HIS Karate-Do

Sometimes I think about how relative time is. I don’t mean the Theory of Relativity, wherein the passage of time is not thought to be a constant, but passes at a different relative rate, depending upon how close a traveler comes to the speed of light (186,300 miles per second) relative to a non-traveler. I mean, about how the same passage of time can affect persons of different ages/stages relative to each other. I began training in Aikido when I was 12 years old. Just like our ministry, the Aikido class was comprised of students ranging in age from children to grandparents. I really looked up to and enjoyed some of my older mentors. My interest in Aikido, however, gradually diminished and I stopped training altogether by the time I was 16 years old. I had punching and kicking on my mind. I found Shotokan at 18, and as you know, practice/teach the art until this day. I’m a little slower, 60 lbs heavier, and less flexible than I was in 1963. However, I feel smarter and stronger than I did back then…and I still get to attend training sessions in fellowship just like I did in the 1960’s…but that’s [...]

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Just random thoughts/tips on rather mundane items that have crossed my mind: —Gi’s…please don’t forget to let me know if you want to order a new or extra gi. Nowadays, the cost is pretty reasonable to obtain a heavier gauge (better for “snapping”) 12 oz gi. Depending on the size, most run somewhere in the $35 range. Most of the white/blue/green belts prefer the lighter (8 oz), inexpensive (about $20) gi’s, but as one moves up into the purple belt level on up, most prefer the heavier gi. Most beginners will complain that the heavier gauge makes for hotter, sweatier, less comfortable training. However, once you make the switch, you get used to it, makes for a more effective workout, and most important…the snapping sound gives one positive audible feedback that their technique is being executed at a minimum speed. —Belts…At this moment, Sempai Doreen is the only person in the world who wears a black belt embroidered with the New Hope Pearl Karate kanji (in gold) on one side, her name on the other side. What an awesome thing, identifying herself as an NHPC Karate Ministry member (to those who can read Japanese). Sempais James and Wes are also [...]