HAPPY THANKSGIVING (^^)

ALOHA AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
感謝際おめでとう！

　　It's been a while since I last posted. This month I am combining this blog with my Dojo Blog to cut down on the time I sit in front of this computer. I haven't been able to upload videos for some time. It is time to spend some $$ on a new one. (- -;) Oh well, I think I will just make it an early birthday present to myself! (^^) Hope to get back on track with the videos.

　　"We are wrapped up in layers of ego including our own individual egos, the egos of our national identities, and so on. To the extent that we let go of ego, the conflicts that surround us can be alleviated. Then a profound sense of loving compassion for others will well up within us. This  Zen teaching of being mu is my message to people of the 21st century."

Keido Fukushima, Head abbot of Tofuku-ji.

     What is the purpose of practicing karate at Kimura Dojo? (^^) Most of you Pokemons (a nickname I put on all my peewee karate kids) would probably answer; 1. Daddy and Mommy signed me up; 2. It’s kind of fun; 3. My friend was taking it to name a few. All are correct as far as I’m concerned. But there is one point that I would like to have all the Pokemons understand. I would not be exaggerating in saying it is the sole purpose of sharing my Budo experiences. 

     The core of my teaching lies in the Kanji Bu 武。To stop two halberds (conflict), 二つの矛を止める。Very simply put, Budo is meant to develop individuals who can stop conflict. Most conflicts are born out of egos. By training, we learn to control our negative egos. We learn to understand differences among people and culture and respect each other. If we learn to understand ourselves and others, conflict naturally diminishes. Conflicts arise in our daily lives. It is how we react to it that controls the severity of the conflict.   

     Jita Kyoei 自他共栄、Kano Sensei’s famous words. Together, we flourish. I hope that the Pokemons will someday understand and follow the path of peace.

 Peace comes from within.

MAKIKI DOJO BULLETIN

Yokohama Dojo is having its annual promotion this month. Like Makiki,  there is only one promotion a year. Both Dojos have only one hour per session once a week. Of course an addtional half hour is provided for those who want compete or just do more. The kids can also practice with the adults. But basically, most kids spend one hour per session. The once a year promotion is based on this. Four hours a practice per month. With holidays and what not it comes up to an average of 48 hours per year. How much progress should we expect? (^^)

「力を量りてこれを任じ、才を度りてこれを処し、その能くせざる所ば、彊いて為さしめず」

量力而任之、度才而処之、其所不能、不今日彊使菜為

One should always consider a person’s capabilities and make effective use it. It is not prudent to force someone beyond his capabilities.
The above quote is from 文章軌範Bunshokihan, (1226-1289) is a seven volume compilation of various authors.  Aside from two chapters by Touenmei 陶淵明and Shokatsuryo諸葛亮、the bulk is from writings of Kanyuu and Tousou’s renown literary families

     Congratulations to David on his successful black belt testing! Tamura Sensei (Gitokukai Hawaii) as well as your parents must be very proud of you! Good luck on your next tournament.

Welcome to Daiki, our newest member!

     Before we know it Xmas will be upon us! I need to get a group photo to use as a Xmas card to send to the Tohoku kids. I will be getting the gifts together and shipping it out first week of December so I will be taking the picture and video on November 26th! If you cannot make it that day,  If you can lend me a photo of your child I can copy and paste on the Xmas card (just like in school albums for absent kids). This will be the first Xmas without their parents for some of the Tohoku kids and It would be nice to let them know that we in Hawaii are thinking of them!

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! (^^)

    The kids did very well this past practice! (^^) Little by little they all are beginning to look like "mame Budokas" 豆武道家. Parents can be proud of them! We will continue to slowly incorporate kumite (sparring) into their curriculum. Of course with safety as a priority.  The main topic fot rest of the year is for them to get comfortable with the "Negotiation stance (対応の構え）which is the core of our training.

Very good Nego Stance! (^^)

YOKOHAMA DOJO BULLETIN

     横浜は今月が審査ですね。皆、日頃の努力を発揮して頑張って下さい。目線、姿勢、集中力をしっかり持つ事が大事です。審査のビデオを楽しみにしています。アメリカでは２４日が感謝際の日です。横浜道場の子達はマキキ道場同様に何時もサポートしてくれている家族、先生、友人達に感謝をしましょう。人間は一人で成長しません。人の助けがあって育っていくのです。空手の稽古も先生、先輩、同輩がいてこそ自分が進歩するのです。だから何時でも感謝の心をもって頑張りましょう。押忍！来年の春頃又皆と稽古が出来るように頑張っています。