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 “Iki Sho Ten” ( Will and Energy Will Lift You Up!)

Words from Sensei April, 2010

I am excited to be going to Okinawa this month for my annual training with my two Sensei.  I spend a couple of hours training each morning with my Kobudo teacher Gakiya Yoshiaki, Sensei.  We start at 10 o’clock and finish between 12:00 and 1:00.  The time goes so fast, we often lose track.  In the Okinawan culture, time is a minor detail.  Stress and deadlines are rare.  I love it!  We practice the Bo every session and eventually get thru all of the 13 weapons.  We practice kata over and over and then we work on bunkai (application).  The two man practice shows you your mistakes in hurry.  My Sensei’s energy is incredible and his sense of humor makes the workouts fun.  We are usually joined my friend Yogi Jyosei, Sensei.  He is a famous Karate and Kobudo teacher on Okinawa and could also be a stand-up comedian.  We train hard, but have a lot of laughs.  After a shower, we go to lunch and sometimes go to a point of interest that is off the beaten path.  In the evenings I train with my Karate teacher Nakazato Shugoro Sensei.  We train two hours  and that’s the day.  At 89 years old, he is very quick and truly motivating.  Nothing seems to have changed in the Shorinkan honbu dojo since I first trained there twenty years ago.  It is always fun to train alongside my dojomates in the honbu dojo.  It gives me a great feeling.  Nakazato Sensei is a living cultural treasure of Japan.  I feel so honored to be his student.  After training I go to one of my favorite restaurants and eat my favorite Okinawan food.  I walk most places I go and enjoy walking in the evening after a good meal and some fun.  Some of my friends from the Shorinkan will be there at the same time, so I’m sure we will have a good time after training each night.  My student Mark Nienow is coming with me on his first trip to Okinawa, so I will take him to Shuri Castle, the aquarium in Nago, and all the other historically significant sites.  Eleven days will go by way too fast!  I am, however looking forward the spring and summer months. The Warrior Gasshuku in June is sure to be an amazing event.  See the events page for information and registration.  The headliners include 9^th dan Doug Perry, Sensei.  I believe it is his fifth time honoring us at our training camp.  Others include; Pat Haley and Eddie Bethea, both Kyoshi 8^th dan,CD Williamson, Jerry Taylor, Dr. Chris Estes, and Blake Burgert, all Kyoshi 7^th dans.  It is really an unbelievable group of instructors.  All of them have a great deal of knowledge to share with you.  Remember registration has started and you need to register before May 1^st to receive your free Warrior Gasshuku T-shirt and get the best price.  All Authentic Ancient Arts students should make their best effort to attend.  As a Karate and Kobudo practitioner-you don’t want to miss this event!  I will share this with you.  All of the instructors for this year are looking forward to training and working with you at camp.  The biggest compliment I have ever received is how nice, respectful, and friendly my students are.  I sincerely thank you all for that.  Whenever things aren’t going the best, go to your training for therapy.  Karate and Kobudo are always waiting for you at the dojo.  Take them with you everywhere you go.

                                                  “Iki Sho Ten” ( Will and Energy Will Lift You Up!)

-Sensei

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