January 26, 2013 Keiko

Good turnout today. The kids have so many other activities as well. (^^) Not enough time in a day!
Did our usual kihon keiko in the circle with Senpai Pokemons taking turns leading the group.
After kihon all concentrated on polishing their kata for the Enbukai coming up at the end of February.
Alas, I was hit with a sudden relapse of  chills and fever so I supervised from the side and the adult Senpais run the class. Here are some photos of today's practice.

Senpai Pokemons take turns leading Kihon Keiko. Riki leading Te Waza.

Danika leading Hiji Waza Sequence

Takeru leading Uke Waza Sequence.

The usual Kihon Circle 

Senpai Pokemons helping the Minis learn Kihon Kata

Older Pokemons going through their Katas under the watchful eye of Senpai Michael.

Pokemons working on their kata.

Attention to detail!b

Yukiko Senpai leading the adults in Heian 1

Yachiyo Sensei was able to make at the last minute!

Yachiyo Sensei leading adults in Heian 2

Shuma and Takuma working on kumite skills for their 2nd time.

Nice back kick and nice evasion. (^^)

Puu Pia Hike

Hawaii is well known for its beaches and plethora of ocean activities. But Hawaii has many beautiful hiking trails that take you into the solitude of the mountains. It had been a while since i took a hike into the valley or mountains, so I decided to hike into Manoa Valley which is a few miles from my apartment. I think that it is important to balance our Budo training. Shin Gi Tai心技体。There always should be a balance, too much or too little of one is not healthy.
I like to hike into the mountains for a spiritual cleansing. There are several spots that I go to for some meditation and to cleanse my mind, body and soul. The fresh mountain air, the gentle breeze, the rustling of the trees, the warmth of the sun does wonders.
Go and Ju. Hard and Soft

View of Manoa Valley and surrounding mountains.

Almost there! (^^)

The path leading up to the ridge.

Better watch out for the head! 

Hmmmm. A rock message???

The roots make good hiking boots a must!

View of Honolulu and the sea.

The usual "Kinen Shashin" at the top of the ridge.

My meditation spot. You can feel the energy from the mountains.

Hawaii is a very spiritual place and there many so called energy spots.
It is up to the individual to believe or not, but for me the natural beauty of the islands are enough to reenergize the mind, soul and body!
OSU!

Wakiki Sunset 1-11-13

Thought I'd share my first real attempt at making a musical video. (^^) 

Still a long ways to go and more practice! Just like Kata! Gahahahaha

Please enjoy the beautiful sunset of Hawaii. OSU!

Sunrise and Sunsets in Hawaii are the best time to meditate and clear the mind and soul.

Lucky I live Hawaii! Hawaii No Ka Oe! 

Taibatsu 体罰

自殺前日 教員2人が体罰黙認

Let me start off that I am a true believer in Yamamoto Isoroku's philosophy of leadership. Let me quote him.

"やってみせ、言って聞かせて、させてみせ、

ほめてやらねば、人は動かじ。

話し合い、耳を傾け、承認し、

任せてやらねば、人は育たず。

やっている、姿を感謝で見守って、

信頼せねば、人は実らず"

"Demonstrate, explain, let them try, give praise, or they will not move.

Discuss, lend you ear, acknowledge them, let them be responsible, or they will not grow.

Watch with appreciation what they doing and trust them or they will not blossom."

I abhor physical punishment. I sincerely believe that everyone has a capacity to learn from their mistakes, rectify it and continue to improve through encouragement and positive advice. 

What saddens me are the comments made by the assistant coach and other coaches that were present when the coach physically punished the player (high school kid).  They make statements such as, "The coach was my mentor so I couldn't say anything", "We were not of position to interfere with the coach", He is a splendid coach so....." Where did the responsibility of taking care of their students go?

They are educators and coaches. They all acknowledge that the coach's actions were wrong, then why did they not stop it? 

I too must be aware of my own actions. Words can be as damaging as physical punishment. 

OSU!

Hatsu Keiko Y(^^)Y

A good turnout for the first Dojo practice. The bad weather did not keep the Pokemons away!

The theme for the new year is Spirit! 

Getting the Pokemons to face the camera is a challenge worthy of a Black Belt! Y(^^)Y

      A short video from the Hatsu Keiko. The Mommies have little experience in Kumite, so you can see the hesitation on the contact. (^^) They will soon learn the excitement and good feeling of full contact kumite in a while. On the the hand the Pokemons! They were all grinning like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Gahahahahaha!

(- -;) My Pokemons seem to prefer kumite than kata. They are coming along , but their spirit isn't as high as when they are doing kumite. Currently they are building up to jiyu kumite, but they know that they have to show more dedication to kata before I grant them their wish.  Fufufufufu. 

Review of Kihon

I started this series after reviewing last year promotion evaluations. Hopefully I can continue to make more videos. Those that have access to my FB page may have seen these already. This videos are meant to help all our members of Yokohama and Makiki Dojos continue to improve on their skills and at the same time gain a better understanding of the karate they are  learning. (^^)  It would be ideal to make these videos with a partner and cameraman, but I always get too focused on teaching at the Dojo and forget to make the videos. Gahahahahaha So until I get my Makiki members to help out it will be a one man show! Osu!

Haouli Makahiki Ho! Y(^^)Y

After some struggles our New Year Greetings!
My resolution for 2013 is to improve my video editing and posting skills!
May have a looooong wait though! Y(^^)Y


video.php
For some reason I couldn't upload the video here, so here's the link to my  good friend Tony Sensei of Kesshinkai Dojo, New York doing his 2013 Sunrise practice in the snow! Y(^^)Y Snow in the hair in New York, Frost and grass in the hair in Yokohama and sand in the hair in Hawaii. Gahahahahaha!

2013 Sunrise Practice at Negishi Shirin Kouen. No Snow this year!
Nice smiles! 

2013 Sunrise Practice at Ala Moana Beach Park.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

あけましておめでとうございます！

本年もよろしくお願いします！

New Year Fireworks seen from my veranda.

The first time since I returned to Hawaii of this size!

Of course,  I got to see only a small portion from where I live.

But, it was good enough to bring in 2013!

2013 New Year Sunrise (^^)

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

OSU! 押忍！