My dear mother passed away this morning at 0130 hours. She lived her fullest for 85 years and 2 months.
I last spoke with her on Memorial Day. Now she is with my dad watching over me as they have always done. My heartfelt gratitude to my parents for bringing me into this world and giving me their love.
OSU!
June 3, 2012 Sunday
Picked up my mother's ashes this morning. Now she is next to Father enjoying being at home together and resting until their final journey out to sea.
My parents wanted their ashes to be claimed by the sea. Dad had to wait awhile for Mom, but now they are together once again. (^^) Ashes scattering arrangements were made for this coming Sunday at Sunset.
The three of us. 1950
June 6, 2012 Wednesday . Beautiful flowers arrived from Yokohama Dojo (^^)
ありがとうございました。押忍！
June 8, 2012 Flowers from Sensei Tony and members of Kesshinkai Dojo, New York
My parents must be enjoying the lovely flowers surrounding them.
Mahalo to all my Budo friends!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
All things must come to an end. That is a reality that cannot be avoided, delayed perhaps, but eventually the time will come to say good bye. This week, my mother was taken to Emergency for complications of pneumonia as well as effects of not being able to eat. Parkinson's Disease has made it difficult for her to swallow anything. She chose not to undergo force feeding via tubes inserted through her nose and into her throat. I am told some patients have to be tied down due to the pain involved. I must abide by her wishes. So for how long will she will last on IV and Antibiotics? Will she be able to regain enough to swallow and take nourishment.
After a discussion with the attending physician, it was decided not to go the force feeding route. So now, I must concentrate on how to have my mother comfortably pass her time away until the end. I will be in consultation with doctors in the Palliative care. I ma grateful for all the care the care taker has provided for my mother and my deceased father. But now, she may not be able to handle aspects of palliative care. Of course that is just one of several options that needs to be considered. I will have to rely on the doctors for the medical aspects. I will need to concentrate on the mental support not only in relationship with my mother but my own self. That is where all the years of Budo come in.
I am grateful for the lessons learned from my Budo instructors and from the teachings of many religious and philosophical leaders. It is giving me strength when I most need it. I find myself returning to my Budo roots to understand and accept the reality of my mother eventually departing this earth. Things I cannot no longer do for her. Things I should have done for her. It is a time for self reflection and self criticism.
For the readers of this blog, I wanted to share this very private matter because it shows that Budo is not merely a "fighting" or "physical" art. We can all "talk' about the mental, moral benefits of pursuing Budo. But at the end of the day, when faced with certain realities, then do you fully realize whether your Shugyo has been successful. Budo is not about gaining gold medals and trophies. It is not about defeating an opponent with a Jodan Mawashigeri or Shitazuki. Those are just a small side trips on the your travel along the main road seeking the true purpose of Budo.
OSU!
Monday, April 30, 2012
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.
This past week found me watching several videos of senior citizens still actively pursuing their sports. Thought I'd add the links to this post as a motivational tool for my "Senior Citizens" Group aka Sounebu Tokutokusei. (^^) Enjoy and reignite the spirit in your souls! Osu!
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! (^^)
"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!
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! (^^)
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!
