Sensei Says
|
People do
strange things at the beginning of a new year. We make what are called
resolutions that are mostly wishful thinking. I'm just as guilty
as the next person; but this year at least one thing is different.
I have retired from the running of "The Tradition" School of Karate.
Seems strange to say it; but it's true. After 25 years of leading
this school and being blessed by the friendship and support of its students
I have turned it over to my former assistant instructor, Sensei Bill Ireland.
I have said before and I'll repeat it that Bill is one of the finest people
it has ever been my pleasure to get to know. My life has been enriched
greatly by getting to know Bill, wife Jeannine, and daughters Carynn and
Katie. They are a close knit, loving, and wonderful family.
I couldn't have left the school in better hands. By the way, I'm
not retiring from karate; just the running of the school. I'll still
be working out and teaching when called upon.
Big news!
Looks like the tournament will be in early April this year. Even
bigger news! Looks like the Grand Master will be attending this year
to help the Federation celebrate its 40th anniversary. This means
that all Fed. members need to begin planning on being there right now.
We need a HUGE turnout. Folks, it is a great honor to have the Grand
Master attend our function. Treat it as such. Be there, look
sharp, and if you compete, be ready to give your very best effort.
The USEWF is a great Federation led by superb martial artists and it is
time to put our best foot forward. You can check the Feds. website
(from our links) to get all the information you need.
I am not
a proponent of most karate tournaments. While they have some benefits,
I think those are many times offset by some very bad habits and attitudes
that are picked up in tournament training and competition. That being
said, I always support our annual tournament. Truth is, I have a
ball every year. It provides me with an opportunity to meet and hang
around with some old friends that I don't get to see that often.
Another benefit is getting to watch some great competition. I enjoy
watching the children and lower kyu ranks. Watching them is watching
the future of our Fed. in action. Their lack of skill is more than
made up for in enthusiasm.
Hope 2008
is a year full of blessings for all of you. Take care of yourselves;
and I'll talk to you later.
Tom
Stevenson, Rokudan
Regional
Director, USEWF
P.S. 2008 is my 30th anniversary in karate.
It has truly changed my life for the better.
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