Just a short note to say what a great Christmas party we enjoyed today! The weather was perfect… sunny, cool, with a nice breeze that, at times, had much “gusto”. The foods and desserts that everyone brought filled two tables with a diverse and tasty selection for lunch. Thanks to sempais Wes and Donna, we were able to enjoy the beautiful covered Rec Center at the Ridge in Launani Valley, complete with gas grills, kitchen and ice box, tables, benches, lounge chairs, and a nice pool and Jacuzzi that the kids made full use of. Sensei Trisha and sempai Donna did a great job of planning and organizing the event, as well as leading all of the many fun games that occupied all of us, literally, for hours!… it was almost as exciting and as energetic as karate training. We were constantly on our toes, trying to answer to and call others by their designated Christmas names for the day… my name for the day, was an appropriate “Prancer”, though not as much fun as Mr. Shiroma going by the tag of “Vixen” throughout the festivities. I don’t know which game was my favorite; playing charades using Play-Doh, or trying [...]

Thanksgiving or Givingthanks… which ever way you say it, I think it means the same thing. The word (phrase?) means so much more than just saying the word, “Thanks”. Have you ever received help or aid or support or guidance or other forms of unconditional love and friendship that are so huge, there are no words you can say to express your gratitude? A gratefulness so deep and strong, it can’t be sated or quelled by mere words? And even though you offer your sincere thanks to your benefactor(s), they mildly accept with words like, “You’re welcome.” or, “It’s nothing.” or, “No thanks necessary.” And you realize, it’s just not enough for you, that you have a driving need to do something in return. Kind of like the other -giving that we talk about, forgiving. Forgiving’s not about just saying, “I forgive you.”…that is a phrase that the other person may or may not receive… forgiveness is for you, and when you do forgive from within, a great burden is lifted off you. By the same token, saying, “thank you”, may or may not be received by the other person… taking action in thankfulness is for you, when you do [...]

Here’s a good question: “What’s in a color (belt) or rank?” The usual answer is “Whatever you place into it.” Whenever we have one of our rather infrequent promotion times, resulting in new ranks and (sometimes) new color belts, I often have thoughts about this topic rise up in me. So, if some of this sounds familiar, I’ve probably said this to many of you before… I just thought I’d finally put it down in writing. When I was in the Air Force, I recall that the professional officer corps had a ranking system that was a true pyramid. At the bottom were all of the young 2nd/1st Lieutenants and Captains. Then, as one went up the pyramid, there were far less Majors, Lt Colonels… even less Colonels and far fewer General officers. While this may seem a common sense arrangement to everybody, there are certain requirements in the system that are not apparent to those outside of the Services that act to whittle down the much larger base of incoming junior officers to those few who get to wear the star(s) of command. There is a certain amount of natural attrition within the military ranks (those like myself who [...]