei". Without courtesy, and respect then you are not doing Karate, and I would be greatly embarrassed by your actions."

D) Judge behavior: Perhaps it is my youth in Martial arts that is speaking, but I feel that being a judge in a tournament is a honor, and a responsibility. No matter the age, or skill of the person performing in the ring, it is his/her expression of her ability. A judge should give an honest, and unbiased assessment of the competitor. In my eyes, this is a moment of truth, and that needs to be respected. Points should not be given based on friendship, compassion, or other reasons. Reality is that such things do happen. I can only state that if or when I am asked to judge, I will live up to my values as best as I can. Perhaps, in the situations that I have witnessed in the present, it would be better that I avoid being a judge at a tournament.

Personally, although I am aware that it was only a movie, I want to imitate the honor, respect, and courage that I saw portrayed by the characters of the Karate Kid movie, Sensei Miyagi, and Daniel-san during the tournament scene. I feel that the Cobra Kai dojo portrayed in the movie reveal all of the attitudes, and behaviors that I would ashamed to see in myself, and in my children.

Shihan Hanshi John Taylor, and his newsletter

2008-04-28T07:44:00.003-05:00

Shihan John Taylor is an Icon in the Kyokushin Karate Martial Arts World. Words can barely describe all of the progress, and evolution that he has created within Kyokushin Karate. Last year, he was promoted to 9th Dan under Kancho Matsuchima in recognition of all of his contributions to Kyokushin. He mentions this wonderful occasion in his frequently released newsletters called "Shin" where he describes the admirable attributes of Kancho Matsuchima. I will quote just a few words from his article:

"Kancho’s movement among the students and his attention to detail, as well as his humour, gave students a glimpse of the profound impact that Sosai Oyama has instilled within him. Kancho’s technical excellence and immense power confutes the fact that he undertook a serious neck operation several years ago. “I had felt pain in my back and sometimes I couldn’t walk normally.” Deterioration in the neck vertebrae had caused numbness in the hands and required immediate surgery. “From two months after the operation, I started to teach Karate. The training of Karate Kihon was good for rehabilitation.” If Kyokushin can be credited with the power to assist healing, one must also acknowledge the power of an individual to mentally overcome adversity. Kancho’s swift return to training portrays the measure of the man’s physical control and mental tenacity; is it no wonder that Sosai Oyama chose Kancho to appear in his now priceless 1970 Karate manual, “Advanced Karate.” For a man with such a revered history in Kyokushin, Kancho’s admiration for his Australian Branch Chiefs and the standard of their students is evident. “All Australian Branch Chiefs are Senior Masters from Sosai Oyama. Their teachings are the same as Japan.” In fact, it is Kancho’s lack of ego and support of his Branch Chiefs that inspires such confidence in him. Being the only Kyokushin 9th Dan in the World, Kancho Matsushima deemed it necessary to honour Hanshi John Taylor with the same rank last year, acknowledging his contribution to Kyokushin. With the assistance of Hanshi John Taylor, Kancho Matsushima has been responsible for the growth of Kyokushin in the last ten years, amassing 60 countries and 120 Branch Chiefs."

This "Shin" newsletter also contains various items of interest such as different exercises which can help with training goals. The April newsletter explains, in diagrams, and words, how to perform an inverse pull. The February issue shows how to do a Romanian Dead lift. March offers a variety of stability core exercises.

Shihan Taylor offers the reader experienced information, and guidance on important ideas such as Karate Breathing techniques, or which type of bath is better when suffering with sore muscles, a cold or a hot bath?

In every newsletter, there is a touch of humor to make the reader smile, and even break out into a laugh.

It also keeps our Australian Karate Ka aware of the latest happenings in their part of the world.

If you would like to download the April/2008 issue you can just click here.

If you would like to look through the earlier issues of this newsletter from Shihan's desk, follow this link:

http://www.akka.com.au/newsLetter.php

There is so much wonderful information to look through in this collection of thoughts, and guidance from the mind of Shihan Taylor! There is so much to read, and a great amount of the guidance crosses into the general range where any Martial Artist could take advantage of what is offered, and improve their training methods. The newsletters are short, easy to read, and very efficient in getting the message through. Perhaps this might be an indication of what facing Shihan Taylor in Kumite would feel like..

The mousetrap

2008-04-25T08:52:00.002-05:00

I am hoping that I have found the author of the following prose so that I may give proper honor to the right person.

"The mouse and the trap
Sis Katibah

Friday, March 28, 2008

A MOUSE looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

It was a mousetrap. So, retreating to the farmyard, he proclaimed the warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked. "Mr Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

He turned to the lamb who sympathized but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow who said, "Wow, Mr Mouse. Im sorry for you, but its no skin off my nose." The mouse turned back dejected.

That night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. She was rushed to the hospital and returned with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But her sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the lamb. Still the farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came to her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for every guest. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

Mutmainnaa

My latest employment experience

2008-04-21T16:16:00.002-05:00

Today I did some temp. work at:

http://www.retailmanagementsystems.com/

I was extremely impressed with the staff at this business. They were friendly, available, knowledgeable, and supportive.

As I learned about the product that they sell, I instantly thought about those Martial Artists that may frequent the internet and who sell Martial arts equipment. This program package with available hardware, software, support, etc. would be great for them. To make the package a great investment, one's business would have to bring in close to $300,000, but for them, I could see investing into this inventory control package as such a great move for their business. It helps them to keep track of the high sales, and reduce losses.

This company services world-wide.. it's amazing to me. One second a person is helping someone on the phone from one city, and the next minute there is a call coming from a totally different country.

I couldn't help but think how similar the business world is to the philosophy of Martial arts. The Art of War, Sun Tzu said, "If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." Well.. the first step is to know oneself. If you can get a good solid idea of what you have, what you don't have, what you need, and what you should get rid of, you can make your future more profitable no matter what direction you chose to go.

I've become a fan of Georges St. Pierre

2008-04-17T13:52:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful Martial Artist! What an inspiration! I stumbled on an interview of him for his upcoming fight this Saturday, April 19th against Matt Serra. What caught my interest was the tattoo pictured on his left chest of what looked like the Kyokushin Kanji. Then I started reading interviews, and watching youtube videos of him.

I read an interview on Kyokushin4life:

"I started karate when I was 7 years old. My dad started teaching me, and afterward I went to a school and competed in full-contact tournaments.....I started learning jujutsu because when I was 12 or 13 years old, my karate teacher died. Before he died, he gave me my second-degree black belt. I stopped doing kyokushin and started doing muay Thai. I liked muay Thai, but then I saw the first Ultimate Fighting Championship with Ken Shamrock, and those guys inspired me to become a mixed-martial arts fighter. As soon as I saw the UFC, I wanted to train for it, but at that time jujutsu didn’t exist in Montreal. I decided to train in muay Thai, and later on I got my third-degree black belt in karate. When I was 16, I found a good place to do Brazilian jujutsu. When I was 18 or 19, I started wrestling and boxing."

Wow.. talk about cross-training! I so admire this man! I can understand just how difficult it must have been to have lost his Sensei at such a young age, and to be left searching for where he fits in, and to find his Way. My heart goes out to the pain that the young man suffered in his past.

From what I've seen in the various interviews online Mr. St. Pierre still carries the teachings of his Sensei, and honors the Dojo Kun in his interactions with others. The most recent interview that I've read says this:

St. Pierre is not your average athlete inside or outside the ring. While some star athletes exude arrogance, disdain or a major-league sense of entitlement, St. Pierre is polite, well-mannered and almost ego-free......When he dethroned Matt Hughes to win the 170-pound title at UFC 65 in November 2006 in Sacramento, he gave the championship belt to his mother as a thank you for a lifetime of support.

When a busy schedule and unexpected development distracted St. Pierre from a scheduled interview with a reporter recently, the apologetic fighter rushed over to collect the journalist, conducted the interview over a steak dinner - which he paid for - and then drove the reporter to his hotel.

"A heart of gold," says trainer Greg Jackson.

"What's not to like about Georges St. Pierre?" asked UFC president Dana White. "He's the epitome of everything you'd like in a sports figure or a tough guy. He's humble, he trains hard, he's a good-looking kid, he says all the right things."

An elegant five foot 10, St. Pierre looks like he just walked off the pages of GQ. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Affliction (a sponsor) fill the closet.

In the cage, St. Pierre is a different man. Determined. Measured. Relentless.

In my eyes, THIS is the kind of Black Belt that I would want to become, it is also the kind of Black Belt that I have read mentioned by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi as being our aspiration. I have to paraphrase the quote until I can find it in the book again, but it says something like "His smile can charm the children, and his anger strikes terror."

I wish Mr. St. Pierre the best this upcoming weekend, and I thank him for becoming a great role model to the youth of today.

Weakness...

2008-04-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

"One thing I often say to my young pupils they find confusing. "You must," I tell them, "become not strong but weak." Then they want to know what I mean, for one of the reasons they have chosen Karate-do is to become strong. It is hardly necessary, they tell me, to train in order to become weak. Then I reply that what I am saying is indeed difficult to understand. "I want you to find the answer within yourselves," I tell them. "And I promise you that the time will come when you truly understand what I mean." Sensei Gichin Funakoshi ( Karate-do: My Way of life)

As I had read these words of Sensei Gichin, I was as dumbfounded as his pupils at his statement. I walked around for years thinking "I must become weak? I don't get it." It is especially confusing to think this way as I struggle to be able to hold stance that much longer, or kick/punch with that much more power. I've found that I desire greatly to be stronger when I have to face opponents that tower a good foot above me, with longer reach, and hit me with such power. I think that I have had a glimpse into the wisdom of "becoming weak" these past days.

There is only "so" strong that I can achieve, no matter how hard I train, I can only get a certain amount of strength. I cannot rely on strength in my karate because there will be a time when I have to face someone stronger than me. (In my case, this happens far more frequently than I'd wish.) I've got to realize this weakness, and capitalize on it. This is where my mind takes over, and I start to rely on timing, experience, knowledge, strategy, distance, and well-chosen movements. I have to learn to read my opponent like an open book, and to react without thinking. I have to become "weak"... or at least, I hope that I have gotten a glimpse of what Sensei Gichin Funakoshi is saying.

April Fools day Martial art Karate Gi

2008-04-02T12:32:00.005-05:00

It was April fools day, and my daughters and I wanted to pull something together that would prank the dojo without causing too much disturbance. I found an old gi that I never wear anymore, and handed the girls a package of markers, and told them to decorate the outfit. This was quite a shock, and joy to my children. In fact, when they told my son that he was allowed, and even encouraged, to color on my karate gi he instantly thought that they were pranking him with an April Fools joke. He refused to come and see at first, but then his curiosity overcame him, and he came downstairs to join in the fun.

Here are pictures of their hard work.

Please notice the fine details:

a) On the left side of the Gi Jacket you will find the words "Ohio, Watashi wa Mireille Desu" which means "Good morning, my name is Mireille." written in Hiragana by my daughter who is studying Japanese. She also decorated the right sleeve of the jacket with half of the Japanese alphabet.

b) At the top of the right side of the Gi jacket are little orange kitty prints.

c) The left sleeve arm shows that I've been "Zapped" by my daughter. This is an elementary school game played among the children.

d) I have a Maple leaf on my left shoulder.

e) The Power Puff Girls cartoon decorate the front of my pant legs. My children were chanting the Power Puff theme as they were coloring: "Using their ultra super powers, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have dedicated their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil!"

f) My son wrote "This is my mom." on the bottom of each pant leg just in case anyone became confused.( I guess)

g) There is a clown fish,a Rainbow, and the Avatar cartoon character decorating the back of my pant legs.

h) There is a little girl licking a lollipop on the left side of my gi jacket, and April Fools spread over the back.

Finding the origins of the Yantsu kata

2008-03-31T08:10:00.003-05:00

Yantsu kata being performed by Sempai Cliff Van Tilburg from Sutani Dojo Belgium

Ever since I've made it a point to know where each kata originates, and the background behind it, I've been frustrated by the lack of revelation available on some of the kata. In many cases, I've been having to work with speculations, assumptions, and the memories of various higher level Sensei. Take the kata, Yantsu (Translated as "Safe Three", "To maintain purity", or "8th light"), for example, in all of the various places that I've researched, I have yet to find a conclusive "creator" of this kata.

There are some facts that are put forwards:

a) Some people have mentioned that they have only seen this kata in the Kyokushin syllabus. There are some kata that seem to be only found in Kyokushin like Tsuki No Kata, Garyu, Sakugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi/Ni/San/Yon.

Although, I have noticed an Isshin ryu website with the Yantsu Kata being demonstrated picture by picture for Shodan level, most of the Isshin ryu kata list that I've seen have only 8 traditional kata which do not include Yantsu. Since Isshin ryu comes from a Goju ryu/Shorin ryu background, their list does not include Yantsu either.

I've also stumbled across a website which teaches Kami-Do Karate that announces that Yantsu is a Tomarit-te kata. I've got to shake my head with confusion on the concept of Yantsu being Tomari-te. I looked up on the history of that style, and found this paragraph:

"Hokama passed on katas that he said be taught by the Oyadomaris: Naifanchi I & II, Passai, Wanshu, Wankan, Rohai, and Kusanku Dai & Sho, but, according Kojo Kafu the Naifanchi II and the two Kusanku came from Itosu. Another tradition, the purest, counts the katas Naifanchi, Passai, Chinto, Jitte, Jiin, Jion, Chintei, Wanshu, Rohai and Wandun as the original Tomarite. It is also said that the katas Chinpe, Chinsu, Juma, and Uenibu are of the lineage of Tomari, however, they were probably introduced in the 20th from Taiwan. There is also a kata known as Ananku or Ananko that was probably an old kata of Tomari restored by Chotoku Kyan around 1895. The Chinto passed on by Kyan is now known as Tomari-no-Chinto, however, the original Tomari Chinto was very similar to the Itosu’s. Wanduan is also considered a Tomari kata, together the version of Seisan passed on by Oshiro. Most of these kata belongs to the Fujian Monk Fist and Crane Fist systems." History of Tomari-te

Yantsu isn't even mentioned as a possibility of being Tomari-te by Sensei Camara in his article ( unless I didn't read it right).

Now, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama DID create the kata Garyu (Reclining Dragon)

Perhaps Sosai created Yantsu also? But if he did, why is it not well known that he has done so? You'd expect a definite statement of "the founder of Kyokushin created this kata that is visible mainly in the Kyokushin syllabus."

I looked at the Seido Karate Kata (founded by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura) kata and found Yantsu listed there. Yet, the Garyu Kata is not on the list, neither are the Sokugi Taikyoku kata known to be created by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama in the 1980's. What could this point to?

It's a wild guess, but I'm thinking that maybe it was Kaicho Nakamura that created Yantsu, and Tsuki No kata... just because of the confusion, and silence concerning their origin. Please do not think for one second that this is a fact. I have nothing to base this assumption on.. it's just a wild reach in the dark.

Conditioning the knuckles

2008-03-28T05:06:00.003-05:00

I've been conditioning my shins, forearms, and knuckles since the first time that I was introduced to the concept. It made sense to me to work on conditioning those areas that I will be striking with so that they are used to impact.

I knew that the beginning stages of conditioning is sharply painful, but I equated it with the same type of discomfort that I had to suffer through when I wanted to learn how to play guitar. It took months of painful stubborn application of pressure to my delicate fingertips onto the metal strings of the instrument before I noticed that it just didn't hurt anymore.

I started conditioning my knuckles just by standing near a wall, and leaning some of my weight onto them. I'd do this everyday as I cooked meals for my family. There are moments when something is boiling, or frying when you need to be near the stove, but you have "nothing" to do. So I'd just go stand and put weight onto my knuckles for awhile. Just this light pressure caused me to whine, and shake my hands afterwards.

Soon I was able to hold my weight onto my knuckles in the push up position on the carpeted floor. For some reason, I found cement floors, wooden floors, and tiled floors too "hard". I kept asking myself if this was just something in my mind as the carpet was not very thick at all where I was successfully holding a "knuckle" push up.

So now, I'm trying to crawl across the floor on my "knuckles" and knees. I've noticed that the shifting weight, and position of my arms/wrists causes new sensations of discomfort as I move forwards, especially since I struggle on keeping all of my weight on the first two knuckles.

I really wish that I had a canvas bag filled with sand, a punching bag, or a makiwari board to work with.

It's "who" you are that counts...

2008-03-16T04:58:00.001-05:00

I was reading this article on the net about Managing: The Art of the absurd

I truly wish that I had read this article before I was placed into the position of Sensei of a dojo, I believe that the concepts contained in this article would have improved my ability to lead others, and teach immensely. I suggest looking over the article before continuing into the rest of my posting as I will be commenting on how I feel about some of the concepts.

1. In management, as in parenthood, it's not so much what we do as what we are that counts.

This idea suddenly rang a "bell" within my mind as I had always pondered about parenting/teaching, and it's effects on children. Always I have seen how a person's positive strength of character was more important than anything else. I know that one of the most important things that allowed me to even consider training in Martial arts was how strong a character I saw in the behaviour, words, and actions of my first Sensei. "Seek perfection of character" exhorts the first line of the Shotokan Dojo Kun. At first, at least to me, it seemed absurd that a physical activity that focuses on learning the most efficient ways of harming another person's body would center on improving one's inner character. But.. now I have understood how important Character is towards self defense. Someone with a character that needs to build itself up by demeaning, insulting, and stepping on other people will only bring violence upon itself. A Sensei needs to work towards becoming someone that one would want to imitate in character. "Who" the Sensei is would be more important than anything as it would effect how things happen in the dojo.

2. Remember what we might call the "reciprocity rule" of human behavior: over time, people come to share, reciprocally, similar attitudes toward each other.

Wow.. I haven't noticed the link between one's thoughts about a person, and the effect in relationships before reading this section of that article, but it's been proven true in my life experiences. As I look back at what I've learned in the almost past half century, I have seen how my impression of others affected how I treated them, and therefore, how they have treated me back. I know that I have placed my own standards, and expectations as first in my mind as to what is "right", and what is the "wrong" thing to do. I assumed that everyone agreed with me that certain values were important to cultivate. To my shock, I always learned that other people had different values. I wonder, is having personal values a negative thing? It cannot be so, because I have found that my personal values have been the strength that has supported me through the difficult moments of my life. I believe that negative effects happen when I insist that others have to have the same values as myself. I know that this attitude has brought frustration to me, and also in others. I believe that I can absorb, embrace, and live up to those values that I deem worthy as a Karate student/teacher. If others choose to go in the same direction as me, then great, we can travel that path together. If others choose their own path, then I can wish them well, and continue going where I want to go without feeling challenged, or judged.

3. If, in life, paradox is the rule and not the exception, then the popular view of management as a matter of gaining and exercising control is badly in need of correction.

I LIKE this statement! For me, it states that leadership isn't something that can be imposed onto others effectively. Leadership happens when a group of people recognize, and accept that a certain person has the qualities desired for that position. I remember my Internet Sensei Paul telling me this wise advice when I was just an 8th kyu yellow belt. " Do not seek to gain higher placement in the rank line by stepping on others. Instead, train hard, and improve yourself, and one day, you will see, all of the other students will move over, and make room for you to take your place as leader." I actually saw this happen when I went to a Karate camp. I had led the younger beginners class as the lead belt in the line up due to the fact that I was the highest kyu ranked individual present that morning. Then, when the next class filed into place, I thought to myself "Ooo.. I should make room for those higher ranked than I.." I moved over to the middle of the gym floor. To my shock, all of the incoming students lined up to my left so that I became the lead belt of the second class. Sensei Paul's words rang in my head, and I felt a surge of humility fill every inch of me.

I would like to comment on the other statements contained in this Psychology article, and speak about how it echoes in my Martial arts path, but time for me is limited at this moment, and this is all that I can offer today. Perhaps later on I will return to this article, and continue my thoughts.

Is it March already?

2008-03-09T10:45:00.002-05:00

Oh I've been so busy! Work, family, work, karate, work, family, karate... etc.

I've learned some important things from the past weeks.

a) If I chose to do kata on my break, I only need to do it with no speed/power, and smooth out the movements. When people approach me to ask what I was doing, I just smile, and say that it's something "like" Tai chi, but faster. I still get to work on the pattern's timing, and movements without looking like a Martial artist. I even add some stretches in between the kata to make it look like I'm just an old sore lady clearing out the kinks from the demands of work. People just smile, and nod at me as they walk by.

b) I NEED to rest. I come home, look at the condition of the house, and then retreat to the bedroom, and lay down for half an hour. I find that I need to shut down, release stress, and regroup before I tackle meals, and housework. Those breaks at work just don't help me mentally, nor physically. Truly, there is just enough time to eat something, drink some water, go to the washroom, and do a couple of relaxed kata.

c) Karate has become more important as I find that I'm burning off the stress of the day when I go train. I come home feeling better, and I can almost call it "rested". Except for one day in these past three months, when I felt totally exhausted as I entered the dojo. It was a very demanding day at work where I had to wash down the whole seat of each row of each section of the stadium. The back, and bottom of the seat involved much bending over, and squatting. OH man.. that was a hard day at work. I felt it in every muscle of my body. Then, when I went to karate, I ended up feeling like I was moving through molasses. I understood what was happening to me physically, and I decided to lower my expectations on my performance. I gave 100% of what I had, but to be honest, I only had 20% energy left. I was reduced to the "point of no return" tiredness. Ladies, you know what I mean.. I'm talking about that moment when your eyes fill up with tears for no reason, and you don't know if you are going to start crying, or giggling.

d) I still train on my own. I just went through all the belt rank requirements from white belt up to my level in Kyokushin. I managed to put in some bo staff training, and to work on my latest Kyokushin kata thanks to the generosity of my daughter's TaeKwondo Master who allows me to train on my Kyokushin in the other half of the gym where he teaches, or to do my Kyokushin basics at the same time that his students are doing their Taekwondo basics.

Some people might get the mistaken impression that I'm training in TaeKwondo because I won the "Student with best manners" award in this club. I have to tell you that I am not studying the Art of TaeKwonDo, I have no knowledge of their "Poomse" (patterns), I do not participate in the sparring, I do not seek any rank advancement there either. I don't belong to that club as a student. I am a current Kyokushin Karate student with Shotokan karate background. So, Please do not ask me about Taekwondo information. I have some wise experienced TaeKwonDo Martial art friends that I can direct you to if you would like to know more about your Art.

e) I love to do Origami! I have been learning about origami since last Fall, and each month I am learning how to do more complex patterns. I'll collect my hard work in paperfolding, and take a picture of it. I'll add the picture to this posting as soon as I can.

Karate in the workplace

2008-02-23T08:32:00.003-06:00

My weekdays have been spent working as a temporary worker here and there, helter, skelter. My family needs the money so I have stepped up to the plate and embraced the demand.

Temporary workers seems to be at the bottom of the work ladder.. oh even farther than the bottom. Since we pop into the facility, and then pop out again there is no "bonding" happening. We sit by ourselves, work by ourselves, come and leave by ourselves.

I found myself longing for the chance to train in karate. My heart and soul pining for a good kata, or even standing still and doing 300 punches. Instead, I did monotonous work of placing a piece of tape individually onto a over 16,000 separate pieces of paper, or spending 2 hours sweeping a concrete floor.

I kept reminding myself of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi's precept: "Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo."

So, I started looking for moments to train as I worked ( just as I used to do when I was a stay at home housemaker). Suddenly, I found little ways of incorporating karate into my day.

When placed in a seated position to do repeditive work, I would focus on having proper posture, and deepening my breathing into my hara. I worked on smoothing out my movements so that I no extra wasted movements. As soon as I had the pattern of that sequence imbedded into my body, I would free my mind, and start to review the various requirements of the belt rank levels striving to remember each rank only by strikes, only by blocks, only by kata, etc. I would work towards remembering the various history, and Japanese terms of the various movements. I would be so centered on meditation that people would leave to go on break, and I wouldn't notice. Someone would have to come up to me, and "wake" me up. I found myself always saying "so soon?" in surprise.

When asked to pick up many 10 kilogram ( 20 pound) box of jean pants, open them, remove the pants from their packaging, and then replace them into a different box. I realized that here was a perfect training possibility. I would work towards using proper balance, and posture as I lifted the weight. I'd attempt to hold the box at different distances from my body with my arms close, with my arms extended, with my arms lower, with my arms higher, etc. I'd isolate a certain set of muscles of the arm/shoulder. In this manner I was exercising many of the different arm muscles. I considered it a form of weight lifting. In opening the jean packaging, I worked towards speeding up my hikite hand. I'd grab the packaging with my right hand, and rip towards me into the chambered position. The next package I worked with my left to balance the exercise.

When it was time to package the clothing, I found that each bag that I did required that I put a little piece of plastic into the garbage which was underneath my station. I decided to do a kiba dachi type of squat each time I put a that piece into the refuse. This allowed me to get close enough to the receptacle so that the plastic wouldn't fall onto the floor. By the end of the work day, my legs were sore from all of the squatting work.

Sweeping/mopping allows me to work on my hip rotation, and power. I tend to start the movement of the broom/mop with my hip, and then follow through with the rest of my body. I work towards a circular path. (if possible) If I have to use them in a direct linear way, then I will work towards a front stance position, and keeping my weight balanced. I found that sliding my feet in fighting stance as I worked helped me strengthen my knees, and kumite position. I even experimented with adding some backstance, crossed stance, and side stance as mopping to see if I could effectively continue with the power, and speed regardless to which stance I was using. 6 hours of sweeping/mopping allows for much experimentation, and exploration. I did work on smoothing out how I switch hand positions, working on my Bo manipulation through switching from left hand up to right hand up on the mop in mid movement.

Sure, I still try to do at least one kata during my breaks, but it's difficult to do without people catching a glimpse of it. I don't want to disturb the other people in that workplace, especially since they do not know me. The women's washrooms aren't all large enough for a good kata ( except something more compact like Tekki Shodan). I tried to do Yangtsu, but it didn't fit well in a small area. Sanchin Kata makes too much breathing noise when done well, and I find that the sudden powerful turns frighten people who just happen to be walking into the washroom. With the other kata, I can pretend that I am just stretching out my legs, or my back when someone just appears at the doorway. There is one of my workplaces that I received permission from the supervisor to do kata in an open area, if ever I work there again I have that all set up already, but I haven't had this opportunity at the other workplaces.

The Bamboo plant survived!

2008-02-14T10:53:00.004-06:00

I was worried about how my Bamboo plant would handle being in such cold temperatures for days since my furnace had broken down.

It did extremely well. See?

What does this have to do with karate, you may ask? I will answer.

This beautiful plant was given to me by my former karate students. It had been thriving in my home, and bringing beauty, good memories, and joy to me everyday.

Here is an interesting, almost prophetic, thing that happened concerning this plant. On the morning that I received the registered letter I was working in a freezing kitchen, and at the same time, I was distracted by the furnace repairman. Suddenly there was a loud crash coming in the area of the Bamboo plant. It seems that one of the pots/pans hanging from the shelf above the plant had been knocked off of it's hook, and it had fallen straight down cutting off the leaves of the third bamboo stalk. Thankfully the plant was fine. It was just missing it's third set of leaves on the shortest stalk. ( You can see that in the picture.)

I felt a pang of dismay because in Japanese tradition, I knew that 3 meant "fullness", and "happiness". Here I was with what would constitute the equivalent of 2 1/2. I would have to wait until the 3rd stalk regrows it's leaves to bring it back to it's balance.

Then, I opened the registered letter, and suddenly the symbolizm of the bamboo plant's misfortune echoed in my mind. I could see that I had been cut off from the old, and now the challenge was to grow into the new. However, it's not like the old will disappear. It is a big part of what I have become, and who I will be. I have learned what I want, how I think, and what I value in Martial arts, and I can see these values in the simple bamboo plant. Bamboo are immensely strong, and yet flexible. They thrive on as little as water for their home. They can be useful in SO many ways: you can make musical instruments, cloths, food, weapons, tools, buildings, etc. etc. out of them. From my latest experience, it also looks like Bamboo can take a beating, be thrown into a freezer for days, and still be strong, and grow. I want to be like my bamboo stalks.

That plant has now become such a potent symbol to me of all of my experiences in Martial arts, and if ever I need to choose an image to represent me I would chose a stylized image of 3 bamboo stalks with two filled with leaves, and one barren but ready to grow.

The karate lessons found in a cold house

2008-02-11T07:20:00.001-06:00

Two days of no heat from my furnace.. ah.. it truly brings out the creative side of my karate training. As Sensei Gichin Funakoshi states "Always be ready to release your mind."

Well.. I had to do this to figure out how to keep my family warm in the intense cold weather that we have been experiencing until a new furnace could be installed.

It was no easy task as we live in a large home. Space heaters barely take the chill out of the air. I looked at all possibilities, and said to myself "One candle in the dark.. is worth much.." I used a plethora of emergency heat sources, lit votive candles, the oven, the dryer, I boiled soup for meals, and baked cookies. We walked around in parkas, and drank hot chocolate. Every little thing that could contribute some heat to the house was used.

I had the children place their mattresses on the floor of the family room, and the group of them, including me, sleeped there together with a space heater warming up just that space. It was fine until one child stole my cover, and the other child, dreaming that she was defending herself, started punching my back.

It was so cold in the house that the cat was scratching that the family room door to be let in, then she'd want to be let out, then let in again, then let out. AArgh..

Yet, the children are thrilled, and all of them are walking around saying "Mom.. this is going to be one of those memories where we all sit together in the future saying "Do you remember when the furnace broke down?"

And that is where the karate lesson struck me the most, I needed to release my mind of the assumptions, and concerns that were plaguing me, and see this moment from a different perspective. I had to see the issues from it's true vantage point to understand it, know it, embrace it, and be victorious over it. It's just like when I'm sparring. I cannot stand there thinking "If my opponent sends a front kick, I will do this, then I'm going to do that.." because I'll be so focused on him sending a front kick that I'll miss the other action. I have to release my mind, and see the potentials, and react to the moment. Now I understand a little deeper the lesson of how a karate ka needs to learn how to 'dance' with their opponent. It is by releasing the mind, and responding to what is happening.

Techical details of my belt rank in Shotokan

2008-02-07T15:44:00.003-06:00

I was informed by my former Shotokan Instructor through a registered letter that my Shodan status has been revoked.

My Shodan was revoked for the following reasons:

a) The dojo that I was teaching at has been dissolved by circumstances of which I am unaware. I do not know the details as I have not interacted with anyone since last August when I announced my resignation.

b) When I left, I knew that there was going to be renovations of the facility so the Shotokan dojo had no location to train in until Spring of 2008. I offered my students a list of a selection of various choices of temporary training places telling them about other Shotokan dojo in walking distance that they could train at, or even other martial art clubs that were also available that they may be interested in training at.

I accept this decision of revoking my Shodan rank in this specific organization as I am no longer actively participating, nor training within that influence.

So be alerted that I do not have Shodan black belt status there.

However, I state that my Shodan status is still intact as I have received a Shodan Rank Certificate from Sensei Paul Danelutti (6th Dan Rokudan in Shotokan) last August 17th, 2007. Sensei Paul Danelutti has been intimately involved in my formation, and training since I started learning karate as a white belt under Sensei Walter Crockford. Therefore I am a valid Shodan in his organization.

In addition to this, Sifu Tim White (8th Dan)of Molum Combat Arts Association has honored, and officially recognized my rank of Shodan since my training before him in Dallas, Texas, U.S. in 2006. According to Sifu White standards, and instructions, I can promote myself as:

Mireille Clark
Shodan, MLCAA

I might have to add an addition to this as Shihan Colin Wee has recognized my Shodan on my own merit. I am an Associate Black Belt Member of HRGB ( Hikaru Ryu Gendai Budo) Dojo.

Also, Sensei Charley Porter (4th Dan Shotokan) Independence, Missouri/ Kansas City would like it known that he validates my Shodan Black belt. I have trained with him on more than one occasion. The Fall Karate camp of 2007 was my recent event.

Addendum:

"Mireille, as I know of you through Hanshi Tim White and Shihan Wee I would like to offer the support of the Makumasuta Ryu Dojo, and the Academy of Combative Arts in the United Kingdom & Crete to ratify and support your Yudansha rank of Shodan in Shotokan Karate in the UK.

This done under my authority as Shihan of the Makumasuta Ryu, Chief Instructor of the ACMA, UK Director of MLCAA, member in good standing of the Senior Instructors Guild, IAOMAS Instructor & examiner and soon to be Chairman of the International Association of Combative Martial Arts. I would also point out that whilst the initial investiture of a Shodan comes from a higher rank, the true authority of the grade comes from the person holding the rank.

You need no one's authority or permission to be that which you already are."

The results are in... 3rd kyu for me

2008-01-31T04:22:00.000-06:00

Yes. After much anticipation, and patience, the results of December's belt test have been announced. I am now a 3rd Kyu Kyokushin Karate student which means that I have entered into the more demanding ranks of the dojo. I've been keeping up with the challenge, but it means a deep dedication to attending each training opportunity possible.

Sorry that I have been absent from the internet lately, but I have been working almost full time hours in an effort to help support my family financially.

Karate helped me to get this job. I was asked to come in for an interview solely on the basis that I had written down that my last work was to be a Sensei of a dojo for 6 months. The interviewer told me that he knows how much discipline it takes to get a black belt in a Martial arts, and that this was the kind of worker that he wants in his company.

Now I work all day from 6 am to 2 pm, come home take care of my kids until near supper, and then I rush to the dojo to train all night. Weekends are dedicated towards laundry, housework, grocery shopping and setting up meals for the rest of the week.

Yes, it is a big change for me. I have had to adjust to things like practicing my karate on my breaks in the women's washroom. I know how long a kata takes to perform, so I do about 8 or 10 of them, and then I go back to work in plenty of time.

Internet time has come to a minimum. I rarely have any time, or energy, to do my usual visiting of various blog friends, forums, and internet resources. But I do hope that you all know that I keep you fondly in my thoughts.

A fictional Kyokushin belt rank test

2008-01-19T07:35:00.000-06:00

In an effort to respect my inner resolve to leave my dojo happenings as much as possible out of my weblog, and yet, at the same time, I would like to reveal what a Kyokushin belt rank test is like to my internet friends I have chosen to write a fictional story about the experience. I'd like to state up front that all of the characters, and situations in the following story are made up, and do not represent any real person.

Little did Jane Doe realize how much she'd be affected by that one moment of curiousity that she felt when she considered checking out the notice that she saw on the public library wall of free karate lessons being offered at the local High school gym. She initially went there to see if she could get some exercise, lose some weight, and learn some self defense, she didn't expect that she would find something that she valued so much that she'd be looking forwards to going there each time. For 4 months she invested more and more of herself into this activity. She found herself practicing her strikes at strange times of the day like in front of the mirror so that she can see herself. She still felt awkward, and confused about all of the details, but she was doing far better than when she first started when she tripped on her own foot, and nearly fell.

Today is her first belt test... she had to earn the right to wear a white belt. There was a possibility for her to get a colored belt.. maybe.. if she did everything just right, she might get a 10th kyu Orange belt. She's never been to a belt test before now. Butterflies flipped around inside where she should have felt solid. Already she was shaking with worry about making mistakes, about getting stuck, about not being able to finish.. and yet, there was something within her that said "you can do this" and she clung to that knowledge.

She entered the dojo. Perhaps it was her inner environment that caused the sensation, or perhaps it was the body language of all of the other students in the room, but there seemed to be a loud cloud of tension that hung over the room. Although her Sensei walked around as normal, his eyes held shadows that were not there before now.

Class lined up, and went through the usual opening ritual, and warm up. Then the test started. First, she had to pass the physical requirements. She had been working on improving these all throughout the months of training, can she achieve them? She did, and elation surged through her. She had met her goal, but then suddenly the Sensei added new exercises that demanded even more of her energy. Panting through them, she thought to herself "Wow.. I didn't know that I had that in me." Her body was starting to get tired, and the test had just started. It has only been 20 minutes. Sensei added another exercise, and another. Each one using the whole body, and suddenly Jane started to see stars at her efforts to complete each one fully. Her body strained to pull itself, push itself, and it took willpower to just get her arms to do that last move. Yet, she managed to meet the demands, and stood there in the ready position feeling the weight of her body pulling her down to the ground.

"Laps!" Called out her Sensei. She nearly fell over in shock. She could hardly move, and he wanted her to run? RUN? Yet, all of the students were running. They all had said "Osu", and started running. She ran. Somewhere within her she found the energy to run. "Where did that come from?" she asked herself as she managed to keep up with the class. "How long will it last?"

They finished their laps, and the whole class stood there in stillness with the constant sound of breathing filling the room. It seemed that this sound was like the crash of the waves of the ocean filling the air with noise. Jane became aware of how cold her shoulders, and chest was, and she realized that it was from the sweat that was pouring off of her head, and hair onto her body.

Each student was sent up in front to perform the requirements of their level, and yet the students left in the crowd were also expected to do the same requirements. Jane didn't want to look at the clock, and yet she couldn't help it. Something inside her wanted to know what time it was, and how long she had been training so hard with the exercises. She risked glimpsing the time, and then chided herself in her mind at how she was warned that the test has no time limit. They will be testing until each person has tested regardless to how long that takes. It can be 2 hours, or 10 hours, so it's useless to look at the clock. Jane focused on doing her requirements as best as she can, and to ignore time.

Each student went up, and Jane's turn was next. Part of her was excited to be experiencing this, and part of her was terrified, she decided that she was too tired to care anymore. Her legs were starting to complain greatly when she went into stance. Her knees shook with each effort... now the shaking was more from total lack of energy than from fear. It was strange to feel so hot, and cold at the same time. Her name was called, and suddenly all physical sensation stopped. Her mind was totally centered on her testing, and her body didn't matter anymore. She ran up to the front almost like a new person. She led the class in each of the things that she had been practicing. The Japanese terms came out smoothly, and confidently from all of those moments of whispering them to herself while travelling to work, and back home. She floated on the built up accumulation of practice throughout the whole episode. When her Sensei said "Thank you, you may rejoin the line up." She felt like she had achieved something today.

Once she was back in line, exhaustion slammed into her body like a wall of granite. She didn't remember feeling this tired during the time she was up in front, where did it come from? Well.. that wasn't the problem was it. The issue was that it was there now. Her mind felt fuzzy, and disconnected.

There were more students called up, she wasn't the first one, and she wasn't the last one. On and on, the students went up, and the rest followed. Now it was a total mental effort on Jane's part to continue doing the test. With dismay, Jane found that her brain was being stubbornly sluggish. Each punch was a mental effort of "Like THIS! You are NOT going to give up! Do it right! Like THAT!" She became aware that her kiai shouts were weakening, and she decided to concentrate on that part of her.. That inner part that tightens when she shouts. Suddenly her strikes became a little sharper in spite of the pain in her arms, and legs. She grasped onto that hope, and continued until the last student went up and tested.

All of the students were then asked to make partners and to perform the various self defense sequences that they were taught. What a challenge to meet the demands of this expectation! Jane just wanted to go home now. It didn't matter anymore if she passed her test, or if she got a colored belt, or if she even got a white belt. She just wanted to go home.. or start crying maybe... crying would be nice... but Jane decided that she had survived all up to this point, and that she wouldn't give in to the temptation to quit now. There has to be some more energy somewhere within her to continue. On and on she defended herself from attack from various scenarios, and became the attacker for her partner. She started to feel a little better, at least her breathing wasn't as ragged.

The class was then asked to perform their patterns altogether starting from the lowest belt, and going up. Only one pattern brought Jane near to her knees. She could feel her heart trying to escape her chest. It was like the heart was saying "You can stay here if you want, but I'm getting out of here.." She had to do her pattern over and over and over. The room swirled around her, and when she finally heard "yame" she rejoiced. A small part of her felt pity for the higher belts that had to do their patterns while the lower belts rested.. but that was only a very small part. She was so grateful for the chance that their higher patterns was giving her to rest. Her mouth was so dry.. so dry.. a fierce thirst was raging through her. "How long have I been testing?" she wondered, but this time she refused to look at the clock. What if it said that it has only been a short amount of time, she couldn't handle that thought.

Time for sparring.. Jane went up with a renewed vigor. She faced her partners with every ounce of courage, and skill that she had to offer. Yet, within such a short amount of time she felt her body weakening. It was an effort to lift her leg to block, or to kick. Everything was a whirl of movement that spun around her and demanded response or the result was pain. Sparkles of pain that rose from her body telling her that she HAD to move, she had to respond to the person in front of her trying to cause more pain. There was no other option. Yet, her feet wouldn't listen anymore, her hands were still being obedient, but her feet wouldn't move like they were supposed to. She relied on her hands to block, to attack, to create space, and yet as much as she tried there was always moments of firework pain shooting through her. She tried to raise her leg to send a kick, and the leg refused to come up. It didn't have energy anymore. It was like a car that ran out of gas, and stayed in the same spot making grinding noises. She had to adjust with another hand technique, and thought "Oh no.. oh no.. I'm so tired.. so tired that I can't move, but I have to move. What can I do to survive?" She tasted blood in her mouth, and wondered where that came from? Breathing didn't seem to help anymore, she always felt dizzy, and like there wasn't enough air in the universe to replenish her. Her Sensei's command of "Yame" was like a balm to the punishment. She went to the side, and felt like she was ready to stop testing now. She didn't want the belt anymore. She didn't want to do anymore. She just wanted to go lie down.

But the test wasn't over. Sensei stood in front of the class asking question after question to the various students about the history of the art, about the founder, about technical terms, and other mental problems. Jane barely could remember her name, how was she supposed to remember these things? Sure.. she had correctly answered all of these questions on the written test a week ago, but she was NORMAL then. The questions kept coming, and Jane stayed in the ready position answering them with her best answers.

"The test isn't finished" explained the Sensei "You still have other elements to do such as board breaking. We will be doing that next week. Please come prepared."

Jane Doe felt every cell of her body complaining as she gathered up her gear, and walked out of the dojo. It took her two days to feel normal again, and two weeks to recuperate from the experience. She wondered if it was all worth it. Would she be willing to experience this torture again just to be allowed to go up another rank? Yet, the next class, she stood in front of her Sensei, and he took out that orange belt and placed it around her waist. She felt such an inner sensation of achievement. She knew how much she had done, and suffered, and became victorious over to be able to stand there receiving this promotion, and she felt good. The kind of goodness that isn't explainable to anyone. The kind of goodness that one can only live through to say "yes.. I know what you mean."

Chosonninja's gift to those who cannot afford Martial Arts lessons

2008-01-17T20:50:00.000-06:00

Master Park offers his philosophies, wisdom, experiences, and Martial arts skills with anyone who would like to spend the time to watch his Youtube videos. Everything is broken down into segments of 4 to 10 minutes. He teaches from the heart, and tries to form his students in all the ways of growth. This is what he says on his main webpage:

"This is devoted to the people who can not afford Martial Arts or have no Schools to learn Martial Arts. I don't want you to buy anything from me, but rather learn and teach these to good and poor people althroughout the World for FREE!

Tradition is good, but do not allow it to blind you of what is out there for you to discover. Reject nothing and respect all and you will in the end teach & guide others better. "Teach them with LOVE and watch them grow in the light!""

This is a Martial Artist who has incorporated his Way with his whole self, and is courageous enough to risk the vulnerability of the internet. Not always are one's efforts seen with grateful, kind, or accepting eyes.

I really enjoyed the video of his sharing on the virtue of Persistence ( presented below). He brought forth the beauty, and wonder of this aspect of our inner strength. I have always valued Patience, and perseverence in my life, but until now I haven't seen them as tools that I have used to make my life better. His words awakened me to that fact.

Although I do not train in the art of Wing Chun, I know that I truly enjoy watching his contribution to the Martial arts, and I look forwards to his future videos.

The results....

2008-01-16T07:25:00.000-06:00

AHA! You will have to wait with patience just like me. Results were not announced last night. We may NEVER find out if we passed our test.

This reminds me so much of when I was training in Shotokan at the beginning of my path. The Sensei used to make us wait, and wait for the results of our belt tests. New students were not aware of the secret rule that we couldn't ask our Sensei for the results but that we had to show interior self control, and patience. If anyone asked Sensei for the results, we all knew that we would be waiting until the next class, or maybe the next week to find out. There was one time when we waited a full 3 months before we found out that we had past our last test, and would be testing for the next rank.

It was rather humorous, because after a belt rank test, all of the students would be warming up before class, and pretending that they didn't care about the test results. Sensei would walk into the room, and we would bow and greet him. Suddenly, the higher belts would spy a lower belt walking up to Sensei. The room would erupt with all of the higher belts yelling out "Don't ASK him!!" The lower belt would turn and say something like "I wasn't going to ask him.." blushing furiously, as they'd turn to go back to warming up. Sensei would always chuckle, and then walk away. We all knew that this meant another day of waiting.

What I can tell you is that I survived the Seminar with my Shihan. I was ready for the worst, and I powered through the whole 3 1/2 hours of training. The last half hour was street self defense, and although it doesn't put as much strain on your cardiovascular system to break out of a choke hold, and defend yourself. There is much learning to be had as you work towards balance, unbalance, power versus technique. Karate feels different in the unpretty realistic fighting that you might face in a bar fight, or on the street. Oh.. and there is much pain involved too as you work into joint locks, arm bars, throws, etc.

I really enjoyed the seminar. Now in hindsight, I can see how little use it was for me to be afraid of what might happen.

Da Da DUN! Testing day.....

2008-01-15T06:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all of the positive vibrations sent my way. I'm pretty calm, and ready to face the music today, and I'll dance as best as I can.

Life is short, and these mountain top moments that ask you to put forth the best that you have mentally, spiritually, and physically are times that you can look back upon with pride.

Why put ourselves through this? Why have belt testing at all? In my opinion, it's not to prove to the teacher that you have the skills. When I was a Sensei, I would assess my students as they were learning, once I knew that they had grasped that level of knowledge, I would allow them to test. So.. the teacher is aware of what the student is capable of.

I believe that these tests are for the student to use their new found skills in an artificially stress filled environment. Sure, you can play the song when you are alone, and practicing in your room, but can you play it just as well in front of a crowd? If ever a Martial artist had to use their skills in self defense, they will be facing that moment under various stresses. This kind of testing moment helps create a safe "pressure" to work through.

Yesterday, I've already started eating in preparation for the demands of tonight. I filled myself up with fruits, vegtables, and carbohydrates. Almost as if I was planning on running a marathon. Today, I'll make sure to have a good amount of Vitamin C, a good lunch with a salad before I need to go to the test. I know that I will not be able to eat after 3 pm just because I'll be mentally gearing up for the hard training.

Here I go....

Is it o.k. if I admit that I'm terrified???

2008-01-12T06:54:00.000-06:00

This coming week I face undergoing my belt rank test under my Shihan.

Yes, I know that I just tested in December. The results were not announced. Instead, all of the higher belt students were informed last Wednesday that we will be testing under Shihan in a week.

Between you, and me, I'm scared. Oh gosh.. petrified. My knees are literally shaking. I've tested before Masters before, that isn't the problem. We are talking about a certain Shihan! He is "superhuman". I've trained under him for over 4 years now, and let me tell you, the things that he can do, the things that he can do TO you!!!

I gave it my best in December. I'm still healing from that belt test. My left leg is acting more normal now, but it cramps up, and sends pins and needles when stressed too much. Oh gosh.. I have to survive another belt test, and it's only been a month.

Kyokushin belt tests are their own creation in checking the limits of human determination, and will power. You push yourself beyond what you believe to be your limits. Let's just say that Shihan has great expectations.

But what can I do? The test is announced, and it's going to happen, and I'm going to be there, and I'm going to do my best, and I'm going to survive it. Murder is illegal in Canada.

I'm scared.. oh gosh... I'm scared. I keep telling myself "It's just another class. It's just another test, I've done dozens. I tested for Shodan in front of Sensei Mori, there's NOTHING more challenging than that. I can only do my best with what I have, even if I do not pass, my Sensei will still be proud that I did my best."

But I'm cringing...I fear the upcoming physical pain of that test. I'm walking in already dreading it. Not a good idea. My fears will make the pain seem worse. My fears will sap away at my willpower. My fears will overtake me, cause my body to stiffen, and make me lose my usual abilities. I've got to take a hold of these imagined fears, and thank them for existing within me to protect me, but tell them that I don't need them for this occasion.

I have to rely on what I know that I have been able to do in the past. Giving birth to seven children has not been easy, and I survived it. Raising an autistic child has pulled on every resource that I have, and I surmounted it. What is a few hours of karate training under this Shihan compared to the strength that I have shown in my life?

But is it o.k. if I allow myself to admit how terrified I am? Name the fear, embrace it, and then push past it??

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Last line

2008-01-11T04:52:00.000-06:00

Hitotsu, wareware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi o mattou suru koto.
'All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin way."

If one notices, all of the lines of the Dojo Kun start with the word "Hitotsu" which means "First", and ends in "koto" which translates to "thing/object". In other words, we are being told that every single concept contained in the Dojo Kun is as important as the next one. This final exhortation is not more or less important because it is at the bottom of the list.

Training seriously in the path of Karate demands much from a person mentally, physically, and spiritually. Mentally, we are challenged to learn the various techniques, strategies, concepts, patterns, even the terminology, and history of our artform. Physically, we work towards more stable stances, better controlled balance, speed, agility, power, and effectiveness. Spiritually, we work on our inner character, and to embrace such virtues as courage, perseverance in hardship, humility, and dedication. Achieving success in these demands require a certain amount of discipline within oneself. It is wrong to only speak about karate without "doing" it. Knowledge is only potential change, for it to be activated in our lives we have to apply that knowledge. Knowing how to do a proper front kick is a far different experience that actually performing that same kick 100 times. To be able to say that we are living the discipline of karate, we have to do the "Do".

Through our efforts, we seek to fulfill the "true" meaning of the Kyokushin "Ultimate Truth" Way. Why did Sosai Masutatsu Oyama chose to name his Karate style with this concept?

Let's look at the history of the naming of the various styles. Up until a certain point in time, karate was basically known as "Chinese hands" or "Tode". There is some diversion in who claims to have changed it to "Empty hands" ( Kara Te ) I tend to believe that it was Sensei Gichin Funakoshi who chose to do this to make the art more acceptable to the Japanese populace. At this time era, the various karate styles in Japan were asked to list themselves as there were so many varieties of Karate. Goju Ryu was named to reveal that it worked on both "hard" and "soft" methods. Wado Ryu was named "The way of harmony". Each founder chose a name that encompassed the center of the philosophy of that art. ( Except for Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, he didn't chose the name of his style, "Shotokan", his students did. When asked what style that they were following, they would answer "We study at Shoto's place." "Shoto" was the pen name that Sensei Gichin Funakoshi used when writing.)

Therefore, like many other Sensei, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama chose the Kanji "Ultimate Truth" to represent his style's philosophy. Sensei Omid Khademzadeh explains this so eloquently "Many Kyokushin groups throughout the world have chosen to focus their experience around the philosophy of Kyokushin as a method of self-improvement and discipline. The Kyokushin way teaches its students that the most important aspects of training are not the ability to knock down an opponent. Instead, the person must contemplate the technique and understand that the true meaning of the Kyokushin way is not in violence, but the mastering of oneself. An important philosophy is never to do what you cannot undo, and never use more violence than is prompted or necessary. Through understanding of this comes the ability to fight on an elite level, but fighting is not the Kyokushin student's overall goal."

Let us train hard for the rest of our lives with all of the Dojo Kun's promises, potentials, and possibilities in mind.

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Sixth line

2008-01-10T21:51:00.000-06:00

Hitotsu, wareware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.
"We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires."

The Japanese culture venerates age, and the elderly. They have a special holiday KEIRO NO HI where they show respect, and affection to their senior citizens, and offer them gifts. Age equals rank, and status in Japan because experience is something that cannot be bought, it can only be earned.

Wisdom is something that cannot be spoken, and is visible in age. Simplicity, longevity, and silence are the gateways towards finding wisdom. The best way to get a glimpse of how much age, and beauty are held in high esteem is to sit in a Japanese Garden, and soak in the messages contained in the quiet moments there.

Our goal is not just to become older, but to do so with style. We look upwards to becoming a wiser, and spiritually stronger so that we can be a wonderful elder person with much experience, and knowledge to share with the young.

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Fifth line (Warning: contains religious topic)

2008-01-10T21:38:00.001-06:00

Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
"We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility."

Throughout these meditations on the Dojo Kun, I have been attempting to look at them, as best as an outsider of Japanese custom, and culture can do, from their original perspective. I have been trying to peer through Sosai Masutatsu Oyama's eyes and see what he might have intended these Dojo Kun to represent to the present, and future students.

I would like to offer that when he wrote down "We will follow our religious principles" that he was speaking specifically about the 8 fold path known to the Buddhist, and Shinto followers of Japan. Other Religions can find it possible to follow their own principles, there is nothing wrong with this. The opening is there for anyone, of any religion, to chose to train in Karate without being uncomfortable.

For this moment, let's look at the option that Sosai Oyama was speaking directly about CERTAIN principles. The Eightfold path consists of

* Wisdom

1. Right view
2. Right intention

* Ethical conduct

3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood

* Mental discipline

6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

Sosai Oyama states ""In many countries around the world, the question, 'What is Zen' often turns up. Usually we answer that Zen is karate and that karate is Zen." Quote taken from "This is Karate." For him, his ideals, and his religious beliefs were integrated with his physical expression, and martial arts philosophy. He could not separate the two.

Seeking to develop, and live what we believe to be "right", there are tendencies when we look upon others as being "wrong". This is where we cannot forget the true virtue of humility. In humility, we can embrace our path, and goodness with confidence, and dedication, and be willing to share what we have with others if they are interested. We also have to respect that others may not see what we are seeing, and that they may chose a different path. In humility, we have to admit that we are not perfect, and that we also have limitations, and mistakes, and that we are working on ourselves to the best of our abilities. The virtue of humility relies on honesty, and truth.

As Sosai Oyama explains "Concentrate on sincerity and on unifying your spirit. Forget yourself, forget your enemies, forget winning and losing, and when you have done so, you will be in the spiritually unified state that is called mu, or nothingness, in Zen."

I am not a Buddhist, but I can value the goodness in Buddhism without sacrificing my own beliefs. This is to go beyond "right" and "wrong", "winning" or "losing", it is to come to a center position where I am secure, and willing to look calmly at all possibilities around me.

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Fourth line

2008-01-10T16:01:00.000-06:00

Hitotsu, wareware wa, reisetsu o omonji, chojo o keishi, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
"We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence."

The above English translation of the Japanese alerted me that I needed to try to understand what each word was saying. "Reisetsu" refers to politeness, decorum, propriety.. or in other words being courteous. "Omonji" means to honor, esteem, and respect. This points to me that COURTESY goes beyond just observing the various rules in the Dojo such as responding to a command with "Osu", placing our shoes neatly against the wall, not swearing, or eating in the dojo, showing respect to our Sensei/Sempai etc.. It embraces these specific rules, and includes being respectful in daily life towards all things, and all people. The Japanese language, and culture contains many symbols of respect. One speaks differently to someone who is of higher stature than the other, using the addition of the word "Gosaimasu" to show respect. Bowing at the right time, in the right way, and with the correct posture is very important in showing respect. There are rules for eating, and drinking that reveal if you are a polite person, or not. You do not fill your own glass, but wait for someone to fill it for you. You receive a gift using both hands. These little daily signs, and signals are important to make people feel comfortable in your presence, and to have them see you as polite rather than rude. Kyokushin-kai are to make public decorum important to them not only in the dojo, but outside of it.

The fact that the first three words of this line already refers to showing respect to our teachers, I had to look more closely at the next three lines: "Chojo" gives the indication of someone or something superior/divine, "Kieshi" refers to consulting, asking for instructions, and seeking approval. What is a "Sensei" in the eyes of the Japanese?

"The term "sensei" is an honorific accorded to teachers, with a meaning transcending that of professor. It has been suggested that if a Japanese prime minister were to meet a former teacher, it is the former student who would bow low as a matter of acknowledging his proper place. The prime minister might later tell someone about having met his onshi, a word translated in the dictionary as "former teacher" that also connotes a person to whom one owes a debt that can never be fully repaid. Sensei, then, is not only a person of wisdom but also a major actor in the intricate web of obligations, group memberships, and dependencies that define Japanese social life and culture." Quote from The Professor and the Sensei: Faculty Roles in the United States and Japan by Robert Birnbaum

In other words, we are being called to refer to our instructors for direction in our path. We consult them, and rely on their guidance as we walk in our Martial Way. We turn to them as the primary source of the knowledge, and skills that we are hoping to attain. Through our training, we might be able to find out new things from other teachers, but we make an effort to stay faithful to the expectations, and philosophy of our chosen teacher. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all of the time, energy, and instruction that they have invested into our learning.

The last concept in this line is to "refrain from violent behaviour". At first, it seems that this is a separate idea from the first two. However, I'd like to offer that thought that a student's behaviour reflects on their Sensei. If a student is rude, impolite, ungrateful, and violent to others during class, or outside of training, he/she casts a bad shadow on the dojo. Daily decorum, patience, and politeness in word, and in deed, builds up the relationship, and honor given to one's Sensei.

So.. where do we get the motivation to live up to the difficult expectations of politeness, and courtesy? I would suggest that this is centered on the aspect of "love". I am talking about the kind of affection wherein we value ourselves, and those people around us so much that rudeness would not be a possibility. Sensei Gichin Funakoshi said "Love of Karate, love of self, love of family and friends; all lead eventually to love of one's country. The true meaning of Karate can be acquired only through such love." Karate Do: My Way of life

Kyokushin Dojo Kun: Third line

2008-01-09T12:50:00.000-06:00

"Hitotsu, wareware wa, shitsujitsu goken o motte, kokki no seishin o kanyo suru koto."
"With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial."

Meet Arisada, the self mummified Japanese Buddhist priest. He died in an ultimate act of self-denial. Through years of extreme physical training to remove any fat from his body, a special diet of bark, and roots from pine trees, and then drinking a special poisonous tea which induced vomiting, sweating, and urination, the priest prepared his body to be buried alive in a small stone tomb, with just a tube that provided air, and a rope that allowed him to ring a bell that was suspended outside of the tomb. This kind of suicide by choice has been outlawed near the end of the 19th century, but there are 16 known shrines of such mummified priests. This history is part of the Japanese culture, and stories. In fact, North american children, and teens can became aware of this historical fact before adults from some of the anime cartoons that they watch coming from Japan such as "Inuyasha".

This kind of extreme self denial was done in a way of becoming a permanent symbol of being able to disregard one's physical self as important ( Live or die ) to other buddhist priests. Arisada's example is to strengthen the hearts of those who think that they just possibly "can't" do things. He is an embodiment of what the human will is capable of.

Training in karate is very demanding when following the Martial Way. It can be tempting to just stay home today, or to find an excuse for why one can miss class again, or to avoid doing one's best during class. The Dojo Kun tells us to deny ourselves of these complexities, and to return to the simplicity of when we first started training. We had no expectations then, only a desire to learn something new. We were willing to give it our best shot, and accept that we would have to overcome limitations.

Training in karate means "emptying your cup". It can be that we feel that we know this already, or that we've done Chudan tsuki over 100,000 times already. Yet, we need to deny ourselves this option of dismissing the chance to learn from our efforts. There is always room for improvement no matter how well we think we know the various demands of our Art. We have to return to the simplicity of a beginner's mind, and yet rely on our prior experience to guide us up into even more effective use of each movement.

As we age, and our bodies become older, we have to learn to work within the challenges that this present. We have to deny ourselves the temptation to stop our efforts due to our pride. Our memories of prior youthful abilities may taunt us, but we need to simplify our desires, and realize that we are becoming like the mummified priest to the younger generation. They look upon us, where we are now still training in spite of all of our challenges, and they learn to appreciate, and hope to imitate us in the future.

Second line: Kyokushin Dojo Kun

2008-01-09T07:57:00.000-06:00

Hitotsu, wareware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
"We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that, in time, our senses may be alert."

I'd like to quote the Characters Miyagi Sensei, and Daniel-san from the movie Karate Kid to express what I feel is focused upon in this line of the Dojo Kun.

"Daniel: So, karate's fighting. You train to fight.
Miyagi: That what you think?
Daniel: [pondering] No.
Miyagi: Then why train?
Daniel: [thinks] So I won't have to fight.
Miyagi: [laughs] Miyagi have hope for you. "

We have to look at what it means to pursue the "Martial Way" to understand the concept contained in this sentence. In eastern culture, there is something called the "Do", or the "Way" of living. How one speaks, how one draws, how one does their tea ceremony, how one dances, how one lives.. it is all part of your "Way". Budo is "the Way of the Warrior", Aikido is "Way of Harmony", Tae Kwon Do "Way of the fist, and foot", Karate Do is the "Empty hand Way". Following a "Way" is to walk a path of choices, actions, values, and expressions.

So? What is the "Martial Way"? Westerners tend to focus only on the thought that the word "Martial" means "warlike, concerning war, and fighting". Who could blame us? Most of our movies, and t.v. entertainment reveal Martial arts with a "Kick their butt" philosophy. We see the underdog hero enter into a difficult situation, and through his acquired skills, he achieves victory over the "bad guys". We thrill over the speed, skill, and power plastered on the big screen. Children walk into the dojo wanting to be able to do fancy flying kicks that will assure them success over any threat. Black belts are looked upon as frightening images of someone that you wouldn't want to anger. It is the rare movie, or t.v. show, like "The Karate Kid", or "Kung Fu: the original series" that shows us what the Martial Way is in the eyes of the country of origin.

If we look at the Japanese Kanji that make up this word we see that the first symbol is a set of crossed weapons, and the second one represents the word "Stop". The word "Bu" is not really about fighting, but learning how to avoid, prevent, or to stop fighting. The Martial Way, "Budo", is to follow a path where we avoid having to fight by developing our awareness of ourselves, our environment, and our opponents.

"It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle." Sun Tsu "The Art of War" 6th Century.

We pursue the Martial Path by working on ourselves. We learn what our strengths are, and what our weaknesses are, and we build them both up to improve ourselves. We learn to temper our emotions, and not let fear, or anger goad us into putting ourselves into a fight. We learn to look at our surroundings, and find an alternative to fighting. We learn to take advantage of every moment that is offered to lower the intensity of a situation. We put forth a confident body language which will make an attacker think twice before chosing us as a target. We use our words to de-escalate a situation, if possible. We avoid environments that we know are dangerous. If we can know ourselves well, and become aware of what signals our body gives us, we can learn to avoid danger. Some people ignore that sixth sense within them that quietly warns us that we should be careful. We need to learn to listen to the wisdom within us, and avoid dangerous places, and people.

So in other words, we train so that we won't have to fight.

Meditation on the Kyokushin Dojo Kun

2008-01-08T07:34:00.000-06:00

"Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kakko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto."
"We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaken spirit."

The first thing I noticed about this sentence is the three aspects mentioned. As a person who studied psychology I learned about the id, the ego, and the superego theory which are the three levels of a person's mind. As a religious person, I noticed three aspects of a person being addressed, the mind, the body, and the spirit. Now, as a Martial artist, I see within this statement of the Dojo Kun three different parts: our hearts, our bodies, and our spirit. Although separated into three parts in theory, we are aware that these are totally integrated.

The more that I learn about Eastern Philosophy, about chakras (central energy points), and about Chi/Ki (energy) movement, the more I can understand where this statement is originating, and what it's goals are. It is taught that the center of our "spirit" is the Hara: a point located a few inches behind our center of gravity near the navel. Our heart is by the Anahata chakra point, and is involved in all emotional decisions or considerations. The goal, in Eastern philosophy, is to activate all 7 of the chakra points in the body for good health, and to be able to make good decisions. In an ideal situation, all of the 7 energy centers should be spinning at the same rate, but in most people, some points spin too much, and others are blocked, or spin slowly.

According to this, we have to train our heart, and body equally to balance our physical ability, with our mental/ emotional reaction in order to achieve a strong spirit. Our whole selves has to be involved in our karate training. Just performing the movements of a kata would be similar to performing a dance. It would be like "Put your right foot here, put your left arm here.." and no matter how well one did it, they would have no "spirit" in those movements. Training on emotion alone would not be karate either. Without technique, physical effort, a person would just be wildly swinging their arms with lots of energy, but with no effect.
Showing "spirit" comes when the body, and mind are united to the same purpose. All energy is focused into each action. This is referred to as "Kime". Usually it is accompanied with a Kiai ( a spirit shout) as breath is very closely united with the flow of energy in our bodies.

I can see how to have a unity of the body, heart, and spirit one has to train in every aspect of their lives. You cannot just train in the dojo anymore. There has to be a perseverence in your training. You have to carry what you have learned in class out with you, and keep up practicing each day. Just like a musician cannot improve in their performance by just showing up to class once, or twice a week, and they are expected to do at least a certain amount of practicing at home to ingrain the skills, the same should be true for a Martial Artist. This is even MORE true, as a Martial artist is training all of the parts of their body. The foot is just as important as the hand. The thought is just as important as the body.

In fact, our inner thoughts can make or break our ability to defend ourselves. Many fights have been won just by unbalancing the opponent mentally to the point where they could not apply their hard earned skills to defend themselves. We must develop a firm unshaken inner posture in the face of hardship, fear, threat, and challenges. Where does our inner strength come from? I would suggest that they come from our values, and our confidence in these values. We value our life, or the life of our children so we will do what it takes to protect these. We value our honesty, so we make efforts to be truthful. We value our courage, so we will put forth the best that we have in a challenge. The more that we value the good things in ourselves, and in the teachings that we have embraced, the stronger we can be in the face of adversity. Our karate training shows this in every class that we put forth our best effort to meet the challenges placed before us, and to even surpass what we believed to be our limitations. I read a quote that said "If you think you can't, then you won't." The words "I can't" should not be in the vocabulary of a Martial artist. The focus is more on " I will", whether you achieve the goal or not isn't the issue.. the main idea is that you will do your best to achieve it.

Nothing should shake you from your values, no one has the right to try to remove them from you. If there is one thing that you can claim as being your own, and as being untouchable, it is your values. Regardless to what esteemed societal position, or high rank in karate that other person has, he/she has no right to expect you to sacrifice what you believe in. If you chose to embrace the values of another person because you deem them worthy that is a different thing, but no outside pressure should force a person to "change their mind". This is one of the benefits of training our hearts, and bodies for a firm, unshaken spirit.