First of all, Momilani Rec Center has a party scheduled for this Saturday, 29 April. However, we’re so blessed that instead of having to cancel training, Pastor Nando has graciously offered us the use of the decent sized space at the NHPC Office. The office is located a scant 5 minutes away from Momilani Rec Center. Know where Buzz’s Steakhouse is?…there’s a street that’s parallel to Moanalua Road and just behind Buzz’s. Follow this street down the block (in the Pearl City direction) to its dead end. As you face the dead end (cul-de-sac), take the driveway that runs 45 degrees to the left and you’ll be in the NHPC parking area. The room is lined with mirrors to enhance your training experience, haha. And I will be sure to take advantage of the visual feedback so you can get the most from your training.

The last aspect I’d like to talk about in kata is… expression. This is kind of a hard one for me to describe; after all, knowing the kata sequence without having to think…possessing excellent form, movement, speed, and power… knowing and being able to execute the underlying bunkai… and performing the kata with a mature timing and rhythm derived from countless repetition… what more is there? To me, it’s the more important part… showing the heart of the kata. Not merely replicating what you’ve seen your sempais and various senseis do, that would merely be imitation. What is the difference between a perfect photograph, taken of a sunny day by the river, versus a painting by Monet? We know that the paintings of the masters are treasured… not for their ability to replicate what they’ve seen, but their ability to place their own perspective onto the canvas. Even the sidewalk artist at Disneyland doesn’t merely do a quick sketch of you and your family… he will, more often than not, do a quick caricature of you, complete with Mickey Mouse cap. When I was a kid, I enjoyed watching comedians imitating James Cagney, Jimmy Stewart, Ed Sullivan, President Kennedy, etc. [...]