—In two weeks, 17 Feb, we’ll have a quick exam for some of our white belts. I say quick, because the first test seems so short for those of us watching…it’s over before I can blink my eyes. Of course, for those taking their first test, it seems to last forever. this particular group of white belts should have no problems passing…some have been training since last summer, so they should be so ready, they should be overripe (joke). Following the short exam, we’ll have training as usual.

—In three weeks, 24 Feb (weather permitting), we’ll have our periodic yard cleaning. As always, many hands should make this quick so that we have time for some training afterwards. Please bring your rakes and gloves (and weedwhacker, if you have one).

—As I mentioned today, on the 14 Mar episode of the hugely popular TV series “Lost”, Anne, mother to two of our young blue belts is scheduled to appear as a nurse (speaking a couple of lines, no less!). So keep your eyes peeled for her, and you can tell your family, “Hey, I know her!”

—Also in March, I’m happy to say that sempai Wes (not me, the younger, more powerful black belt Wes) will be planting a new karate ministry at his church, Hope Central in Mililani. I can’t wait to see the patch they’ve designed…which is patterned, very appropriately, into four squares (hey, we’re both from Foursquare denomination churches!). As sempai Wes pointed out to me, coincidentally, my dad’s family mon (Nakamoto) also consists of four squares. But we can get carried away, looking for trends/patterns in things…I could counter that we practice “karate for squares”, haha. But seriously, I am so happy that he has the interest and drive to start up a karate ministry…sempai Wes is a solid karateka, of good moral character, humble, a seeker of excellence, and a gentle, patient teacher and example to others. He’s everything I would wish in an instructor/sensei. Not only will his students benefit from what he has to offer, but I know his own understanding of the art will really evolve. As the saying goes, “The teacher is twice taught.”

—While on the topic of senseis, I need to say a few words about our old friend Sensei Wayne, who comes and helps teach at our ministry whenever he has some free time. He and I are friends from our college days, and practiced together at the old UH Karate-Kai Club and at the old special training classes that Shihan Funakoshi used to hold late at night in the Puck’s Alley dojo back in the 1970’s. In case you don’t know know, he’s the right-hand man of Sensei Kevin Funakoshi, and has helped teach there in Mililani for many years. He also gets requests to fly over to Maui and share his expertise with a couple of Shotokan clubs there. Yet, he finds the time to come over and help us out (unless there’s a good football game on, haha) more than I can ever thank him for. Shotokan instructors with the experience and analytical mind that he possesses, are very hard to find. So please treasure the times that you get to train under his direction and watchful eye. The same goes for our other friend, Sensei Richard, who is also a well-respected medical doctor and administrator.