Instructors and Sacrifice

I would like to express my admiration for all the Instructors of the Reiwaryu Ryushinkan School Of Karate Do both past and present.

Those currently Instructing give up their precious time to share their own experiences of training through the teaching of others. Like everyone, most of us started with just a few students and then slowly begin to develop their dojos. There is also a strong group of assistants whom support the School. This support has been and continues to be invaluable, not only to the development of the school as a whole but, to the individual dojo leaders.

For those who have been teaching for a long time I express my sincere appreciation and respect. I know from personal experience how hard and challenging the journey of a Karate Instructor is.

As most experienced Instructors know, that the essential element of running a dojo is not the size, nor the number of students you start with or even the location, It's the heart and attitude of the Instructor themselves. Running a dojo is about being safe, consistent, disciplined, understanding and sensitive. It's about using all your skills and knowledge in order to achieve the desired results. But as time goes by then lessons for the Instructor becomes more interesting and challenging. You will at time need to dig deep within yourself to maintain the energy and motivation just to keep on going. Turning up at the same time, week after week in all weathers. This can be even harder for those out on a limb such as Luke and Jamie.

When faced with set backs (not being able to motivate yourself, others, or improve a technique) you really have to search deep inside. This is when our individual motives are tested. We are in a way somewhat guided by our motives, towards what and how we teach. We can easily fall prey to self delusion. The desire for unnecessary control over others, or adopt a strong judgemental attitude. This, I can say from experience can lead you on a path to nowhere and eventually can become destructive. At times you have to stop, step back from who you once were and look at things differently. This is why Karate Do is all about heart.

The more you are in this role, the more you begin to question what is "the desired result". You begin to understand that you are merely a guide and that actually students learn and develop in a natural way that can not be forced.

So I would like on behalf of all the students take this opportunity to thank all those involved within the schools development for their hard work and commitment.

So let's build on this amazing achievement into the year 2010

Kyoshi