May 15th, 2016

This week's thought is from Sempai Dennis Flynn

Ni-dan Shihan Cocoa YMCA Dojo Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA


Instilling a Knowledge of Our Roots

One of the most important aspects of The SRKUSA organization, is one of the things I often see slipping the most.

That is; instilling a knowledge of our roots…where we came from, who are founders are: their names, their stories, their dedication.

We often fail at stressing the importance of studying the “suggested” materials, and holding our students accountable for knowing the materials. The red book, the green book, the Anniversary Journals, and so on… are very important aspects to upholding and understanding our traditions.

When we have our promotions and our tests, the question and answer part is often the piece that we hold those testing the least accountable to. The kata is, of course, is the most important aspect of what we do, but our history and tradition is a vital piece of why we are all a part of this great organization. One of the ways we can keep moving forward is by remembering our past.

I’d like to suggest to everyone, from white belt to all levels of black belt, to spend some additional time…reading and getting a deeper understanding of our organization and those who helped bring us towhere we are today.

It will give you a better appreciation for what you do.

Domo Arigato,

Sempai Dennis Flynn

Ni-dan

Shihan Cocoa YMCA Dojo