From Sensei Des Chaskelson, Yon Dan
Shihan, Cocoa Beach Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo
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Consistent Training- The Way of the Warrior

"We take the time to strengthen our Minds, Bodies and Spirits by physical repetitions of exercises, by mental conditioning and by careful planning of strategies in order to enjoy a chosen lifestyle. The battle is not a once in a lifetime desperate confrontation on the street or in a back alley, rather the battle is every day in the dojo.... The joy flows from the ultimate test of consistent training which creates a mystical hold on the martial artist. This is the way of the warrior." (Building Warrior Spirit, Hanshi Robert Scaglione, Chapter 4, Riki/Strength/Power)

It is up to us as Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu karate deshi to make sure that we train consistently and cover the basic training requirements each week.

The first basic part of our training is to show up for classes on a regular basis -- at least 2 or 3 classes a week at a minimum. If we are unable to make a scheduled class due to travel or other commitments we try to train on our own if possible and to get back to our regular schedule as soon as possible. (Check your travel schedule to see if you can include a visit to another SRKUSA dojo on your trip).

It is impossible to cover all aspects of our karate training in each and every class. It is up to us to make sure we get to class early, and/or stay after class, and/or train on our own to cover the other aspects of Riki training like: squats; situps/legups; pushups; chinups; rope skipping, jogging; chishi , kami jar, weight training, makiwara and heavy bag work. (refer to Building Warrior Spirt, Chapter 4, Riki/Strength/Power, pages 81 - 96)

Finally, holidays can also be distracting to our regular training schedule. As Hanshi says we should try to: "Train more during the holidays rather than less."

Happy July 4th to all and lets keep training!

Arigato.

Sensei Des Chaskelson, Yon Dan
Shihan, Cocoa Beach Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo