Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama was in Hawaii the other week. I wanted to go, but alas the tickets were sold out several days before the event. I tried to see if I could get in at the site, but, no luck. (- -;) I really wanted to hear him speak. Oh well, I guess I'll have to be satisfied with You Tube! (^^)

"An affectionate disposition not only makes the mind more peaceful
and calm, but it affects our body in a positive way too.  On the
other hand, hatred, jealousy and fear upset our peace of mind, make
us agitated and affect our body adversely.  Even our body needs peace
of mind and is not suited to agitation.  This shows that an
appreciation for peace of mind is in our blood."

"Just as we should cultivate more gentle and peaceful relations with
our fellow human beings, we should also extend that same kind of
attitude towards the natural environment.  Morally speaking, we
should be concerned for our whole environment.

"This, however, is not just a question of morality or ethics, but
also a question of our own survival.  For this generation and for
future generations, the environment is very important.  If we exploit
the environment in extreme ways, we may receive some benefit today,
but in the long run, we will suffer, as will our future generations.
When the environment changes, the climatic condition also changes.
When the climate changes dramatically, the economy and many other
things change.  Our physical health will be greatly affected.  Again,
conservation is not merely a question of morality, but a question of
our own survival."-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from 'The Dalai
Lama, A Policy of Kindness', published by Snow Lion Publications.

My purpose in pursuing martial arts goes in line with what Dalai Lama espouses. Through my Shugyo I hope to gain the state of mind which will contribute to the well being of others.  Of course, easier said than done. We all have emotions and it would be a lie to say I have it under control 24/7. (^^)  Is there peace with my wife all the time? Fufufu. 

Well as they say in Japanese., Shugyo ga tarinai. (^^)

We really need to take a close look at how we use our natural resources and reevaluate our life styles. Do we use water, gas , electricity as though there is no end to the supply? What does air conditioning due to the outside temperature. Do we need to have cars, buses and buildings feel like freezers? I remember the Dojo in Okinawa, there was no AC. (^^) The Dojos in Makiki and Yokohama don't either.  
I still recall the cold floors of the Takigashira Elementary School during the winter months.  Here in Hawaii I just worry about dirty feet from the concrete floor. Lucky we live in Hawaii.

Makiki Dojo

Welcome to Kouhei and his Dad! It is always great to have children and parents practice together. (^^) 


Additional class starts from May 8th, Monday from 5PM to & 7PM.  I am looking forward to spending time with the students. The last hour will be dedicated to adult practice, but with anything,  it will be flexible enough to address any other training needs. 


Mahalo to Sophia-chan and her mom for helping mop the floor before practice every Saturday.
it is in the true spirit of Samu (作務). We clean the Dojo before practice so that we all can enjoy practice. We also clean at the end of practice in  appreciation of the use of the Dojo. I hope that more members can find the time to join us in Samu. 

Yokohama Dojo

Welcome back to Mr. Rescue aka Nagaie Shidoin. Hope his new posting will allow him to spend time at the Dojo. (^^) I know the kids are super happy to see him again!


Shihandai William is now at Harvard Medical School as part of his medical internship. Best of luck on his studies. I know he will make a fine Doctor! 


Hopefully I will be able to go to Japan in June for a short visit to Yokohama Dojo. Just as before I will schedule additional seminars while in Yokohama to share new and old training methods.
I wanted to see the Sakura and enjoy some Shochu with everyone but it didn't work out.

Reminder

There is a Kimura Dojo thread on my Face Book account as well. Please take a peek. The Karate Baka thread is primarily for other instructor friends where we exchange ideas. Let me know if you want to join the group!  You need to make a FB account though. (^^)

Recent Kimura Dojo Videos

Basic Training in maintaining a Safety Zone, Front leg shift to avoid a Mae Geri, Redirection of the kick and securing a position  to counterattack,

Mawashigeri Drills and Bon Odori Block

Taisabaki Drill using Flag football gear. (^^) Kids need to understand the rules better.

The "Circle" core of our Dojo Formalities

More Dalai Lama quotes.

"Before we can generate compassion and love, it is important to have a clear understanding of what we understand compassion and love to be.  In simple terms, compassion and love can be defined as positive thoughts and feelings that give rise to such essential things in life as hope, courage, determination, and inner strength.  In the Buddhist tradition, compassion and love are seen as two aspects of the same thing:  Compassion is the wish for another being to be free from suffering; love is wanting them to have happiness."-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from "The Compassionate Life", available from Snow Lion Publications.