As we approach 2013, I would like to thank all the members of Yokohama Dojo, Makiki Dojo for making teaching Budo such a joy! (^^) I certainly hope to be able to make it to Japan in 2013.
Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) to all the readers throughout the world and hope you all continue to read this Blog. I'd like to end the Blog for 2012 with some photos of Hawaii. Hmmm. The Hawaii Tourism Authority should pay me for advertising! Gahahahaha
Waikiki shoreline at night with full moon. 12-28-12
We had our Keiko Osame tonight. Did the usual Kihon Keiko, then cleaned the Dojo and equipment. Topped it off with a typical Hawaiian Pot Luck dinner! (^^) I think our spirits were one all through the night and even the Pokemons probably felt good about cleaning the Dojo. It's all in the KOKORO.
I think that is what Budo is all about. Kokoro. With proper Kokoro one can overcome all obstacles and challenges. With proper Kokoro you can contribute to happiness and peace the ultimate goal of Budo.
With the hectic X'mas weekend about half of the Dojo was able to attend this year. We'll plan next year's one a little bit earlier so all can enjoy the Dojo Osame.
Those who were able to attend this year.
Hmmm standing at attention but they're plotting something! (- -;)
Yappari!
Some of our ferocious ladies! (^^)
Yamamoto san, Kouhei's dad. A future leader at Makiki.
Pot Luck Time! Yay Line up folks!
Hawaiian Garlic chicken.
You gotta have pizza and lemon chicken too!
Home made roll sushi and inaris. Chinese style salad!
Ahhhh! Maki sushi!
Home made inari and Chinese style fried noodles.
Always checking on our health. Chinese Won ton pi salad
Yokohama Dojo on their Keiko Osame.
The next time I will see my Pokemons is January 1, 2013, the Year of the Snake at Ala Moana Beach Park for Sunrise practice ! Seems as though there is going to be more joining me next year!!
I'm pretty sure most of you have read or heard of the tragedy in Connecticut, USA. The social networks are full of debates between pro and anti gun control. I thought I'd add my opinion which I posted on my Face Book page. Yup, the debates have begun with regard to gun control. But then, how simply we seem to forget other causes of deaths in United States. In 2010, over 10,000 (according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) have died as result of drunken driving. in 2009, 37,485 have died to drug overdose (including prescribed drugs) according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As with guns, the vehicle for the deaths are available legally and illegally. It is not just an issue of gun control. It is a bigger issue of how we decide to live, how we educate our young and a whole slew of social issues. Will stricter gun control get rid of guns? Will stricter drug laws get rid of legal and illegal drugs? Will stricter Alcohol laws get rid of alcohol? NO. We need to focus on the human being. Easier said than done. But we can start with people that surround us in out everyday lives. I also took time to reflect upon my martial art. I have the responsibility of ensuring my students do not take what I teach them and use it in the wrong way. Some folks ask why do you need a gun? The same can be said about martial arts. Why does anyone need to know how to maim someone? Time for reflection for sure.
Since this is a Budo Blog, I really think it is important that we are teaching the correct morals in our Dojo. Not just "lip service" to the Dojo Kun. Sometimes in pursuit of "winning" we lose sight of the real purpose of Budo. That is why I have reservations on concentrating on competition. Add to that the "reset" mentality gained from so much PC games and role playing many of the young kids and adults are addicted to.
Let me re post my thoughts as well
一生事なきを似って第一とするなり戦を好むは道に非ず。
"Issho kotonaki wo ette daiichi to surunari ikusa wo konomu ha michi ni arazu."
This precept is attributed to teachings of the Nakajo Style of Swordsmanship which is considered the oldest of Japanese swordsmanship. Nakajo Ryu eventually become known as Toda Ryu. The founder of the Nakajo Ryu, was also a politician and poet who also studied Zen during the Kamakura Period and developed Nakajo Heiho (Nakajo Method of Reasoning) The style has a very interesting history which I leave the readers to Google on their own. (^^)
The precept roughly translated in my limited capability might go as " The foremost goal is to complete life without conflict, to seek conflict is not the path". Transferred to Karate, I interpret this as "Should you go through life without using Karate then you have journeyed successfully".
Budo or martial arts should give us the capability of not fighting. Some of you may find this strange. But as you train you gain the confidence to protect yourself (physical and technical skills) but at the same time this confidence gives the mental awareness of being able to "see" and avoid conflict. Without confidence you cannot negotiate the hazards that we may come upon in life. Without confidence you only emotionally react to the hazards with physical skills. With confidence you are able to control your emotions and seek a better and safer resolution.
Those that only concentrate on physical skills become trapped in seeking only strength and lose sight of the true purpose of Budo.
My condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this senseless tragedy.
The greatest challenge for my Mini-Pokemons (4-5 years old) is standing at the Yoi (Ready) Stance.
Sometimes it takes a lightning bolt from me to get their attention. Gahahahaha
But on a serious note. See the lady's position. That is important when dealing with children.
Same eye height, not just looking down at them.
It is strange that when I get down to the same eye to eye level, my Pokemons listen better!
OSU!
Establishment of Yokohama Shibu under Shihan William Fox and Shihandais Nagaie and Furuya.
It has been five years since I retired and came back to Hawaii to take care of my mother. Since then the Yokohama Dojo has continued to grow and provide the local community with sound moral and physical training under the motto of "Jita Kyoei" 自他共栄。Yokohama dojo has been very fortunate to have such outstanding leadership as well as unflagging support form all its members.
Upon discussion with the leadership of Yokohama Dojo, I concurred that it was time for William to become Shihan and Senpais Nagaie and Furuya as Shihandais. With the continued support of the Sonenbu Toku Toku Seis and adult members I strongly believe that Yokohama Dojo will continue to grow and be a Dojo where members can find friendly support and guidance.
Congratulations to William and Yokohama Dojo! Y(^^)Y
Of course, nothing is ever complete with a celebration! Gahahahahaha
Up and coming leader Kobayashi Jr, with lady karatekas. (^^)
Shihan William with "old timers". Shihandai Furuya standing.
A very DANGEROUS table. Gahahahahahaha
BTW, Ookoshi Senpai made the big 60! (^^) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hooooo. You old brah....! (@@)
With the recent troubling incidents caused by Karatekas, I am confident that such tragedies will not occur at Yokohama Dojo and that our members will continue to follow the proper path of Budo.
Welcome to our newest member Allen! What a great smile!
Allen Funt once said, "When people are smiling they are most receptive to almost anything you want to teach them".
I find this so true.
A common perception of of martial arts is strict discipline, stern and military like movements with instructors barking out cadence. It doesn't have to be that way. Of course, there are some Dojos that are like that. Many are convinced that that is proper development of self control and concentration.
I say it doesn't need to be so.
For myself, I enjoy being surrounded by smiling faces and some chatter of my Pokemons. At the same time, they are expected to pay attention and concentrate when required to do so.
Smiling Pokemons (Pokemons are what I call my kid students) means they are enjoying what they are doing, so naturally their efforts are better. Yes, sometimes their efforts turn into tom foolery and that is when my lightning bolts fall! (^^) One does need to maintain control!
Smiling is contagious! Even when I smile (my wife says that my smile tends to scare people- (- -;) ), kids smile in return and their energy level increases.
So make sure your Dojo is lightened up with smiles!
"Peace begins with a smile" Mother Teresa
“We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing? (136-137)”
Alooooha Ebreebodeee!
Japan time, I am now 62 years old! Hawaii time it is tomorrow. It coincides with Thanksgiving! A sad but historical note it is the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. I clearly recall that day when the entire school body was gathered in the auditorium and informed of the tragic incident. That was in American School in Japan at Chofu City, Japan. It has been 49 years! I was only 13 at that time. How the time flies!
At O years old
I am thankful for all the good and bad I have experienced thus far for all of those experiences have brought me to this point in life. I expect it to continue to be the same. I am most thankful for my parents for bringing me into this world.
(@@:) I am in an overload of aches and pains this morning! Not to worry! It is not one of those immobilizing type of pain. It's one of those "feel good" aches and pains, is there is any such thing!
We were very fortunate last night to have mats on the floor. The local Aikido was having a weekend seminar and had asked it they could leave the mats out. Of course we were more than glad to accommodate the request. (^^)
It was a good opportunity for my Pokemons to experience ukemi or the art of breaking a fall. I have always wanted to have a carpet or mat to lay on the floor, but there is no storage room for additional flooring. so we have to practice on the concrete floor. Naturally no ukemi can be practiced. I recall doing a demo on a gym floor (^^). The sound of my body hitting the wooden floor sure had an impact on the audience but I cannot recommend doing it frequently. Gahahahaha
Although proper ukemi protects you from major harm, any contact with a hard surface has its price!
My body had no problem remembering all the Judo warm up exercises and ukemi, but.......when you haven't done them in a decade or so, the body has a major adjustment to do! Gahahahaha. Like anything in life you have to "do it" constantly or the body forgets the toll it takes.
Many people do not equate karate with mat work. But that is far from the truth. Karate includes throws and ground work to include chokes and joint manipulation. Karate would not be complete without it. It was very interesting to see my students challenge themselves to something new.
What may seem simple to any judoka or wrestler is something difficult for someone who has never done it before.
I wanted to make sure my students had an idea of how to protect their heads when pushed or tripped down. We concentrated on Ushiro ukemi. Perhaps when we have another chance with the mats I will teach them Mae ukemi and Yoko Ukemi. Ukemi is an art itself.
Fufufufu. My Mini Pokemons sure have a unique way of "paying attention" (^^) Here I am showing the basic of basics of ukemi. The art of "slapping the mat" Not recommended for concrete floors or pavements. Gahahahahaha! Gravel is also not a good surface to do ukemi. However, ukemi will protect you from any major injuries, especially to your head!
(^^) Judo warm ups (only a partial) is lot more harder than you think! Mommies and Daddies had a big challenge last night. Perhaps they all have the same aches and pains that I have this morning!
Towards the end of practice gave a brief demonstration on the application of Mawashiuke. There are times when the Pokemons copy the movements of a particular waza but have no idea WHY they do it a certain way. It is probably unrealistic to expect them to understand the progression and connection of learning Kihon waza. As I mentioned earlier we normally do not have mats. Therefore we do not practice take downs. It would be too dangerous on a concrete floor, especially for the Mini Pokemons. for that matter the adults. One of the challenges of teaching children is to convey to them the concept of control.
Hmmm. My Mini Pokemons are getting the hang of sitting properly and listening. Thanks to Taylor for checking up on the Minis.....(^^)
Talking about having to practice continuously....need to improve my video editing and uploading skills.
It is taking too much time. Gahahahahaha
I have lost count how many Kyokushin organizations are in the world and that is not counting all the "independent" groups that do not affiliate themselves with a Kyokushin organization.
The strange part of it all is that all these organizations proclaim that they are teaching the true Kyokushin that was taught by Oyama Sosai. So sad that if indeed all of them are teaching the "true'
Kyokushin then why the splits. From my personal standpoint, it is just a bunch of egos and to some greed. The need to be the Honcho.
All the leaders of the groups have paid their "dues" in sweat and blood. No doubt about it. They all have a place in Kyokushin history. They just don't get along with each other, plain and simple.
Somewhere along the line things got sidetracked.
There are others that created their completely new style such as Daido Juku and Ashihara Kaikan. Although they have Kyokushin as its background they are no longer Kyokushin and do not use the Kyokushin "brand name". They made a clean cut. Now I may not be 100% accurate in my analysis, but that is how I see it.
I left Kyokushin when my Sensei broke off and formed his own group. Nothing really changed in the contents. We just cut off the organizational ties. In Japan, I built the Yokohama branch of the organization. When I retired and returned to Hawaii, I found most of the Black Belts gone and no Dojo.
We practiced at Kapiolani Park. Sensei nor anyone else tried to find a site to practice. I finally found a site and all it amounted to were claims by non-practicing Kouhais that I was shouldn't be opening up a Branch. Hmmmm. Long story short, I left the organization. It was hard for Yachiyo as she started with Sensei and felt a loyalty to him. I understood that and recommended she continue under him but being my wife, it had barriers that could not be hurdled. Now she goes to the Hawaii branch of Kyokushinkai as well as helping me out when she can. Although she has already earned a Nidan she is a yellow belt. No problem as far as I am concerned. It is funny that she knows more Kata than some of her Senpais as well having suffered more fractures and concussions than her Senpais along her way to Black Belt. Not a problem as she just wants to practice and keep her roots in Kyokushin.
The important thing is that your believe in your training regardless of affiliation. Train hard, sweat, bleed and bruise along with your commitment. Leave the politics to the honchos.
Just saying. (^^) OSU!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Kauai's Grand Canyon
Da Boss aka Yachi (Mrs. Kimura) took a mini-vacation to the island of Kauai. Since we have a fifteen year old dog that is blind we have to travel separately as we cannot leave the dog at a pet hotel. The only other option is to have her sister and mother fly in from Japan to take care of the dog. A stranger would have a very difficult time with "Yuta" aka Michael, the Chihuahua. (^^)
Thought I would share the videos and photos she sent from Kauai. Enjoy! Hope the vid works!
Kilauea Point
Kalalau Valley
Kalalau Valley
If any of you visit Hawaii, make sure you plan on visiting the other islands and don't just end you trip on Oahu only! (^^) Aloha-!
(^^) Aloha, y'all!~ I hope everyone is well and fine this beautiful Sunday Morning, rather mid-day, in Hawaii. I have been doing some "cleansing" of stuff that has piled up through the years. A lot of shredding! Important note! Don't just throw away documents (bills, receipts, etc.) in the garbage. Make sure you shred it. Too much information is on those pieces of paper that can be stolen and misused. Alas, All I have is a little shredder so it overheats quite often and the progress is slow. ( - -; )
Well in the process of "cleansing" I have come upon some old photos and videos from Yokohama Dojo1 (^^) I though it would be nice to share with all of you.
This is a video of the New Year practice in 2006. Although it was not snowing, it was very cold.
The oshiruko (Japanese sweet bean soup) tasted really good and also warmed us up! (^^) Only the hardy would show up for sunrise practice on New Year's Day! Some of the colored belts are now black belts! Fufu. Here in Hawaii, I am the only one to do New Year's Practice! Ooops! I take that back!
Shuma and Takuma joined me this year along with some onigiri! That tasted very good too!
Shihandai William (yellow belt) in his younger days. (^^) Also a very rare photo of my daughter, Michele, (middle blue belt) in a karate gi. Taken during Friendship Day on Negishi US Navy Housing in July. A very hot time in Japan and the stage floor was HOT! I had the kids wear sneakers so they wouldn't have burns on their soles! Perhaps photos of Yachiyo breaking tiles will turn up!
Hmmm. I'm a bit skinner too.
Another picture of Shihandai and my daughter Michele.
Current Shihandai (^^)
Current Michele (^^)
How fast time goes! Shihandai recently passed his finals and is on his way to becoming a Doctor of Medicine. Michele is pursuing her life as an "Otaku" creating novelettes with her cartoonist friend (female) and partner. No indications of marriage in the near future! ( - -;) But that's OK too! (^^)
Yachiyo aka Da Boss doing Heian 2 along with other lady members of the Dojo at our backyard wedding reception. Even our dog, Michael aka Yuta, joined in! Kyon Kyon Senpai can be seen breaking up in the back. Hmmmm too much Soju????
Makiki Dojo
Welcome to Jaden and Sayo, our newest members!
Jaden in his Spiderman pose. (^^) Another great addition to the Mini Pewee Pokemon Gundan!
Sayo and her brother Shogo. Hmmm Shogo is her Senpai by a few months. I wonder how that will affect sibling relationship. (^^)
November = Thanksgiving! Have a good Thanksgiving Y'all!
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust
Mahalo to all the members, young and old, for making the Dojo what it is!! OSU!
My good friend Hayashi Shihan, Arahan Dojo, recently garnered the Gold Medal in Poomsae (Kata)
competition at the Korea Open! Congratulations! Her students must be proud of her! Osu!
This month has been filled with happy news! First Yokohama Dojo's Shihandai William Fox finished his final examination for his Doctor of Medicine degree while also getting his 6th Dan in Iaido. Next Hayashi Shihan wins the Gold Medal in international competition.
Yokohama Dojo Shihandai William successfully passed his Renshi, 6th Dan test in Iaido!
What is inspiring is that he did this in midst of taking his final examination for his Doctor of Medicine Degree! Shihandai William started karate with me when he was in elementary School and I have watched him grow from the "little chubby" kid into a fine gentleman and scholar. He is an inspiration to all our kids in the Dojo. He exemplifies the Spirit of Osu! Dedication, Perseverance and Self Control. Not only did he pass this Iaido test he also attained a professional car racing driver license. All while finishing up his sixth year of medical school at Juntendo School of Medicine and completing training at Harvard and Chicago in the United States.
Kimura Dojo is very proud of Shihandai William and encourages all the "Pokemons" to follow his example in their endeavors.
The class is getting quite large and increasing difficult to teach effectively all my self. It isn't too bad when Yachiyo is able to assist but her presence is dictated by her work, She couldn't make it to practice today. A full class is 31 kids and adults. Today three were absent. We do our sonoba kihon in a circle so I can see everyone and input in my mind what needs to be corrected. But there needs to be a venue to be able to go one on one so that the corrections can be effectively conveyed.
Thus, the circuit system. The adults are coming along fine and several are capable of helping the Pokemons (kids). It offers the opportunity to check their own kihon and also start learning the basics of sharing their knowledge with kids. Teaching exposes them to their own weaknesses. Jita Kyoei, together we flourish, a win/win situation.
I've uploaded some parts of the practice tonight. Once I edit more, hopefully I an upload more scenes. Some are funny to say the least. There were five posts today; front kick led by Michael; Seiken Ago Tsuki led by Yukari; Seiken Chudan Tsuki led by Yukiko; Jodan Uke led by Hiroshi. All five are parents of kids in the class.
Kids always enjoy having someone different teach them. A break from grouchy Sensei! Gahahahaha. The adults got a taste of the challenges of leading the kids! Y(^^)Y
3 and 4 yrs olds are always fun to watch and a challenge to teach! (^^)
Aloha and Good Morning All! Y(^^)Y
When I was in Yokohama we used to have Sunday morning practices at the Negishi Shinrin Park.
It was a good way to refresh the mind and body as well as review our Kihon, Kata and Goshinjutu.
I have revived it in Hawaii as well at the Makiki District Park. No Cherry Blossoms like in Yokohama but the park has a nice open space to work out in. The morning sun feels just as good as it felt in Yokohama. (^^) Of course there is only one sun. Gahahahaha
Asa Ren is done as I feel like it. No set menu. Just a time for refreshing my mind and body.
Some shots from this morning's session. The good thing about kata is that you can do it in anyway which suits you at that time. There are days when I do it hard and other days soft. The breathing (Kokyu) can be adjusted as well. The important thing is it makes you feel good.
This past Saturday and today, Monday, Makiki Dojo had its annual evaluation. The evaluation format is not the typical format in which students wait for their turns and perform in front of the instructors. The evaluation is conducted in the usual practice format. I have my reasons for this and will everything there are pros and cons. Junin Toiro, Ten people. ten colors.
I felt that using a standard evaluation format does not necessarily reflect the "true" student. I observe them throughout the year and so I have a definite and clear idea what they need to work on. Some are capable of miraculously "shape up" on the day of the evaluation, but returns to the true self afterwards. (^^) So to me, the eval becomes just a "show" with no substance.
Sure enough. students will exhibit the same behaviors when placed in the usual practice format, despite knowing it is an evaluation. Old habits don't die??? One of the many parts of the eval is leadership. Senpais are assigned Kouhais and instructed to help them with some kihon waza. It is a good way to observe the quality of their wazas, but more important whether they exhibit the proper attitude and willingness to help their kouhais. In addition they also experience the challenges of having to "teach". Gahahahaha It is always easier to follow than lead.
Thursday is a no cook day so I find a lot of time on my hands, which can be good or bad. Naturally I tend to lean towards Budo related matters. Or, go on a nice hike with my Nikon in hand. ( ^ ^ ).
I was recently "poked" into some thinking with regard to Full Contact kumite which is part of my karate. The Goju I learned on Okinawa and Kyokushin both had hard contact. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of Dojos, that may not fit the category of Full Contact style, but never the less kumite is hard contact. Perhaps it's the image of Full Contact that has those Dojos not take on the label of being a Full Contact style Dojo. (^^). Well that is not the topic I want to write about. Sorry for the diversion.
I am getting "old". 62 years old in couple of months. I love my style of Karate and the contact in kumite. I believe it keeps me honest about my mental and physical self. However, since returning to Hawaii (five years have now passed) , I have not done any hard kumite. Mainly because I have no one to kumite with. A lot of Pokemons, yes, and I love them dearly but they are not kumite partner material naturally. If Da Boss trained 6 days a week then I would have some kumite time. But, alas, she cannot, due to her work and more than likely, she would hurt herself in kumite. Don't get me wrong, she has taken her lumps along the way. Concussion, fractures, major bruising. I guarantee she is one tough lady mentally and physically. But I think the days of hard kumite is pau (finished in Hawaiian) for her and perhaps for me. We can continue to do kata and yakusoku kumite (a big difference from jiyu hard contact kumite)
Never the less. I still have the itch to do some serious hard contact kumite. Alas, I have been out of any serious kumite for the past 5 years. This year when in Japan, I did some kumite with Shihandai.......it was shocking to experience what 5 years absence can do. Gahahahahaha. It took a while for my engine to warm up and start but more like an clogged up engine such spewing smoke and no power. I miss the kumite, but I also question myself if it necessary at this time in my life. All my instructors were young (under 50's) and in their prime and got on the mat. Then again at one Dojo, the head was in his 60's, he would observe the training, make comments and explain but in a controlled setting, but I never saw him doing jiyu Gahahahahaha nor do I expect him to (now that I think I have gotten a little wiser).
I believe that there is a major difference in yakusoku and jiyu kumite. Yakusoku is prearranged so you know what course an attack is coming so ou have ample time to react. I jiyu kumite, there are no forewarning. It is often said you build up your skills with yakusoku and then apply them to jiyu kumite. Then there is no contact jiyu kumite and hard contact jiyu kumite, head shots and no head shots. Skills get rusty when not continuously practiced. Kata is a fine tool for training, but it cannot replace the hard contact. Some days it gets frustrating not to be able to enjoy full contact kumite.
At least I know there is no real "end" to my shugyo. So perhaps it is best to accept my current situation and just keep going and see where my shugyo takes me.
Thanks for putting up with my rambling of a geezer dreaming of remaining young!
Yachiyo with her Division Manager at the awards party.
Last night "Da Boss" aka Yachiyo "Sensei" was awarded three Top Representative trophies for her outstanding performance in the second quarter for 2012.
She is proof that anything is possible with the proper determination, drive and perseverance. It was not that long ago (I need to keep her age secret!) that Yachiyo moved to Hawaii on her own to find a new life. Learning a second language was her first challenge. Her second challenge was to be gainfully employed so that she could support herself in this expensive Hawaii! I recall her telling me of the days she took naps in her car in between jobs.
I'd like to think that karate helped her overcome the many trials and tribulations she faced along the years. Of course, I would have never met her and end up being married to her if she had not taken up Karate under Aonuma Shihan more than 10 years ago. (^^)
As you all know, sales, especially the time share industry, is a "cut throat" environment. There really is no "middle ground" to take it easy. Either you sell or sink. A strong will and mental toughness is required to survive in the industry.
I think that Yachiyo exemplifies Oyama Sosai's principle of「頭は低く 目は高く 口慎んで 心広く 孝を原点とし 他を益する。」Carry your head low and your eyes high, be reserved in speech and posses a kind heart with filial piety as your roots.
Congratulations and Omedetou! OSU!
"Nothing is possible if you think it is impossible. Nothing is impossible if you think it is possible. Think positive and work hard, and ANYTHING is possible."
For those who don't do Face Book I thought I 'd copy some thoughts I wrote in my Dojo's thread in FB. I am not comfortable with the direction in which martial arts is taking, not all but some. Now, as with everything, there are countless ideas and pros and cons. The issue I have is the proliferation and commercialization of who-called "self-defense" schools or courses. First let me give you the link to a couple that I recently came upon. One is from Japan and another is an English language article. The I will make my own comments. (Hopefully I can upload....( - -; ) )
Well here it go
田村装備開発Japanese Special Forces POLICE JGSDF Tactical Training
What average Japanese citizen needs to know "fast roping" a technique that requires specialized equipment and platforms that are high above the ground such as a helicopter or tower? When will yourt average citizen find himself requiring fast roping?
What average Japanese citizen needs to learn entry techniques and or even own military and police tactical gear? In a country that makes it illegal to even have a handgun! I guess there are enough Otakus to make this a viable business. Self-Defense Instructor Tim Larkin too Deadly for the UK? - Guns ... The English article brings up an interesting point. Is it necessary to teach methods of killing to defend yourself? What about the legal ramification? What do they say about the PTSD that many soldiers are suffering after returning from Afghanistan? Sad.
My answer is the the following.
Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba stated,
"The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter — it is the Art of Peace, the power of love."
"There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within."
There was no practice today. Instead we had our annual Jodo Mission Bon Dance! It is an important part of continuing our Japanese traditions and heritage. Here in Hawaii, we must be approaching the 6th generation of Japanese-Americans. I'm a 3rd generation. We should never forget our "roots" .
Bon Odori is not complete with food! Okinawan Andagi getting fried up!
Naturally everything is made from scratch!
Hawaii "Meibutsu" KC Waffle Dogs! There's Hot dog hidden in the waffle!
My Jodo Special Shave Ice! Azuki beans, strawberry syrup and condensed milk!
Dekiagari-! Forget the calories....for today!
Fuse brothers. Good form kids! Osu!
Waiting for the Bon Dance to start. Rain is no problem.
Travis and his sister Torri, Good students! OSU!
Dancing in the rain. (^^)
Kouhei and his brother. Nice You no Kamae there! OSU!
Dancing around the Yagura
The dancing crowd growing.
Perhaps only in Hawaii folks bring lawn chairs to watch the dancing!
For the first time this year, Temaki Sushi. (^^) It was popular!
It is good to see the younger generations taking part and keeping our heritage and traditions alive!
