Technique of the Week (January 2nd, 2011)

From Mr. Shabbir Kazmi, Nidan

Ueshiro East Meets West Shorin-Ryu Karate Club of Northern Virginia

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KARATE MAXIMS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Onegai Shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi(s), Sensei(s) and fellow Deshi(s),

Congratulations to everyone for completing the year 2010 with Shorin Ryu training and especially congratulations to those who are moving forward and continuing with Shorin Ryu training into year 2011 and beyond, Happy New Year.

As we paused to reflect upon year 2010, and chose to create New Year’s resolutions and/or recommit to our on-going commitments. Knowingly/not knowingly in this moment of self-evaluation, we move forward into a new existence for ourselves. However, creating of this new possibility is often followed with ‘doubt/s’, can I do this? Did I commit to too much? Most common example is increase in gym memberships in the first week of January every year, but low level of commitment in the following months. To avoid such traps of life, I would like to offer three Maxims of Matsubayashi-Ryu; Courtesy, Cleanliness and Diligence: “Steady and hard efforts can produce miracles”, on page 48 of the book by Shoshin Nagamine, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do. Master Nagamine, continues and gives an example of war- torn Japan, due to the tradition of hard work, Japan was able to recover from the devastation of War and become an economic power. Similarly, we must continue to be rooted in the tradition of rebuilding our strength, as an individual and as a nation. Therefore, in the next few weeks and months of 2011, if rgive ourselves for falling off the track.

On a Tuesday night class in Hombo Dojo, per Kyoshi Mackay: “if it is your birthday - do Kata, if your are about to take a big exam - do Kata, if ong>3. Forgive ourselves for falling off the track.

On a Tuesday night class in Hombo Dojo, per Kyoshi Mackay: “if it is your birthday - do Kata, if your are about to take a big exam - do Kata, if you are getting married/ anniversary - do Kata, if your wife is having a baby - do Kata, if you are applying for a new job - do Kata, if it is New Year’s eve, begin New Year with your favorite Kata”.

Domo Arigato Hanshi for your guidance and training.

Shabbir Kazmi

Nidan

East Meets West Shorin-Ryu Karate Club of Northern Virginia