Well, congratulations are in order – one of our brown belts was just awarded his black belt; the first one given out in our dojo in about seven years….it has been a while since the last in-house promotion to shodan. You see, the majority of black belts in our current lineup, achieved their dans before they ever visited our class….some, a very long time ago. Sempais Kevin, Elton, and Cheryl made it some 10 years ago, Sensei Trish and Sempai James – over 20 years ago, for me – it was exactly 40 years ago, and my old friends Sensei Peter – 41 years ago, and Sensei Wayne – 42 years ago. What amazes me the most, is that these senior members of our group continue to faithfully train and teach till this day, representing so many years of effort, focus, and patience. I am so blessed to be associated with karateka of their high character and dedication to learning and sharing the art. Karate students often imagine that their highest goal is make it to the first level black belt or shodan…actually, what it really means, is that one has merely learned the abc’s, basic grammar, words and phrasing [...]

One of my favorite movies is the Bill Murray comedy, “Groundhog Day”. You know; the one that keeps on having the same scenes repeat again and again, but a little different each time? If you’ve ever seen it, it’s about the protagonist (Murray) getting stuck into reliving the same day again and again for what must have been many years. It’s funny and entertaining – and yet, thought-provoking on many different levels. He starts out, realizing that he’s trapped into repeating the same day in a little town, and each time that the clock clicks to 06:00 am, the entire day restarts again, no matter what has occurred during the previous 24 hours. How long he’s trapped in that one day is anyone’s guess (my feeling is many decades, possibly a hundred years or more). Along the way, he goes from frustration, to trying to get rid of himself in desperation (doesn’t work), to exploring different uses/abuses of power, to trying to get a gal he loves to fall for him (doesn’t work)…to finally accepting his situation and seeing the opportunity that has been presented to him. He moves from being self-centered to caring for those around him. He realizes [...]

Just a quick reminder that we’re fortunate to have Sensei Ed Fujiwara visit us on Saturday, 1 June as guest instructor.  Sensei Ed was my teacher from the mid-eighties through the mid-nineties.  Sensei Trisha was also lucky enough to train under him during those years.  In turn, for four decades, Sensei Ed was a personal student of the late and legendary Master Tetsuhiko Asai, one of the most gifted karateka the world has ever known.  Whenever Sensei Ed shares some of his great karate knowledge, he is also sharing some of the unique insights that he gained during his long association with his mentor and friend, Master Asai.  Any of you who have spent time with him knows that a session with Sensei Ed, is never a “usual day at training”, haha. On that Saturday, please come early – I always arrive well before our 09:00 am start time, but inevitably, find Sempai James, Sensei Ed, and Sensei Ed’s father, already dressed and warming up for class. Blessings, Wes