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Inauguration Day – That’s “OK”

Welcome to the first OK (Online Kata) cyber group session of the New Year!

January 20th, 2017, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the forty-fifth President Of The United States Of America. For some it is a cause of concern warranting protest. For others, it is a cause of celebration. I submit we should all catch our breath and do neither. We should simply let the ceremony take place.

There is no motive to protest the swearing in. First is the election itself. The people of this country have spoken via the election process. That must be respected. As to any actions warranting protest or celebration, to date, all the President-elect has “accomplished” is hypothetical. True, a cabinet was appointed; however, many of the key positions require confirmation. Additionally, no policy has been set requiring a protest. Until such a time as a situation arises where action, non-action or policy demands protest, then conserve your energy. When an action calls for celebration, then do so. See Endnote # 1)

To symbolize our need to simply catch our breath during the inauguration and to conserve our energy (physical and mental), I offer this “Inauguration Day – That’s OK” (Online Kata) session. What better way to catch your breath than with Sanchin Kata?

Kanji (Japanese calligraphy) for “Sanchin” – Three Battles – or – Three Aspects of Life

Those unfamiliar with Sanchin can acquaint themselves with the kata by clicking this link to access free text and videos. https://senseijohn.me/sanchin-book/

Alternatively, those unfamiliar with Sanchin may perform another type of mediative endeavor, such as Zazen (seated mediation), Yoga, or simply contemplate the ceremony in a relaxed atmosphere.

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata within the online kata session parameters.

Session Parameters:
Date: January 20th 2017
Time: during the swearing-in ceremony
Location: a quiet location would do best
Salient Points: see above discussion.

One final thought – – – –

Sanchin Kata in the snow, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, Winter, 2012

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

This week’s featured video: Sanchin Kata (Shobu (combat) version) with Vultures:

Endnotes:

1. It is true that both the Senate and the House have, as of this writing, without first having a replacement plan, have taken drastic initial steps with regards to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act; however, these actions are not actions of the President-elect. If you disagree with this attend a rally, as in the case of the nationwide #FirstStand rallies sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders or vontact your State legislators in this regard. For purposes of this article, it is his actions or inactions that warrant Presidential-protest. The ball is in his court and time is running out, after he is sworn in, it is, as in popular jargon, “on him.”

For a refreshing and innovative discourse on kata and bunkai, please feel free to visit Sensei John’s Kata Laboratory and “THINK * SWEAT * EXPERIMENT” using this convenient link: https://senseijohn.me/kata-lab/

You may wish to view my other blogs –
my fishing blog which includes my fishing journals and the interrelationship between martial arts protocol to fishing http://flyfishingdojo.com
and
the Goshin-Do Karate blog at http://defeliceryu.com

Tags: #FirstStand, #ThanksDonald, 2017 Inauguration, Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Donald Trump, Goshin-Do Karate-Do, Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, kata Innovations, Kata Training, Online Kata, Politcal Protest, Presidential Inauguration, Protesting Trump, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John, Suck It Up Buttercup, Surviving Trump Presidency

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Categories . . . That's OK

Kata On Your Mind – “. . . That’s OK”

1 Feb

This Online Kata session is inspired by a former student whom I’ll call Jacqui. Like most students at the Issho Dojo, Jacqui would take a break from training during the summer months. Jacqui was a good student but a bit lazy. Summer vacation also included a vacation from karate. As a result, often she would return having forgotten a kata or two. One summer was different. After a full summer at camp, she returned to the dojo. Her first night back at the Dojo, I wanted to gauge how much she forgot. While her kata were a bit awkward, I was amazed that she did not forget any kata. I told her that I was happy she found time to practice while at camp. To my surprise, she told me that she did not practice any kata the whole summer. Rather, she informed me that “lights-out” was rather early and she often laid in her bed unable to sleep and bored. To alleviate her boredom, she thought about her kata and mentally “practiced” them. With that conversation with Jacqui, the seeds of this kata lab were planted. Though Jacqui eventually stopped training, her “legacy” lives on.

You may find your schedule so busy that you do not have adequate time to practice your kata daily. During those times, you should endeavor to at least practice your kata in your mind. Like Jacqui, this practice can even occur late at night in bed. So, to get you started, I offer this “Kata of the mind – That’s OK” (Online Kata) session.

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata within the online kata session parameters.

Session Parameters:
Date: starting the week of February 1st, 2016
Time: anytime you can
Location: a quiet location would do best
Salient Points:
Find a quiet place to sit comfortably. My preference is always an outdoor location; however, the first time you try this lab, you may wish to preserve a “martial atmosphere” and do the lab in your Dojo wearing your gi. Now, mentally perform your kata as if you were performing it physically:

• Strive for technical perfection;
• Speed and power should be as appropriate within the kata;
• Timing of breath, inhalation and exhalation must be accurate;
• Kiai where called for and in the appropriate manner;
• Maintain the proper focus and mental attitude as if you were physically doing the kata.

Once you are comfortable with this kata lab, move your mental practice outdoors. Concentrate on:

• Visualize how the different terrain affects your mental kata. Should you be aware of slippery surfaces? Is the kata being visualized going up or down a hill, if so, what is the effect?
• Is the air temperature hot, cold, raining or snowing? Visualize the effect

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.

I remain, keeping my kata on my mind,
Sensei John Szmitkowski

This week’s featured video:

For information on my “no-risk”, kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/
My seminars are the ONLY seminars that allow you to pay at the conclusion, thus insuring your complete satisfaction!

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

You may wish to view my other blogs –
my fishing blog which includes my fishing journals and the interrelationship between martial arts protocol & ideology to fishing http://flyfishingdojo.com
and
the Goshin-Do Karate blog at http://defeliceryu.com

Tags: Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata In The Snow, Kata In Your Mind, kata Innovations, Kata Mental Practice, Kata Outdoors, Kata Practice, Kata Training, Kata Videos, Sensei John, Tensho Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

Have Fun With Kata – “. . . That’s OK”

13 Jul

Martial artists in general and karate-ka in particular all too often view kata as a serious endeavor. Both in my own kata practice and my writings on kata, I also find myself confined within the boundary of seriousness. Recognizing this I think it is time for you and I to “lighten-up” our kata practice (this also applies to my non-martial arts readers that have learned SanchinKata).

This does not mean that we should routinely practice kata in a trivial manner, rather, we should, when appropriate, recognize the joy of kata. What a radical idea – Kata for the fun of it!

With that in mind, I submit the following OK (Online Kata) Session – “Fun With Kata – That’s OK”
Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing Sanchin in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters:
Date: Week of: July 13th, 2015
Time: anytime the mood to perform Sanchin (or other kata) strikes you, BUT, especially when life gets a little too serious;
Location: any location is acceptable;
Salient Points:

first and foremost, ENJOY your kata session;
feel good about your kata;
smile as you practice your kata;
relish the fact that you have the ability to perform a unique and historical, yet living, art called – KATA.
The last requirement of this Sanchin Pilgrimage is to remain in a state of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind”) – in other words – (to borrow a lyric from Bobby McFerrin), “Don’t worry, BE HAPPY”

Here’s some fun I had performing Seienchin Kata with a wild horse herd during my last visit to the Lower Salt River in Arizona.

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this session as scheduled, but may also revisit the specific pilgrimage and allow Sanchin to unlock the cage imposed upon your by the drama of daily life. Do this as an integral part of your regular Kata practice.

In closing I remain, in a playful mood – – – seriously,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

For information on my no-risk kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/

For a refreshing and innovative discourse on kata and bunkai, please feel free to visit Sensei John’s Kata Laboratory using this convenient link: https://senseijohn.me/category/kata-laboratory/

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Enjoy Kata, Goshen-Do Karate, Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata Outdoors, Kata Practice, Kata Training, Sensei John

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Categories . . . That's OK

Need A Pause “. . . That’s OK”

9 Mar

There is a technique used in reading poetry known as a “caesurae.” A caesurae is a dramatic pause designed to given fulfillment, meaning and drama to the poem.
There comes a time when we all need a caesurae, a poetic pause, from the drama of our daily lives. I am not immune to such a need. I, therefore, invite you to share in my need with this “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata session), one in which we will not merely pause the drama of our daily lives, but poetically pause such drama using the mechanism of Sanchin.
Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing Sanchin in the proscribed manner.
Session Parameters:
Date: The week of Monday March 9th, 2015
Time: Any time that you need a caesurae from the drama of your day. Also, perform Sanchin as many times each day that you feel you need such a caesurae;
Location: Any location; however, (as always) I would suggest an outdoor location;
Salient Points:
Use Sanchin to not merely pause the dilatory effects of the drama of daily life, but to poetically pause such drama to achieve rejuvenation;
The last requirement of this Sanchin Pilgrimage is to remain in an enraptured physical, spiritual and metaphysical state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind” which is discussed in my Sanchin DVD and Book).

Once again, you may wish to not only perform the Sanchin Pilgrimage as scheduled, but may also revisit the specific pilgrimage and allow Sanchin to unlock the cage imposed upon your by the drama of daily life. Do this as an integral part of your regular Sanchin practice.

In closing, I remain enjoying a daily caesurae,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Goshin-Do Karate, Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata and Poems, Kata Caesurae, Kata For Health, Kata Training, Poetry, Sanchin In Snow, Sanchin Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

Sanchin Kata “Too Easy” . . . “That’s OK”

26 Jan

Many of you have acquainted yourself with Sanchin Kata using my free resources. For those readers unfamiliar with Sanchin Kata, you can freely acquaint yourself with the kata and join in this group session using the following link: https://senseijohn.me/sanchin-book/
There are those that after regularly performing Sanchin Kata begin to feel that Sanchin is “too easy.” Personally, after forty-three years of Sanchin, I find this a ridiculous statement, but, let’s see. Before giving up on Sanchin as “too easy”, perform the kata in reverse. If you can easily do that on the first try, then so be it, quit Sanchin Kata practice.
But, first, see if you can perform this session,

Sanchin Kata is “too easy . . That’s OK (Online Kata)

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters:
Date: Week of: Monday January 26th, 2014
Time: Anytime
Location: Any location;
Salient Points:
Perform your Sanchin as normal, and remain in position on the last move;
Then perform Sanchin Kata in reverse order; the last move being performed first.
Kata Sommelier: For my karate brethren, I would recommend that you perform Sanchin Kata. Once you acquaint yourself with the idea of performing a kata in reverse, then you may wish to try it with your most basic kata.
Video Assistance: To assist you in this Online Kata session, I have prepared the following video:

The last requirement of this “. . . That’s OK” session is to remain in a positive physical, emotional and mental state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind.” For information on the Zanshin state-of-mind, please use this LINK: https://senseijohn.me/2014/02/23/zanshin-remaining-mind-shibumi-project/

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.

As I post this, the northeast part of the United States is getting hammered with a ‘historic” blizzard. Once I shovel out, it may be time for some kata in a blizzard videos. In the meantime, enjoy this video of Tensho in a blizzard from a few winters ago.

In closing I remain,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

If you enjoy participating in this “ . . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) session, please show you support,

Come visit my store on CafePress!

all items have a minimal mark-up of only $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 over base prices!

For information on my “no-risk”, kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Group Kata, Innovative Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata In Nature, Kata In Snow, Kata Training, Online Kata, Sacred Journies, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John, Tensho Kata, Unusual Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

2014 Is Over ” . . . That’s OK”

29 Dec

Its been quite a while since I posted a group Online Kata session. Here is one of my favorites; a New Year’s Day cyber group kata session. For those unfamiliar with my “Thats’ OK” (Online Kata), I have provided a descriptive link in endnote # 1.

A few very important notes:

First – A new idea: you do not need to know a kata to join in the session!
If you are a martial artist but do not know or use kata, then perform the basic technique of your discipline. For example, if you are an MMA fighter, then shadow box.

Second – Remember, the group concept is fulfilled not by our being physically together at one location, but rather, by each person participating simultaneously as described in the session parameters;

Third – Share your experience in the comment section. I would like to hear about your experience. If you have an idea for a session, let me know. I would like your feedback, ideas and suggestions. With greater participation, this can grow via social media, a new Facebook page, twitter, et cetera. But, that cannot happen with you – this is not my session (I will practice anyway) this is our session to share a common experience globally through the internet.

With the above in mind, I present the “2014 is over . . .“That’s OK” (Online Kata) Session.

Session Parameters:
Date: New Year’s Day, 2015;
Time: Sunrise (okay, if you partied hard New Year’s Eve then as soon after you wake up as possible);
Location: preferably outdoors, in nature facing the rising sun.
Salient Points:
Look, its New Year’s Day so I’m not going to be overly heavy with concepts, how about we simply all look forward to the coming year, its good, bad, ugly and beauty, challenges and rewards and yeah even a few hardships along the way; but, damn it to Hell, thats LIFE, so lets LIVE it!
Kata Sommelier: Normally, I would suggest a kata for my karate-do colleagues. For this session, please choose your own kata. I would ask that you comment or e-mail and let me know the kata you chose AND why you chose that kata as the first of the New Year.

The last requirement of this “. . . That’s OK” session is to remain in a positive physical, emotional and mental state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind.” For information on the Zanshin state-of-mind, please use this LINK:
https://senseijohn.me/2014/02/23/zanshin-remaining-mind-shibumi-project/

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.

Be ready to have a great 2015. In closing I remain excited about what I have to share on this blog and my videos on my FlyFishing Dojo you-tube channel,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

If you enjoy this That’s Ok session, please help support this blog by visiting our store:

Come visit my store on CafePress! all items have a minimal mark-up of only $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 over base prices!

ENDNOTES:
1. Here is a link to my first submission in the “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) category. https://senseijohn.me/2014/01/19/thats-ok-it-speaks-for-itself/
To practice sessions that were previously published, please view the category in the side-tab.

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Group Kata, Group Kata Online, Jiriki Kata-Do, kata Innovations, Kata Outdoors, Kata Rituals, Kata Training Ideas, Meditation Rituals, New Years Day, New Years Observances, New Years Rituals, Sensei John, Sunrise Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

Sea-Monsters – “… That’s OK”

28 Jul

It’s been a bit of a bumpy road lately. Though it may sound a bit preachy, my kata practice and particularly Sanchin Kata help positively adjust my physical, psychological and emotional states. Frankly, on some days, kata is the only safe harbor. On such days, I reflect upon a passage written by John Steinbeck,

Men really need sea monsters in their personal oceans.
For the ocean, deep and black in depths, is like the low dark levels of our minds in which the dream symbols incubate and sometimes rise up to sight. . . And even if the symbol vision is horrible, it is there and it is ours. An ocean without its unnamed monsters would be like a completely dreamless sleep. (See Endnote # 1)

Whale watching off the coast of Provincetown, Cape Cod, MA

I thought the passage would make for an introspective group online kata session.

Although we like to think the universe as one of harmony, it is in fact a representative balance of chaotic, opposing forces – hot/cold, large/small, active/passive, joy/sorrow, good/evil and the like. So too, we like to achieve harmony in our lives. Such harmony is only possible when we recognize the opposing forces that lie without and within ourselves. We may have little influence over the factors that are external to ourselves, but we can directly influence the factors that lie within ourselves. To do so, we must not desire to suppress them, rather, we must recognize the darkness, the sea-monster, if you will, that lies within us. Once recognized, such sea-monsters can be dispelled. To this end, I offer the next “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata session,
Sea-Monsters? . . . That’s OK

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing Sanchin in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters:
Date: starting Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: any convenient, quiet time for introspection;
Location: Preferably an outdoor location and if at all possible, by the sea or other body of water;
Salient Points:
Prior to the scheduled session, familiarize yourself with the Steinbeck’s passage;
Read the above again prior to embarking upon your day;
If you are in a positive frame of mind, perform the traditional Sanchin Kata;
If you are having a difficult time physically or emotionally, perform the Shobu-version of Sanchin. Use this aggressive version to vent such negativity (A video of the Shobu version is in endnote # 2);
After your performance, again read the above passage and consider the “sea monsters” (negative aspects) that dwell within you.” Remember that even if these “sea-monsters” are dark and deep, they are yours. Recognize them and work to positively change them. For without these “sea-monsters” you would be empty, like a dreamless sleep.
Change the negative aspects into a positive force in your life and enrich yourself in the process;

The last requirement of this “. . . That’s OK” session is to remain in a positive physical, emotional and mental state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind.” For information on the Zanshin state-of-mind, please use this LINK:
https://senseijohn.me/2014/02/23/zanshin-remaining-mind-shibumi-project/

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this online session as scheduled, but may also revisit it as you wish. Do this as an integral part of your regular Sanchin practice.

In closing, I remain aware that sea-monsters do exist and reside within all of our personal oceans,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

ENDNOTES:
1. John Steinbeck, The Log Of The Sea Of Cortez (Penguin Books, New York, NY) p.27-28.
2. Here’s my Shobu (Combat) kime version of Sanchin (a more aggressive version)

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, John Steinbeck quotes, Kata As Meditation, Log Of The Sea Of Cortez, Online Kata, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John

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Categories . . . That's OK

One Inch . . . That’s OK

6 Apr

One Inch.
One inch is not a large unit of measurement, but it can symbolize a great deal.

This “ . . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) group session will explore such symbolism.

Many of you have acquainted yourself with Sanchin Kata using my free resources. For those readers unfamiliar with Sanchin Kata, you can freely acquaint yourself with the kata and join in this group session using the following link: https://senseijohn.me/sanchin-book/
In the Sanchin Kata you take three steps forward and three steps backward. Thus, when you are finished with your Sanchin performance, you end at the exact point that you started. I call this phenomenon of starting and finishing a kata at the exact same location “positional coincidence.” Positional coincidence exists in all modern (approximately 1945 and thereafter) karate kata. Karate Sensei often attribute a philosophical concept to positional coincidence.

You are traveling through life. Your life’s journey is interrupted by a confrontation with an aggressor. You pause your journey to defend yourself (represented by the kata performance). You defeat the aggressor. Being victorious, you continue along your life’s path from the exact point of interruption. Symbolically, the confrontation had no effect upon you at all.

Let’s use this “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) session to explore and alter that philosophy.

I cannot emphasize enough that performing Sanchin Kata, at least once daily, will benefit you physically, emotionally and psychologically. So, why subscribe to the above philosophy attributed to positional coincidence? To do so simply symbolizes that you are living your life, you perform Sanchin Kata, and after doing so return to your life exactly as you lived before the performance of Sanchin Kata. Wrong! You are better physically, emotionally and psychologically for performing the Kata. So, why not symbolize that betterment? Intentionally violating positional coincidence by moving forward one inch provides that symbolism. My karate colleagues may find Endnote # 1 to be of interest on this point.

So, lets voluntarily adjust and “violate” the phenomenon of positional coincidence during this group “ . . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) session.

Only One Inch . . . That’s OK

As always, you can perform either the Sanchin Kata, my Shibumi Kata (Link: https://senseijohn.me/2013/12/05/shibumi-kata-the-movements/ ) or any karate kata. For my karate brethren, the “Kata Sommelier” has an interesting recommendation for this session.
Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters:
Date: Starting Monday April 7th, 2014;
Time: Anytime
Location: Any location;
Salient Points:

Perform your Sanchin, Shibumi or Karate Kata as normal, and remain in position on the last move;
As you step forward from the last move to the ready posture, intentionally, shift forward at least an inch, so that you do not finish at the same point you started, but forward from that position;
Recognize that finishing forward from your starting position acknowledges that you are better off physically, emotionally and psychologically for performing the kata than not performing the kata;
Kata Sommelier: For my karate brethren, I would recommend any “flowing”, graceful kata. My favorite kata in this regard is the Seipai Kata. You may also enjoy Wansu Kata, Seisan Kata or similar kata during this session. But remember – violate the positional coincidence by moving forward at least one inch at the end.

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.

In closing I remain, inching forward in life through my kata,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

I found a few old photos that I thought readers may enjoy, the two below are from about 1973 from my purple belt promotion they feature several notable Yudansha as follows: 1) Sensei Dave Crum (as a brown belt) 2) Sensei Dave Church, 3) Sensei Nick D’Antuono, 4) myself receiving purple belt (age 12), 5) Sensei Tony Fabi, 6) Shihan Thomas DeFelice, 7) Sensei Paul Recchia, 8) Sensei James Kingston, 9) Sensei Steve Malmoud, 10) Sensei Jeff Tyne. I am blessed and honored to have personally known every black belt in the Goshin-Do Karate-Do style we call “DeFelice-Ryu.”

If you enjoy participating in this “ . . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) session, please show you support,

Come visit my store on CafePress!

all items have a minimal mark-up of only $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 over base prices! Here are ONLY SOME of our support products:

For information on my “no-risk”, kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/

ENDNOTE:
1. For my karate colleagues, it is about time to re-examine the dogmatic philosophy attributed to positional coincidence. We need to acknowledge the truth of a real life fight in the street – after the fight you do not return to your life exactly as you were before the fight. Initially, you are all the better for surviving the encounter; you survived to go-about your life, love and provide for your family. After the initial euphoria of survival wears off, you will always carry the gravity of having to defend yourself. Either way, you are never the same. I simply suggest, that on occasion (such as in this kata session) your kata practice should acknowledge that simple truth. Voluntarily avoiding positional coincidence as above is one way to do so.

NOW AVAILABLE – SANCHIN VIDEO SERIES designed specifically for the NON-MARTIAL ARTIST who desires to learn & unlock the secret treasure of Sanchin. Here is a convenient link a promotional video about the Sanchin DVD filmed on location at various scenic locations throughout Arizona.
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-pC-tPUrYE
** If you experience any difficulty in purchasing online using the above links, please contact me via a “comment” on this blog & I will e-mail you instructions on how to purchase a Sanchin product using a check or money order ***

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

Tags: Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Cyber Group Kata, Goshin-Do Karate-Do, Group Kata, Kata Enjoyment, Kata For Health, Kata Philosophy, Layman's Kata, Online Kata, Positional Coincidence, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John, Shibumi Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

Promises, promises, broken promises “. . . That’s OK”

16 Mar

This week’s post is dedicated to my friend “Dean” who had both a set back in chemotherapy and a disappointment.

There are many ways that the Dojo is a microcosm of everyday life. One example may be found in the potential new student that walks into the Dojo. Let’s take a look at two hypothetical new students. With a nod towards one of my favorite childhood magazines, “Highlights Magazine”, let’s call these two potential students “Goofus and Gallant.”

Goofus. Goofus enters the Dojo excited and vocal in his desire to learn karate. As is my usual procedure, I tell him he must come back in thirty days. He promises to do so. In thirty days he returns and is proud to exclaim:

“See I passed the first test;”
“I wanted to learn karate all my life, I’ll start the next class, I promise I’ll bring my check;”

Goofus continues,

“I promise to attend every class and work hard;”
“I promise to listen to everything you say;”
“I promise to practice every free minute at home;”
“I promise to be your most devoted student.”

Gallant. Gallant enters the Dojo and simply asks if it would be okay to quietly observe the class. When class is finished, Gallant thanks me and asks if it would be okay to visit again. I tell him, “Yes” and shake his hand.

Based upon my experience, Goofus will join the Dojo and quit in two to three months (definitely after his first bruise, physically or psychologically). Gallant will eventually join the Dojo and become a devoted student.

Similar stories have been told in varied ways (the most popular being the student that will work twice as hard to obtain a black belt; which will take twice as long). I chose the above to illustrate a specific point that fostered disappointment for my friend “Dean” – The person that promises the most will be the one the does nothing and disappoints the most.

So,

Promises, promises, empty promises “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata)

As always, you can perform either the Sanchin Kata, my Shibumi Kata or any karate kata. For my karate brethren, the “Kata Sommelier” has a rare recommendation for this session.

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters:

Date: Starting Monday March 17th, 2014;

Time: Anytime another’s promises exceed their ability to execute them.

Location: Any location;

Salient Points:

As you perform your kata rise above the emptiness of the promises made to you;
Rely on your own inner strength and “fighting-spirit;”
Know that you are a far better person for doing, not for promising and avoiding;
In your own mind perform your triumphant kata symbolically “in-the-face” of the one who disappointed you:
You are a formidable force – while you welcome the assistance of others, their failure to make good on their promises is of no consequence – you will triumph while the promisor must always bear the knowledge of their failure.

Kata Sommelier: For my karate brethren, I would recommend Kanto, “Fighting Spirit” Kata. Since this kata is very rare, being created by Hanshi Frank Van Lenten to represent his Goshin-Do Karate-Do Kyokai, you may perform any kata within your syllabus with the “Fighting Spirit” of Kanto Kata. Be formidable, unconquerable, you have no need to rely on the empty promises of others; no matter how lofty they tout themselves.

Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.

In closing I remain, doing, not promising,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

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Tags: Broken Promises, Fighting Spirit Kata, Goofus and Gallant, Goshin-Do Karate, Goshin-Do Karate Kyokai, Goshin-Kai, Group Kata, Hanshi Frank Van Lenten, Highlights Magazine, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kanto Kata, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John, Shibumi Kata

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Categories . . . That's OK

. . . That’s OK, it speaks for itself

19 Jan

First and foremost –

Welcome new readers and new students of either Sanchin Kata or Shibumi Kata! The past few weeks of my “free Sanchin & Shibumi campaign” have been very exciting. I never thought that by simply handing out cards and pamphlets I would meet so many interesting people.

This post is a means by which we can all practice our kata “together” as a group via the internet. The group dynamic is satisfied not by being geographically together, but by all practicing together in accord with the session parameters. To keep practice fresh and interesting, I will post new sessions every two weeks in a new category of blog posts.

Note: For those of you that have learned Sanchin Kata from either my DVD, book or both, the new category will replace the “Sanchin Pilgrimage” category. This will all me to include the partitioners of the Shibumi Kata and martial artists that may choose to join in our cyber-group. For my martial arts readers, I will act like a Sommelier who recommends pairing of wine and food; however, as a “Kata Sommelier” I’ll recommend kata to be paired with the session parameters.

The first cyber-group session is posted below. We can all start practicing tomorrow and continue until the next session’s parameters is posted in two weeks.

I’ve decided to call this category – –

. . . That’s OK (with the OK being an acronym for “Online Kata”)

The name is a nod to my Uncle-In-Law, Jim who would tell of hardships he endured during his 82 years on this Earth and end with the phrase “. . . but, thats OK.” “We almost starved during the Great Depression, but thats OK,” is one example.

Similarly we, as an online Kata community can go about our days, good and bad as an online community and simply know that “ . . . . That’s OK” – we have Online Kata to help us.

* * * * * This Session * * * * *

I have a latin phrase burned in my mind from my years as a student at Seton Hall Law School, Newark, New Jersey (1985-1989). That phrase is “Res Ipsa Loquitur.” It means “the thing speaks for itself.” Res Ipsa Loquitur was not only a legal principle I was required to learn, it was also the name of our school newspaper. As such, I was routinely exposed to it. Now, Res Ipsa Loquitur is the foundation of our first “That’s OK” session.

Session Parameters:

Date: Every day beginning Monday, January 20th, 2014;
Time: The very first thing in the morning, or as close as possible to the first thing you do;
Location: Any location; however, my preference is an outdoor location;
Salient Points: This one is simple – as an online community we can perform our kata as a means of getting through our day gracefully, with a sense of satisfaction, no matter what we may encounter, because the benefits of our practice of the kata “speak for itself!” We will feel better than the average person physically, emotionally and psychologically all because of our online group kata. Thus each morning our kata will – Res Ipsa Loquitor.
Kata Sommelier: For martial artists, if you do not desire to perform Sanchin (or try my Shibumi Kata), during these two weeks, I would recommend you participate by performing the first kata required in your style. Without learning this kata, you would not have advanced in knowledge. Thus the kata “speaks for itself.” In Goshin-Do Karate, this would be Taikiyoku Kata, for Goju-ryu karate-ka, Gekisai Dai Ichi, for Isshin-Ryu practitioners, Seisan Kata, and the like.

In closing, I remain letting kata “speak for itself” – and – – – “ . . . . That’s OK”

Sensei John Szmitkowski

For information on my “no-risk”, kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/

NOTES:

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

For the official Goshin-Do Karate-Do blog, please visit WWW.DeFeliceRyu.Com

You may wish to view my blog dedicated to the interrelationship between martial arts protocol & ideology to fly-fishing and fishing in general by clicking WWW.FlyFishingDojo.Com

Tags: Academy of Goshin-Do Karate, Group Kata, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata Online, Kata Sommelier, Res Ipsa Loquitur, Sanchin Kata, Sensei John, Shibumi Kata, Thing Speaks For Itself

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