Sunday, March 25, 2012

Spring is around the corner!

Cherry Blossom Season is coming soon in Japan. (^^)
       I do miss the parties underneath the Cherry Trees. But like anything done in moderation all have a good time, out of control partying causes grief all around. April is the time in Japan when cases of Acute Alcohol Poisoning sky rockets. Why? It is the season for graduation, entry into employment, acceptance into colleges. People naturally celebrate. Colleges are infamous for welcoming parties where alcohol is literally forced upon freshmen. AND freshmen are not even legal drinking age! I think the responsibility goes to everyone involved. Why a sad thing to read about a death from Acute Alcohol poisoning at a time when a new start in their lives was to begin.
    I'm not quite sure if there is a mistaken image of being able to hold your drink being  synonymous with practicing martial arts. Both in my Judo and Karate careers alcohol was there. Much more in Japan. When I reflect upon it, it was a foolish thing. Worse yet the Senpai/Kohai connection raises its ugly head. I am not against drinking. Only against excessive drinking. At Gasshukus the pecking order dictated everything, including drinking. Refuse a Senpai? Goodness No! The good news I hear is that it is changing in Japan through all levels of society. (^^)
    While pretty, the cherry blossoms also project an image of sadness.as its life is short. The suicide pilots in World War 2 referred to themselves as Douki no Sakura. I want my students to be like the Matsu, Pine tree, roots firmly embedded and strong against even a hurricane. Only dedicated training allows you to achieve that.
Having fun with my Pokemons (^^)
      It is like having a bunch of grandchildren. Gahahahaa. I can't expect any from my daughter for a while I think! She's too deep into her anime world, producing stories and publishing with her artist partner. (^ ^)

Introduction to Kumite Basics.
    The kids really enjoy kumite. Next week they start on the body contact. I think they already know that contact is not something that tickles! (^^)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia   
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (often known simply as Seneca; ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and in one work humorist, of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and later advisor to emperor Nero. While he was later forced to commit suicide for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to assassinate Nero, the last of the Julio-Claudian emperors, he may have been innocent.[1][2] His father was Seneca the Elder and his elder brother was Gallio.

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult" How true. Goes hand in hand with the spirit of Osu!


     I came across the above video today.  I want to share it with all my students and friends. Will be required watching for my Pokemons for sure (^^). The human spirit is awesome.  

     Former NCIS colleague and fellow Karate-ka Gary paid a surprise visit to Yokohama Dojo this month.  Shihandai William is in Chicago for a month as part of his Doctor's internship. In good timing Nagaie Shidoin has transferred back to Yokohama. The kids will be delighted!



Sunday, March 18, 2012

GREAT NEWS FROM YOKOHAMA! (^^)

Just received word that Nagaie Shidoin,  "Mr Rescue", is being transferred back to Yokohama in April! Great news for Yokohama Dojo as Shihandai William will be in US for medical studies for a while.
As far as I know there aren't any international conferences scheduled for Yokohama that would keep Nagaie san uber busy! I am so happy for Yokohama. Nagaie Shidoin is a a top notch leader and the kids love him as well.
Now need to make sure Shihandai stops in Hawaii on his way home from his training. (^^)
This news certainly brightened up my day (night actually).
Welcome back Nagaie Shidoin!

STUDY HARD SHIHANDAI! DON'T LET ALL THE PRETTY INTERNS AND NURSES DISTRACT YOU! (^^)
MAKE SURE TO STOP BY HAWAII ON YOUR WAY BACK!
OSU!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

一年 One year


It has been one year since I found myself watching the news of the tsunami at Shinbashi Station and then spending the night at the evacuation center. That afternoon I was on my way to Kodokan in Hakusan when the earthquake hit. I can still recall the tremors and watching the big ferris wheel at Korakuen swaying as well the buildings. After that it was a continuous broadcasts of the horrors of the tsunami and earthquake in Tohoku.
My prayers go out to the deceased and survivors of the tsunami and earthquake.
Makiki and Yokohama Dojos will continue to do what we can to assist in the continuing recovery of Tohoku.
Osu!