Martial Arts

[ronin]

Well, the scenario I was concerned about after the passing of my Sensei has finally unfolded just about as expected. A low level power struggle, ending in the individual with the control issues acquiring the reins. Training became very disappointing and unenjoyable for me. So I quit cold turkey. My own dojo was closed down this past June due to the financial crisis, so I am no longer active in training. There is no viable alternative nearby. If I want to find another place to go thru the motions, half speed and effort with mostly beginners and a teacher who has nothing to provide for me, I could do it. It has no appeal at this time. So...

 

[tuixiu]

I am addicted to MMA. I watch it on tv several times a week.
Jeff

Did you catch UFC 107 last night? Sheesh did BJ Penn wreck Diego Sanchez... made his eyes almost swell shut, split his lower lip, made his cheeks have a new shape, removed half an eyebrow, and opened a gash on his forehead almost big enough to see him thinking.

Merciful stoppage.

 

[ls99]

Ronin, sorry about the school closing. I've seen that sort of power struggle in several places. Most recently some years ago with several of my headstrong classmates in what was their old school in northern NJ. They have always ended in dissolution of the Dojo.

Unfortunately the longer you are around the more likely to become "homeless".

It seems you have arrived at your screen name. It can be a severe self teaching tool.

The best I can offer is the Japanese concept of Heiwa. In time you may find a new home, though often what remains is the shadow practice with extreme visualization. Unless you decide to teach in your own school. That has it's own headaches.

For may years my teacher taught on a club bases. A few of us pitched in a few buck$ for renting floor time/space in a gymnastics studio. There was no teaching fee involved. Just a few of like minded souls getting together for the love of the art and after class some suds in a beer joint. I might add, some of the best lessons came while shooting the breeze over a few brews. Might want to consider it.

 

[ronin]

The school that closed was my own class. Ran it for 14 years. Actually it is kind of a nice break not to have the responsibility now. Appreciate your comments. As much as I like training, so far I don't really miss it. Never know what the future will bring. I'd considered what you mentioned about my screen name, interesting coincidence... or maybe self-fulfilling prophecy...

 

[Kronk]

So true. Those shoulder separations thin out the weak ones.

Heh. Interesting quote from a few months before I separated my shoulder. Didn't weed me out.

The school that closed was my own class. Ran it for 14 years. Actually it is kind of a nice break not to have the responsibility now. Appreciate your comments. As much as I like training, so far I don't really miss it. Never know what the future will bring. I'd considered what you mentioned about my screen name, interesting coincidence... or maybe self-fulfilling prophecy...

Well, some of what is going on in your head might be because it was unenjoyable over the last period of time. I think that once you find yourself another good instructor/peers your desire to train will come right back.

My dojang seems to be very unusual in that we are surviving the loss of our Grandmaster instructor, who passed away in March. The dojang is still going strong, and not a single senior instructor has left the school. But we've been lucky in other respects as well, and have a strong tie with another school (albeit one 3,000 miles away).

 

[ronin]

Ouch!

You are right that I wasn't enjoying training, although I still liked teaching a lot and would have gladly continued. I remember one Sunday class where the only students were me and a young kid. I was as gentle and patient as humanly possible, and he still ended up crying in the dressing room after class from the stress. What a horrible feeling.

One possibility that I have been monitoring is an excellent instructor from your side of the country who has considered relocating out here in our neck of the woods. So far it hasn't panned out though, so I'm not holding my breath.