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!