Madeleine Spring Lukovsky is here!!

Madeleine Spring Lukovsky is here!! I'm officially a first time uncle!
Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well. I am absolutely speechless and quite happy.
Pictures are sure to follow...

Sensei's talk

Looking back on the talk that Sensei gave on the 9^th of January 2008

James Richtsmeier

Looking back on the talk that Sensei gave on the 9^th of January 2008. I still feel that those that did not attend missed an incredibly valuable experience. It is not often that an instructor, who has the amount of experience that our Sensei has, gives personal insight on how one can become a better martial artist. Sensei basically took a large portion of the class to explain some of the important experiences that changed his martial arts career for the better and what we could do to become better students of karate.

Paul West was kind enough to say a few words with regard to Sensei’s credibility as a karate teacher. He stated that Frank Kushner had been studying under Heidi Ochai and was an instructor when he was a white belt. He stated that Sensei knew as much or was as good as his teacher was when he decided to open his own school. He made a point to express to all of us to value how lucky we are as students to study under Grand Master Frank Kushner.

Sensei opened his talk with regard to improvement at the advanced level. He stressed not to force improvement. Improvement will come naturally but only after attentive relaxation, a great deal of diligence, constant repetition and attention to form. Essentially the key idea was, don’t think, just do it. He explained that he happened upon this realization by accident and has helped him to continuously improve ever since.

Sensei also gave two examples where he was forced to defend himself and showed the merits of how courtesy can help you to make effective choices, when faced with a difficult situation. He showed the importance of how self defense is not only physical but also psychological as well. The outcome of both situations proved to be great learning experiences that he shared with us.

He stated that karate has lasting merits; karate will help you through the toughest times in your life. The death of his mother was a very difficult time for him and he explained how karate helped him stay connected to all of the ethical beliefs that his mother held dear, and this helped him move forward with his life and accept her death. Karate helps him to keep a little bit of her with him everyday.

Sensei gave an explanation of a training session that he set for himself, which included hundreds of push ups, stance work and a great deal of time allotted for meditation. He wanted to make sure that we knew that he puts as much thought and time into his own training as he does to that of his students. We should all learn from his example.

I should have videotaped what he said so that other people who missed it could see it.(Arrg!) As a witness to these events, I can only express the fact that what he revealed to us was very moving, personal and very important for the development of all his students. If Sensei makes time to give another one of these talks make sure that you make time to attend regardless of your rank. He does it for all of us and we should show our respect and value for what he teaches us and be present when he has his next talk.

Mental attitude and achieving your goals

This was pulled together from a variety of resources as a motivational statement to help students reach their goals at our dojo. Thanks for reading...

Mental attitude and achieving your goals

Sensei has called attention to some of the points that are explained in this article, but I urge students to attend his classes and pay as much attention to what he tells you as possible. Everyone learns differently and progresses at their own pace. He is our main resource for knowledge so make sure to ask questions. Please remember these key points are for use as guideline and are meant to help, not complicate your training.

Everyone has bad days and we can feel negative at one time or another. This fact does not give you an excuse not to be courteous to others. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. We must strive to push ourselves beyond our normal limitations to look for the positive in every aspect of our karate training and reach our goals. This article focuses primarily on positive attitude and what it can do for you. I find that keeping positive improves every aspect of your life.

A great difference between accomplished martial artists and those who do not succeed is a proper mental attitude. It is important to excel in basics, understand the applications, and practice as much as possible. The only way to excel in any endeavor is by having the proper mental attitude remain constant though the entire course of that endeavor.

Reflect upon what attitude you should have during class. Basically, you want to spend your time well, as you have so little to spare. In training, you ought to be serious, focused and hard-working. Stay calm and focused. Keep a positive mental attitude and give your best effort. Make valuable use of your time to practice before and after class. You are training hard with your short term goals in mind.

You need to pursue that short term goal with the single-mindedness of a dog chewing on a bone. Some examples of short term goals may be learning a new technique or even learning a kata. Goals are different for everyone. The realization of these goals leads you closer to your ultimate objective, (higher rank) and keeps the progress tangible, which is necessary for everyone. Do not forget that training takes devotion, patience, and continuous repetition. Everyone progresses at different levels. Some aspects of karate come easier to some more than others. Do not give up, stick with your training.

Your next step is to schedule or make the time needed to succeed. A serious karate practitioner should attend class at least 3 times per week. Make time to expand your training mentally. Take time to look at resources available to study kata and technique. Read books and study sources regarding Shotokan karate. They can be very a beneficial resource and an aid to your training. The more you educate yourself and practice outside of class, the easier it will be to understand new areas that Sensei covers in class.

If I am doing all of these things, why am I still not progressing? The main reason people do not succeed is poor attitude. Often, students let their sense of pride interfere with their martial arts training. Others get angry when they repeatedly make mistakes or are struck when sparring. They feel insulted.

The truth is, their ego got in the way of their goal which was to learn. Did they not learn by failing as it is just as important as succeeding? To excel you must train your sportiest goals, and train with the proper attitude. Stay positive, because your successes are as crucial to your education as your failures. This is called process orientated learning and it is essential to moving forward with Karate training.

One of the greatest failings a student can have is if they never realize that it's not how much one knows but how well he executes it. This comes from continual practice. Stop thinking about the next move or the next form, just relax, keep calm and above all focus. Keep a clear mind and just act. You may be surprised by the results.

At all times, maintain a selfless attitude and be courteous. Put others before yourself. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. The goal of this attitude is to improve through helping or giving to others. You will make many friends quickly and learn a great deal about yourself and become aware of your own areas that are in need of improvement. Being selfless will make you a better person. The benefits that come from knowledge and experience of other students is invaluable. If you are an upper level student working with others of lower rank, observe the beginners approach to new a technique and realize that there is always room to improve. No matter how experienced you are or how much you think you know.

Sensei would not give a black belt, (or a higher level rank) to a student who would train occasionally just for fun. You have to earn your rank it as it takes determination and hard work. Stick with it and do not give up. There are obstacles for all students to overcome. Do not ever feel overwhelmed or embarrassed. Move at your own pace. Do your best. Let go and just do it. Remember all students at FMK Karate are all here to learn. We can become the best possible people we can be by starting with a proper mental attitude.

Cloverfield

Saw the film this weekend. Runs from a 1st person cam view and can be nauseating at times. The film was allot of fun and moves like a roller coaster. See it while its in theaters, I'm sure the effect will be more profound. If you liked dawn of the dead it has similar themes and is rather innovative.

godan recomendation

I wrote a recommendation letter for my friend Joseph as he is testing for his 5th degree black belt. This was what I wrote...

January 16, 2008

Sensei,

I have had the distinct pleasure of having Joseph as a peer and mentor at FMK Karate.

Joseph has been more than the ideal student; he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose. FMK Karate is at the core of Joseph’s life and he has a deep connection to our school and its members.

Joseph has been a model student, instructor and friend. He has been highly active in tournaments and demonstrations. He exemplifies all of the qualities that a master black belt should have. Joseph is courteous, kind, and generous. He will volunteer his time to help any student in need, including myself.

I have spent many late evenings with Joseph practicing kata, form and sparring. As a result, I have learned a great deal from him. I would have to admit that his help and support have definitely attributed to a large portion of my own success and that of other students as well.

He goes above and beyond the norm with outstanding effort to ensure that our dojo is well cared for. In addition to regular maintenance duties Joseph has undertaken many large tasks that have ensured the stability and functionality of our school. For example, he spent an entire weekend helping to resurface the dojo floor.

As en ever evolving karate student, Joseph continuously uses creative and innovative ideas in his classes and pushes himself constantly to grow and improve. He retains the beginners mind (Shoshin) and is always open to new opportunities to learn.

Joseph maintains the proper attitude and approach that will enable him to further his karate training in the future. He has progressed very rapidly due to his continual effort and maintains the proper degree of humility that should exist in accomplished karate students. If he is diligent and patient he will continue to succeed. He should be very proud of his accomplishments and has a very bright future as an ethical human being.

As his classmates and I will always hold him in the highest esteem, I sincerely recommend Joseph as an ideal candidate for the black belt rank of Godan.

Respectfully submitted,

James William Richtsmeier

(Nidan)