Karate Thoughts Blog

Reinstating Itosu Sensei

2009-11-07T20:33:00.003-10:00

This is a story.

A magical time machine was found in a Karate dojo and presto, out stepped Itosu Sensei who had been transported to the present. Also by magic, he spoke perfect English. Realizing he was in a dojo, he was curious to see how the art had developed.

But before he could go inside to watch an ongoing class, the dojo manager stopped him. "Are you interesting in learning Karate?" he asked.

"Why of course," said Itosu.

"Are you a new student or returning?"

"I guess I would be returning. I trained a long time ago."

"Well," said the dojo manager, "we have this policy for returning students."

"Oh, what is it?" asked Itosu.

"You have to pay monthly dues and dan promotion fees and annual certification fees from when you stopped training until the present. What rank were you?"

"I did not have a rank," replied Itosu, "but it seems that most of my students and even theirs have become 10th degree black belts."

"Fine," said the dojo manager, "we will say that you are a ten dan." "When did you train last?"

"That would have been in 1915," answered Itosu.

"1915! Well this is certainly my day. To reinstate you at your dan ranking, with the back tuition, back promotion fees, back annual certification fees, title fees, and of course back interest and late fees computed to 1915, that will be 10 million dollars!"

"10 million dollars just to watch your dojo?" asked Itosu.

"Fair is fair," explained the dojo manager, "we just can't have returning students pop up or come in from other organizations. We have to maintain the quality of Karate."

"Is that what you're doing?" asked Itosu. "Karate certainly has changed."

"Oh," said the dojo manager, "how much did you charge in your time?"

"Nothing at all. Students paid by their hard work and dedication over their entire lifetimes. I only had a few students."

"Well you see," said the dojo manager, "we are professionals now." "I have an MBA! Oh, and don't forget that you'll need to purchase a gi from our dojo store and the appropriate patches. A red belt will have to be special ordered. Don't worry, we get a quantity discount on those. But the embroidery will cost you extra."

With that Itosu Sensei stepped back into the time machine and returned home to Okinawa. And the dojo manager went back to work.

The end. Lucky that this is just make believe.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Starting Over

2009-11-06T16:02:00.002-10:00

This is a story.

A new student was getting ready for his first class at a Karate dojo after training for 10 years in another style. As he got ready, he spoke to an older man who was also getting ready for the class.

"First time here?" asked the older man.

"Yep," said the student. "Even though I trained for 10 years in another style of Karate and I already know a lot, I want to start over."

"Me too," said the man.

"Is today your first class?" asked the new student?

"No."

Just then, a senior student called the class to attention. The older man took his place and the students all bowed to him.

The new student did not know what to say. He was so embarrassed. When the other students had left after class, he went up to the Sensei and asked, "Why did you say that you are starting over when you are the Sensei?"

"After ten years you are starting over today with us," answered the Sensei. "I start over each and every day. Each day I am a new student trying to learn, trying to understand Karate. I am always starting over. What I did yesterday seems so wrong... I see nothing but errors. Today I am starting over. Right this minute I am starting over."

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Reacting Before the Attack

2009-11-06T15:39:00.002-10:00

My point about knives is that there is no time to react to the blade. People don't stab or slash from far away. They tend to get close and attack when you are not looking. By then, it is almost certainly too late to defend, and after you are cut your ability to defend will be lessened (to say the least).

But it is the same with a punch. Generally, an attacker is not going to announce that he is going to punch you. You might only get to see the first punch when it is about to hit you. Or you might get falsecracked and not see it at all... you will just feel it.

Whatever the attack might be, we have to try our best to be alert enough to react to the body motions or signals that are given before the attack. You have to be able to perceive when a person is going for his knife or about to throw a punch. I grant that this is not an easy thing. Some people might attack with no visible warning at all. But generally, I think that there might be some signals or warning signs.

I remember that my Aikido Sensei, Sadao Yoshioka, used to say that we have a third eye at the back of our heads, and with this, we could sense when someone was attacking from the rear. I'm sure that he did not mean that we have an actual eye, but rather that we can cultivate a keen sense of awareness through practice.

When something does not look right, it probably isn't. If someone is approaching and you get this "funny feeling", perhaps it is time to step a little to the right or left, to cross the street, to look around to see who else might be lurking nearby, to take in inventory of nearby objects that could be used as obstructions or weapons, etc. But if you are talking or texting on your cell phone, you probably will not even notice the person until he is right up on you. By that time, he could draw a knife or other weapon, or punch you.

Karate is little like an airbag. When you are in an accident, the airbag helps a lot. But the most important thing in driving is not just to have a good airbag, but to drive safely and avoid accidents. You don't want to count on your airbag and you should hope not to have to use your Karate techniques.

Karate is not just a last resort because it is dangerous, it is a last resort because you should have exhausted all methods of avoidance first.

Awareness is the most important part of Karate. To be aware means to be watchful, mindful, vigilant. The antonym is to be oblivious. No matter how skilled you might be, you will not get to use any self defense techniques if you are oblivious to your surroundings and the people around you.

It is also important to be aware of how you conduct yourself in daily life. Are you polite and respectful of others, or are you oblivious to that too?

Through awareness, we might have an additional second or two to react to an attack. That might make all the difference. Or if we are lucky, we might be able to take steps to prevent the attack (by moving, for example).

Be... * A * W * A * R * E *

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Guest Posts: More on Knives You Don't See

2009-11-06T11:01:00.004-10:00

In response to my post about Knives You Don't See, I received the following from Sensei Don Roberts. You can read an article by Roberts Sensei in the The Oku Technique. Roberts Sensei has written a fine series of books about bunkai that I really admire. They are called Tigikai: Theories and Analyses of Isshin-Ryu Karate Do Kata. If you would like to order books in the series, you can contact Roberts Sensei at Gambatteisshin@aol.com.

I had the pleasure of meeting Roberts Sensei and Mrs. Roberts here in Hawaii. Here is his response:

Hi Charles-san,

I saw on your face book site that you were knife collector. Me too, especially fighting knives. There is just something about them that is fascinating. We also teach defense against the knife, as well as some techniques using the knife. I have a little story about our training I think you might be interested in.

I used to have a young policeman come by the dojo in the morning before he went on shift. In addition to standard training, we worked on things he might encounter during his work day. One thing we emphasized was observing body language, especially if the subject turned so as to hide his strong hand. This could indicate he was reaching for a knife carried in the back pocket (which is how most people carry them down here). One day he responded to a call to assist EMT's as they attempted to escort an "unbalanced" person to the hospital. As the EMT's were leading the person to the ambulance, my guy noticed the body language we had worked on in class. Immediately he drew his gun, and loudly yelled "Knife!" The EMT's leaped to the side just as the individual produced a hooked linoleum knife. The knife was dropped and the guy was cuffed. My guy's quick thinking saved the situation without anyone being hurt.

Take care and keep up the good work.

Don Roberts

Easier to Teach Goju-Ryu Students

2009-11-05T23:05:00.003-10:00

Sometimes I get students who have studied other styles. I have found that it is generally easier for me to teach a Goju-Ryu student than a Shotokan or Shorin-Ryu student. Do you know why?

The techniques and kata I teach are somewhat similar to Shotokan or Shorin-Ryu. When I teach a student with a background in such styles, he sees me but interprets what I teach in light of what he has already learned. Actually, he doesn't see me -- he sees his own projection of me.

When I teach a Goju-Ryu student, my techniques and kata are pretty different from what he has learned. So when he sees me, he can actually see me. There is less a chance of him seeing his own projection of me.

Does this make sense?

Changing styles is a very challenging process and takes a great deal of commitment, hard work, and time. It also takes a sharp eye. You have to be able to actually "see" your instructor, not your own projection of what he is doing based on your prior training.

Do you know who I have found learns our style most easily? People who have studied hula.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Four Great Gifts

2009-11-05T22:21:00.003-10:00

This is a story.

A great Karate Sensei had four senior students who had each trained with him for most of their lives. Each day he would tell them, "I am going to leave you a great gift when I die."

Because the Sensei lived to be quite old, he repeated this promise this many, many times. The first three students became lazy and greedy, and constantly dreamed about the great gift they would receive when their teacher passed away. The fourth just kept training.

Finally, the Sensei passed away. A special meeting was held at the dojo. The Sensei's good friend, the head Sensei of another dojo, called all the students together and before them all, presented the gifts to the four top students.

He called the first student to the front of the dojo. "Your Sensei have given you this dojo building."

The first student was so happy that he ran outside and went to town to celebrate.

The second student was called. "Your Sensei has given you his association."

The second student was so happy that he ran outside and went to town to celebrate with the first student.

The third student was called. "Your Sensei has given you his only daughter's hand in marriage."

The third student was so happy that he ran outside and went to town to celebrate with the first and second students.

Finally, The fourth student was called. "Your Sensei apologizes. He has no possessions left. The only things he could give you are his techniques and teaching methods. But these are not things to give, these are things that you earned by your own hard training. So he gives you nothing but his compliments and best wishes."

The fourth student bowed and went back to his training.

Time passed.

The first student found out that the dojo building was heavily mortgaged. He had to sell it just to pay of the debt. He was so upset he quit Karate altogether.

The second student found that all the members of the association quit when the Sensei died. Because there were no dues, he had to close it. He was so upset he quit Karate altogether.

The third student actually inherited the Sensei's remaining possessions because of his marriage to his daughter, but she was lazy and liked to buy expensive things. He was broke by the time he divorced her. He was so upset he quit Karate altogether.

The fourth student just kept on training and teaching and was very happy. Seeing what had happened, he told his students each day:

"I have nothing to give you except what I am teaching. If you enjoy Karate training, you will always be happy. If you are looking forward to anything else, you might as well quit now."

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

My Son, the Dojo Cho

2009-11-05T21:44:00.002-10:00

If you've read this blog for a while you will know that I put my second son, Charles, in charge of the dojo a couple of years ago. Charles will be 24 this month. Since we share the same first name, we would call him "Baby Charles" and "Little Charles" when he was young. Now he is 6 feet tall and I am only 5 feet 8 inches tall. So I am the little one!

I was speaking to a senior instructor recently and he asked me, "So how is that going?"

I replied that it was going great. And it is.

It is just that it is not the conventional thing to do. Traditionally, an instructor tends to remain in charge of his dojo until he is quite old, or even until he dies. Then, depending on the situation, the students have to go through a stressful period of adjustment. Sometimes dojo and organizations are even split.

For me, the value and joy of Karate is in the training. I can do that whether I am the head of the dojo or someone else is the head. My position does not change my ability to train and teach. And in any event, I am still the senior in the dojo and my son and other instructors consult with me when they have questions.

When I put my son in charge of the dojo, he became the dojo cho, and I became his dad. I did not put him in charge so that I could acquire a greater title. I just put him in charge. He runs the dojo and makes the decisions. If he wants to promote someone, he can.

To tell the truth, he is a tougher promoter than me. He is a real technician and an excellent teacher. He also has excellent body dynamics. I often have to urge him to teach in a simple way first (particularly with respect to koshi). His koshi movements have become pretty compressed.

I, on the other hand, tend to teach koshi simply and compress (shrink and streamline) the movements only as the student progresses.

Anyway, I feel that if you do things the same way as everyone else, you will probably get the same results. The succession process in Karate dojo is often poorly coordinated and unnecessarily stressful. By putting my son in charge when he is young and I am relatively young too (51), I have time to work with him and give him (and the other instructors) support.

When I put my son in charge of the dojo, it was like I become the dojo grandfather. Now I am an actual grandfather too!

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

The Cost of Karate

2009-11-05T21:24:00.002-10:00

Sometimes I hear about Karate classes that are pretty expensive and dan promotion fees in the many thousands of dollars. Karate can be expensive.

My Karate class is not very expensive at all. However, the real cost for any Karate student is not just the tuition paid but the opportunity cost. The student is not just paying money, he is also losing out on other things that he could be doing. For example, instead of learning Karate, the student could be learning Judo, boxing, or a foreign language, or even pursuing a graduate degree. Or he could be working at a part time job, or even writing a novel. Or he could be tending an elderly parent or caring for a newborn child.

My point is that tuition and even promotion fees are not the only costs in Karate. Come to think of it, some people also spend quite a lot of money to participate in tournaments in their own hometowns, in other parts of their country, or even internationally.

The cost of Karate also includes what else you could be doing.

Of course, many people study Karate and also do many other things successfully. Practicing Karate does not mean you cannot do other things. But during the time you are practicing Karate, you usually cannot be doing other things -- things that could be quite worthwhile.

For me, Karate training is more than worth the actual costs and opportunity costs involves. When I train, it is exactly what I want to be doing.

My teachers here in Hawaii taught me from an early age that I should never expect to get rich (financially) from Karate. The rewards of Karate training and teaching, to me, are not financial -- they are personal. Getting in good shape and developing self defense skills are also a benefit.

The form of Karate I practice, Kishaba Juku Shorin-Ryu, is also intellectually and physically challenging to me. Each time I practice and teach it is always new. Sometimes I watch my sons, daughter, and students and marvel at their movements and dynamics.

I hope that all Karate students are doing what they want to do. Life is too short to miss out on opportunities.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Support Network

2009-10-30T23:16:00.002-10:00

Last one on cancer for a while.

I read a report that people undergoing treatment for cancer who have a support network (family and friends), live longer than people who do not. Both receive the same treatment but those with a support network live longer.

I believe this to be true. When I have seen people undergoing treatment who have someone with them, they seem more positive and healthy. It is not just the help they receive, it is the love and encouragement. Also, having someone else helps when navigating the sometimes confusing and always frightening treatment regimen and options.

This is my way of saying that we should do our best to support our loved ones and friends when they are in need.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Curly Hair

2009-10-30T23:05:00.002-10:00

Continuing on the subject of breast cancer, in the last few months my wife has sometimes complained that her hair has grown back very curly in places. When she does this, I remind her that there was a time during chemotherapy when she had no hair. Her head was actually shiny because there were no hairs at all!

So curly hair is not such a big problem, at least it is hair.

And even with no hair, she still looked beautiful!

This is what I mean when I say that something like breast cancer can change you perspectives.

Hair is such a little thing when you are worried about life itself.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Co-Survivor 2 (And Counting)

2009-10-30T22:03:00.005-10:00

Recently, I attended a Susan G. Komen luncheon with my wife, Nayna. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She continues Tamoxifen treatment. The good news is that all test have shown her to be cancer free!

At the luncheon, my wife wore a name tag with her name and "Survivor 2." Other people in the room had name tags with "Survivor" and a number but some had "Co-Survivor" and a number. The event had started earlier in the morning and I only attended the luncheon. As a result, I did not get a name tag. But I learned that I was a "Co-Survivor 2." I am a Co-Survivor for 2 years of my wife's breast cancer.

Being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer was a life altering experience for my wife. It was for me too.

My wife has told me several times that I have become a better person because of the experience. I always told her "no no," but actually, I have to agree with her. I have become a better person.

Cancer really stops you in your tracks. We all have to worry about business, finances, school, etc. But with cancer you have to suddenly worry about living. My family had to deal with the real thought of losing my wife. I have always tried hard at work and to save money. Don't get me wrong, money is a very good thing to have. It helps to be able to afford medical treatment -- which can be very expensive, even with insurance. But we often hear about rich celebrities or politicians who suffer and die from cancer and other diseases. It is not a matter of money. These people have access to and can afford the best medical treatment in the world. But with cancer, there is a big unknown. You can only seek the best treatment possible and hope for the best.

Hope and pray. I don't think I ever really appreciated prayer until my wife's cancer. I prayed a lot. Worried, studied, prayed, and worked out. Our family and friends offered their prayers. But even strangers, when they saw my wife with no hair and wearing a scarf or hat, would come up and pray for her. It was amazing.

And it helped.

I discussed with my wife how I seemed to be a better person as a result of her cancer. She always tells people how I was always there for her and tried my best to help her through the grueling, frightening, and confusing medical process. To me, that is what any spouse would do (although I learned that some spouses cannot handle it and even leave their loved one when the diagnosis is made). Trying my best was nothing special. My wife would have done more for me.

But as a result of the process I did change. I have become more patient, perhaps because cancer puts things in a different perspective. Things that seemed big before cancer don't seem quite as big now. I have also become more sympathetic for people who are suffering from illnesses or diseases, such as cancer.

I have written this before and it may sound strange. My second son bought a Toyota Tacoma. It was a great truck. Suddenly, we noticed lots of Tacomas on the road. They seemed to be everywhere. Because our son had one, we noticed them.

After my wife was diagnosed with cancer, we suddenly noticed other women with breast cancer in particular, and people with cancer in general. It was like seeing Tacomas on the road. Of course, the people were always there, we just didn't notice or perhaps did not want to notice. But with my wife's cancer, we discovered many people who had suffered from breast cancer and others who were currently under treatment.

I have to say that I think we did not want to think about cancer because we were afraid that thinking about it would make it happen. Ignoring cancer, to the extent possible, was our superstitious way of warding it off. You can't ignore it when it is in your own family, and of course, you shouldn't ignore it anyway.

I can't tell you how much I suffered for my wife, while at the same time trying to be strong for my children, mother, and extended family. Like I said, I worried all the time, then I tried to research all the time (while worrying), while also keeping up with work. In desperation, I turned to working out more as a way to escape. When I could not take worrying or researching any more, I would lift weights, ride a stationary bike, walk on a treadmill, all while still teaching and practicing Karate. Thank goodness for my sons who exercised me. Otherwise, I think I would have stressed myself to death. And thank goodness for our extended family and friends who all pitched in to help and just be there for us.

So as a result of seeing what my wife went through, and what I went through trying to help her, as well as what our family and friends went through, I am much more sympathetic when I hear that someone or their loved one is ill or suffering from a disease. I can feel for them, not just intellectually acknowledge their situation.

I feel bad that it took something like my wife's breast cancer to make me a better person. That is why I have taken so long to write about it. I feel that we should always try our best and work on our character. But I have to say that life tests us and in the process we learn and change. I am better because of something that happened to my wife.

I am a Co-Survivor 2. I hope to see that number grow larger and larger. And I hope the same for all Survivors and other Co-Survivors.

And for the husbands, boyfriends, sons, and fathers out there, when I have gone to breast cancer events with my wife, there are too few men! Breast cancer does not only affect women. Men can get it too. But for those of us with wives, mothers, daughters, loved ones and friends with breast cancer, we have to be there for them.

Men should not feel awkward going to a breast cancer event. Take it from me, Survivors, Co-Survivors, and the great people who work in organizations such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society, are the nicest people you could meet. You don't catch breast cancer by going to these events, you catch humanity.

For everyone who has asked, my wife is doing great! And I'm not as stressed out anymore, but still work out. I just got a Total Gym 1700, but that's another topic.

And for anyone out there with cancer or any other disease or illness, my prayers are with you.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Knives You Don't See

2009-10-30T20:42:00.002-10:00

One of my hobbies, one that most people do not know about, is collecting knives, folding knives in particular. No, I am not a hardcore collector, like my son's good friend Darin who got me started. But I do have several knives of different sizes (from 3 to 9 inches when open) and types (lockback, liner lock, credit card, etc.).

Many knives can be easily opened and even closed with one hand. And these are not even spring assisted or butterfly knives (which are illegal in Hawaii). These are just regular folding knives.

So what is my point? It does not take much skill or training at all to conceal a folding knife and open it very quickly. A regular knife does not even have to be opened.

If a person wanted to attack you with a knife, you would not be able to see it coming. Unlike television shows and Karate demonstrations where the knife attacker makes big, slow motions, a real knife attack will probably be lightning fast and at close quarters. No big slashes or swings. The knife will be opened and the attack will be made, almost certainly before you can see it. A twitch of the wrist and you will be cut... and skilled knife fighters know where to cut do the most damage in the least time. You could be cut several times before you could even react.

One of my Karate teachers also taught eskrima. He often warned us to be extremely careful when an attacker brushes back his hair, rubs his neck, or reaches for a back pocket, because these could all be movements to get a concealed knife. He taught that you have to react to the movements of the attacker, not to the knife itself. By the time you see the knife -- if you even see the knife -- it will be too late.

You have to react to the attacker and it would be prudent to assume that he is armed whether you know it or not.

I know that this is difficult. I am not saying that you should use a regular Karate-type block to defend against a knife. The teacher I mentioned above used to teach us how to use folding chairs and other items for defense, even umbrellas. You have to be aware of the environment and alert to things that could be used for defense.

As much as we practice Karate, there are other martial artists who train with knives and other weapons. You have to assume that they can become as skilled as us! If you think that you are good at Karate, can you imagine being attacked by someone just as good (or better) at knife fighting? That is not a pleasant thought!

It doesn't matter that you are skilled at Karate if you are wounded or killed before you can use it. Therefore, being aware of the situation has to be the most important part of Karate, because without awareness, there will be no opportunity to use any techniques at all.

Sometimes I see martial artists who are cocky about their fighting skills. Confidence is a good thing but overconfidence can make you miss things... like a concealed knife.

Just to be clear, I collect knives and use them for utility purposes (like cutting plants and cord). I do not carry knives. That does not mean that other people don't carry knives... you have to assume that at least some do.

In Karate we learn to defend against an unexpected attack. That attack could be with a knife, a knife that might not be seen until it is too late.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

One Of Six

2009-10-30T19:53:00.003-10:00

Sensei Mitsugi Kobayashi told me that when he went for his first meeting with Sensei Seko Higa, there were five other prospective students. They all started training together. One by one, however, the other students quit, leaving Kobayashi alone to train with Higa Sensei.

When I first heard this, I thought it was pretty amazing. Out of six students, only one remained?

But then I realized that for every Sensei, there may be dozens, even hundreds of students who started training but quit. For very senior Sensei, there could have been thousands of students!

Those of us who teach Karate, at whatever level, are the ones who did not quit, who stuck it out. In my case, I am certain that I was not the most talented, intelligent, or physically gifted student. Certainly not! I might just have been the most determined or even obsessed student, and also was lucky enough to have a family and lifestyle that allowed me to continue to train.

My dojo is small. We usually have only about twenty-five students and not all attend every class. But those students include several yudansha. When I see them, I do not just see one yudansha, I also see all the students who had trained but quit. Each yudansha represents so many students! When we have ten students and four or five yudansha at class, the dojo seems positively crowded!

Think back to when you started learning Karate and all the students who have come and gone since then. Ten? Fifty? A hundred? A thousand?

Congratulations!

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

The Best Teacher...

2009-10-30T19:36:00.002-10:00

This is a story.

A rich man and woman brought their 12 year old son to Miyagusuku Sensei (a made up name), who was regarded as the best Karate teacher in all of Okinawa. They arranged for their son to live and train with Miyagusuku Sensei for one year.

A year passed and the parents returned, anxious to see their son's progress. A demonstration was quickly arranged. To their surprise, it appeared that their son had learned nothing at all.

The parents were shocked and confused. Finally they asked, "Miyagusuku Sensei, you are the best Karate instructor in all of Okinawa... how is it that our son learned so little?"

"I do not know if I am the best Karate instructor in Okinawa," said Miyagusuku Sensei, "but I am certain that your son is the worst Karate student!"

Even a great Sensei needs a great student. The Sensei can set the plate, but the student must eat and digest what he is taught.

No matter how great the Sensei is, the student must also exert great effort to learn and refine his Karate.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Ring, Ring, Ring!

2009-10-26T13:34:00.005-10:00

This is a story.

A group of Karate students were practicing kumite. Because space in the dojo was limited, they were in close proximity. These students trained hard and were pretty good at kumite... but they all wore jewelry.

Sally executed a flying side kick. Her toe ring got caught on David's earring. As Sally landed on the ground, David's head smashed on the cement floor. Sally tripped over his body and hit June in the back. June's necklace flew up and her pendant poked her partner Sam in the eye and became snagged on his eyebrow ring. When Sam reached up in pain, it tugged June forward. She bent forward and Sam flipped over her back, landing on Sally and David, who screamed in pain. Their Sensei, William, came running. Because by now there was blood on the floor, he slid into the group, his tongue stud becoming caught in Catherine's watch. Catherine had come to help too. As she tried and tried to pull her watch off her Sensei's tongue stud, her belt flipped up. A medal on her belt (earned at a recent tournament) popped loose and the sharp pin beneath it poked her Sensei on the nose. Just then, Bob showed up and started trying to help people up. Because everyone's jewelry was tangled, they yelled in pain. Sally pushed Bob to try to stop him from lifting her up. She hit him with such force that his heavy black ear gauges flew out, right into Sally's mouth. She instantly started choking.

Finally, the twisted mass of injured, bleeding, snagged, and poked Karate students got to their feet, but fell out a window right into a volcano (because they were here in Hawaii).

The moral of the story is... if you wear jewelry when you practice Karate you will fall into a volcano.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

No Jewelry

2009-10-26T12:50:00.003-10:00

Sometimes I repeat things that I think are important (or because I have forgotten that I already said them). Here is another repeat subject.

When you practice Karate, you should not wear any jewelry. This is primarily for safely issues but also out of a sense of modesty and austerity.

Would you like to wear earrings when you train? If so, how will you feel when your earring gets stuck to someone's gi and your earlobe is ripped off or torn? How will you feel with an ugly scar? How will you feel when you have to pay for it?

Would you like to wear a ring? If so, how will you feel when you scratch your partner's eye? Or when your ring gets caught on your partner's earring and you rip his/her hear lob off? And then, when the blood is dripping from your partner's ear, how about when he/she goes into shock, passes out and hits his/her face on the corner of a wall and knocks out some teeth? It happens.

Would you like to wear a necklace? I think you see where this is going.

And with any injury there is the issue of blood. Let's just say that in today's world, another person's blood is the equivalent of toxic waste -- don't touch it.

When you train, you should wear no jewelry at all.

And when you wear your gi in non-training situations, you should not wear any jewelry either. It is just not right. Your gi is not a Halloween costume. When you are dressed in your gi, you are dressed for training, so wear no jewelry. Are you afraid that you will look less attractive? Why are you worried about this when you are wearing your gi? Shouldn't you be worried about developing skill, refining your character, assisting your Sensei, and helping your fellow students?

I don't wear a watch or ring. The only metal I wear are my glasses. Why no watch? Because my cellphone always has the time.

I don't wear any jewelry because in my mind, I am always practicing Karate.

Man, woman, boy or girl -- wear no jewelry when training and/or wearing your gi.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Our Logo Is...

2009-10-26T11:38:00.002-10:00

Our dojo has a logo. It is "no" logo.

Our dojo has a patch. It is "no" patch.

Our belts have special writing. It is "no" writing.

Our dojo has a dojo kun (sayings). It is "no" dojo kun.

When someone asks, "What is your Karate?" I say, "What?"

When someone asks, "Where is your Karate?" I say, "Where?"

When someone says, "You've said nothing." I say, "That's it!"

Karate comes down to skill, conditioning and character, not logos, patches, sayings, or writing on the belt (or all over the gi). Everything in Karate is inside you. If you can buy it -- that's not it.

If someone attacks you, will you be wearing any patches or logo? I don't think so. And even if you are wearing patches or logos, will that deter the attacker?

This is a joke. I saw a Karate student wearing a plain gi with no patches. I thought to myself, "he must belong to my dojo!"

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Guest Post: About Not Hitting Women

2009-10-25T22:06:00.003-10:00

I received the following comment from Fiona regarding my last post, Do Not Hit Women. Fiona has her own blog, gai.ninja. Thank you very much Fiona for your perspective!

Hi Sensei,

I hope you are well.

I have a comment in response to your latest post, so thought I'd send it over.

I also feel that women should not hit men, unless it is self-defence. There is an increasing number of cases of violent female partners, where women take their anger out on their partners, who are powerless to defend themselves, not wanting to hit a woman.

I used to fight with my sisters all the time when we were kids. I usually won so before I was old enough to know it was wrong and get a grip on my ego I used to do it all the time. But my mum always said people used violence as they weren't smart enough to use words, and when I was old enough to understand that, I changed my ways.

I feel everyone should try and attain that standard - solve problems with words, not violence - and not just men.

Thank you, as always, for your blog - I really enjoy your wise words :) And many congratulations on becoming a grandfather.

Kind regards,

Fiona

Do Not Hit Women

2009-10-24T21:17:00.003-10:00

Sometimes as Sensei we have to state the obvious.

Men should not hit women. This is particularly true for Karate students.

If a man is angry at a woman, he should walk away rather than resort to violence. Even if the woman starts a fight, the man should try his very best to avoid contact.

Husbands should not hit wives. Boyfriends should not hit girlfriends.

Of course, the reverse is also true. Women should not hit men. But in modern society, there is something of a presumption that the woman is the victim.

OK, if a group of ninja women were to attack a man, I would say that the man could fight back. I would. But how often do you hear about this? It is much more common to hear about a man getting mad and punching or choking his wife or girlfriend. Alcohol and drugs are often contributing factors.

My daughter has three older brothers who are martial artists (and pretty big) and me as her father. We tend to make it clear to young men that she is to be treated respectfully, or else.

Again, as Sensei we need to state these types of this things. You never know, some of our students may come from homes with domestic violence. Young men might grow up seeing the men in the family hitting or abusing women. We need to make it clear that this is wrong and not something a Karate student should do, or tolerate.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Capernicus Was Wrong

2009-10-23T21:42:00.002-10:00

Capernicus (Nikolas Capernicus, 1473-1543) was wrong. The Earth is the center of the universe. To be more specific, wherever my granddaughter is on the Earth is the center of the universe... at least for my family

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Karate In A Sentence

2009-10-23T21:36:00.002-10:00

A person came to interview me a few weeks ago. At one point he asked, "Can you describe Karate in one sentence?"

I said "no." He looked a little surprised and asked if I could do so in a few sentences. Once again, I said "no."

I explained that anything I could say would be incomplete. I could say something that sounds nice, but what good would that be?

As I have gotten older I have learned that sometimes the answer is, "no."

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

No Categories -- A Mugger

2009-10-23T14:34:00.003-10:00

This is a story.

A Karate student who had trained for only a couple of years was walking down a deserted a street on a dark night (you know this is bad already). Out from behind some bushes, a mugger jumped out and demanded the student's money.

"Wait," said the student. "Let's talk first."

Since this is just a story, the mugger agreed.

"First," said the student, "I weigh 140 pounds and I'd guess that you weigh 225."

"250," said the mugger.

"So you see, we're in different weight categories. You can't mug me."

"I don't follow any rules," said the mugger as he prepared to punch the student.

"Wait," said the student. "I have been practicing Karate for a year and a half. How long have you been a mugger?"

"About 10 years confessed the mugger."

"So you see," said the student, "I'm just novice. We're in different divisions. You can't mug me."

"I told you that I don't follow any rules," said the mugger. "I don't care about your weight or years of Karate experience."

"Well," said the student. "You can understand that I am not ready for this mugging. Can you give me a couple of weeks to prepare and then mug me? By then I'll be ready."

"Nope," said the mugger. "This is not some tournament or test you can prepare for. I'm mugging you exactly because you were not ready for it. What an idiot you were to walk down this street on a night like this."

"Well at least let me warm up!"

"Forget it," said the mugger.

"This is so unfair," exclaimed the student.

"You think that's bad," said the mugger, "I've got a knife in my pocket and two friends standing behind the bushes who are even bigger than me!"

There are no categories, divisions, set times, or rules in self defense. You have to be ready for an unexpected attack from someone who might be bigger, stronger, more skilled at fighting than you, and even armed. And there may be more than one of them!

It is really unfair, but that is how it is. That is why when Karate is used as a last resort, anything goes.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Who Is Your Teacher?

2009-10-23T13:43:00.002-10:00

This is a story.

A Karate Sensei went to a seminar and observed a young adult black belt student. The Sensei noticed that the student had ten stripes on his belt and could not imagine what this might represent, so he asked the young man.

"Oh these," said the student, "these are names of the ten associations I belong to." "I have been certified and approved by ten ranking and review committees. My Karate is authentic. I am a real Karate man, not an amateur."

"Ten associations," replied the Sensei, "who is your Sensei?"

"Uh, my Sensei, er, I, well, I used to..., but then, you know... I belong to 10 associations! That means something!"

"I'm sure it does," replied the Sensei.

"It must," said the student, "it's costing me an arm and a leg!"

We learn from our teachers. This is a personal relationship. You don't wear your Sensei on your belt -- you live the lessons he has taught. Having a good Sensei means more than being a member of 100 associations!

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Kata Appropriate To Level

2009-10-23T13:16:00.002-10:00

I believe that it is important to teach the student each kata thoroughly and deeply. That does not mean that I would show the same body dynamics and applications to a new student and a san dan. There is "new student deep" and "sandan deep".

In particular, I would not show certain applications to newer students (who I do not know well enough yet to trust) or to younger students (who should not yet learn certain dangerous techniques).

Karate should be taught appropriately based upon the age, experience, and level of the student.

And even if a student learns a kata thoroughly and deeply, that does not mean that he will not be taught variations and deeper mechanics and applications as he progresses over the years. Just the opposite is true! The more advanced the student becomes, the more he will learn the kata he already knows.

I have written this before, but it is worth repeating. When you have Windows installed on your computer, you will periodically receive updates. Various aspects of the operating system will be updated to keep it current.

We do the same in our dojo. One change to a movement in a kata will apply to all other identical movements in other kata, and to all other similar movements in other kata. A change in hip motion (koshi) could apply to just about every movement in all the kata. It is like updating the Karate operating system.

The Sensei will not show each change to each movement. That is up to the student -- and this takes intelligence, motivation, and hard work. You can spoon feed some students and they will not get it. You can give just a hint to other students, and they will catch the idea and run with it -- and apply the principle to all their techniques.

Teach appropriately based upon the age, experience, and level of the student.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin

Shallow Kata -- Deep Kata

2009-10-23T10:55:00.004-10:00

This is a follow up to my last post, Shodan Kata? In that post I wrote:

"In particular, I feel that Kusanku, Chinto, Gojushiho, and even Passai and Wanshu should be reserved for more advanced students..., maybe even Wankan."

A reader asked what "Wankan" meant. Looking back, I realize that the use of the term was a little ambiguous. "Wankan" is a kata practiced in our system. It is fairly common in Shorin-Ryu schools, and is also known as "Okan". It is a Tomari-Te kata (at least it is they way that we practice it).

Now the follow up.

In my experience, if a student learns many kata too quickly, it will be almost impossible for him to ever learn the kata properly and in depth. If you start shallow, it stays shallow. It is possible for a student to move to the depths of the kata, but this takes a great deal of introspection and effort. Also, there will be many errors to correct.

But if a student learns fewer kata and learns them in greater depth, then he will probably go on to learn all kata properly and in depth. And if you think about it, many of the movements in one kata are common to others. So if a student learns one kata in depth, he will be learning movements that will also be present in other kata. When the time comes to learn those kata, he will already know the common movements... already know them in depth.

But a student with a shallow understanding will rush on to other kata. The mistakes of his first shallow kata will be repeated in the later kata. The first kata will be shallow and the others will be too. Shallowness will infect the kata.

The idea is not to learn many kata -- there is no benefit to this -- the idea is to learn to move properly and defend yourself. Kata are not like trophies or medals. They have no value unless you understand them well.

In some schools, kata are the basis for rank. Some schools will have different training days and times for certain kata, or level of kata. So to train in a certain class, the student will have to learn all the earlier kata that are a prerequisite for the more advanced training. I can understand this approach, but I do not follow it. One kata is as good as the next (except for Naihanchi Shodan which is like a cornerstone upon which all other kata are built in our system).

In some schools, more advanced kata are given a higher degree of difficulty in kata competition. There is thus an incentive to learn these more advanced kata. I do not follow this approach either. All kata are difficult and all kata are easy. There are no degrees of difficulty. Is Chinto harder than Fukyugata Ichi? I have heard some senior instructors say that Fukyugata Ichi is more difficult because there is no room to hide -- a seemingly simple kata is actually harder to do well. Any mistakes will be obvious.

I have written this before -- and it is true (to me). If a student is very good at the Naihanchi kata, then all subsequent kata will have a Naihanchi flavor. They will look very strong. But if a student has a weak Naihanchi, the subsequent kata will be similarly weak. The Pinan kata should look like Naihanchi, not the other way around. I am mentioning this because some instructors treat Naihanchi as a very basic kata (with a very low degree of difficulty).

If you can do Naihanchi well, that is enough. The remaining kata are basically just to entertain you.

Back to my original post. In my school, shodan are not expected to know 18 kata. How many should they know? It depends on what I feel (and my second son feels, since he is the dojo cho). We do not have specific requirements.

This brings up another issue. In some schools, students are expected to know specific kata for each rank (dan and kyu). In these schools, you will sometimes find students who say, "I know Pinan Sandan now so am I a green belt?"

I feel that it is important not to tie kata to specific ranks. Instread, it is important to tie kata to specific skill sets, specific body mechanics, specific applications, etc.

Of course, I have a small dojo and do not teach commercially. I have the luxery of trying to craft "custom" students. I could not teach the same way with 500 or 5,000 students -- there simply would not be enough time.

In any event, I recommend that kata not be rushed -- it is far better to learn a few kata deeply rather than many kata shallowly. If you know a few kata deeply, you can easily learn many kata. But if you only know kata shallowly, no matter how many kata you learn, it will not help -- actually it will only make things worse.

Respectfully,

Charles C. Goodin