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Touch of Death - The Dim Mak
(by Dave J. Lomas theukwriter.weebly.com 7-7-19)
For many who take up the martial arts for the first time their main aim is to no more than to learn a form of effective self-defence and keep fit. Others will become involved in the sporting aspect of the fighting arts while some will over a period of time study the more technical aspects and traditional areas of the martial arts. For many the practice of the fighting arts will be limited to combat effective fighting methods but for some the interest will become progressively more in-depth.
Many schools of martial arts will cover the practice of vital strike point attacks which normally includes striking to the throat, eyes, knees and groin but a rare few will teach the specialised area of nerve point attacks which is often limited to the more senior students.
Nerve point techniques are a more specific method of fighting that would normally include pinching, striking or trapping various nerve points of the body. The somewhat mystical or elite of these fighting methods is the technique known as the Dim Mak or Death Touch.
To understand how the Dim Mak would work you would first have to study and understand the basics of the ‘meridian’ and how the bodies’ natural energy flows.
In places like Japan, China and other areas of the eastern world the true top martial art practitioner can often be found practising various forms of medicine to complement their studies of the martial arts. The true practice of the martial arts is, at its highest level, not only the study of fighting methods in a systematic way but also in a scientific and anatomical way.
Chinese kung fu masters for example will have a good working knowledge of not only how to break an opponent’s bone or joint in a certain way but also how to reset or heal parts of the body using a variety of methods that include herbal remedies and pressure point manipulation.
One of the now famous methods of Chinese and eastern practices of healing the sick or injured is the technique called Acupuncture, (putting needles into various parts of the body), and Acupressure, (using finger pressure to parts of the body as an alternative to needles), for less serious ailments to a degree.
For many years the practice of Acupuncture as an alternative form of medical treatment was looked upon in some cases as stupid and silly but after tests and demonstrations of its effectiveness throughout the world including Russia and America many people and the medical profession now accept it as a proven form of medical procedure to one degree or another. Today there are many Acupuncture clinics available.
The human body operates on many various levels with the most common known ones being the circulatory system that pumps blood through the veins and arteries and the nervous system that allows electrical type impulses to flow throughout the body giving out commands from the brain.
Anything that lives must have a form of power in which to function and remain alive, machines like a computer for example, would require a flow of electrical energy to function but the human body just like any living animal does not remain alive by such a power source.
Through many various processes including breathing, eating and various chemical reactions the body creates its own biological energy that sustains life. This biologically created energy is often referred to as our life force and without it we would die.
When we run, jump or work hard our body sweats, this sweat is the body’s way of cooling down due to the heat that the body produces in the form of released biological energy.
In the same way we need veins and arteries to allow the flow of blood and a nervous system to allow the flow of impulses to travel from the brain around the body so do we need a system that allows the flow of natural biologically produced energy to travel freely around the body. The system used to channel and allow the flow of energy around the body is called the ‘meridian system’ and is closely intertwined with the nervous and circulatory systems.
This flow of energy is called ‘Chi’ in Chinese or ‘Ki’ in Japanese and both terms translated into English simply mean breath. The reason for this is based on the true fact that without the ability to take regular breaths you will die. Breathing is life itself in many ways and plays a very vital part in our existence – of course.In martial arts the famous ‘karate shout’ is based upon increasing and focusing the flow of air in the lungs and the flow of body energy into a specific action which can be compared in just the same way when a powerlifter, (weight trainer), will shout when attempting to lift a very heavy item.
In the same way that it is possible to alter the flow of blood as it travels around the body so can the flow of energy or Chi’ be altered or redirected by the use of Acupuncture needles or the use of applying pressure along certain specific points of the meridian channels.
The discovery of Acupuncture, or so the legend goes, is based on the story of a Chinese soldier who, suffering from Arthritis in his arm, was hit by an arrow that went through his arm on one of the Acupressure points, (called cavities), while fighting on the battlefield during ancient feudal times and although the arrow damaged his arm the result was that his arm no longer suffered from Arthritis. Although this is an unproven story, even a myth perhaps, Acupuncture has been proven many times for its remarkable effects.
Proven many times to affect the internal organs of the body in various ways Acupuncture is also used to perform operations, in some cases, on people that remain wide awake throughout the entire procedure and without painkillers.
Unlike nerve point attacks that are used in martial arts to control or inflict damage to an opponent by damaging the nervous system at a specific point the Dim Mak is a technique by which the meridian system is attacked by the use of focused pressure in the form of a strike or impact.
Students of this fighting technique are required to condition their fingers in various ways including advanced finger press-up techniques so that they can strike the required meridian points with full force with their steel hard fingers.
Claims that a touch or strike can alter the flow of energy within the meridian channel which could result in a delayed form of damage or even a fatality is however yet to be fully proven by those who have stated that they can touch someone and they will die hours or even days later.
If you are ever touched or slapped in a joking or friendly way on the shoulder always remember, is it a form of greeting or have you been given the Dim Mak – the touch of death?
-------------------
https://theukwriter.weebly.com/articles/touch-of-death-the-dim-mak?fbclid=IwAR1_F8kogPtc9aFygD2oObBOKWOv4mFE24lMD0ityN0STAEiMdrxxaIXsjk
For many who take up the martial arts for the first time their main aim is to no more than to learn a form of effective self-defence and keep fit. Others will become involved in the sporting aspect of the fighting arts while some will over a period of time study the more technical aspects and traditional areas of the martial arts. For many the practice of the fighting arts will be limited to combat effective fighting methods but for some the interest will become progressively more in-depth.
Many schools of martial arts will cover the practice of vital strike point attacks which normally includes striking to the throat, eyes, knees and groin but a rare few will teach the specialised area of nerve point attacks which is often limited to the more senior students.
Nerve point techniques are a more specific method of fighting that would normally include pinching, striking or trapping various nerve points of the body. The somewhat mystical or elite of these fighting methods is the technique known as the Dim Mak or Death Touch.
To understand how the Dim Mak would work you would first have to study and understand the basics of the ‘meridian’ and how the bodies’ natural energy flows.
In places like Japan, China and other areas of the eastern world the true top martial art practitioner can often be found practising various forms of medicine to complement their studies of the martial arts. The true practice of the martial arts is, at its highest level, not only the study of fighting methods in a systematic way but also in a scientific and anatomical way.
Chinese kung fu masters for example will have a good working knowledge of not only how to break an opponent’s bone or joint in a certain way but also how to reset or heal parts of the body using a variety of methods that include herbal remedies and pressure point manipulation.
One of the now famous methods of Chinese and eastern practices of healing the sick or injured is the technique called Acupuncture, (putting needles into various parts of the body), and Acupressure, (using finger pressure to parts of the body as an alternative to needles), for less serious ailments to a degree.
For many years the practice of Acupuncture as an alternative form of medical treatment was looked upon in some cases as stupid and silly but after tests and demonstrations of its effectiveness throughout the world including Russia and America many people and the medical profession now accept it as a proven form of medical procedure to one degree or another. Today there are many Acupuncture clinics available.
The human body operates on many various levels with the most common known ones being the circulatory system that pumps blood through the veins and arteries and the nervous system that allows electrical type impulses to flow throughout the body giving out commands from the brain.
Anything that lives must have a form of power in which to function and remain alive, machines like a computer for example, would require a flow of electrical energy to function but the human body just like any living animal does not remain alive by such a power source.
Through many various processes including breathing, eating and various chemical reactions the body creates its own biological energy that sustains life. This biologically created energy is often referred to as our life force and without it we would die.
When we run, jump or work hard our body sweats, this sweat is the body’s way of cooling down due to the heat that the body produces in the form of released biological energy.
In the same way we need veins and arteries to allow the flow of blood and a nervous system to allow the flow of impulses to travel from the brain around the body so do we need a system that allows the flow of natural biologically produced energy to travel freely around the body. The system used to channel and allow the flow of energy around the body is called the ‘meridian system’ and is closely intertwined with the nervous and circulatory systems.
This flow of energy is called ‘Chi’ in Chinese or ‘Ki’ in Japanese and both terms translated into English simply mean breath. The reason for this is based on the true fact that without the ability to take regular breaths you will die. Breathing is life itself in many ways and plays a very vital part in our existence – of course.In martial arts the famous ‘karate shout’ is based upon increasing and focusing the flow of air in the lungs and the flow of body energy into a specific action which can be compared in just the same way when a powerlifter, (weight trainer), will shout when attempting to lift a very heavy item.
In the same way that it is possible to alter the flow of blood as it travels around the body so can the flow of energy or Chi’ be altered or redirected by the use of Acupuncture needles or the use of applying pressure along certain specific points of the meridian channels.
The discovery of Acupuncture, or so the legend goes, is based on the story of a Chinese soldier who, suffering from Arthritis in his arm, was hit by an arrow that went through his arm on one of the Acupressure points, (called cavities), while fighting on the battlefield during ancient feudal times and although the arrow damaged his arm the result was that his arm no longer suffered from Arthritis. Although this is an unproven story, even a myth perhaps, Acupuncture has been proven many times for its remarkable effects.
Proven many times to affect the internal organs of the body in various ways Acupuncture is also used to perform operations, in some cases, on people that remain wide awake throughout the entire procedure and without painkillers.
Unlike nerve point attacks that are used in martial arts to control or inflict damage to an opponent by damaging the nervous system at a specific point the Dim Mak is a technique by which the meridian system is attacked by the use of focused pressure in the form of a strike or impact.
Students of this fighting technique are required to condition their fingers in various ways including advanced finger press-up techniques so that they can strike the required meridian points with full force with their steel hard fingers.
Claims that a touch or strike can alter the flow of energy within the meridian channel which could result in a delayed form of damage or even a fatality is however yet to be fully proven by those who have stated that they can touch someone and they will die hours or even days later.
If you are ever touched or slapped in a joking or friendly way on the shoulder always remember, is it a form of greeting or have you been given the Dim Mak – the touch of death?
-------------------
https://theukwriter.weebly.com/articles/touch-of-death-the-dim-mak?fbclid=IwAR1_F8kogPtc9aFygD2oObBOKWOv4mFE24lMD0ityN0STAEiMdrxxaIXsjk
Oct 10, 2019
Oct 9, 2019
Cobra Kai comic book series keeps the Karate Kid saga kicking
(by Chris Evangelista slashfilm.com 10-4-19)
Cobra Kai remains a big hit among Karate Kid fans, and now it has its own comic book series to boot. Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues is a 4-part series IDW Publishing hitting shelves next week, and we’re debuting an exclusive look at the comic below. The series retells the events of the 1984 Karate Kid movie from the point-of-view of Johnny Lawrence, the villain of that film but the main character of Cobra Kai.
If you just can’t get enough of that Cobra Kai action, you’re in luck. IDW Publishing’s 4-part series, Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, hits shelves on Wednesday, October 9 (find out where to buy it near you here). The comic is a “four-part story retelling of the events of the original 1984 movie from the point of view of Johnny Lawrence, the villain of the piece — now Sensei Lawrence of his own dojo of misfits and outcasts.”
The comic hails from writer Denton J. Tipton, artist Kagan McLeod, colorist Luis Antonio Delgado, and editor Tom Waltz. Here’s the synopsis:
See The Karate Kid in a whole new light in this retelling through the eyes of Johnny Lawrence, two-time All Valley Tournament Champion. When the new kid makes moves on the girl that broke Johnny’s heart, he vows to settle the score and win back her love. Or so goes the story Sensei Lawrence tells his students nearly 35 years later. Based on the hit YouTube Original series Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai debuted on YouTube in May of 2018, and the show became a big hit for YouTube’s nascent original streaming service. YouTube swiftly renewed it for a second season, which debuted in April 2019. It was also renewed for a third season, which will drop sometime in 2020. The cast includes Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Jacob Bertrand, Gianni Decenzo, Martin Kove, and Peyton List.
Oct 7, 2019
300-Year-Old Ninja Master’s Oath Alludes To The Secrets Of The Masked Deadly Assassins
(by Ashley Cowie ancient-origins.net 12-3-18)
Historical researchers in Japan have uncovered a rare, three centuries-old, ‘Ninja Oath’ in which one of the famed ancient warriors pledged “never to divulge the secrets” of spying, sabotage and the martial arts, for fear of retribution from “60 gods, for generations.”
The team of Japanese researchers based in Iga, about 350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo, cooperated with engineering and science departments of Mie University in a project which aims “to reproduce Ninjas’ legacy including their food and tools,” according to an article on Inquirer. The ancient Ninja oath was found among “130 ancient documents left to the university by the 16th head of the Kizu family,” and it was written “in cursive calligraphy.”
Containing ‘six promises’ the oath was signed 300 years ago by “Inosuke Kizu,” a Ninja from an Iga mountain clan located near the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. The Ninja Inosuke, who submitted the oath, was the fifth head and last Ninja from the Kizu family and it was believed that the document had been returned to his family after his death. In the oath the Ninja offers gratitude, to his master, for having successfully passed his training in the secret arts of “ninjutsu.”
Kizu also pledged that “he would never” give away any of his prized knowledge, not even to his children or brothers, and he vowed that he “would never use it to steal unless so ordered.”
An Oath To 60 Vengeful Gods
The reason scientists are so impressed with this particular rare document is because it illustrates in detail just how strict the Ninja community was about keeping their skills and techniques within the body of the clans. The text tells specialists that if a Ninja’s oath was broken, even by the slightest misdemeanor, they’d be punished by “big and small gods in more than 60 provinces across Japan” for generations. While this means little today, back then, in a world where honor was everything, that was a fate worse than death .
In a recent research article on Ancient Origins titled Ancient Psycho Secrets of Ninja Assassins I explained that Ninjas were called ‘shinobi’ ("to sneak”) and these deadly mercenary spies of the Sengoku period in 15th century feudal Japan were highly skilled in: espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and guerrilla warfare. Ninja masters compiled these skills in systematic learning blocks in “shinobi manuals” based on Chinese military philosophy, most notably the Bansenshukai (1676).
Yoshiki Takao, associate professor at the state-run Mie University’s International Ninja Research Center told reporters that, “Thieves and Ninjas did the same thing, sneaking into other people’s houses, but Ninjas prized morality highly.” Takao added, “Ninjas were ‘public servants’ in today’s terms, providing security services and collecting information.” Also of interest to scholars was a singular vow within the oath that meant Ninjas were obliged to report, to their masters, any new skills, tools or firearms that were not in the “Bansenshukai.”
A Daily Mail article explains that standing testimony to the secrecy shrouding the lethal arts, Ninja Kizu noted that he could “show only three chapters of the “Bansenshukai” to top-ranking samurais who employed ninjas and vowed not to disclose the book’s contents in other writings.” Takao said, even though it left crucial points vague, the oath is of great importance to scholars because “it shows that Bansenshukai was actually becoming used as a textbook.”
If you really want to top up on your Ninja secret knowledge you can read the translated Bansenshukai here where you can learn such brilliant skills as making “silent sandals” and the “everlasting fire, the immortal torch,” “sleeping medicine” and “blinding powder.” But be prepared for frustration, in the section ‘Ninja Tools IV, Fire tools I’ an entry says “The Powder of Immediate Death.” Unbelievably, perhaps the most interesting line in the book is marked [missing].
This mortal secret, like the other core, inner-secrets of the Ninja traditions, were only passed on by word of mouth and still remain hidden from the public domain.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/ninja-oath-0011096
Oct 3, 2019
Understanding Dojo Etiquette
(from thedojoshorinkan.wordpress.com 6-15-16)
One of the most unusual and hard things for both students and parents to adjust to when beginning martial arts training is the etiquette in the dojo. A dojo is a place of learning in which students as well as instructors place a great amount of emphasis on what can be referred to as traditional values. Most authentic and good dojo will have their Dojo Rules poster somewhere that is visible to both students and visitors in their dojo. To help new students / parents to the dojo understand how things are handled in the dojo it is important to cover several topics on this.
First understand what a dojo is. A Dojo is not a gym. It is not a place a student comes to the hang out or play. Students are there to train, improve and build self confidence, self discipline and perfect their martial art. It is also not a soccer field where parents can yell, complain and tell the coach what to do. In a good dojo there will be none of that and most parents struggle with this ideal but this is Karate, not kiddie sports. A Dojo is a sacred place full of etiquettes, tradition, sweat equity and improvement. It is held sacred to every student and black belt that trains there. Students and visitors will adhere to strict guidelines, treat the Sensei with respect at all times and help keep the dojo looking clean and in good repair. A Dojo is considered the home of the Sensei so it is important that students and visitors act accordingly.
In any good Karate dojo one of the most important rules is etiquette. We are human and we learn by trial and error. Many things in the dojo are forgiven when it comes to training but misbehaving, disrespect and unruliness are definitely not forgiven nor taken lightly. This rule applies to every student from the white belts to the black belts equally. In fact the higher rank a student becomes the more strict the guidelines for etiquette are held. It is the responsibility of each student to make sure those who follow behind them do so in proper fashion and with great respect to the etiquette rules of the dojo. It is important to note that corrections to one’s behavior comes from the top down, never from the bottom. In other words the Sensei is in charge and no one else should assume they can discipline a student without the Sensei’s permission.
ENTERING & EXITING THE DOJO
The first lesson a student will learn is proper placement of their shoes and how to enter the dojo. As we stated earlier the dojo is a very highly respected place. A new student will be lead to the entrance to the dojo by their Sempai (Senior). They will receive instruction on how to bow before entering and exiting the dojo. This is the first lesson as all Karate training begins and ends with respect, no exceptions. The next lesson is learning how to “bow in” before class and “bow out” after class. This can be both informal and formal depending on the class structure and what is taking place that day in the dojo. Regardless of the level of formality a student should always bow their best, most humble at all times.
To bow the student stands with their feet together, placing their hands at their sides. The bend at the waist (no hunching) to a 45 degree angle with their eyes looking downward. The only time we maintain eye contact is when we Kumite or do not trust the person across from us. Looking a senior rank in the eyes while bowing is very disrespectful. The second way we bow is in Seiza, or kneeling posture. To sit in seiza one steps backward to their right knee, followed the left knee. Males sit with their knees apart and females with their knees together. The belt is placed on the outside of the thighs. Hands rest on the thigh and the back is upright in posture. To bow your left hand touches the mat first and the right hand touches second forming a small triangle. You bend at the waist getting close to your hands but you do not have to touch them. Standing up from seiza is the reverse of kneeling…left comes up then right and stand up.
If you find yourself in a large group of students studying and class is over always be patient, allow senior ranks to exit first and then take your turn. Never cross in front of senior ranks or push, shove your way to leave the dojo. This is very rude, discourteous and will result in discipline measures by the Sensei. It is important to remember that every bow is done with the utmost courtesy and humbleness. Anything less is never acceptable.
ARRIVING LATE TO CLASSES
Yes we live in a hustle and bustle society but that never is an acceptable excuse for poor manners. Arriving late for scheduled things is considered disrespectful both inside and outside of the dojo. Proper manners dictate you arrive early, at least 10 minutes before class. You should have your required uniform and items for classes ready before the bow in of the day’s session. If, for some reason, you are to arrive late wait at the door until you are permitted to join in the session by the Sensei. Never just walk into the dojo because you may walk into a punch, kick or worse…a weapon strike. This is a safety measure, not a disciplinary one.
LINING UP FOR CLASSES
About a minute before class is set to begin the senior student will call out for everyone to line up. Lining up for classes consists of the junior ranks in the front and the most senior in the rear facing the front of the dojo where Sensei stands. It is also important to note that the lowest ranking student stands to the right in each line. If you are the same rank as others just get in line…it doesn’t matter who earn it first! Taking too long to get into line up position is not respectful and can result in the entire class being issued discipline by the Sensei. This happens mainly because you are wasting valuable class training time which is a major do not do in the dojo.
EVERYONE STARTS AT THE BOTTOM
Many people fail to understand this concept but in Karate there is NO other way for you to learn. Upon joining the dojo you will quickly find out that no one gets favored or special treatment. Even if the Chief Executive of a major business joins a dojo they will begin at the bottom. Whatever they have accomplished outside of the dojo has no bearing on their training and they are no better than each student standing next to them. Like I said everyone begins at the bottom in the dojo…no exceptions.
MOKUSO – PREPARING OF THE MIND
Mokuso is a meditation time before class and sometimes after class. During this procedure, which can be done kneeling or standing, students are to close their eyes, relax their breathing (in nose out mouth) and allow their mind to prepare to receive instruction. When done at the end of class the mind is to focus on retaining what the lessons of the day were about. During this time we learn to “quiet our mind”. This is a time to dispel negative thoughts, fears and to build our focus and attention.
DOJO KUN – YOUR CREED
Every good dojo has a Dojo Kun, better known as the student’s creed. These are guidelines on expected behavior and use of one’s skills they are studying in their Karate. While it may not be spoken during every class it is important that the student take time to memorize the Dojo Kun. When you break certain rules the Sensei will lead you to the Dojo Kun and have you re-read the line in reference to your actions. In some extreme cases you may be required to write a paragraph on the Dojo Kun before you can participate in training. Everyone, from a new student to the most senior black belt, is held to same standard of this creed…no exceptions at any time.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
How you behave during classes will determine how you are taught in the dojo. Most new students get frustrated because they don’t understand the etiquette in the dojo right away. That’s alright and you will be reminded what is expected of you daily if you make a mistake. To help you understand how to “behave” during training here are some simple guidelines to follow:
- You must put aside all unrelated thoughts. Distracted minds cannot learn. When a Sensei is teaching your eyes must be fixated on them. This is the only way to learn properly.
- When solo training you must be completely focused on accomplishing the task Sensei instructed you in. There are no time outs, pauses or breaks unless the Sensei permits them. An example is Kata training. You are working on a single Kata. You have done the 5 times Sensei asked you to. You still have time left so you will keep doing the Kata until the Sensei allows you a break. Never do just the minimum as that is not how you improve.
- When training with a partner always bow before and after you train. Understand you are working with, not against one another. There is no place for ego or pride in training inside the dojo.
- Make sure your nails and toe nails are trimmed, your Gi is washed and in great shape. No one likes to work with a stinky partner and on top of that no one wants their finger or toenail torn off.
- When you hear a Sensei yell the command to stop do so immediately. Listen and watch everything your Sensei is doing as they teach you. Learn to see the finer details of what the Sensei is teaching and then seek to implement it yourself to improve.
- Never interrupt the Sensei. Never be rude or ill tempered with the Sensei and most of all never challenge ANY Sensei. These are just proper and common morals of dealing with one’s seniors.
- There are no challenge matches in the dojo. That is on television and in movies. A challenge match issued in the dojo will result in removal of the student / parent / visitor in a very harsh and harmful manner.
- Always swallow your pride and ego. Everyone is here to learn and work together. Your training is not about just you so treat each student as you want to be treated at all times.
UNDERSTAND HOW TO PROPERLY TALK TO YOUR SENSEI
A Sensei is much more than just a teacher but the one thing no student, parent or visitor will ever be allowed to do is talk back to them. Karate training is a privilege, not a right. A Sensei is always, both inside and outside of the dojo, treated with the utmost respect. If you truly have such an issue with your Sensei that you feel you have to disrespect them make sure you keep your calm, politely ask to speak to them in private and be on time when they schedule you for a meeting. The Sensei role requires them to push you to extreme levels in your training…so much so that you may get very mad and frustrated at them but never forget, that in Karate, EVERYTHING is a TEST. If the Sensei is really busy it is very rude to expect them to drop everything for you…this is something a student will never do.
Addressing your Sensei outside of the dojo seems to cause much confusion. The Sensei is always the Sensei first, even if you quit training, they are treated as such. A good Sensei will never demand you refer to them as Sensei outside the dojo but it is only proper to do so. Parents and students should never call the Sensei by their first name. It is highly unlikely that the Sensei will correct you if you do but it is not proper. You do not have to bow to your Sensei outside of the dojo but many times we do out of respect…but that is never required unless you feel the need to. You and your Sensei may become friends but it is important that you remember they are always Sensei first and your friend second. Keep this in mind so you don’t get upset when your Sensei calls you on improper etiquette issues.
FINISH THE CLASS – END OF TRAINING TIME
When we finish class you will hear the command to line up and just like we began class do so quickly and smartly. We will bow out the same manner as we bowed in. Also never forget to allow the Seniors that are at the entrance to leave before you. You do not have to wait for them to get to the door but if they are there before you it is only proper to wait your turn to leave. Always remember to thank your Sensei for the lessons of the class before you leave. Just rushing around and leaving is very rude…no matter what excuse you come up with for it.
CLEANING THE DOJO
While we really don’t do this today as much as we used to it is important to remember that every single student is responsible to keep the dojo clean and nice looking. If something is broken and you have the means to help out by fixing then do so. At the end of the night make sure you have all your equipment and things with you. Leaving water bottles and trash lay around the dojo expecting the Sensei to clean up after you is highly disrespectful and never tolerated. If the dojo is not taken care of by the students then it is not uncommon for the Sensei to have all the students spend their class time cleaning it. This is PART of your training when it comes to learning humility, respect for others and their things and the Karate Way.
EARNING RESPECT
In Karate respect is earned from your Seniors and the Sensei, not the other way around. Those who have come before you are the ones you have to earn respect from and you will give respect to. If there is ever an issue with a senior in the dojo you are to bring it to the attention of the Sensei. Students, regardless of the rank they earned, are only human and ego, pride do get in the way at times. Sensei will give them a reminder action so they can remember the responsibility that comes with being a senior student in the dojo. When you understand and follow the etiquette of the dojo, train hard and attend classes as required you will earn the respect of those that matter. No student has ever earned a black belt in a good school without understanding these simple guidelines to their training.
In closing it is important that you understand the dojo is stepping into Okinawa. The training is demanding because that is what it takes to become a black belt. Sure you can always quit and find another school who may just give you one or is less strict but that doesn’t mean you are a good black belt…that just means you are selfish and couldn’t be taught. Let me repeat that…quitting just to get a black belt at a school that sells them doesn’t make you a real black belt…it makes you not ready to truly earn one.
On a side note it is important to remember that the Sensei should lead by example. They should not be a bully, they should be understanding somewhat and should have your best interests in mind but more often than not people fail to remember that a Sensei is there to push you, pull out your best and demand the best from you. Without this level of training you aren’t learning Karate, you aren’t improving and you definitely will not be ready to face that BAD GUY who wants to take your head off in a real fight. The best advice I have ever had was “Damatte Keiko” which means “Shut up and train”. Just because I didn’t agree with something that happened in the dojo or how I was made to feel doesn’t mean I would just quit. Everything is a test…and I grew from it, learned from it and became a Sensei because of it.
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