Just thinking out loud ( ^ ^ )

     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!

OSU!

CONGRATULATIONS YACHIYO SENSEI! Y(^^)Y

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." 

Thomas J. Vilord

Purpose of Budo ( ^ ^ )

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."

Osu!

BON ODORI

    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!

MAHALO! 

人一能之、己百之。人十能之、己千之。

人一能之、己百之。人十能之、己千之。

Good Morning! Thought I'd share this quote from the Chinese Classics. It comes from the Chuyou
「中庸」it's contents  can be interpreted (**not a direct translation of the kanjis itself**) as "the never changing correct reason"  正しい道理.  Confused? Not to worry, sometimes or rather I should always for me, translating philosophical themes are a challenge. What seems clear in one language is often muddled when changed into a different language.
So please bear with me! ( ^^ )
   Most of you know that the bulk of my karate students are children.  I am fortunate that there is a solid group of adults that continue to train and support the Yokohama Dojo as well as Makiki Dojo. without their help, it would definitely a challenge. One of the biggest concerns I have had in the past (note past tense) is the development of the children. Some are "naturals", others require more time in training. At the rate of one practice a week I do not expect rapid development in their skills. After all how many really practice at home in-between  classes? To be honest, I sometimes get too concerned and fret over the lack of development. That is when I remind myself of this teaching from the Chuyou.
    So, what does it mean? In very simple terms; While the gifted may master some things in one or ten tries,  an ordinary person can attain the same level practicing it hundred times or a thousand times over.
The key is not to give up! Always maintain the spirit of challenge. I think this applies to both the students and Senseis. Osu!

Foot note: 中庸伊is the compilation of teachings with regard to proper reasoning, if you will.  中 signifies no biases while 庸signifies 永久不変（eikyu fuhen) permanency of no changes.  It is a form of Confucianism and considered one of the four pillars of Confucianism. The other three are 論語 Rongo, 孟子 Moushi and 大学Daigaku.
Makiki Dojo

      Had a very good session last night. Yachiyo was not able to make it due work, but 5 parents participated so the kids were better behaved??? Gahahahaha
Did the usual Kihon in a circle with Sophia, Raistlin, Takuma,  and Riki taking turns at leading the class. I find it a very useful method for improving the kid's waza as well as self-confidence. Or perhaps I am just getting lazy at being Sensei. ( ^ ^ ) After kihon we worked on taisabaki using cones as markers. Fufufufu, some still have a tad difficulty with their right and left. Started off withe just shifting off the center line, then added counter punches and topped it off with hikkake and knee strike.
Ended the session with kumite. I first had the adults attack me. All need to develop the "killer instinct"and get comfortable with hitting full power. ( ^ ^ ). Then the kids turn. It is amazing how some "lambs" turn into "tigers"! If they would only due their kihons withe same intensity! Gahahahaha
     Shuma  couldn't figure out why his punches and kicks had no effect on elicting displays of pain from me. The harder he tried the more I smiled. It was a good opportunity to correct his punching skills. This was the first time for Kouhei's Dad to taste full contact. He was surprised that the mommies punches and kicks actually hurt! Welcome to the world of full contact karate. OSU!
    It was good to see Torri and Travis back from their long summer vacation! Welcome back!
    Next Saturday is Bon Dance for the temple so no practice!

Hmmm need to get Shihandai to start posting for Yokohama Dojo! ( ^ ^ )

Just some scenes from Hawaii (^^) Enjoy!

 Blue skies of Hawaii

 Hawaiian style BBQ chicken known as "Huli Huli Chicken" Huli means to turn over.

 One of out many feathered friends at the beach.

 Hawaii has many beautiful plants and flowers.

 Typical sunset in Hawaii

 This flower blooms only at night!

 Recent Full Moon over Hawaii 

 Friday night fireworks in Waikiki seen from my balcony.

Another pretty flower.

Summer vacation is over! ( ^ ^ ) ( @ @;)

     ( ^^ ) Summer vacation is over and the Pokemons are back in force minus a few! Most of July was spent away from the Dojo as well due to my mother's passing.  And, the Pokemons were also spread to the winds as they visited grandparents out of Hawaii or just taking a family trip to Disneyland. It was really great to see all those faces in the Dojo!
     Unlike Yokohama Dojo, Makiki Dojo has no senior adult black belts to assist me. My wife is usually busy at her work and rarely makes it to practice. When she does it helps a lot as she can take over the latter half of practice and help the mommies and dad group. That leave only the Pokemons! Now I would be lying if I said it's "duck soup" (Hawaiian English slang for super easy) On a full plate I have 20 kids ranging form 5 years old to 12 years old to look after. Each has his/her own unique personalities with strong and weak points. On top of it all are "kids" and time to time they will be just that "themselves".
      Now, teaching Karate is not your typical classroom environment where the kids are seated and tasks given. You have to teach them movement while keeping on eye on their safety. If you concentrate on one you miss out on 19. ( - -; ) All are motivated in different ways and requires different approaches.
If you concentrate in those who need more help then the ones that are already capable get bored and their concentration disappears.
      Indeed it is a  challenge for me! But I live for it! I probably get more form them than they get from me! It's been rather hectic that I haven't been able to video the classes or special sessions. Hopefully I can get a parent to help out with that!
     Kobudo has been now added to our curriculum, thanks to Ishado Shihan of Ryukyu Kobujutsu ShureiKai. Since the only other Yudansha in Makiki is my wife, we are the only ones qualified to practice it. Once one of the adults make it to brown belt then perhaps I can have them practice the Bo, Tonfa and Sai. Meanwhile, I need to pick up on my own training. Perhaps I can interest Take, Steve and Miwa to join me on Mondays for Kobujutsu. I'll need to have Shihandai Nagaie send me a training curriculum. Meanwhile I'll have to rely on my rapidly fading memory long ago Kobudo training! (^^)

A new adventure. Hopefully I will be proficient in Bo, Tonfa and Sai by the time I go to Japan next year. Ganbarimasu.