International Shuri Ryu Association Okinawa Kobudo Training Seminar - Fort Wayne, IN

Saturday morning came too soon. Getting up at 3:30 am is definitely not an easy task for anyone, no matter how disciplined they may be. Taking a quick shower to wake up, I grabbed the rest of my gear for my short trek to Appleton to meet up with Sensei for 4:30 am. Today we will drive through 3 states to get to Indiana for the International Shuri Ryu Association Kobudo Training in Fort Wayne which was hosted by Hanshi Robert Bowles, 10th Dan in the Shuri Ryu System.

Sensei and I had 6 hours to get to know each other, for anyone who knows me, I can be quite the conversationalist, I’m pretty confident Sensei was not bored for our 6 hours there and back. We laughed and we joked, we talked about life, our children, his work, my family, martial arts, pretty much everything under the sun. He even took a small detour into Chicago to Ontario Street just to let me say I’ve been in Chicago. We continued our trek and finally reached our destination with only a few minutes to spare, time to dawn our gi and get into the ball room for our 5 hours of training.

We worked the Ecru, which looks much like a paddle. Traditionally this was used as a paddle for the fishermen of Okinawa. If you can envision post world war, where all weapons were taken from the countrymen, they used whatever they used in their typical lives and turned it into a weapon. This paddle was a common sight for the little Ryu Kyu Islands since many of the men fished to add food to their tables. Looking at my fellow students holding onto these paddles I was actually able to imagine our Kobudo forefathers as they set out for their days on the ocean finding food. The Kata we were taught had a very long Japanese name, which I will get Sensei to tell me after. We worked it in segments, Hanshi teaching us, us performing, starting over, adding more, and starting over, we did this over and over and over, until the kata was completed. Definitely gives me so much respect for all Kobudo martial artists. We worked this kata for an hour and a half. Over and over, technique after technique being applied. Once we had it completed. Hanshi wanted all of us to perform it with his count, and letting us know that we were about to make history. He was shooting footage for his 2nd DVD coming out on Kobudo kata. So all in unison on his count, we executed the precision moves he had just taught us, knowing we had to perform as perfect as we could because we would be in his video.

After a short break, we started working the sai, the three pronged sword. Hanshi Bowles was consulting with his two assistant Chief Instructors, Glenn Wallace and Mr. Sheraton (these two individuals are wearing the white and red belts in the pictures and have trained along side Hanshi for well over 25 years) in the meantime, we did our practice drills, Tae Kyo Kyu No Sai with low blocks, mid blocks and high blocks, over and over and over. We also did some practice with the sai, on the four levels, which are standing, kneeling, sitting and laying down on the floor, having to keep the sai moving and executing blocks and strikes and continuously moving as if you were defending against an attacker… I wish I had video taped this section because to the observer must have seemed comical. All seminar participants executing blocks and strikes and as Hanshi hit his sai together to make a tinging sound we moved to the next level. Always blocking, evading, and striking. TING.. next level, to our knees, moving from knee to knee, then TING… sitting on our butts, moving and still striking with our sai, then TING, laying on our backs, squirming away from our imaginary opponents, always defending, then TING, back to our butts maneuvering away from our opponents, hitting and striking, blocking, always manipulating our sai to make it look good for Hanshi, TING, back to our knees, crawl walking and executing blocks, and then finally TING back to our feet… walking, evading and dodging, always working our sai. At this point, we were exhausted. Then we sat as Hanshi illustrated the kata we were to learn. I will get the exact spelling of this ancient form from Sensei. After demonstrating the kata for us, we all stared with mouths agape. That was the longest sai form I’ve ever seen in my whole history in the martial arts. Very overwhelmed we all started the first segments, Over and over we practiced just like the ecru, teaching us a segment, practicing the segment, adding more, starting from the beginning putting it all together, teaching, practicing, adding to beginning, this lasted for over an hour. During this hour my body was really rebelling, lack of sleep, sitting in a car for 6 hours, not eating anything, my blood sugar dropped drastically. The floor started to pulsate in my eyes. I was experiencing ringing in my ears, and on the verge of fainting from the heat that was generated in the ball room. In the martial arts you always want to work to your very peak, always striving for perfection, always trying to prove your endurance, but many martial artists lose touch with that and don’t listen to their bodies and hurt themselves in the process. I’m a very proud person, always wanting to appear stronger than what I am, but I knew that if I didn’t stop I would be face down on the floor going into diabetic shock. I bowed, walked around the ballroom on the outskirts, and headed for the corner, many of my fellow students had stopped their practice and whispered their concern to me, I said I was fine to carry on. Getting to the corner, Hanshi had apples and granola bars for our break time and I knew I had to get fast sugar in me, so I took an apple and watched the last ¼ of the kata being taught. My vision was clearing, and my fatigue was replaced with some energy from the energy bars and fluids. After this sai training was over, Hanshi called for another break and at this time, I walked over to him and apologized for stepping off the training floor. Letting him know of my blood sugar issues. He smiled and said that was fine and he was happy I was feeling better, He had also asked me if I was taking part in the bo training. I said, “Of course I am, I won’t miss it for the world.” He bowed to me and let me continue with my break. Sensei came over to ask how I was feeling and we talked, he was concerned but was happy I was sensitive to my limitations.

After a 10 minute break we were all set to do the bo, Hanshi started with some self defense real life applications, I worked with Sensei, disabling his attack by a hit, and moving my bo down into the crook of his arm, twisting and stepping and manipulating him into a take down. We did this with a few techniques. We were almost out of time, so Hanshi split us into three groups, he talked about the 3 kata bo forms he had wanted to teach and we were able to choose which one we wanted to learn. For the most part, my fellow classmates were black belts, so of course they didn’t want to learn a brown belt bo requirement form. I opted for that one, Sensei took a more complex bo form and went with that group of students. The young man who was left to teach us was Colin Brown, this 17 year old boy was phenomenal. He had just been promoted to Sho Dan (1st degree black belt in Kobudo, the previous evening) Very respectful, very disciplined and a student of Hanshi Bowles. He taught how he was taught, being trained under the Chief Instuctor of Shuri Ryu and the founder of the International Shuri Ryu Association definitely has it’s perks. Excellent teacher for such a young person. Extremely proud to have trained with this great person. We walked through this bo form and it was pretty much over.

We stood in line and waited for Hanshi to bow us out. We had the awards ceremony as we stood waiting to bow out. Each participant received a certificate signed and dated by Hanshi. Sensei Joe was called before I was, so I was prepared for my turn to walk up and accept my certificate and shake Hanshi’s hand. Hanshi then called for everyone’s attention and we all bowed out for the day.

Great Seminar, great feeling, definitely going back in the future. Hanshi Bowles is having a spring seminar similar to Hanshi Abele’s symposium, a buffet of martial arts knowledge to be taught and learned, a seminar where you can hand pick which aspects of the martial arts you would like to learn, from ancient Chinese herbs to pressure points, mixed with our physical elements of kata, weapons and discipline. Definitely something I would like to take part in.

Transformations

Lessons to be learned and understood in the martial arts are to be learned by your rank. Tuesday's class came and went and the lesson learned then was that I needed to give myself a little bit rope, not to try so hard for perfection because when you trying to envision yourself as a black belt when just starting out, it isn't conducive to your training as a lower rank. Performance, technique and mental ability all rolled into one when you're nervous is another issue.

Yes, I was extremely nervous. I had never experienced a Shuri Ryu promotion so I wasn't sure what to expect, that in itself give you anxiety for the unknown. Throw in wanting to perform at your absolute best for your spouse just makes it worse. I was a wreck.

Class began, and Sensei did the warm up, same warm up we've done from day one, light stretches, a bit of cardio, and then he made us do stance drills with footwork across the dojo floor. Then he had each of us line up across the floor to do Ippons, Tom doing his higher ones, Ippon 12 and up, Karla doing Ippon 8 and up, and me starting at Ippon 1. He watched as we performed, watching and making us do over should we forget. With my nervousness, I had forgotten about my footwork, and yes, I had to do mine over a few times. Once Ippons were over, same drill with the Kihons, not only was I struggling with my technique but Karla was having difficulties as well. Maybe that's why Sensei had us do it this way because I realized that no matter how hard you practice you will still struggle whether you're a white belt or a green belt. Once this was over, Sensei moved to kata... he gave me a break to catch my breath and also the time to watch other's perform their kata, showing me without telling me to follow their example. Tom performed a new kata he was just taught, Dan Enn Sho. Watching him pause and move through his kata had me thinking about where I should pause, then it was Karla's turn to perform her newest kata, Eppi Sho. By the time it was my turn to perform Wunsu, I knew I was ready, the mistakes I made during Ippons and Kihons were gone, the nervousness gone, all replaced with my main purpose of performing Wunsu to the best of my ability as a white belt who was being promoted to a yellow.

I started the kata confidently, executing my strikes and punches with precision, visualizing my opponent attacking me, forgetting completely that there were people watching me. Snapping my head before I turned, seeing the imaginary attack coming in and responding. When I executed the "tiger turning into the dragon" technique I had paused slightly to show my hand forms, transitioning into the dumping motion of my opponent over my head, doing my spin and step over and finishing my opponent off with a ki (energy yell). Ending the kata with crispness and finality. I was happy, I performed it like I envisioned it. No mistakes.

We also did our self defence techniques, I was only taught the releases for my yellow belt promotion, no locks.

After this was done, Sensei went into his office telling me to take my white belt off, and he came back with my yellow, and had me put it on, giving my husband my white belt to hold on to. So quickly the transition happened that Rob didn't have time to take pictures. My classmates congratulated me and they were asked to work on some self defense. Sensei always gives me a choice in the direction of my training, he said I could pick what I wanted to do next.

Because of my trip to Canada and this being my last class until the holiday season was over, I had thought about what I wanted to learn, because my next step was either Ippons, Kihons, another Kata called Anaku, I thought it would be best to work on my self defense only because I had the foundation of my 5 techniques and we were just adding the locks to the existing ones I had. Sensei was pleasantly surprised I had picked to work on that. After completing the locking techniques to the existing 5 that I had, Sensei told me I had just finished my requirements for blue belt. Just like that. So when I get back after the holidays I will be getting more Ippon, more Kihon, another Kata (Anaku) and some new elements called Taezu Naru Waza. Then I will be ready to transform into a blue belt.

Body Mechanics and Breaking Things Down

Tonight was a very good night. We did our regular warm up, did some Tae Kyo Kyu Warmups, also did Ippon and Kihon, pretty much everything I'm needing for my promotion next week. Went through Wunsu with Sensei watching me and adjusting hands for my advanced techniques, also reassuring that my guard hands were present before my blocks (the advanced technique he's been teaching me). The thing about Sensei is that he will continue to ask, "Do you have any questions?" You don't want to come off as you know it all, so I always say, "no questions for now, but I'm sure there will be in the future." which always makes him smile. Then I practice, and VOILA, I have a revelation, and of course he always wants to know what I just found out. Tonight during one of my Wunsu performances, I had faltered on the part where the "tiger turns into the dragon" thats what I call it.. just sounds cool... but it's where I'm in horse stance, and I'm blocking a double throat grab and countering with a shirt grab simultaneously grabbing the person's inner thigh to throw them over my head, and spinning around and finishing them off. I faltered on the spin. Sensei right away corrects these things, that's what makes him such a superb Sensei, he truly wants his students to be better martial artists than he is. And his critiquing is done in a gentle manner, he shows what I did, imitating what I just did and I actually see where my errors are, then he shows me an alternate way of doing it, and explains the body mechanics of why its more effective this way. So the spot I use to falter at, I don't any longer.

After our regular training was done, he decided to teach us something else, the Principles of Angles, Weak Angles versus Strong Angles. He talked and illustrated with two bo forming an X on the floor, then he stood over them in a horse stance, explaining that facing him in a front stance the opponent would have the advantage, then he switched stances, and we had to let him know what we thought, what was the weak angle and why. Everything Sensei does has a purpose so once we understood the concept, we applied it to a situation. Sensei told me to line up his angles with my angles, but my leg going behind his, and then stepping into a long stance, with my back leg, going even further back, which actually hooks his leg, and dropping him backwards onto the floor. It's kind of hard to envision... so I will explain it this way, standing facing each other, you walk close to the person, standing side by side, hip to hip, put your leg on the inside of his leg, and slide your foot which is inside his leg back, it makes his knee buckle... then of course, he added on the shirt grab, as you walk up to him, you grab his shirt, one hand on each side of his lapels) chest area, continue to walk, and simulatenously sliding your leg in to hook his and drop his body to the floor... I didn't even have to use any effort. And Sensei was laying on his back. It was truly amazing. He saw the look of shock, surprise and pride on my face. Pure body mechanics and a bit of science... this sport is exactly what my soul needed. It amazes me the more I go to my classes, the more I learn, the knowledge is actually seeping into my whole being.

My Sensei.... MINE!!!

Well got to class and realized at 5:45 that I was going to have Sensei all to myself again. I love when I'm the only student in class because he does more advanced stuff with me and also lets me dictate what I want to learn that day.

I wanted to be more fluent in the attacker's portion of Wunsu Bunkai. We worked on this for a good portion of the class. First we performed Wunsu Kata together 2 times, Sensei making sure I wasn't have difficulty with the new nuances he taught me on Tuesday. Then I was the defender for 3 rounds of the kata. Sensei correcting stances, explaining techniques and making sure I understood it. Then it was my turn to finally do the whole attacker's series on Sensei. We did this several times, stopping and talking about the technique, how it felt as we moved in our choreographed fight/dance. As Sensei defended, having 15 years + experience in this particular style, I was amazed at how fluid he was. Just by watching him perform, I anticipated what my role was. It was finally clicking. I understood and gained much more knowledge. Sensei completed the kata and asked me if I had observed anything during the wunsu bunkai, I told him that I was always off his center line, always made to move to get back in line. With that answer I received a huge smile as my reward. As we performed again, more and more questions started to emerge and the more questions I asked, the more answers I received. I was transforming into a sponge and I was loving it!!

We discussed the augmented block/knife hand guards at the end. Sensei corrected the position of my back hand to make it reverse parallel with my lead hand. As he did this, I asked him once again, why? Then he said later on there will be applications to the augmented block... and also gave me insight saying, "anytime there is an augmented block, strike, etc.. we know that something else is happening behind the scenes, you will find out later as you advance so keep that in mind."

I love having Sensei all to myself, yes I am still a white belt, preparing for my yellow belt in the next few weeks, but when we have our one on one class times together, he makes me feel like an equal.

Advancement in the new future...

Sensei has decided to add the subtle nuances into my Wunsu Kata now. Those would be more advanced variations to the same thing, now that I know the order of the sequences, have the footwork, stances, timing, and hand positioning down, he's now giving me another item to work into the kata to make it even more powerful and efficient. This normally doesn't happen until you're a green belt, but since the previous experience in the arts, Sensei feels I'm ready to add these items in. For the most part, its an easy thing to do now... basically what he wants me to do is to have a guard hand out before I execute a block in my kata... makes the technique more efficient, more accurate and more powerful. I'm not sure if he thought he was doing the right thing by teaching me this tonight, but when I did the first technique without a hitch, I saw his body language say that he made the right decision. He was definitely happy that I was able to do it. He told me to continue with the kata as he watched and critiqued the kata as I did it.

After doing all the new advanced adjustments. He smiled, looked me in the eye, and said, you're ready for your promotion. Your promotion date is sent for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. So after several months of training, many hours of classes, several trips to Canada, I will be finally ready to step out of my white belt and into a yellow belt. After that, I will go for my blue, then green, purple, brown then finally black... but lets just concentrate on the next few weeks... I have a long way ahead of me, but the foundation is laid, now I'm ready to start building.

Learning from your mistakes and loving this deadly art.

My Saturday morning started a bit different than normal. I got to the dojo at the regular time on Saturday, which is 7:30 am. Driving into the parking lot, I am met by being the only car in the lot. Instantly I backtrack in my head to see if I may have missed something Sensei had said. Did he say there was no class on Saturday? No. Hmmmmm… I wonder what’s up this time. As I sit and wait, I’m thinking over and over to see if there was any clue of him not being here today. Since I have no phone numbers I can’t call either. No one had left me an email saying there was no class. It’s now 7:52. Then I see John pull into the parking lot, he gives me a wave from his spot. Then I see Tom… Okay, Tom has a key, maybe something came up and there was no time to shoot anyone a quick email. Tom opens the door and him and John go in, I’m still fumbling with all the stuff I’m bringing to class. Having my arms loaded up with my gei, bo, sai case and sai, nunchaku and purse, once I know everything is secure I head towards the dojo across the parking lot.

Tom is busy turning on all the lights as I get inside. He’s talking away about what we’re doing today, saying since Sensei’s not going to be there, we will do review of all weapons and go from there. Since it’s close to the official start of class, I went into the change room and got into my gei.

Grabbing my bo, we all got onto the main training area to bow in. After doing a quick warm up using the bo, Tom also did some drills across the floor to get some cardio to start our blood moving. After that, Tom decides to incorporate into our drill the new move that I will be executing in my Tsue Sho Bo Kata. It’s a complex technique that when looking at it as an outsider, resembles a helicopter motion over the head, with a downward strike, another helicopter motion over the head and switching the side you’re striking on. We walked across the floor getting this technique down.

Being over zealous in the martial arts sometimes is a bad thing, especially when practicing your weapons. With any technique, you should go slow, concentrating on the technique before you try to be an expert at it without laying the foundation. Over confidence is also a bad thing. Executing this move across the floor and walking seemed to come naturally after repetition. So I decided to pick up some speed. Making the pretend helicopter whirl… BAD MOVE! As the bow came over as I stepped, my hand wasn’t in its spot from the last move, which caused the bo to richochet off the side of my head close to my ear. Yeah… that was really smart!! When getting hit your automatic reaction is to react. Well I tensed my neck muscles and felt my whole neck spasm. So as I type this, my neck is very sore, not just on one side, but along both of the muscles that lead to my back. It will go away after much TLC.

After getting this move down to Tom’s satisfaction we incorporated it into the bo form, Tsue Sho, which is a brown belt requirement. With everything thus far, I have come to realize that what is taught to me has another application that makes it even more difficult to execute. That is why we do the baby steps, learning the more complex things to add onto more complex things. We practiced the form to my last stopping point, then added this new element, which I will refer to as THE HELICOPTER technique. After doing my last block, Tom shows me the next sequence of moves, just telling me to watch. His foot pivots out from side horse stance into a front stance but it’s deeper, looks like he’s lunging (leopard stance) as he does this the helicopter technique is executed, as his knee drops and becomes stationary he executes the first strike, then whirls the bow to the other side of the body for the other strike. He turns to me and says, now you’re turn… I’m still in head shake as he says this. As I start, I’m looking to him for guidance, he walks me through the sequence by talking to me as I do it. Coaching me with his words. Telling me to pivot my foot, getting into front stance, then dropping my knee, starting the helicopter, striking, as my knee stops, then doing the reverse helicopter over my head and striking again. I DID IT!!! He tells me to practice these sequences to build muscle memory.

He leaves me for a small time to check on Tom and Karla. Without him there, I feel my achy head throbbing. When you’re doing something the pain goes away so I start to move, practicing until he comes back. Tom and I have grown to know each other quite personably, we always question each other about the techniques, always wanting to know why… so of course, when he comes back I have questions. Why do we do this, what is the bunkai for this, etc. As I have him stand in front of me while executing my new taught sequence, I’m aiming at his body as I try to gain a better understanding of why. Doing the first strike, slowly, I tap his knee, then finish executing the sequence, he grins at me and says, you know if you would have been going faster with more power, my kneecap would be on the other side of the room, with that little tap I felt it go up my body.

This particular style is so beautiful, it has become an art form to me, but with much practice, proper training and a bit more strength and power, the martial arts can be a deadly adversary to have on your side.

Domo Aregato

There is always one person who changes your life for the greater good. One who reminds you of your capabilities and true potential. One who stands behind you even when you're at your weakest point in your life and gives you that extra push, not demanding, but gently, ready to catch you when you fall and to lift you up and get you moving again.

During my training thus far, there were times I wanted to circum to my weaknesses and fatigue, feeling utter defeat over not being able to be perfect. And each and every time, I was thrown back into the ring. That towel being taken away from me before I was ready to throw it in. Not by a physical push, by gentle words of wisdom and insight from an outsider's point of view.

There were instances where I felt physically and mentally incapable of going to my classes due to stress building from days of being a stay at home mom. But I was always reminded why I was doing what I was doing, reminded of the love I have for my renewed passion, reminded how far I've come so far and also reminded of the results of my labours.

Years ago when I had transformed into someone else, not myself, this is when I was reminded of my great first true love. I was taken to an awesome performance, the Shaolin Monks. This performance reminded me what proper training, determination and love for an art could achieve.

Today I want to thank you. Thank you for standing by me and believing in me when I lost my faith. Thank you for gently pushing me to be the better person you know I am capable of. Thank you for picking me up when I feel weak and not able to go on. And thank you so much for being my partner in life, not only do I have a wonderful loving husband, but I have a best friend who not only teaches me the difference between right and wrong through your own actions but someone I can confide in and knowing you will be honest with me even when the truth hurts.

Thank you Rob, for being you. Without you, I would never have started down this path of healing, love and better understanding of myself.

About Being A Part Of Something Greater Than Yourself

Well yesterday I received a nice little surprise in the form of an email that Sensei sent to me. It was an invitation to attend "a Kobudo Seminar" in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We would be car pooling to attend the day event, leaving dark and early on Saturday, November 21 at 5:00 am, to drive the 6 hour drive to Fort Wayne, then attending the seminar from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, then driving back and getting back to Appleton at about 11:00 pm. Sounds pretty nonchalant right? Well, the seminar is the International Shuri Ryu Association Kobudo Seminar hosted by Hanshi Bowles, who happens to be a 10th dan in Shuri Ryu. YIKES!!!!

After doing a bit of questioning and a bit of online research I found out the rest of the information last night and about the International portion today. I had mentioned that it was a goal of mine to meet and train with all the Chief Instructors, well that may just happen, sooner than what I had thought. Very EXCITED!

I am completely in awe of this new found/renewed passion of mine. Years ago up in Canada, I trained, went to tournaments, met but didn't really meet some great martial artists but never had the chance to learn and train from them. I wish I could record all of these special moments so I can review them over and over again... minute detail by minute detail.

I feel like a small little fish in a huge ocean filled with great fish, not being devoured but allowed to swim along side them, learning how to be a great fish. Maybe I'll try to transform from that fish into a sea sponge, and just soak up all the information so that I can go forth and reproduce from my knowledge.

Revelations of the Cranky Karate Mom

Today was a very frustrating one. I was very crabby, and it seemed everything I did, I wasn't doing it fast enough, or good enough, I was always lacking. So to add to my frustrations was the annoyance of not being able to be with oneself, to keep the mood away from others so it doesn't spread like a disease and infect everyone in its path. Well being a stay at home mom, that's not going to happen unless you have some reliable babysitters or a nanny to take care of your children. I was a frazzled mess by the time Rob came home. I sat on the couch and just let the girls climb all over me, I was done even trying to fight and move them off of me. I just didn't care. I was done. I wasn't even going to go to the dojo because the mood I was in. Rob had convinced me otherwise. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes.

I got to the dojo well before my class was to start, so I sat in the change room and read the women in the martial arts magazine I had sitting in my car the last few weeks. At home I don't have time to read during the day, and for the last week or so, Rob and I have become couch potatoes at night. Just spending time curled in each other's arms watching tv. I can't complain. I love snuggling. But I digress. I paged through the magazines reading the articles that interested me and then headed out to the observation area. Karla was watching Beau, her son, in the youth class. I'm hoping she stays for the adult class because its nice to have female companionship as well. Karla and her son have been away from the dojo for the last week and a half, both had the same cold/flu that Rob and I had. They are on the mend but I let Karla know it will take a while until its fully out of the system.

The youth class is over and Karla is staying. Its just her and I with Sensei tonight. With Karla not being up to par in health, Sensei decided we were going to take things easy. Going over things slowly with only technique, no power, just getting the flow of things, which I was very happy with, especially having the day I just had. We did the Ippon slow, I worked on my 5 once again as Sensei took Karla up to Ippon 12. Then we did Kihon, and same thing, I worked on my 5, while Sensei went ahead with Karla up to 12. Then we did Wunsu Kata, twice, very slowly, just focusing on technique. Then we did Wunsu Bunkai (which is done with multiple partners, this is the application of the kata with attackers) with two attackers. Sensei was attackers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 and Karla was attackers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. We all start together, since I'm defending I'm the one who "calls the shots", with both attackers on either side of me, I call everyone to attention by saying, "Kiotsuke" (meaning Attention), "Rei" (meaning bow), Wunsu Bunkai, Saisho yoi (which translates as first beginning, but is basically the opening of the kata), then I say, "Attackers to position!" The first attacker stands in front of me and I start performing my kata but with purpose, I have people assisting me in the kata, them doing the attacking as I defend. We did this over and over, me being the defending for 3 whole rounds of Wunsu kata, then me being the attacker for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.. once I have these positions all down. I will be ready for promotion. As the defender, I'm having focal issues, when performing the kata by myself and using my imaginary opponent, I'm fine. My technique, timing and performance is great. Performing with attackers, well that's another story. Sensei had talked about a promise, the japanese word he used escapes me and I've looked through my book to find it but have yet to find it, but what it basically translates into is the promise that all students performing bunkai must have for their fellow performers, a promise to do the right move at the right time, so that a person can focus and perform efficiently. We had talked about my difficulties with performing the bunkai not because I don't know the kata but because I'm worried of not being able to get my technique in before I'm hit. So I'm now worried about the timing of other people. Are you seeing a progression here? I am. The other blogs I've written have been about my timing, and my performance and my inner struggles, now I've progressed to the point where its not only me, I'm working and performing with others, and now we have to get insync with each other, finding out how far we should be apart to perform this technique and do this application. This is truly the beauty of Shuri Ryu... it teaches you the basics, the foundation of how you will use your skills and then takes you with baby steps to the next level. Absolute transition with somewhat ease... *grin*.

Sensei commented tonight about my vision for perfection. He says it's admirable to see such passion in a person to be the best they can be, but also to give oneself some slack. He saw I was coming down hard on myself because I wasn't able to perform the way I wanted to, he reminded me to give myself credit and to not waste my energies (being down on myself and disheartened) on minor things (techniques, timing, etc.) he says it will all come in time. There was a time I was a die hard lifer in Isshinryu karate. I didn't see any other style that could compare to my first true love. But now, I see so much more... a new love is developing, maybe it's a more mature appreciation for the art. Maybe it's just a better understanding of who I am now and who I want to become. Its up to me to use the tools that are put in front of me, to be a better parent, a better person and a better martial artist. So I will take my baby steps, and step back from time to time to see how far I've come and also giving myself credit, and see where I'm going, but always with the big picture in mind, that being, not perfect, but the best I can be.

My Daughter's Acclimation To The Dojo

Our family outing started with a short detour to our daughters’ favorite eating establishment, McDonalds. We wanted to make sure that they were fed and reasonably happy prior to getting to the dojo. I was very apprehensive about bringing them but also wanted them to see where I went every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning.

I must say the whole eating in the car as we drive is waaaaaaaaay over rated. I had an orange soda between my feet, to my left (I wasn’t driving, I was shotgun this time) was an opened box of nuggets with fries put into the lid for easy access, a soda in the cup holder for Rob, another soda for myself in the dashboard cup holder, the glove box was open so it held both Rob’s and my fries, and in my hand was my deluxe Angus burger. Yep nothing can go wrong here. I must say, this should be one of the life lessons that should be a college course, for every wannabe parent. After getting situated, we started to move, the soda between my feet rolled over on its side, I was scrambling to put the burger down and to make sure the soda in the dashboard cup holder didn’t spill plus trying to unbuckle my seat belt to retrieve the rolling soda between my legs. I was seeing this wasn’t going at all like I expected it.

Well after the little mishap, onward we went, making our trek to Appleton to acclimate my children to dojo life. Upon arrival, I scanned the parking lot and noticed only Sensei’s vehicle in the parking lot. That’s a good sign, we were a bit early so the girls would be able to go into the dojo and get accustomed to it at their own pace. Getting the girls out of the Tahoe and into the dojo with my gear, their gear and not enough hands was a challenge but once in the door, there was a bit of relief, everyone was safe and sound.

First thing I did was bowed, hoping that the girls would notice this but knowing they would be too busy soaking up the atmosphere. I said hi to Sensei, Kira followed suit as well, she piped up saying, “Hello Sensei, I Kira!” Sensei looked like he melted, I saw the tenderness come into his eyes, Sensei said, “Hi Kira, how are you?” Kira was too busy already wanting to soak in and explore as much as she could, Sensei turned and looked at Nicole, saying, “and who are you?” since Nicole was a bit shy and not ready to answer yet, I spoke for her, “and that’s little Nicole”, Sensei said hi to both of my girls. Kira, like myself on first introduction to this dojo, even before I became a student, wanted to get out onto that mat. She still had her shoes on, so I had to tell her to get her shoes off first. After that, she headed over to Sensei to talk to him, of course, little Nicole followed suit. After about 15 minutes of playing with Sensei, kicking the soccer balls and running around, it was time for my class to start.

I must say that I was very proud of my little 2 year old and 3 year old. When Sensei said to put the balls away and sit down they listened with some coaching from both myself and Rob. I bowed in to start the class with both Tom and Sensei, Karla was still sick so she wasn’t in class. The girls and Rob were sitting in the observation area, my back was towards them so I couldn’t see them, just heard them. Rob was having fun getting them situated, I had packed some crayons and their coloring books and regular reading books should they become antsy. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be too much of a distraction for the class. We started warm ups, all the while, I was focusing my listening on them, doing the exercises to loosen up my muscles but always listening to see if they were behaving themselves.

After warm ups, we practiced Ippon, Kihon, and then Sensei said to review Wansu kata. At this point I believe we heard a crash, and little Kira’s voice saying, “I think I have a problem here.” Turning around I saw she had run into the Shoji screen outside the men’s change room. I looked quickly over at Rob, and he had this look of disappointment on his face, but a look of concern quickly replaced the disappointed look. Rob went and lifted the screen from my daughter and got her back to the observation area. I looked at Sensei, and quickly he said, “It’s okay, it’s okay” The screen was put back up, both my little energetic child nor the screen were damaged.

At this point Rob thought it was best to remove the girls for a bit. They left the dojo to watch a cartoon in the truck outside and also to finish the rest of their snacks. Sensei continued working the Bunkai to Wunsu with me and made me go over and over the techniques. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically. Putting a bit more effort into my techniques, concentrating on the application portions, and wanting Rob to see that “old me”. Over and over I practiced, both with Sensei being the attacker and me doing the defending. Sensei then left me alone to work on things myself as he went to teach Tom his new kata, Dan En Sho.

While I was working the kata by myself I had a revelation on one of the techniques, a part in Wunsu where I’m in cat stance, executing a knife hand thrust , brushing the imaginary punch away and stepping into the punch reinforcement, and then downward strike to the groan part. I had let out an “aaaayyy” in reaction to my revelation. Sensei came over and he said, what did you figure out. I told him what I found out, and how the technique just naturally flowed and he said, “What you have learned is far more advanced than what we teach white belts, good, good, continue… “ I saw the smile of satisfaction on his face, then he stopped me in the next moves to correct my stance and position and explained why I should do it that way. After I completed the kata for the 10th time in this class. I heard my babies come back into the dojo… Sensei looked at me, and said we have time to do the Bunkai one more time, I’m thinking he wanted my girls and my husband to see the progression since they had left. We went through the bunkai, him attacking and me defending as my family watched me. At the end when both Sensei and I bowed and finished the kata and bunkai. My whole body crumbled, the class was over.

We bowed out and everything became informal again, the girls took off their shoes and got back out on the mat and continued their play time with Sensei. After about 10 minutes, I told the girls it was time for our drive home. The girls said their goodbyes to Sensei and we started our way out of the door. Sensei had stopped Rob and was able to talk to him a bit about my progress. It was all good, the exchange left both the special people in my life happy that their meeting and my girls introduction went over well.

When we got back outside, Kira wanted to go back in because she forgot to give Sensei a kiss goodbye. I told her, “You can give him a kiss next time sweety, the next time you come to visit. “

When you don't give up, good things happen

Well after an emotional and deep thinking day, Rob convinced me that I needed my karate. So I started the 45 minute trek to Appleton. At the end of my driveway going onto Brule, two twits in two separate cars decided they were going to have a conversation in the middle of the street. So of course, I waited for them to end their conversation. Proceeding down the road some more, I turned onto Charles Street, and was behind a van that was going to go straight through the intersection but every time she tried to go, another car would come, and since she decided to hog the road, I had no luck in going around her to make my right turn. So there I sat. At this point I was thinking, maybe I should just stay home, the whole day was a huge frustration and it didn't seem like it was getting any better. Finally there was a break, she was able to go forward and through the intersection and I made my right turn onto Webster Avenue. Another intersection ahead I needed to make a left onto George Street, so I can go through the roundabout then over the bridge. A bus is making a left turn at the next intersection on George and Erie. I dove around on the right and got through the intersection. At this point, I was really thinking I was just going to turn around, screw it, people are just annoying me and it felt like the world was just trying to piss me off. Driving down the rest of George Street, I had no problems, down Main Street De Pere and over the bridge, no problems, getting onto Hwy 41 S, no problem. I was on cruise control now.. heading to Appleton. Well I got to the dojo at 5:30. I thought it very strange that Sensei's vehicle wasn't outside, or anyone else's for that matter. I parked, and got out and walked to the door. I called the Dojo, knowing no one was in there but leaving a message for Sensei letting him know I came and left. I went back to my car, and called home letting Rob know I was coming home... Rob suggested I wait until the start time of class just in case, I didn't receive an email or call from Sensei and knew it wasn't like him not to let me know of NO CLASS. So I sat and waited until 5:45. At 5:42, I see Tom driving towards me and park. He looks just as confused as I was. We discuss the possibilities of why Sensei's not there. He did have that seminar in South Carolina over the weekend. But still doesn't explain why Sensei wouldn't have called all of us. Tom leaves. I'm calling Rob to let him know I'm leaving Appleton, and while talking to Rob, Sensei shows up... I tell Rob that class is on. Any normal person would be annoyed. I was more concerned. This is not Sensei's way.

Dawning my gei and stepping out onto the mat, I realized I had Sensei all to myself tonight. This was going to be a good night. Get all my questions answered even the simpler ones I have. Sensei asked me what I wanted to work on tonight. I said Wunsu... he said good, then we will go through the kata, and dissect it... I was in my glory... he also said we were going to do Bunkai, which is the last thing I need for my promotion. I have 5 Ippon, 5 Kihon, 5 self defence moves, 3 Tae Kyo Ku, Wansu Kata and the last piece to the puzzle, the Bunkai (meaning interpretation and application - what the attacker is doing while you perform kata). We worked on this for the whole class, dissecting each move, applying theory, and performing... I was definitely in my element.

One thing I noticed though, doing the defending portion (the kata I've practiced over 100 times now) seemed to have flown out the window. It reminded me how I was when I was trying to learn how to drive a standard vehicle years ago with Crystal. At that time, I already knew how to drive a car, but getting the shifting and clutch thing added into the mix, made me forget how to steer the car. Crystal can attest how uncoordinated I was that day driving her mom's little Geo. I was glad I only had Sensei to watch my struggling. I must say he's a very patient man, and I love him for that. The hour class flew by. It was time to bow out and go home. Sensei and I talked about my future plans on going to Canada at least two more times by Christmas. I told him I wasn't too concerned about when I was getting promoted but had some questions about my daughters and husband coming to watch me when I get promoted. He said he didn't have a problem with it, but wanted me to feel comfortable and not distracted by their presence. He did suggest that they come to some classes prior to my promotion just to get them acclimated to the Dojo environment so that when and if they came to my promotion I wouldn't be distracted. So this upcoming Thursday, Rob and my little future karateka will be coming to watch me. Yes, I'm nervous. I haven't really performed for any of them. I can feel the self consciousness move in and the insecurities. I'm sure that will all dissipate once we all get there and class starts. It will be an eye opener for everyone I think. The girls haven't seen this side of Mommy, and it will show me if they will have an interest in it and maybe even the beginnings of love for the sport.

Alright, Alright. I went back to soon, but can you blame me...

Blame it on my stubbornness, blame it on my pride, whichever you blame, it's still me. Yes, I'm still sick. I needed my karate like a junky needs his drug. I was getting antsy, restless, and just plain tired of being couped up in a house full of sick people. I was past the contagious part of this cold, and I made sure I didn't cough on anyone so I'm all good.

Driving down to Appleton from De Pere has become a period of preparedness for me... I think about what I want to accomplish and get motivated by the music coming from my CD player. Today it was raining, so I had to pay more attention to the road because of it being extra slick and people just driving crazy. The music and being alone was enough motivation and it also put me into a better frame of mind. The week's stress just slowly drained away the closer I got to Appleton. I reflected on the little disagreement Rob and I had this morning and it was due to being couped up in the house and being tired of being sick and not being able to do what I wanted to do. I made a mental note to apologize for my crabbiness once I get home and the girls are in bed. I was feeling much better already, my mental state was getting to where it should be rather than knotted up like a little ball and waiting for the slightest thing to set me off. It's truly amazing what this sport has made me accomplish in such a short time. Now I was able to focus on what I wanted to accomplish tonight, reviewing mentally in my head, I knew I had to focus on power and strength in my techniques in kihon and proper timing in wunsu with the many different foot stances. I had so many questions I needed answered. Okay, I have my game plan, now to execute it. I was on a mission. To kick the cold out of my system and to get some much needed work done.

Upon arrival, I noticed that Karla was sitting in the observation area, gave her a quick hi wave, and headed to the change room. I've been gone for 4 classes, Tuesday, Thursday and the two classes on Saturday, lots can happen in that time span. I saw hanging up on the gei lockers, Karla's new GREEN belt.. she was promoted!!! I was happy for her but also disappointed that I missed watching the promotion. I got dressed quickly and headed out to the observation area. As I rounded the corner, she looked up and I smiled and I said, "You little stinker, you never told me you were getting promoted" then I told her to give me a high five (which now I kind of chuckle at now because that's what I do with my girls when they do something exceptional - Karla took it all in stride though, she's sooo cool that way). I noticed that Karla's son, Beau, was also promoted, he was sporting a new blue belt. I sat and watched the kids class finish up. Smiling when I saw them struggle with getting their techniques just right, thinking about when my own daughters will be doing the same thing in a few more years. Then it was our turn. Tom, our dojo's brown belt was also getting promoted tonight, to his second degree brown, there are three levels, he was on his third when the class started. While we did our warm up, Tom had his own assignments he had to meet for the physical requirements, 30 laps around the dojo, 150 front kicks, 2 minutes 15 minutes on the bag for upper body, and a whole slew of other things, abdominal workouts, leg drills, etc... During our warm up, I was asking Sensei about my promotion what the physical requirements were, he said, "pretty much the same thing, but we give lower belts less repetitions". My first thought was, "OHHHHHHHH JOY... I'm going to knock myself out even before I get promoted with all the running (I am big busted... haha)" Then thought, oh well, at least it's not tonight. As we did our regular warm up, I felt the week's tension leaving, I felt great.

Sensei then started our Ippon drills. This is when I realized I was coming back too soon... not even into Ippon #3 I was already winded. By the time I was doing my 5th Ippon, I was sweating and breathing hard. I was trying to control my breathing so Sensei wouldn't get me to rest (that's my stubbornness coming out and a little bit of pride), by the time I went over them again, I was feeling the sweat going down my back, the breathing was apparent now. Sensei asked me to go through my Ippons by myself and work out any issues I might have. I worked myself into a huge sweat, letting my pride play a huge role in not giving up to my fatigue. I went through them again, making sure I was using my proper stances, and using the floor for extra power in my punches and blocks. Sensei then switched things into doing Kihon... we did this for a while, then started doing kata. All the time, I felt like my body was rebelling against me. My body was crying out to me, "stop, you're not ready to come back" meanwhile, my heart and mind were telling me, "just a bit more, you can do it, just take your time" Sensei then came over to me, to see what issues I was having with the kata. I let him know that this was an Isshinryu/Shuri Ryu conflict again. Trying to do a kata that I was familiar with but in a different style. I also let him know I was trying to get the timing and stances correct. He smiled his knowing smile. This is what I love about Sensei, he teaches me not as a white belt, but as someone who has previous experience in the martial arts. He knows that I'm a perfectionist and knows I will not move forward until I have perfected the first sequences. I have the whole kata, he taught me it, now he sees I'm asking to tweek it and make it better.

We begin the opening, shows me the proper way of standing, how your feet should go out with this move, how they should transition to the next move with the next hand movements, and so on... he gives me the opening and two moves.. then says, work on that... I worked on the opening and the two moves for the remainder of the class. Focusing all my strength and energy into perfecting those small movements and transitions. A sign of a good sensei is letting your student work independently and then watch without watching from a distance. After much personal critiquing, I finally have those movements down. I'm satisfied with what I did. I look up and notice Sensei watching from the area where he's working with Tom, gives me a smile and a head nod. I DID GOOD.

This is going to be an upward battle for me, I'm hoping that as I become more physical, my body will become more healthier and more immune to the colds and flus out there. I now know I came back too soon. I've got a sweat soaked gei that I just put into the wash to be cleaned again. My body told me it was too soon, but my heart and soul told me to go and get what I needed. I feel great but extremely exhausted, now it's time for a shower.

Change of Season Brings Chaos To My Training.

Well since I've been back in the states from my visit to Canada, I've had two very bad respiratory colds. This last one is quite the kick in the face though. I've missed all this week of training. I'm trying to convince myself I'm going to be ready for tomorrow's weapons and karate class. But I'm not a fool, there's no way I will be able to "tough" it out for 2 and 1/2 hours.

So I sit here and wallow in my misery. Since I've started back into the martial arts, I put my heart and soul into getting back the old skills that I've left buried for the past 10-12 years. Refining them and getting myself into the Shuri Ryu frame of mind. I have to applaud myself for all my endeveours thus far because I think I overcame many huge psychological and physical hurtles. Being away from the way of life has made me into a whole different person, both mentally and physically. I've gained well over 100 lbs and lost pretty much all determination at ever getting my black belt. It took one major blow out with my husband, a bit of councelling and a mental kick in the ass from both my husband and myself to do something about the rut I was in. I'm thankful I was up for the challenge because over the last few months, I've seen astonishing results. I'm more happier, have more energy, my whole outlook on life has changed and matured, and I'm getting muscle tone where once there was only dense body mass. Yes, this reflection is good for me. I'm not wallowing in my misery anymore, maybe this cold was just what my mind needed, a mental break from memorizing techniques and looking at how far I've come and accomplished.

It doesn't change how much I want to get back into my studies though. I yearn for more knowledge. Tonight, despite the cold and hard time I'm having just breathing, I took out the nunchaku. This weapon is definitely my nemesis. I'm not saying I detest it. I just don't like how uncoordinated I am with it. The bo and sai were easy to get back into training with. I absolutely love the bo. The nunchaku, not so much. Last week I practiced and practiced, pretty much the whole class just to get one technique to flow, that would be executing a punch then bringing the nunchaku to ready stance on the opposite shoulder. I couldn't get the technique to even remotely go where I wanted it to. So, tonight, after I put the girls to bed, tried the technique for a bit, with no luck. I need more room to maneveur. I'm afraid I'm going to hit the ceiling fan, or accidentally hit our 55 gallon saltwater aquarium or our beloved television. So I will have to just wait for this blasted cold to leave my body. This is Day 6 of the cold, I'm past the contagious part, so I'm good to go to the dojo should my respiratory portion let me in the morning. In the meantime, I will read my reference book, Karatedo - Art Sport Science, and gain knowledge that way.

Hanshi Abele and The Intensive Training Seminar

After meeting Hanshi and had much rest, I am able to reflect on my experience this weekend. What I've learned this past weekend was more than what I expected and has given me the tools to not only be a good martial artists but a great one should I take those tools and reproduce from them.

On Friday night, we went through the body mechanics of why we do what we do in the martial arts and gained insight into using these tools to our maximum efficiency. We broke down techniques, felt how the body should be aligned and used what our individual body types were capable of. Everyone is built different and we need to train our bodies to work to the best that they can perform.


Upon arrival I was greeted at the dojo door by Sensei's son, David. I had my arms full with all my training gear and stuff I was going to use. I had my gi, water, my Karatedo book, my camera, my purse. I shook his hand, introduced myself and went quickly into the change room to get dressed into my gear. I was one of the first to arrive. I wasn't sure who would be attending.


After dawning my gi, I came out into the main foyer, waiting along side David for other people to arrive. Greeting them as they entered into our dojo. Shaking hands and just trying very hard to put all the names to the faces. More and more people started to arrive and they all ducked into the change rooms to get ready. One thing that Michael discussed at the end of the 12 hour seminar was the magic of the uniform. It truly changes and transforms people. Each person I had greeted came out of the change room looking different. There were black belts emerging for the most part. I became nervous. I was attending a seminar with people who had years and years of experience under their belts. I was humbled and excited to gain any knowledge from these strangers.


With the arrival of Hanshi, there was a buzz of excitement. I didn't have to see him, I heard and felt the difference in the air. Everything became serenely quiet. I turned to see where this great man was. I see Sensei go into his office, buzzing around getting last minute things done. I see one of the black belts who I later learn is Sensei Rick. He's carrying his gifts into Sensei's office. I turn and get mine, I wasn't sure if they was formal gift giving, so I don't want to breach etiquette so I follow suit. After getting my gifts, I walk into Sensei's office and there sitting at Sensei's desk is Hanshi Ridgely Abele. Humbled and very nervous I approach the desk with my gifts. One for Hanshi and one for my own Sensei. I had wrapped my gifts traditionally in rice paper and tied with natural earth ribbon, raffia. Quietly waiting for my turn, eyes averted for privacy of the person ahead of me, I wait. I hear Sensei Rick leave and it's my turn. I look up and I'm greeted with a very warm sincere face. I approach and smile, saying, "Hanshi I have brought you gifts to thank you for coming". He becomes informal and says, "bring them here so I can see what you brought me" I had one to him and he tries to open it.. I had done a too good of a job wrapping it without tape, he can't open it, rummaging around Sensei's desk looking for scissors, talking and asking me my name. I introduce myself and tell him I'm a student of Sensei's. Still rummaging around for scissors without any success, he tries to untie the ribbon. I tied things too tight. he tries to pull the string without damaging the wrap. I ask him if he would like assistance since I wrapped it... he gives me the package. I tried untying the knots on the ribbon. I can't even do it. Smiling up at him, I say, "well I'll bite the ribbon" I get the ribbon off the package and hand it back to him. He opens his gift. I had selected a CD for him to listen to after his classes just to unwind. Not just a regular mediation CD, but a selection from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, music I've just been introduced to by my wonderful husband. A beautiful Hawaiian mix from the Gentle Giant. Hanshi thanked me and smiled. I bowed to him and let the next person present their gifts.


I walked into the foyer and headed back to the change room to wait. When I entered, I was met by a familiar face. Karla was here. I smiled and gave her a brief hug, "Ohhhh... it's sooooo nice to see a familiar face" She looked as nervous as I felt. We talked briefly and I headed back out to the foyer and observation area.


Once everyone was dressed, we all got onto the dojo mat. A senior black belt yelled out, "LINE UP!" I walked to the left hand side of the dojo mat, closest to the wall, this is where all the low ryu belts line up, then the belt ranks ascend until black belt. Since I was the lowest rank. I stood closest to the left side of the wall. I hear the senior black belt say, "Hanshi approaching" We all straighten our bodies get into the bow in stance and wait. Hanshi and Sensei come to the front of the room, Sensei takes a place on the right side of the room, not in line but off to the side. His respected secondary position. We bow to Hanshi and then we bow to Sensei.


Sensei steps up after Hanshi instructs him to do a warm up class. We do warm up... the seminar has begun. After warm up, we do some basic drills. Followed by some techniques. All the time Hanshi is watching from his seat in Sensei's office. Sensei has a window that he is able to see the whole class should he have paper work to do. Hanshi is using it to rest (he was diagnosed in July with pneumonia and is still recovering). We go through a lot of familiar applications and sequences that Sensei has already taught me, so I feel the nervousness disappear. I'm focusing on doing my techniques. Punching, using my hips, and slightly moving my feet with each punch. Using every muscle in my body to make it strong. After much practice and warming up. Hanshi comes out of the office and starts to teach. He tells all of us to punch, counting in Japanese. We execute our punches with his count. All the while, he's walking around correcting stances, lowering shoulders, aligning muscles, redirecting punches to the solar plexes, all of this done with a respectful manner. He begins his count again. He walks and corrects. He's circling towards me, still counting, and he walks by me... he only corrects the people who aren't doing it properly. I feel relief and a burst of pride. Continuing with his count, he inserts information, correcting as he walks and observes. Still counting, and we're all still punching. Sensei stops mid count and begins to lecture on the punch, talking about how it should feel, how the body should be aligned, how the foot stance should be, where your power comes, during all of his instruction, we all have our left arms out still in position with our last punch. We are in horse stance, our knees are bent. Our other arm is in trigger position waiting for his next count. We are in this position for his full explanation, which took about 5 minutes. When Hanshi speaks everyone listens even if in mid exercise. Looking around at everyone I could see the fatigue set in. A leg straightening to my right, briefly.. an arm come to droop slightly. All the while, I concentrated on the bead of sweat starting in my hairline, that was my focus, I kept position and listening. Feeling that sweat bead make it's way out of my hair and rest on my forehead, still listening but focusing the hurt to that tiny bead of sweat that I feel falling slowly down my face, towards my nose.... finally Hanshi tells us to relax. I never faltered. I wanted to make Sensei proud and I also wanted to prove to the other higher belts and myself that I belonged at this seminar.


Sensei calls us all to the front to bow out for a 10 minute break, this was after 1 hour and 30 minutes of training. We bow out, wait for Hanshi to leave the mat then begin our breaks, people heading to the restroom, getting water, a granola bar or pretzels that Sensei has provided for everyone. I leave the mat and walk over to get a water. Some black belts approach me, one female is named Cassy, then another one I met and am friends with now, Sensei Bob Nelson. They both ask me if I had previous martial arts training. I smile and let them know my history. I feel a swell of pride, these three black belts have noticed my ability and tenacity of my training. I am honored. I've been excepted. Throughout the rest of the seminar, I feel like I'm not just a white belt but just someone trying to learn as much as possible. Stumbling along like the rest of the students. Black belts and Ryu belts. For the rest of the evening we're doing partner work, techniques on Kihon, Ippon and Taezus, Grappling and Self Defense. It was nice to see that some black belts were open minded enough to ask for my help when they couldn't get the technique down correctly and vice versa.


Before we all knew it, it was time to go home and rest. We bowed out, said our good nights and some good byes for some students weren't coming to the morning class. Driving home, I reflected on the evening, feeling pride, humbleness, and much awe over what I experienced.


I had much to do once I got home, I needed a much needed shower, needed to get my gi ready for the next day, and was exhausted but with all the knowledge that was dumped into me, both physically and mentally, I wasn't able to relax. I was exhilerated but also exhausted. I finished my shower, put my gi in the wash and headed upstairs to rest. I laid in bed for a few hours and realized sleep wasn't coming for me. I walked all the way to the basement (my legs were very sore from all the stances and holding our techniques) and took my gi out of the wash to air dry. I realized I was hungry. Thinking back on the day, I only ate a cheese sandwich, and a granola bar. No wonder I wasn't able to sleep. So I ate some chicken and a pickle and headed off to bed again. I woke up before my alarm clock. Went downstairs and spent an hour ironing my gi, by the time I was done, it was already 7:30, time for a quick shower and then needed to head out to Appleton for the weapons portion and Instructors class.

Well driving to Appleton wasn't what I expected, I was met with a traffic jam because of construction just a bit north of Appleton, cars were at a stand still, I had 20 minutes to get to my destination. I knew I would be late if I didn't get out of this mess. I saw the 441 exit, this is alternate route that circles around Appleton, Menasha and Neenah, which are known as the Fox Cities. Being familiar with Appleton because I've moved here and lived here for 6-7 years, I knew I could navigate and get to the dojo in time, but on the off chance of being late, I called and left a message on Sensei's answering machine letting him know I may be late. I made it to the dojo with 5 minutes to spare, that being going to the bathroom and hurriedly getting into my gi, carrying all my gear in from my car into the dojo, bos, sai and book, etc. and making sure everything looked right.

The class was about to begin and I got all my equipment to the observation area, the area just off the dojo mat. We did basic warmup drills with the bo, then started our weapons training class. Sensei walked everyone through the fundamentals of proper technique. I had the advantage over the other students because I knew this from my Saturday morning weapons class I've been taking for the past 2 months. Everything was review so I was at ease. Once again, during application of the techniques, the open minded blackbelts sought me out to help them. After working with the bo, we moved onto the sai, all being review once again. Then we moved onto the jo (a smaller version of the bo) this I didn't have any formal training in therefore I wasn't as efficient with it. This is where I sought out my open minded black belts and asked them for assistance. After much practice, Hanshi tweeked everything Sensei taught us. We did some very creative drills for conditioning our bodies and getting use to handling our weapons, we stood in a circle at the end of each training session and had one weapon, and threw it to the other students in our circle... yes even with the sai... we threw it one way where we caught it with one hand shaft down, and then again with the prongs up. By the time we did the training with these three weapons it was already 1:00 in the afternoon we had started the class at 9:00.

We bowed out for lunch and were all told to come back in one hour, class was to start at 2:00. This being the Instructor's class. Before I even got off the mat, Sensei Bob, Rick and Scott approached me letting me know I was invited to go to lunch with them at Subway. We took our lunch break over there, and I headed back to the dojo earlier than the rest. I was truly honored that they invited me.

Getting back to the dojo, Sensei asked me if I wanted to go to dinner that evening with the black belts and Hanshi at GingeRootz (my favorite restaurant in Appleton by the way). I was honored but also had a family at home so I declined. I didn't have a change of clothes and lived a half hour away from my shower anyway. Sensei said he understood and smiled. I thanked him and said I'm sure there will be other times in the future for me to go out to dinner with everyone.

At this point, no one expected me to go home or anything, they knew I was in it for the long haul. The instructor's class was about to begin. Everyone moved chairs to the edge of the dojo mat with Hanshi sitting on a chair in the middle of the dojo, we listened as he started teaching the responsibilites of the instructors.

Taking notes as he said something that struck a cord in our beings on who we wanted to be as instructors. He did this for about a half hour, then we applied his teachings to how it would be to instruct our own classes, making the class entertaining but also getting the knowledge of karate.

We did punch drills, footwork drills, cardio drills, basic kicking drills, everything a new beginning student would do. At this point I was beyond exhausted, as I'm sure the other students were, but we didn't show Hanshi that we were.

Before we knew it was time to bow out, Hanshi said, "what you have learned this weekend is only the beginning, the tip of the iceberg, train the best you can, gain knowledge from other sources and be the best you can be." We bowed out and headed for the change rooms.

Yes, I became emotional. I started to get weepy eyed because it was coming to an end. I was leaving my new found brothers and sisters, not sure when we would see each other again. I knew that Hanshi would be back in 2-3 years but had grown attached to his wise insightfulness and his undying encouragement that I was sad to say good bye. It's amazing how you can form such quick attachments to people who were strangers just a day ago. I didn't want to leave until I said my goodbye to Hanshi, I shook his hand, bowed to him with respect and let him know how much I appreciated my time with him. What followed after let the flood gates open. Sensei pulled me aside after I spoke with Hanshi, he told me that he was glad I was able to come, and told me to thank my husband for him, because he loved me enough for me to attend all the seminars. The tears started and I told Sensei, "now you've made me cry and yes I will tell my husband thank you from you as well as myself" and I bowed to Sensei as I left.

The Martial Arts is a wonderful sport, not only because of the physical aspect of it, nor the mental or spiritual, but also because of the sense of belonging, of knowing you are a part of something greater than yourself.

Karate isn't only about kicking butt, its also about learning humility, respect and being a part of something greater than yourself.

Tonight's class was a bit less structured than the regular classes I normally go to... upon arrival, I did spot checks, just looked around, seeing how our dojo would look should a complete stranger come into it... in the entrance way, I saw the floor could use a sweeping... as I walked in, I saw the observation area needed to be picked up, magazines were piled, but not stacked nicely, walked down the hallway to our change room, sniffing the air, noticing the slight musty smell of many workouts mixed with dust... walking towards the back where our restrooms are, taking a quick peek into the ladies bathroom... and then going into the men's... saw some things that needed tending to... made mental notes as I walked back to the ladies change room. I changed quickly, and walked to the observation area and straightened the messy magazines, all the while, I had noticed that Sensei wasn't teaching... probably still in Houston TX.

In the martial arts, its the students responsiblity to clean the dojo, not because its written in stone anywhere, it's just a respect thing between student and teacher. When strangers come to your dojo, they notice these things, that's if they are practitioners of the arts... for just common folk who are interested in the classes, it's just pleasant to walk into.

Hanchi's visit tomorrow sparked this memory. Hanshi Ridgely Abele is Sensei's teacher, our dojo is a reflection of Hanchi's teachings and also it shows that we care for our sensei and respect his belongings.

After the kid's class, it was my class. Since Sensei wasn't there, Tom, a brown belt, was our instructor for the evening. Before we even bowed in I addressed him to see what was on the agenda this evening. He had a confused look on his face. I said, "With Hanshi's visit maybe we should clean the dojo, and get things in order for tomorrow and this weekend." Tom said we would practice our current stuff, get questions answered and then go from there... well before we knew it, we were discussing Hanshi's visit.. Carla and I haven't ever met Hanshi so we weren't quite sure how formal he was going to be. On the literature I've read, err on the side of caution and be overly polite. Tom has met him many times so knew his personality and his training style. Of course he gave us some pretty bizarre examples from his experiences, and pretty much scared the crap out of me and Carla, so we will make our own opinions when we meet him on Friday night. After bowing out, I was confused. We didn't clean, we didn't straighten up, I was just confused. Hanshi is a respected man in the black belt community WORLDWIDE, and we aren't doing the courtesy of cleaning our dojo for his visit... as I walked into the change room, I was disappointed, not because I wanted to clean, but just a bit sad because it seemed like my advanced brother and sister in the martial arts wasn't on the same page as me. When I got into the change room, Carla was in there, she whispered to me, "I have a key, and I will stay to help." So we stayed and cleaned the dojo, top to bottom, cleaned all the areas I saw when I first entered the building... as I was vaccuuming the last leg of floor, Carla came running down the hall, she motions me to stop vaccuuming. I turn it off, and she whispers to me frantically, "Sensei's here!!!" Carla ducks into the change room as he comes into the main entrance. He waves to me and say hi and then ducks into his office. I'm thinking to myself, "OH CRAP!!! OH CRAP!! BUSTED!!!" I feel like a school girl doing something wrong. Then I say to myself, oh well, I'm caught anyway, so lets just finish this job. I turn on the vaccuum cleaner and finish. After putting stuff away, I walk by his office and meekly say, "Good Night Sensei, see you tomorrow night!" and try to sneak away before he stops me... he turns and looks, a smile of pride on his face and tells me to drive safely. Not sure what happened to Carla... I was busy getting things done, for all I know, she may be still hiding in our change room.... LOL

Body Mechanics and Wunsu Kata

Well after reviewing my techniques over the last few classes, Sensei started me on Wunsu kata Shuri Ryu Style. I must say that this kata is similar but ohhhhhhh so different than the isshinryu kata that I knew from 12 years ago. The body mechanics are so much different. Sensei gave me a little portion of it and I love it so far!!

In this style everything comes straight from the hips for extra power and strength. I practiced the minute details until my muscles told me I was doing the technique properly. Carla had started me on the kata, she's a blue belt in Shuri Te, only martial arts she ever knew. She doesn't have the handicap of knowing a previous art therefore she learns straight from the source. She's a perfectionist so I was confident she would teach me the way she was taught. Beginning the kata, I mimicked her movements right to the cut off point Sensei had wanted us to start with, I must say, I was blown away by the newness of this form. My mind and body went into overload, I was overwhelmed. So we started to break it down.

The opening of the kata is also different. You bow just like a regular kata, but then you lay your hands one on top of the other, palm down (Saisho Yoi). Then as you feet move into a 45 degreee position, your hands move and get into the next position which is a palm up position, then as your feet move into shoulder length apart position, the hands move again, in front in a triangle formation with your fingers and thumbs. This triangle signifies body, mind and spirit. Lots of moves for just the opening of the kata, that's exactly what I thought as well, but its the beauty of it. Then what follows is the imaginary attacks and your defense to those attacks. Throughout the first portion I was feeling how each movement corresponded with the anticipated next movement. Visualizing the attack and marking it to my memory. Always feeling the technique to remember it. Flowing a bit further in the sequence, I was having difficulty getting the arm movements just right for the cat stance ready stance. (A right hand block, left hand on the solar plexus to the front direction) When Carla does this technique everything flows like a dance, when first learning something, do not try to make it flow because you will lose your technique and not know why you're doing what you're doing. This kata uses all muscle groups as you move. After this movement is done, you pivot the body into a right forward stance and simultaneously execute a left punch with a right open hand guard resting on the upper left arm. then you move your feet into a hooked stance (kake dachi). Lots and lots of stance changes and directions to go forward. And this was only 10 movements... I will perfect this then move on to my next movements to be on my way to completing an old kata I once knew but now in Shuri Ryu Style.

High Expectations

I have to say that this morning's classes were very good ones, I look forward to my Saturday morning classes, 8:00 am - 9:30 am is my weapons class, and from 9:30 - 10:30 is my regular karate class. I was taught a brown belt bo kata today, well the beginning of it, I got about 1/3 through it with Sensei... it's called Soochin Kata... it is one of the more basic katas but much footwork and flowing movements... I'm a white belt in Shurite so it WILL be perfected by the time I'm a brown belt... I loved it!!! Then we worked with the Sai for a while, I did Tae Tu Kyu 1, 2 and 3 with it, then of course, the Nunchaku (my least favorite weapon), I actually completed Tae Tu Kyu without hurting myself too badly... actually didn't hit myself until the end, once in the buttocks... I'm getting better!!! Then it was time for my other class, Sensei changed things up for a bit, getting us to do kicking drills on the bags, front kicks, round house kicks, side kicks and back kicks... after doing this for about 20 mins, my legs were rubber... then he switched it up again, doing upper body work. Basic Jab, Reverse punch, and ridge hand combos... over and over and over... after doing this for about another 15 mins, my WHOLE body was rubber!! I got to take a quick water break, then back on the mat... my next assignment was to do my Ippons, which I did slowly just to get the technique down correctly, then started doing my Kihon... at this point, I turned around to look to see what time it was because I was ready to drop... 2 hours and 20 minutes and I was ready to throw in the towel... not quitting, just knowing my limitations.. I asked Sensei if I could bow out early... he smiled his knowing smile, gave me a look of approval and bowed me out... I went to the change room, and had some questions about the upcoming seminar, so I got changed and waited for Sensei to bow the other students out.

With the upcoming seminar I thought long and hard about which class I was taking, these are three. On Friday night from 6 pm until 10 pm, Hanshi (9th Dan - Chief Instructor - HEAD HONCHO) Abele is having a class on body mechanics and applications to kata, etc... on Saturday morning 9 am - 12 pm the weapons class is on, and from 1 pm to 5 pm the instructors have Hanshi Abele in a classroom type setting with application techniques for class room instruction... I had decided on taking the Friday class, because the other ones seemed to be more for advanced belts... so I let Sensei know of my decision. I have to say what followed next SHOCKED me... Sensei completely threw me for a loop... he highly recommended for me to take the instructors class... I must have had a very shocked look on my face because he said, "You aren't new to the martial arts, you're just new to this style, the questions you have are smart questions, ones that the more advanced belts would like to ask but don't because they're suppose to know it and don't want to look dumb by asking the question" I let Sensei know my line of thinking on my decision, telling him I eliminated the instructors class because I didn't want to hinder the class with my many questions. He said that I should not limit myself due to being new to this style. I walked away from this little discussion with a feeling of pride. Sensei paid me a very high compliment today, he didn't have to tell me point blank but in a way he considered me one of his equals. I just hope I can live up to his high expectations.

Domo Aregato Sensei.

Just like riding a bike...

The greatest thing about being in the martial arts is the practice you do to perfect your art. I don't think people realize the hours and hours of breaking down a sequence of punches and blocks along with footwork to make a sequence flow effortlessly and beautifully like a dance. Since I started in the middle of July, I've been practicing kihon, Ippon and my 3 practice katas, breaking them down step by step, movement by movement to teach my muscles to memorize how it feels. For people who don't have patience this would seem mundane and very bizarre, but for people who love the culture, the discipline and want to be the best they can be, it's well worth the effort of endless repetition.

Coming back from much time off, not 10 years mind you, but long enough for someone who's started over in a different style and being a white belt, to be tempted to throw in the towel because of thinking all past efforts were for nothing, was difficult in itself. I thought that I wouldn't remember and Sensei gave me so much information before I left to study while I was away and not having the time nor the strength to practice up in Canada because of visiting with family and having a very severe cold, I felt I was letting him down. I came down hard on myself emotionally and mentally... thinking I wasn't going to be good enough for his expectations, for mine and that deep down I was scared of him being disappointed in me like I was of myself. All of this lead me to have a very topsy turvy belly, one that didn't cease cramping up and making me want to go to the bathroom. When I get into a situation that is uncomfortable for me mentally, my body turns on me and gets physical, making me physically ill... the closer I got to Appleton the worse I felt. Stepping into the dojo I felt fine, no cramping but the closer I got to performing my techniques the weaker my bowels became... I know too much info... but it's the truth. I became physically ill. Then I started to realize as we did review, the tension left me, as I began to perform the techniques, it was coming back to me, just like riding a bike... the tension and cramping left me just as quickly as it began. It amazes me how my body reacts when I'm coming down on myself or put into an uncomfortable position. I suppose that's another thing I will be working to eliminating from my life. I'm very thankful for the continuous repetition of techniques, I suppose if I didn't have the previous training and practice it could have been a bad thing for me if it didn't all come back to me... like how it is when you ride a bike.

Baby Steps and the Unwavering Patience of Sensei.

Well I'm no Bruce Lee and I don't ever intend to be. I must say I have found a new found appreciation for all the skills that man possessed though. The many years of practice, mistakes, the obstacles and dedication made him into a master of the Nunchaku.

Today I was introduced to a new weapon, the Nunchaku. In Canada we never practiced or trained with this weapon because it is illegal. In the US, they are more lenient with the use of this weapon. Any boy who has seen a Bruce Lee movie or watched Ninja turtles knows what this weapon does, I, on the other hand, have very limited exposure to it. Sensei handed me this weapon, I examined it like it was some alien. Not even sure how to hold it properly. He began doing a training drill with all of us. I must say I was humbled by my clumsiness with it, and laughed at my uncoordination with this foreign object in my hand. Sensei saw me struggling so halted the class to show demonstrate how to manoevur it to my side... I couldn't grasp it and fumbled with this weapon trying to get it to my shoulder. When I get nervous or I'm put on the spot I laugh, I must say I felt much laughter brewing today.

Sensei knew I needed some one on one time, he instructed the other students to go through the drill and came over to me to help me. First thing was to get the basic over the shoulder set and to switch from side to side so it becomes a fluid motion... grasping the nunchaku in both hands, hand being one inch from the bottom, bringing your right hand and moving the left hand at the same time to have the right hand over your shoulder and the bottom left hand in a ready stance... all to come together in a fluid motion was a MAJOR challenge for me... switching it to the other side was even a bigger one.

Once I got the flow I continued to do it, back and forth, back and forth, training my muscles to feel and learn that motion... over and over, repetition is key when learning something new... then Sensei wanted me to learn the low block with the Nunchaku... getting into the set position, right hand in the upper position, then turning that hand, to make the nunchaku into a straight line... kinda like a bo, then striking down with the lower half which is in your left hand... all in one fluid motion... sounds easy... NOPE... nothing's easy when you're just starting out... over and over and over, I repeated this... after getting it as good as it was going to get for a first timer, Sensei wanted to teach me how to do a punch with the Nunchaku.

This is the swinging motion you see the masters of this weapon practice with ease... letting it swing forward and then bringing it back into ready stance... over your shoulder... UH HUH... this didn't go well... first attempt... swinging forward, out SLOWLY... because I'm unsure... it flutters, and wobbles clumsily in the air... doesn't go where it should go... bringing it back, it flies over my shoulder and hits me not so softly on my buttocks... I let out a loud yip... the class starts to laugh... yes, at this point, I'm feeling very humble and a tad bit embarassed, I start to laugh. Sensei tells me to take it slowly again, teaching me proper form on how to throw/swing the nunchaku... it goes where I want it this time, but over the shoulder set doesn't exactly go where I want it, and once again, I feel the portion of the stick hitting me in my buttocks again... I know I will have a bruise there. Then I switch to the other side, my bad side, the left side... oh god, I'm sure I will do some damage this time... I throw the nunchaku out, I bring it back in a slow arc, I see it coming towards my head, I duck, and start to laugh uncontrollably... at this point, I'm thinking out loud and say, "I"m definitely not a Bruce Lee" which causes some chuckles from the other students... over and over I practice, not even catching the nunchaku as it swings over my shoulder, my hand either makes it bounce out, and then my grab isn't timed... I'm not giving up, I'm getting annoyed with myself, over and over I practice with this blasted thing in my hands... over and over, it bounces across my buttocks or almost hits me in the head... over and over, until I feel it going over my shoulder at just the right angle and I finally grab the end that went over... YES! I did it. I finally executed a proper left punch/swing with the Nunchaku. That was my first obstacle with this weapon, I'm certain there is going to be much more obstacles to overcome, but that little ordeal left me with hope.

I will not be as skilled as the Master, Bruce Lee, who I applaud for his years and years of practice of this weapon, but I will be skilled enough by my own standards and limitations. I also applaud Sensei for his unwavering patience and understanding. There were times I wanted to give up on doing the technique, but he just watched and twecked my technique as I did it, pointing out my mistakes and correcting them before they became habits... Hai Sensei, and Domo Aregato!!!

Never say you can't...

If someone were to tell me a few months ago that I would be in the martial arts and preparing for my yellow belt with only less than a month of being back in it, I would have said you're nuts or the school was one that just pushed the students through to get students in their classes. But you are not either one of these. If it werent' for my trip up to Canada I would be still training and probably be starting Wansu kata next week.

With the trip to Canada, Sensei has left me to my own practice schedules but he wants all the techniques as solid as possible when I get back... I have all 5 Kihon, all 5 Ippon, Tae Kyo Ku 1, 2 and 3 plus 5 of my many self defense moves (5 are only needed for yellow belt). When I get back he will start me on Wansu, then the Bunkai for each.

Looking back to before I walked through the dojo doors... I was very unsure of myself physically, not very confident about things, very unhappy with myself and didn't have any energy to do much other than look after my girls. Since I stepped out onto that mat, I'm still unsure of myself physically but I see hope... I can see my arms and legs beginning to tone up, and sadly some of my skin starting to sag because my fat is turning into muscle and the skin doesn't know what to do with itself yet, but in time, my body will take care of that too; I am more happier with myself than I have been in years, and the energy, its getting there, but being a stay at home mom with two little toddlers, energy is sapped from you regardless of what shape you're in.

For those people who were like myself prior to giving it an honest try, don't give up before you even start because you think you can't do it, just do it the best you can,. You'll get better the longer you're in it whether its karate, baseball, zumba, or whatever you fancy doing. If you love something enough to swallow your pride and look silly for a short while, its a small price to pay for all the benefits you reap from doing something you love.

Progress is slow and frustrating, but there is a light in the distance...

Well today's class came and went... I was completely exhausted, actually left a bit early from my karate class by 15 mins... 2 hours and 15 minutes was enough of a workout, considering I was dripping in sweat. The weapons (Kobudo) class was first, starts at 8:00 on Saturday morning, runs until 9:30, then my karate class is for an hour until 10:30.

We started the weapons class with stretches with the bo. We basically place the bo over your head, rest them on the back of the shoulders and hook your arms over. Swinging back and forth to loosen up the body, then twisting the body just to loosen up... then some forward bends with the bo still behind your head... I must say, this feels soooooooooooo very good... I know it may sound nuts, but you can feel your muscle and the membrane stretching ever so slightly making you feel a bit of a stretch but not painful enough to be ... hmmm... whats the word... sadomastic. It just makes you feel alive!! After that we move into our blocking drills, just practicing proper technique, then our punch drill.. refer to last week's weapons blog for more detail. After this was all done, Sensei decided to get me doing tichicho (practice kata and not certain of the spelling on that yet), doing down block kata first, then mid block, then last but not least, the high block version of this kata... this pretty much took all an hour to work and practice it for proper technique... at this point I was pretty much drenched!!! Then we moved to the sai for the rest of the class... we did a short blocking drill, then punch drill... then moved right away into the tichicho practice kata... we did low block kata (which I can honestly say, is not my strong suit... needs much practice and refining on the down block, pull leg back and into crane stance, slice of the sai in the downward arc, flip of the sai and down block... the leg part just screws me all up... anyway... after that, we did mid block version and then high block version... the latter two being very easy to maneuvor because of no crane stance nor downward arc of the sai and set into block.. That was the weapons class... easy enough... nuh uh... that was an hour and a half of grueling mind and body working togetherness... for the new student it was pure confusion. But I take it with a grain of salt and not dwell on it, just learn from it. Repetition is what makes techniques perfect.

Now for the karate class. I told Sensei I wanted to work on timing of techniques, Isshinryu and Shuri Te are much alike but oh so different in timing, maybe because of it being more of a style that has wrist twists after techniques and possibly because of the guard hand being close to your heart (isshinryu techniques always start from the waist - oppposed to the technique starting close to your heart). I practiced the stuff Sensei had already gave me to practice on the previous week's class, I basically practiced the footwork in kihon 1 and kihon 5, then I worried about the technique after... after that I was given kihon 2 (which is a step out into a forty five degree angle away from front stance, at the same time, guard hand comes up, striking hand comes up to cross your body, pelvic turn, execute the spear hand block, opposite punch, bring legs together, round house kick, and finishing the technique with a low block. All of this has timing, technique and proper placement of hands and feet all working together to make it come together into a beautiful sequence of movements. I have yet to get there... grin.. but I can see it coming... and that makes me happy.

After practicing this for a few minutes I was starting to get a really weird lightheadedness feeling throughout my whole body.... lactic acid was telling me to rest... so i went to get something to drink... moving across the dojo floor, I was feeling like I was rubber legged, just wanting to drop but my pride was too great to embarass myself, so I kept walking, sat down, and rested... I knew I had enough for today... I grabbed a quick drink... walked back onto the mat, and approached Sensei. Sensei took one look at me, said I looked like hell and told me to call it a day... I worked hard enough... good job... we bowed to each other and since leaving my old dojo up in Canada, said, "Domo Aregato Sensei!"