Exciting Affiliate in Chicago.....Enso!

Let me take a moment to announce that we have established a wonderful relationship and friendship with two fabulous sensei in Chicago Ill.  Sensei's Jay and Denise Nacu!  Jay Nacu sensei is a 4th Dan and Denise Nacu a 3rd Dan in Shotokan Karate-do.  They run a fabulous dojo in downtown Chicago and we a KOJF are overjoyed with our great relationship.  They are also both members in good standing of the esteemed Dai Nippon Butokukai of Kyoto Japan, oldest Budo organization in Japan (circa 1895) recognized and sanctioned by the Imperial Family of Japan and Ministry of Education.  Having witnessed and experienced training with these wonderful sensei I definitely endorse connecting with them to either begin your training of continue your training in Shotokan Karate-do.  Their passion and love are unquestionable and you can not find two finer teachers with impeccable character than these two.  If I sound bias I am after being around them long enough to know good teachers and sincere practitioners.  When in Chicago, stop by and visit with them and I think you will be pleased.  If you live in Chicago, give them a call for sure.
Their website:  http://www.ensostudio.com/index.html 

Announcing a new Shibucho(Branch Dojo)

Anouncing a new Shibucho in Indian Springs Ohio under

the direction of Sensei Kevin Downard, 3rd Dan Shotokan Karate-do

Kevin is an outstanding sempai of the Hombu and Karate of Japan Federation

and his technical and kata prowess is certainly noteworthy.

We are proud to have him as one of our outstanding

yudansha and look forward to his future

contributions to the students and KOJF.

CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN-SAN!

Osu!

Happy New Years!

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone here a very Happy New Years Weekend and a very rewarding 2012 year ahead.  Live Strong! Live Well! And Live Long!  Foster goodwill to each other and kind words as we move forward.  Let’s focus on what we can do and not what we can’t and worry less about others shortcomings and more of how we can improve our own.  I love you all as my fellow human beings and hope I can make each of you smile at least once during my lifetime and share a little positive knowledge along the way. I am not only a student of karate-do but of life and hope I can learn just as  much from each of you along the way.  Happy New Year!  Humbly your friend from a distance.  Dwight~

Seek Perfection of Character~

The Dojo Kun are the rules of the dojo that have been passed down from Okinawan Karate Masters to the present for us as a guide to correct Budo Spirit and how to lead our life in earnest.

Seek Perfection of Character.

(Hitotsu !!! Jinkaku Kansei Ni Tsuto Muru Koto)

This means that the art of Karate is more than just physical. All beginners, especially the young, are taught the importance of character building through discipline and rigorous training.  For the beginner, the character building process begins with the perfecting of techniques through repetition.  The spirit to fight will be achieved as one gains more confidence through development of stronger techniques.  We train hard to develop a strong spirit, not only to fight but also to overcome personal problems especially in times of weakness. Developing these spiritual values is most difficult. But once achieved they will provide a lifetime benefit of inner strength and peace.

Budo & Loyalty

Budo & Loyalty

     I recently was made aware of an article from a former student who has excelled to great heights in Karate-do.  At one time he was considered the “golden child” and the one who would carry the torch when I am no longer here.  Unfortunately the article was one that glorified his accomplishments and offered a fabricated tale of his training and karate history.  He made no reference to the truth about his having trained under my hand and starting his Japanese Shotokan training under my guidance nor did he reference his rankings of dan gradings to his current state of 6^th Dan having come from me and my sensei.  He has become somewhat now more of a pain in my side and a black eye in the history of students who have been given their birth and introduction to Japanese Karate-do through my efforts and teachings.

     After speaking with several high ranking friends in the Budo community I have found that this any more is becoming more common place than not and it saddens me because those who are sincere in their efforts are hurt because of their sempai who have cause their sensei to no longer give more than just the common knowledge and certainly not trust the those who would attempt to befriend the sensei. Those who are deserving of their sensei’s teachings and the depth and breath of their knowledge would be held back and have to work extra hard to earn the right to be taught the most treasured secrets.  Loyalty is a serious word and trait that earns great rewards but how can a sensei be sure of a students intent when others have betrayed their trust previously?  It is hard to know who to give your full attention to and who to simply teach standard karate.  It is sad that when a sensei hopes to find that handful of students to which everything can be taught and he/she must hold back know being sure of their actual intent. Finding the trust in that they will be loyal once you have given them the secrets and knowledge is hard.  Loyalty is shown through actions, not words.  Words are easy to say, actions are proof in the pudding!  I reward loyalty but still I am cautious at my age. Sadly I will not be able to pass everything I have learned in the pass 47+ yrs of study until I find that “loyal” few.  I will continue to hold back until then.  Tell me, who can I trust???

Humbly,

Kyoshi